New Art Prints Incoming!

Ooo these turned out nice, in a very busy delivery day yesterday, received these new art prints too, but why oh why, I wonder?

New Events Incoming!

Aha, as promised, I've updated the 2023 'tour' schedule with a few of the confirmed events for this year, some new and some very, very exciting, including this Saturday's Salute Wargaming show, which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary!

This follows my debut there at Salute's previous show, way back in 2021! I really enjoyed the experience, even if they were clearly a little subdued given the covid situation we were all in at the time and indoor events were only really slowly emerging. Sensibly, they opted out of 2022 to allow the new committee time to fully plan their anniversary event so here we are. This year I return to table TE05 and hopefully we'll experience the full Salute in all its glory, if only I'd something new out.........

New Artist's Edition Incoming!!

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.......

Ryuichi Sakamoto R.I.P

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;

"Art is long, life is short"

Look Out?

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!

"Hold Yer Beasts Mary!"

The Ghost Girl's lost toys come alive to thwart Mr MacBeth in Moments of Adventure #1!

On the road again?

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!