Jazz

Jazz aficionados look away now. I know relatively nothing about Jazz, but I'm reading this amazing fictional book on the subject. It seems Jazz is so close to drawing- being just on the edge of unpredictability and spontaneity, with structure and discipline following closely behind.


The great Al Hirschfeld depicts Louis Armstrong

A photo of Louis that hangs in my stairwell. Apologies that I didn't take it out of the frame to photograph. I love this picture, the exuberant smile of youth and talent, and the world at his fingertips. My Nan's brother met the man in 1933 at the Astoria in Finsbury Park. Little Joe was killed shortly after in a motorbike accident aged 19- making this picture all the more poignant.

Damien Hirst

Hero

Peter Parr

Peter runs the Animation course at Bournemouth. He was my tutor for 2 years. These sketchbook images are a tantalising example of his remarkable talent. The joy of looking at these sketches comes from the obvious joy Peter experiences as he draws them. He imagines the textures of the buildings, animals and clothes he sees, and equisitely manages to record these sensations on paper. But the drawings are backed up with a formidable knowledge of anatomy and draughtsmanship. No unnecessary mark making.

He remains a huge influence on me- for his skills, his attitude, and his cardigans.

Future Scooter

I test drove this at the weekend- fun!