Beauty in the Beast

Who knew that The Barbican could be such a lovely place? An oasis in the grey sprawl of the City of London.

I was looking for somewhere to begin a series of artworks in London - somewhere typical of the City, but no cliched landmarks. The Barbican was suggested by a friend. Its Brutalist architecture sits atop a lush, green water garden, with cascades of flowers dangling from its balconies. Surrounding it is ancient Londinium, with crumbling walls and a Baroque church where Cromwell was married and Milton is buried.


 Contrasts aplenty......just need decent weather now to paint it!

Passport to Success?

 
 You may have read lately that there is some controversy over the choice of 'creative' people for the new British passport? 
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34710261

Much has been written about the lack, and quality, of female presence compared to the obvious male choices (Shakespeare...again). I very much agree with this and could add a few female artistes who could hold their own on any official document - step forward all three Bronte sisters and Kate Bush!

My main bone of contention about all this though, is a) the use of people who are alive and have yet to prove their historical worth and, b) the inclusion of two male sculptors (Antony Gormley and Anish Kapoor). They should have opted for Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore! Both sculptors, historically immortal, one of each gender.... and both from Yorkshire!