Lots of Pots

Venturing westward last weekend we visited the sale preview of ceramics by the gorgeous and gifted, Laura Carlin. The application of her illustrative aesthetic to a beautifully hand-worked collection of objects was seamless. This weekend the ceramics are a little closer to home; Church Street Workshop's Open Studio will feature pieces from the exceptionally talented, Moriaki Yamauchi, and Queen of the Kiln, Lesley McShea.





Open Studio: Sat 27/Sun 28 Nov, 10-6pm and Sat 04/Sun 05 Dec, 10-6pm

Unit 8, Church Street Workshops, Gutteridges Yard
172 S. Newignton Church St., London N16 0JL

• Images: 1x Laura Carlin; 2x Moriaki Yamauchi

There's an allure in the alliterated naming of anti-heroes like Nabakov's Humbert Humbert. This being said; happy birthday Becky Beasley... sorry I couldn't make it after all. You can see more of her ruminative work online or corporally at the touring British Art Show 7

• Trap, 2006, matt gelatin silver print
• As I Lay Dying, 2006, matt gelatin silver print

First and Last

Commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Peanut's creator's death, Radio 4's documentary on Schulz had me scouring the shelves for some remembered illustrations. The first is a school project (kept by a teacher and forwarded years later), the second a late preliminary sketch. Ironically, the weak line of the latter doesn't betray infirmity, Schulz (Sparky to friends and family) liked to keep sketches vague, ensuring spontaneity in the final inking.

• from Peanuts Jubilee (Allen Lane, 1976)

• from McSweeney's Quarterly Concern #13 (Hamish Hamilton, 2004).

Bonfire Night

These last few days of autumn's spectacular unblossoming have been perfect for pedalling to and from the studio. Muddy patches of redevelopment here and there have forced me onto an even more remote route.

In the evening, pairs of startled eyes beam back my bicycle light from the path ahead and I wonder how wild animals fare at Guy Fawkes. I'm hoping to catch the display at Victoria Park on Sunday, when pampered and petrified pets should stay indoors, paws pressed firmly over their ears.

Before that, on Saturday, I'll be tending my stall of framed prints, tea towels, mugs and other goodies alongside the likes of James Brown and Alice Tait at HWC Holiday Marketplace. If you're in that neck of the woods come down for a bumper bargain bonanza!

HWC Holiday Market Place
Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel
3 Pilgrim's Place
(off Hampstead High St)
London NW3 1NG
Saturday Nov 6
12 noon—5pm