This Will Ruin Everything at The Lighthouse

In my previous post, I mentioned that, alongside their 10-year retrospective book (which was successfully Kickstarted - dancer!), Recoat are putting on a huge group show called This Will Ruin Everything at The Lighthouse in Glasgow. I said I'd write more about it nearer the time. Well, it's nearer the time, so here's me writing more about it.

This Will Ruin Everything opens on Friday (14th July). I dropped off my work at The Lighthouse this morning and got a wee glimpse. It looks amazing. TWRE features work by 40 amazing artists (39 + me) from all over the world who have worked with and/or influenced Recoat over the last 10 years. Every artist is tasked with submitting a piece of 'art' and a piece of 'design' and the exhibition deals with where the boundaries of both disciplines fall.

The space is FULL of great work - paintings, drawings, sculpture, records, clothing etc. and will expand further over the next few days with murals and installations. It's probably gonna be Recoat's best show to date and will be a contender for the best show in Glasgow this year.

The launch party is on Friday 6-9pm. It's free entry, open to all, and will have free beer provided by my pals, Innis & Gunn. Recoat openings are a great laugh whether you're an art show regular or a total newbie. There's no snobbishness at these things, just a bunch of good folk and a bunch of amazing work. It'll be really busy so you don't need to mingle or anything if that's not your bag (though say hello if it is). Make it part of your Friday night.

Beyond that, This Will Ruin Everything runs until the 30th of July so you can stop in when it's a bit quieter too. Amy and Ali are also hosting some events in the space (talks, film screenings etc.). More info about that stuff can be found over on the This Will Ruin Everything Facebook page.

The details at a glance:

This Will Ruin Everything
The Lighthouse, Glasgow
Mitchell Lane (just off Buchanan St.)
15th - 30th July
Open Mon-Sat 10.30am-5pm / Sunday 12-5pm

Opening Party
14th July 2017
6-9pm
Free Entry

Featuring work by:
44 Flavours, Ade Adesina, Jennifer Argo, ASKEW, Will Barras, Erin Bradley Scott, Rebecca Davies, Elph, EMA, FiST, Emily Fong, David Galletly, Good Wives and Warriors, Fraser Gray, Lee Ivett, Jamie Johnson, Kid Acne, Chris Macfarlane, Mark Lyken, Lucy MacLeod, R.Liwen, Tommy Mason, Neil McGuire and Imogen Ayres, Lucy McLauchlan, Martina Merlini, Matt Mignanelli, Matt,W.Moore, Morag Myerscough, Nawer, Tommy Perman, Gabriella ‘Risotto’ Marcella, Roid MSK, Rue Five, Emer Tumilty, Al White, Kirsty Whiten, Maya Wild, Susie Wright, Denise Zygadlo

So there you go. There's a great interview with Recoat about This Will Ruin Everything in the Skinny which is definitely worth a read. If you want to share this post or anything else about the show, that would be massively appreciated. Official orders are to use the hashtag #thiswillruineverything. I'm really proud to be part of this project and I'm really proud of Amy and Ali. Well done guys. Here's to 10 more years x

Come along. Support the arts. Have fun.

This Will Ruin Everything: A Crowdfunded Book by Recoat

Recoat are celebrating their 10th anniversary this July with a massive group exhibition called This Will Ruin Everything at The Lighthouse in Glasgow and by creating an amazing 192-page hardback book documenting the staggering amount of work they've produced and/or facilitated since 2007.

I'll write more about the show (which I'll be part of) and for my deep love for Recoat later but, for now, I really want to point you towards the Kickstarter page for the This Will Ruin Everything book. To successfully fund the printing, Recoat need to hit a target of £11,000 in the next couple of weeks. They're on-course but, as with all Kickstarter projects, it'll only happen if people make a continued effort to help out.

If you know Amy and Ali, have visited Recoat or dig the work of any of their collaborators (like me), it's a no-brainer. Buy yourself a copy and feel good for doing a good deed. To enjoy 10 years of their amazing work in Glasgow (and beyond) FOR FREE and not chuck £30 their way makes you a shite.

Alex (my wife!) helping Askew One with a mural in Glasgow for Recoat's In Common project. Photo by Ewan Kinloch.

If you're not familiar with Recoat, please, please, please take a look at the page anyway. The book'll appeal to anyone with an interest in public art, graffiti, graphics, illustration and any weird blend of the above. Beyond that, there are a ton of reward tiers offering everything from tote bags to prints (including one of mine!) to full-on murals on your car, in your house, at your place of work or on any wall you have authority over. If you own a business and want it to, y'know, look the business, this is an opportunity to do something amazing for your workplace and for two of the hardest working artists in Scotland.

That link again.

Thanks pals x

Skateboarder, Glasgow

I've started drawing people I see around Glasgow. Partly for fun, partly for practice, partly as documentation for something or other. I'll try to share some here from time to time.

This guy was at Kelvingrove skatepark in Glasgow. I was feeling his camo trousers. I'm frustrated that I can't remember what brand of shoes, jumper and skateboard he was rocking.

Someone out there probably knows him. If you do, please keep it to yourself because that's pure embarrassing and I'd like to go to the skatepark without feeling more uncomfortable than I already do (I'm old and not very good). Cheers.

Carbs

Carbs, AKA Jonnie Common and Jamie Scott, released their debut album Joyous Material Failure yesterday. It comes in a pizza box and it's very good. Here's a review to prove it.

Going by other articles, I'm now meant to say something about Scottish hip-hop and how crazy a prospect that might (or might not) be but och, you're a smart cookie. I'm sure you can figure it out for yourself. The video for Life Drawing is a good starter:

The official album launch is tonight (Saturday 12th September) at the Glad Cafe in Shawlands. I wholeheartedly recommend you come along. J&J are fantastic live and the Glad is a brilliant venue. Don't be scared of the Southside. It's, what, 5 minutes on the train from Central? C'mon.

Support comes from PHOENE and Sham Gate who are new to me. DJ Miaoux Miaoux is playing tunes too. He's old to me. Christ, he's old.

If this appeals, you should follow @carbsinjection on Twitter, check out the Save As Collective and commit to coming to the gig tonight on the Facebook event page. Here's Jonnie's new video for Stick a Flake in Me (I’m Done) as a prize for getting to the end.

Oh, and here's a couple of big versions of my drawing: Jonnie on top / Jamie on top.

Glasgow City Arts

A wee feature about myself / my work has just gone up on Glasgow City Arts. I don't go into much depth about my crippling self doubt, but there's a few behind-the-scenes snippets about my process that might be interesting if you like my work.

Glasgow City Arts is a new online magazine covering art and culture in Glasgow. It's a great resource if you live here, are planning a visit or want to discover new artists and projects. Give the site a bookmark and Follow them on Twitter.

Cheers to Mark for sorting it out. Sorry I was such a flake on the emails.

Remarket - Artist Talks

Tomorrow (Wednesday 17th December), a small group of artists, including myself, will be giving short talks about their work at the Remarket show on Gordon St. in Glasgow. Instead of PowerPoint, we'll be using the work on the walls to illustrate our (power) points.

I'm not great at these things but, with people like Kirsty Whiten, Jennifer Argo, Suzi Plunkett/ Little Dot Creations, Hannah Grace Ryan and Gabriella Marcella DiTano/ Risotto on board, it'll be worth coming along.

Best of all, Remarket have partnered with the Bier Halle across the street and there's gonna be a wee get-together afterwards for everyone in attendance. It's a chance to have a drink and to chat with the artists (or not, it's ok to chat to your pals instead). I've heard rumours of free pizza*.

The Facebook page, Remarket - Artist Talks, has some more info and lets you see who's coming along. Feel free to share, promote and pester.

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Details:

REMARKET Artist Talks A series of short talks by Remarket artists including Kirsty Whiten, Jennifer Argo, David Galletly, Suzi Plunkett/ Little Dot Creations, Hannah Grace Ryan and Gabriella Marcella DiTano/ Risotto.

Wednesday 17th Nov, 6 - 8pm

RBS, 10 Gordon Street, Glasgow, G1 3PL

RSVP: All welcome. To attend, simply email rsvp@saltmarketdesign.com with 'Glasgow Event' as the title.

After Party outside in the Bier Halle's heated Christmas tents for everyone who attends. 7 Gordon St. from 8pm.

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* I don't wanna build up the free pizza thing too much in case there's no free pizza or not enough free pizza to go around. There is a chance of free pizza, though. Maybe even a good chance of free pizza. Come and get your free pizza.

Remarket Glasgow - Christmas Show

After a year off, Recoat's Christmas show is back and bigger than ever. Kicking off in Glasgow town centre this Friday (28th November) at the RBS on Gordon St., Remarket, a collaboration with Saltmarket, will feature a TON of work from a bunch of artists from all over the place, myself included.

Originals, prints, jewellery, live painting and installations all under one roof throughout December - come along and find some Christmas presents. I've dropped off 17(!) framed drawings, some old, some new. The space is looking amazing.

The opening night is the best place to get first dibs on the work, say hello to the artists and have a wee drink. Remarket is open to all but a wee RSVP is required before you come along (email your name, number and ‘company’ to rsvp@saltmarketdesign.com - easy). Make a night of it. Everyone'll no doubt be heading to a nearby pub afterwards.

Here's the details:

Remarket
A group exhibition of art, design and jewellery by Recoat & Saltmarket

Opening Night: Friday 28th Nov 5.30 - 7.30pm (remember to RSVP)
RBS, 10 Gordon Street, Glasgow, G1 3PL
Runs: Saturday 30th Nov till Saturday 20th Dec 2014

More information is available over on the Remarket Facebook page. A second exhibition will open in Edinburgh in December. Stay tuned.

Jonnie Common Album Launch at The Glad Cafe

This is a call to everyone who'll be in (or who can be in) Glasgow on Saturday the 15th of November. Come to The Glad Cafe here on the Southside to see the always-fantastic Jonnie Common launch his new record Trapped in Amber.

If you've never seen Jonnie live before, you're in for a treat. He's been the highlight of every line-up I've seen him on. Don't miss it.

I'll be providing animated visuals for the gig, support comes from WOLF (aka Kim Moore, formerly of the excellent Zoey Van Goey) and Ross Sutherland who I've never seen live before so I'm excited to see what he's about. My new skate-mate Miaoux Miaoux will also be DJing, all-vinyl style.

The Glad Cafe is a great venue and worth a visit in its own right. Come early and grab a drink (or earlier still and have some food) to make a night of it. Say hello!

Tickets are available via The Glad Cafe and you can find out more and let the world know your intentions via the Jonnie Common Album Launch! Facebook page.

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DETAILS!

Jonnie Common Album Launch! Presented by Save As Collective
With WOLF + Ross Sutherland & Miaoux Miaoux DJ set

Opening: Saturday 15th November 2014 from 7.30pm
The Glad Cafe, 1006a Pollokshaws Road, Shawlands, G41 2HG

Tickets: £6 adv from The Glad Cafe (£7 on the door)
RSVP: via Facebook (if you want)

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If you're coming from the town and are unfamiliar with the Southside, grab a train from Central to Crossmyloof (takes like 4 minutes and is a £2 return) and take the short walk up Minard Road when you get there. Alternatively, grab a bus or a taxi (which won't cost much either). Gimmie a shout if you need help / a friend.

Jonnie is also playing gigs in Aberdeen on Thursday the 13th and Edinburgh on Friday 14th. His album, Trapped in Amber is available from Song, by Toad Records.

Brothers of The Stripe: Lo-Fi Sci-Fi

Glasgow folks - the wonderful art collective Brothers of The Stripe are having a show in Glasgow and have asked me to be a part of it. Lo-Fi Sci-Fi opens tonight (Wednesday 21st May) at The Good Spirits Co. on Bath St. (just off Buchanan St, so dead easy from the town centre).

I have a few pieces in the show - 2 drawings from Wee, my faithful old Rockets screenprint (I found 2 copies that I thought I’d lost!) and a new drawing called Walker that I’ll share here soon.

All are welcome tonight for the opening party. If you’re old enough, Auchentoshan Mixologist Cocktails will be providing free cocktails from 7 - 9pm. The show runs until 19th June 2014. Details:

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The Brothers of the Stripe - Lo-Fi Sci-Fi

A show of Sci-fi based graphic art, featuring special guest brother : David Galletly! This show will consist of prints, drawings and paintings based on the theme of lo-fi sci-fi.

Opening: Wednesday 21st May 2014, 7pm - 9pm
Drinks: Auchentoshan Mixologist Cocktails
Exhibition Runs Until: 19th June 2014

The Good Spirits Co. 23 Bath Street : Glasgow G2 1HW

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Register your attendance on the Lo-Fi Sci-Fi Facebook page. Come along if you can, it’s a lovely night for a drink. Big thanks to Ben for all his help.

Monoganon's FAMILY Gathering at CCA, Glasgow

Tomorrow (Sat 9th November), Lost Map's own Monoganon will play at the CCA here in Glasgow to celebrate the launch of their brilliant album F A M I L Y. I'm very much looking forward to this.

Support comes from Eugene Tombs and my good friend The Pictish Trail. You can buy tickets from the Lost Map Ticket Shop (only £6 adv!). As you'd expect, there's a Facebook event with more info.

Don't know Monoganon? Here's a wee introduction:

Say hello if you can make it along. I'm pretty deaf so, if it's noisy, please forgive any inappropriate nods or headshakes when I play guess-a-response.

The above poster was battered together by myself using a photograph by Sebastien Marciak.

GFT: For All

Here's something bonkers. I've been working with the amazing Glasgow Film Theatre on a series of simple animations to accompany For All - a project discussing what cinema means to the community.

Between July and September, 9 writers will publish texts on the theme of 'For All' to encourage discussion and the sharing of ideas. Short extracts of each piece will be animated and shown onscreen at the GFT before films and on the Glasgow Film website where you can read the texts in full.

The first part of the project launches today. Pamwepo (at together), a poem by Tawona Sithole, beautifully sets the tone for what's to come. Visit the page, read the piece and share your thoughts.

(flip to HD for better quality)

Creating these animations (which I'm still working on btw - it's gonna be a hectic month) has been a learning process and no mistake. I may have dabbled before, but this is my first time working on anything on such a scale. Despite this, I'm determined to play around and enjoy myself. The turnaround on each clip is short so we're going for simple, effective little ideas and trying not to stress on getting everything perfect.

Music for the project is provided by two of my very favourite musicians in the world - Jonnie Common and The Pictish Trail. This makes me unbelievably proud. If you don't know their work, go check it out. Figurehead (by JC) and Michael Rocket (by Pictish) are good places to start.

So, if you find yourself in Glasgow over the next wee while, go see a film at the GFT. It's a beautiful cinema and they show brilliant films. The For All animations will play before the features and you can contribute to the project via the Glasgow Film blog, on Twitter using the #filmforall hashtag, on the Glasgow Film Facebook page and by using the post-it notes in the GFT foyer. Here's some more information about getting involved.

Emily Munro, Head of Learning at the GFT has written a response to Pamwepo on the blog. It's a good place to start.

I'll write more about the project as it progresses here and I'll toot about it on Twitter. Stay tuned.

Kelvin Brawl

A couple of weeks ago, the God of Games himself, Robert 'Rab' Florence (Consolevania / Burnistoun), asked if I could design a poster for his spectacular pro-wrestling event, Kelvin Brawl (followup to last autumn's Oran War). Rab was looking for a layout with an old-school influence. Something tough. Something hard. I got to work.

Kelvin Brawl will take place at Kelvin Hall here in Glasgow on the 21st of June. A night of fighting, music and comedy with six bone-crunching matches between some of the top pro wrestlers in the country. To top things off, the evening will culminate in a bitter tag-team main event where Rab will throw down against his sworn enemy, Greg Hemphill (Still Game / Chewin' The Fat). There's certainly been no love lost between the two former friends with their dirty laundry aired for all to see in a very public feud of violence, rap put-downs and mothers.

Designing the poster was really good fun - a chance to revisit the kinda Art Chantry inspired style of the old Air3 Radio Poster I put together way-back-when. Lots of information and lots of energy in very little space without much concern for getting everything perfect. While it doesn't exactly look like the real deal, I tried my best to chuck ideas at the screen in an appropriately carefree way.

Thanks to Rab for getting me on board. Good luck to everyone involved. It's time to pick a side: #teamflorence / #teamhemphill

Recoating

A great wee video about the Recoat gallery, the work they do and their plans for the future. Amy and Ali are good people.

Remember that R.I.P. 323, the last ever show at Recoat's West End locoation, opens tomorrow evening (Sat 8th June). A bunch of us will be in and around the gallery today and tomorrow, finishing stuff off, sitting about in the sun and eating sandwiches. If you wanna stick your head in to see some work-in-progress, I'm sure nobody'll mind.

Failing that, come along in the evening or catch the show as it runs throughout June / July. More info over here.

R.I.P. 323 at Recoat

Here's a date for your diary.

In just over a week, Recoat will open the last show ever to be show'd at their West End gallery. R.I.P. 323, a collective and collaborative exhibition celebrates 6 years of events, projects and parties at 323 North Woodside Road. Featuring the work of Team Recoat in their entirety (I'm in that!) + friends of the gallery. We’re aiming to cover the space, floor-to-ceiling in artwork. It’ll be an absolute belter.

Recoat fans need not fear, though, they aren't packing it in. Far from it. Plans are already afoot for a whole heap of other stuff - murals at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, pop-up shows, collaborative projects and (get this) a bigger and better gallery somewhere down the line.

Although I'll be sad to see the doors close at North Woodside Road, I'm super stoked for everything Amy and Ali are set to achieve in the future. I first worked with them back in 2007 as part of Recoat's first ever exhibition and they have been incredibly supportive, bloody lovely people and amazingly good friends ever since. Whatever they do, I back 100%.

If you can make it to Glasgow on the 8th of June 2013, you should come along to the opening (the opening of the closing, I guess) party. It'll be fun as hell. FUN AS HELL! Expect many faces from Recoat's past, present and future to be enjoying the work, having a drink and saying farewell to the space. Recoat parties are warm, welcoming and a good laugh. We'll all be heading to the pub afterwards too. Say hello! Say goodbye!

Full details:

R.I.P. 323
The final show at Recoat (for now).

Opening party: Saturday, 8th June 2013. 7-10pm (free entry, all welcome).
Show runs: 9th June - mid July, (Tues to Sun 12-6pm).

Featuring Team Recoat: Susie Wright, Kirsty Whiten, Elph, FiST, Mark Lyken, Al White, David Galletly, Syrkus, Death Rattles and Rue Five.

Plus special guests: Fraser Gray, Throne, Chris MacFarlane, Jamie Johnson and more.

Recoat
323 North Woodside Road,
Glasgow, G20 6ND
(near Kelvinbridge subway station)

Email: info@recoatdesign.com
Tel: 0141 341 0069
Web: recoatdesign.com

For more info, visit the R.I.P. 323 Facebook page.

Glasgow Smiles Better

What a weekend! Beautiful weather here in Glasgow. Spotted this guy floating above a garage in Shawlands. He was bobbing around like crazy - must've taken 50 photos trying to get him to look right at me. Caught him a peach.

Follow me on Instagram / Flickr.