Well I did say that when things go quiet here, it means I'm busy and so it is! The first fruits of my labours have arrived, a fresh batch of my Moments of Adventure Artist's Pencil Edition (or A.P.E for short!).
These are limited edition collections of the pencil pages that go into many of my historical adventure comics in the Moments series and are hopefully both interesting and perhaps inspiring to those wanting to see more of the process of how comics are created?
In any case, getting ready for my first event of the year, (yes I need to update my diary list, I have 5 or 6 confirmed now, starting this week!), I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was down to the last few copies of the second (blue logo) printing, so quickly arranged for a third with a nice green logo this time.
They promptly arrived and I'm busy getting them signed and added to those collectors packs I make up with the Moments comics, prints and watercolour sketch which prove popular at the events I do. I best get cracking then as its a big week with a few other deliveries expected.......
Oh gee, just seen sad news that another musical
legend has left us, Ryuichi Sakamoto.
He was a hugely talented
composer, musician and humanitarian and I'm sure much will deservedly be
written about him in the days and weeks ahead.
I came to his music
through the Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence soundtrack
back in 1983. Only really coming to that movie through its David Bowie
connection, in which both Bowie and Sakamoto acted in pivotal and memorable
roles, making a large impression on youthful me.
I was also aware of Sakamoto
through his work with the band Japan and particularly it's front man David
Sylvian, with whom Sakamoto would sporadically collaborate with over the years,
most recently I think with the track, World Citizen.
While I was originally drawn to
the bewitching Forbidden Colours track between them from the Mr Lawrence
soundtrack, it was really the rest of the album's haunting score which made the
lasting impression and one of the few albums that I had on both vinyl and CD
back in the day.
Unlike Mr Sylvian, other than the occasional compilation
album, I didn't really keep up with Sakamoto's prolific solo work which over the
years, balanced experimental work with movie scoring, most notably, that
of The Last Emperor, for which he won an Oscar, but I would
regularly listen to what music of his that I had.
Fittingly, it was David Sylvian's
shared social media post and image above that brought the sad news of
Sakamoto's passing to my attention, so I will again turn to his music as I
carry on working, noting that one of his favourite quotes was;
Look Out indeed as progress continue with a much cherished project! Things are happening and a number of 2023 comic shows and events, including a very unique one are confirmed, but I best get back to work, so thanks again for patience and interest - watch this space!
The 2022 'season' convention table before it's 2023 revamp!
A chance to catch my breath a little after another wee trip North for happier reasons and now recharged, to continue to attend to the creative year ahead. I'm pleased to say that things are progressing well behind the scenes with new material and the forthcoming events season.
There are already a number of confirmed shows and festivals with applications pending for others so all being well I'll return to 'the road' before too long and see how 2023 shapes up. I think, post covid, I've finally learnt not to go too mad with the number of events attended where you can actually dilute yourself by doing too many. Each one takes time to prepare for and recover from, creating specific art and leaving little time to work on your main projects.
A couple of my unique convention watercolours from last year
Last year I 'only' did 8 events when before I would average 14 or so a year - I think 18 was my record! While this can be a good way to get out there, raise your profile and generate some interest in yourself and your work, it can, as noted, distract from everything else. The interesting thing for me was not only was I able to better pace myself and take time to enjoy those 8 shows, I actually sold better overall for the year than I'd previously done!.
There may be a number of reasons for that but I reckon the fact that I carefully curated which events to apply for was a big factor. The post covid comics convention scene is still finding its feet somewhat, so its more important than ever to select the events which most suite you and your work. It may be best to stick with a local event or a tried and tested larger or prestigious one rather than every one going or just to try something new or niche which looks fun!
We're lucky that there is a lot of choice out there and while I don't feel comfortable returning overseas quite yet, I am quite excited about the UK events I've earmarked and applied for this year as the best ones to be involved with for me and my work, hopefully see you around!
It's been a few days since the sad news that Tom Verlaine, renowned Television frontman and guitarist has died, hearing his music again on the radio, reminding me of his great talent.
I'd been introduced to his music through, of course, David Bowie, by seeking out the original writer of Bowie's splendid Kingdom Come cover on his now classic, Scary Monsters (and Supercreeps) album. At the time I was only 15 or so and entering 'peak Bowie disciple' mode, desperately hunting down anything the great man touched or recommended. This approach had already paid dividends through an introduction to Lou Reed, The Velvet Underground and Iggy Pop which marked me out from my fellow school pals who were generally more attentive to the Top 40, rather than what had come before and had perhaps influenced those artists.
Diligently I bought Television's seminal Marquee Moon album and later on its 1982 release his third solo album, Words From The Front. My memory is that I enjoyed them both but preferred his solo work with it's echoes of loss, history and war, themes which still resonate with me.
Both these purchases were on vinyl but when I eventually followed the herd in replacing my turntable with a CD system in the early 90's, these albums didn't make the transition - looking back, very few of my old standby LP's actually did, with the afore-mentioned Scary Monsters amongst the handful to be 'upgraded' to the newer format. In fairness, money would've been tight back then and the attraction of the numerous new shiny CD releases too much to resist for an old favourite.
Although checking now, I see that Words From the Front was denied a CD release until 2008, so maybe I'm somewhat forgiven and I've also stumbled on a (previously unseen by me!) video of the hypnotic title track.
Hearing many of these songs these last few days and others which had previously escaped me is a timely but ultimately sad reminder of the inspirational talent we have lost, still there is a legacy and his music is left behind for us to find and re-discover.
Some quiet reflection to remember the 22 January 1879 events in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa which impacted on so many and still echoes in history today. I have previously mentioned the memorable trip I made in returning to the battlefields in 2019 as part of the 140th anniversary and while much has changed, annual commemoration events continue to be held at both iSandlwana and Rorke's Drift.
This year, I only had the chance to rewatch the movie Zulu Dawn to mark the occasion and from afar, watched with interest those able to attend this year's activities, fondly recalling my own visits and those I shared the experience with.
The UK's Die Hards at Rorke's Drift 22 January 2019
Making a new friend at the iSandlwana battlefield 2019
The Die Hards preparing to 'hold the line'
Historian & Author Ian Knight points out the Zulu positions at iSandlwana (Jan 2019)
There are some tours and travel planned this year but at the moment, it's sadly unlikely I'll be able to join those overseas but something special much closer to home is looking promising which I'll update further when able and provides a further incentive to release you know what!.
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