Last Thursday was the private view of ‘Everything is Going to Be Okay’ my debut solo show that was hosted in Home From Home gallery in Munich. The gallery is a truly lovely, light and refreshing space which fronts the bustling studio of talented graphic designer Nerina Wilter. It’s a dream space to work in, I was a bit jealous! Here are a few images of the paintings in situ.

The show was a collection of work that is a reaction to the general pessimism and frightening world that is portrayed to us in the news and media. I wanted to make work that was bright, positive (mostly) and harmonious.

In the collection there are many references to worms and amoebic shapes. The humble worm has a simplicity that I enjoy: I like that they are literally down to earth, they do not have anything of beauty about their appearance, in fact their soft skin makes them totally vulnerable to predators and the elements. We don’t think much about the worm but they do so much good, they have an important job of aerating the soil and they do this in a hidden way. It’s these (anthropomorphic) counter cultural qualities that attract me – maybe we need to be more like the humble worm to oppose a culture that celebrates and endorses celebrity, egotism and power.

We also included an ‘Adopt a Bunny’ section some of which is seen here. We couldn’t resist dedicating some of the gallery to bunnies and flowers.

If you happen to be in Munich please do go and visit Nerina in her gallery and studio.

Spanish Evening Classes
Acrylic on canvas

Where Are You Going Mum?
Acrylic on canvas

I Like Reading
Acrylic on canvas

What is it about worms? I just can’t get enough of them, is it their tiny non brains? Whatever it is these humble creatures have captured my imagination with an unexpected allure. If you are have been charmed by the wriggly non-arthropod invertebrate animals, Jealous Gallery have made limited edition screen-prints of my worm thoughts. More details are here .

And for worm fans button badges are available from Stereohype who are the purveyors of the worlds finest button badges.

Every now and again I get an email from a wife/husband/boyfriend/girlfriend requesting to make a special a painting for their loved one. It’s a total joy to make these paintings and I’m always struck by the loving thoughtfulness of the gift giver. This painting was a first anniversary gift commissioned by Andrew Neely for his wife. It’s Chip and Bean at the Pulitzer Fountain in New York where Andrew proposed to his wife. The song that Bean is singing was the first dance on their wedding day.

Love is in the air at the I Love Bunnies Studio.

I’ve been getting a fair few love and marriage related commissions recently which is probably something to do with that book that I wrote recently. It’s all very interesting! This is a poster for an upcoming retreat and I’ve been asked to be a speaker at this event too. All are welcome on the retreat so if you’d like to come along and find out more please do!

Worm Harmony.

Good Fruit, Bad Fruit.

Thank You. Acrylic on Canvas. 30″ x 30.

Friendship. Acrylic on Canvas. 12″ x 12″.

Despair. Acrylic on Canvas. 12″ x 12″. SOLD

Identity. Acrylic on Canvas. 12″ x 12″. SOLD

Worm Harmony 2. Acrylic on Canvas. 46″ x 36″.

Worm Fountain. Limited Edition Screen print, available from Jealous Gallery.
Breakdance (illustration from Please God.). Giclee framed Print.17″ x 17″.
God doing a Wheelie (illustration from Please God.) Giclee framed Print. 17″ x 17″.

Hello all! It’s been an age since I posted anything on here but I wanted to show you this – I loved this commission it’s got to be one of the most unusual requests that I’ve had. Graphic Designer and good guy Daniel Gray found out that he and his lady were pregnant. On the day of the first scan Daniel wrote me a very touching email that captured his awe of this life changing event. To celebrate seeing the little bean on the screen Daniel asked me to make this image for the mum-to-be.

There we have it, a most unusual request.

On another note, this is a delayed thank you to everyone that came along to my book launch at Gosh! and for Gosh! or hosting it. Thank you for your support, it was a really great night thanks to everyone.

The Guardian have made the book graphic novel of the week,  Rachel Cookes funny and comprehensive review is here