Pick Me Up - Somerset House

 Pick Me Up returns to Somerset House for the fourth time, and packs together some of the most exciting and up-and-coming graphic art talent internationally. The arts festival showcases the workshops of illustrators, graphic novelists, cartoonists and graphic designers, and is the perfect place to pick up eye-catching affordable art with a distinct sense of humour.

I attended the press view on Thursday, which had such an incredible atmosphere and was full of artistic enthusiasm. There were many workshops with bespoke spaces producing art works on the night, which offered visitors the chance to meet-and-greet the artists and watch them in action.

The catering deserves a solid mention and we can all thank Fernandez & Wells for the delicious Tempranillo and tapas that the vast majority over-indulged on. My only criticism would be that despite the fantastic talent on hand and buzz surrounding the exhibition, the format has remained the same for four years now. Next year it would be great to see an innovative and exciting change to match the talent on hand.

Björk and Son, Juergen Teller

 Arts pages, fashion blogs and the cultural Twitterati are all raving about Juergen Tellers’ latest photography exhibition. Teller’s Woo! exhibition, housed at London’s ICA, is celebrating the work of his fashion and commercial photography, presenting iconic celebrity portraits amongst landscapes and family portraits.

I’ve yet to go but am currently flicking through my diary to find a free Saturday to visit with friends. The one image from the exhibition that caught my eye is one of Björk and her son taken in a natural spring in Iceland. The photograph is striking in terms of its simplicity, humour and honesty.

Teller is renowned for his intense and provocative photography of strong characters so I’m really looking forward to seeing what the rest of the exhibition has in store.

Margot Bowman's Clanimals

One of the bustling hubs around London Fashion Week is the Town Hall Hotel, popular with editors, stylists and models alike. This Christmas the stylist spot has welcomed some rather unusual yet striking guests.

Christmas visitors will be welcomed by artist and designer, Margot Bowman’s, rainbow hued Clanimals. These part-horse, part-beast, part-tree creatures have been let loose in the east London’s hotels decadent surroundings. Bowman’s aim was to create something cheerful and light-hearted for Christmas as an antidote to the tradition Christmas icons that can be found in every department store, high street and living room across the country. The concept was to create modern stories for modern people.

Bowman is definitely a name to keep an eye out for, whether she’s designing kaleidoscopic prints for swimwear brand Auria or directing a film for the legendary fashion house, Alexander McQueen.

Flamingo Arts Project, Private View

On Thursday I attended the Flamingo Arts Magazine private view of their first art project at Betty's Cafe, Kingsland Road.

The idea was to bring together and showcase the best up-and-coming illustration talent in London. The nine artists displayed one composition each. The aim of the Flamingo Arts Magazine is to support and promote new talent.

I liked what I saw but the setting was cramped and there were only nine pieces on view. I'd like to see more in the future with perhaps a bigger display space.

Flamingo Arts Project, Private View

On Thursday I attended the Flamingo Arts Magazine private view of their first art project at Betty's Cafe, Kingsland Road.

The idea was to bring together and showcase the best up-and-coming illustration talent in London. The nine artists displayed one composition each. The aim of the Flamingo Arts Magazine is to support and promote new talent.

I liked what I saw but the setting was cramped and there were only nine pieces on view. I'd like to see more in the future with perhaps a bigger display space.

Affordable Art Fair, Battersea Park, March 2011

Last weekend I went with the boyf to the Affordable Art Fair in Battersea Park.

It was my second time visiting the fair, and I wanted to enjoy it as much as I had the time previously, but unfortunately I found it a disappointment.

The fair just felt very disjointed this time, with the various artistic genres juxtaposed, and the quality letting it down.

Next time it would be great to see the genres grouped into sections, making it a customer-friendly experience, and also a higher standard of art.

I assume that the stands are filled by whichever gallery offers their money but there really ought to be a panel that judges each application on its own merit.

It’s a shame as I think that art can often be very exclusive so events like this really open it up to the wider audience.

Fingers crossed for next time!

Affordable Art Fair, Battersea Park, March 2011

Last weekend I went with the boyf to the Affordable Art Fair in Battersea Park.

It was my second time visiting the fair, and I wanted to enjoy it as much as I had the time previously, but unfortunately I found it a disappointment.

The fair just felt very disjointed this time, with the various artistic genres juxtaposed, and the quality letting it down.

Next time it would be great to see the genres grouped into sections, making it a customer-friendly experience, and also a higher standard of art.

I assume that the stands are filled by whichever gallery offers their money but there really ought to be a panel that judges each application on its own merit.

It’s a shame as I think that art can often be very exclusive so events like this really open it up to the wider audience.

Fingers crossed for next time!

Rob Ryan

Here are some of the art works by the highly acclaimed paper artist and screen printer Rob Ryan. I love the ethereal and fairy tale feel of his pieces and often peruse his works in his Colombia Road, E1, shop.

The pieces above and below were created for last year's Elle UK magazine to celebrate London Fashion Week.

Rob Ryan

Here are some of the art works by the highly acclaimed paper artist and screen printer Rob Ryan. I love the ethereal and fairy tale feel of his pieces and often peruse his works in his Colombia Road, E1, shop. The pieces above and below were created for last year's Elle UK magazine to celebrate London Fashion Week.

Affordable Art Fair Opening in Battersea Park

I had the pleasure of going to the opening of the Affordable Art Fair in Battersea Park on Wednesday night. Get yourself down there, some fab paintings, prints and sculptures to be had!

Affordable Art Fair Opening in Battersea Park

I had the pleasure of going to the opening of the Affordable Art Fair in Battersea Park on Wednesday night. Get yourself down there, some fab paintings, prints and sculptures to be had!