The *new* Stars in Stripes Art Collective - debut at Tramlines festival, Sheffield

The Stars in Stripes, Live Art collective - we made our debut at the Washington in Sheffield on the Saturday of Tramlines. George was the initiator of the group and chose who he'd like to involve - as group dynamics go I think he got it spot on! All based in, or close to Sheffield, it was an inspiring weekend working amongst this vibrant group of artists and illustrators with eclectic ideas. Day two was at SOYO bar and gig venue, where more of the group were able to join us. We intend make more exciting pictures in the midst of events in the future, so keep an eye out. Better still take an immediate look at our website: http://starsinstripes.wordpress.com/


I worked on the same piece on both days, it was a sizeable board! I was thinking about traditional circus posters, pulling together something ridiculous involving unlikely animals, props and events - I thought immediately of performers and crowd pleasers to suit the situation. I hope it was fun to watch.

I made enlargements of some old magazines pictures to collage, another element in the live art which I think is engaging for people. Thankfully I remembered my scissors but I'm afraid I forgot the glue, so cut-outs were haphazardly adhered using paint. 


Music wise I caught the great Echo and the Bunnymen, an event made golden by the appearance of Richard Hawley on guitar, the Dum Dum Girls were sultry and played catchy songs for us, and the Heebie Jeebies were as ever fun fun fun.

The Harley Hotel - wall art

 

A snap of the Live art on the walls of the Harley Hotel venue, Sheffield. Made in the good company of Geo Law, Sarah Abbott and Lee Bamforth. I arrived later than the rest so things were well underway. 

Sarah had already built up her beautiful, retro painted areas of colour and delicate patterns which gracefully seemed to pull our varying styles together. Shown here are George's characters in all their surreal, cute but slightly menacing glory and I penned the hot air balloons because lately I've been thinking alot about early modes of transport, often finished to a beautiful standard. I wanted to paint something a little like the original Montgolfier Brothers balloons in all their vibrant, ornamental brilliance.