I've been absent for a while... ...what I've been doing, is finding inspiration.
As a writer, a musician and an artist I often find it hard to figure out what I want to write, play or paint . This is not because I'm not creative; rather, uninspired. Which, thankfully, isn't permanent.
However, after finding my way with my art and watching an interview with Jarvis Cocker, I am suddenly the most inspired I believe I have ever been. Something about Jarvis Cocker has grabbed me ever since I saw Pulp at last year's Leeds Fest. Maybe it's his lyrics, fantastic lines spring to mind such as:
"Mister we just want your car... Cos we're takin' a girl to the reservoir."
"I seem to have left an important part of my brain somewhere... Somewhere in a field in Hampshire, alright."
Is it the warped realism? God knows, but whatever it is the man is a genius and has inspired me in so many ways. If you ever need inspiration, of the feel good, f*ck-yeah, life is a wonderful thing sort, Cocker's your man.
I happened upon him this afternoon at the Graves Gallery in Sheffield, too. He had loaned his Damien Hirst spin painting aptly titled, 'Beautiful Morana Dysgeusia Painting for Jarvis (with Diamonds)', to support the Sheffield Museums Trust. I love Hirst's work for its expert sensationalism and have seen lots of his work at his exhibition at the Tate Modern earlier this head, at the V&A and in Burger King Leicester Square (Beautiful Psychedelic Gherkin Exploding Tomato Sauce All Over Your Face, Flame Grilled Painting 2003).
But the main attraction was Warhol, with today being the last day of the exhibition 'Andy Warhol - Late Self Portraits'. With fascinating insights into the life of the artist who in many ways became a machine the exhibition itself was curated to echo that unique intimacy. Some great screenprints were on display along with a brilliant Warhol drawing 'Shadow' done in graphite.
This exhibition really made me think about the human condition and how people brush aside their differences to avoid society's eye. Warhol was someone who allowed himself to be seen exactly how he was and much like Cocker, he had his own way of doing things and the way he still plays with people's minds is to be admired.
Also at the Graves was a great collection on display as well as other small exhibitions, including work by JMW Turner, Cotman, Moore, Gaughin, Sickert. Original works by Sir Terry Frost and L S Lowry were also on display, jogging my memory to remind you all we have signed prints by both artists in stock.
So, to round off, inspiration is a great thing and when you find it, it's the greatest thing an artist of all mediums can obtain. So drop by- I think you'll be inspired.
The Graves Gallery in Sheffield is open weekdays for limited periods of time- check their opening times, they are well worth a visit!