Presenting Walkabout Eddie

The next performer in my Edinburgh Festival Sketch series!

Introducing Edwin Eddie Bond! Escape artist, fire juggler, magician and all round free spirit, always on the move, travelling one city and country to the next.

Check out his insta @walkabout_eddie

I found him performing outside St.Giles' Cathedral on the Royal mile. His banter was warm and comical and instantly drew in the crowd.

First he treated us to a fire juggling tour of nations; different tricks, characterising different cultures.

Next was the escape stunt, carried out whilst balancing on top of a massive segment of cylindrical pipe, which he'd found and customised with a beautiful array of patterns, cut into its surface. This, along with his patchworked jacket, checked trousers and wide brimmed olive green hat, conveyed a real sense of character and charm.

Thank you @walkabout_eddie for your brilliant show and energy and wishing you many a happy adventure on your travels!

Dance Update

In dance news...another energising eve at Incognito's Wimbledon Salsa & Bachata Club this week.

Here I'm teaching improvers Bachata with the wonderful ⭐️ Karolina Klave ⭐️

In Hammersmith, teaching on Wednesdays as well - come join if you're around! 💃🕺

For all the info check out 👉 https://www.incognitodance.com/

Toy Fair Inspiration

Another toy fair visit!! This time I swapped my exhibitor’s hat for a visitor’s, wanting to be in ‘explore mode.’ These toy fairs have a very special energy, not only because of the brilliant mix of toys but also the warmth and passion of the people there.

There is a sort of shared sense of wonder and enthusiasm which sparks all sorts of interesting conversations. I always end up learning so much, discovering another little piece of the toy puzzle, helping me explain what it is about these objects that fire my imagination.

This time round it was appreciating the process, craft and detailed observation of subject that went into creating model figures and the amazing cottage industries of people who would hand paint them before mass machine manufacture took over. These people were often women at their kitchen tables but also, in the instance of Keymen figures, prison inmates.

Big thank you to Barry Potter for another great fair and to @victorianathanson for her excellent company!

Tribute to a Queen

A small tribute to a great lady!

This painting, still a work in progress, was inspired by a vintage Timpo toy, created in commemoration of the Queen's Coronation.

A moment that marked the beginning of a 70 year reign which ended on the 8th September this year.

Today's funeral marks an historic moment in which we bid farewell to an extraordinary woman, a symbol of our nation, who walked with grace and dignity throughout her life.

RIP Queen Elizabeth II ❤

Presenting Amelia Cadwallader

This is the first of my Edinburgh Festival sketch series, where I spotlight some of the wonderful performers I saw this summer through speedy digital watercolour studies.

Kicking things off with Amelia Cadwallader whose delightful Hula Hooping and humour I encountered in the middle of the Royal Mile on a gloriously bright afternoon.

There was a vintage chic theme that ran through her outfit and music choices, which set a warm and welcoming tone. But above all it was her lively, smooth humour that put the audience at ease, despite the increasing daring of her stunts.

It was the combination of haphazard obstacles (like her microphone that kept getting lost down her knickers) with an undeniable command of her hula hooping craft that made her act so joyful and compelling. Not to mention the effortless way in which she handled her crowd.

This little tribute to her is still a work in progress but hopefully gives you a sense of her animated charm!

More sketches coming soon!

A Special Book Recommendation

This week I attended the book launch of She’s In Ctrl: How Women Can Take Back Tech written by Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon.

A book that brings to life the importance of diversity in the STEAM [science / technology / engineering / arts / maths] industries and the role that women have and can play in this story.

I have only just begun reading it but can tell I am in for a super journey; one which not only informs and inspires, but will give practical, actionable steps as well.

At the book launch there was a brilliant Q&A between Anne-Marie and Audrey Indome [from the No Receipts Podcast] which cited, with grounded humour, the importance of curiosity, of asking questions, of getting involved in the conversation of what technology does and can do.

My own relationship with tech has been evolving over the last few years and I felt very honoured to have my portrait of Anne-Marie (enabled with Augmented Reality Tech) featured at this week’s book Launch.

I am fascinated by all the many ways Technology & Art can work together to build more meaningful dialogues and understanding between people and help inspire positive action.

The main takeaway from all of this is that anyone, whatever their understanding of Tech, can be part of this story. It all comes down to a mindset of learning, and a very good first step is to click the button below :)

You can also go along and hear Anne-Marie in London on Sun 23 October at The Southbank Centre, part of the London Literature Festival. Click button below for ticket info.