Brandon

Magical Screw Up

Artist's Statement

With a background in high-technology industries Ben first sought expression for his art in robotics and kinetic structures.

Ultimately, the results were frustrating; failing to capture the purpose of his work, expressing the permanence of the concept defined. They provided only contrived solutions to problems rather than the expression of ideas.

Early graphic works reflected the search for a simple technique that captured the spirit of his intent. Acrylics, pastel and inks etc were individual building blocks of an approach that moved him ever further away from this Constructivism.

More recently, by exploiting the subtle effects of mixed media Ben has found the means of expressing the concepts that motivate his work. Colours give shape to form and tones give depth to the images in work that is often elemental in expression. Simple ideas are conveyed with a powerful, sometimes complex but always challenging technique.

Combining elements of Tachisme,"found" images, and classical expressionism this exhibition provides an honest story of an artist's journey.

Week 1

Week 1 is nearly done. I managed 2k on Sunday and Monday and a gentle 1k on Wednesday.

Then a few laps in the pool, probably only 500 metres really, I was in a rush.

Friday morning I struggled out of bed after a steak dinner the night before with PrincessPurling and fought my way through 2k at 5am.

My tendons in my feet and calves are agony...but I am assured this is due to the move to barefoot....and  not running for 25 years.

I'm going to have a big rest and let everything recover and then start more regular runs.

Also Chia Fresca is THE BOMB!

Rumours Of My Death...

...I am not dead! No, really! I've been on Twitter and doing all sorts of other crazy stuff like falling in love, getting dumped, dancing, buying a banjo, swimming in the sea, annoying a few people I really liked, having an art exhibition, buying Flo a 3-piece suit, hanging out with Flo, teaching a dog stupid tricks, promising to do a skydive, nearly getting sacked, not getting sacked, going mental, nearly being sectioned, did I mention RUNNING! The Bristol 10K beckons and I think distances beyond. Mr @skeddy reminded me of my blog and how documenting my training might help and/or be funny (mainly because I am an old man). Some other stuff probably happened too.. Training notes coming up. Lots of monkeys B

Le Disney

So. My folks and I took Flo to Disneyland Paris...it was one of those "let's get this out of the way and never talk of it again" holidays.

Here's a few pictures for your enjoyment. I may add some of dad's once he gets round to getting them off the camera.

Riding an imaginary horse round Exeter airport

On our way to the park for the 1st time (check out that stance!)

Entrance to the park...flosplosion imminent.

Fairy Castle

Doing a "Marylin"

Flo enjoyed screaming on the Pirates of The Carribean ride so much, we went on it twice.

Meth-head in a Teacup.

Tigger. "I didn't like him, he hugged me too tight".

Minnie. "I think she's going to play some sports!"

Mum took Flo to the in-hotel hairdresser...This style definitely suits her more than the bog-standard bob.

Our last night, we went to Wild Bill's Wild West Show (with Mickey & Friends)...Flo has a whale of a time whooping and yeehawing.

Hoeing down!....

...and singing along...

The journey home meant a 6am start and lots of waiting around in Charles de Gaulle.

For D

My friend D is very sad at the moment.

I've been using this song as my mantra of strength. Go Pip!!

Bald

Shaved it.

The Pirate Song (for Little M)

Once there was a pirate, capsized and lost at sea.

Washed up on a lonely island, with nothing but a tree,

The ocean all around him, and nothing else to see!

The poor, old, lonely pirate had nothing for his tea.

When he had slept he noticed some fruit upon the ground.

So ripe and fresh, delicious, a banquet all around.

He gathered up the bounty that was dropped there by the tree

And poor, old, lonely pirate had fruit salad for his tea.

The pirate slept and slumbered and woke hungry the next day.

"What shall I have for dinner?", the pirate said, dismayed.

The ocean all around him and not a fruit to see

The poor, old, lonely pirate had nothing for his tea.

Next morning broke, the pirate woke to a sight that shook his boots.

At the base of the tree some termites were nesting in the roots.

He ripped his shirt to make a sieve and ate them up with glee

And poor, old, lonely pirate had insects for his tea.

Our pirate suffered hard next day with no shirt on his back.

He tried to fish with boot strings, but he feared a shark attack.

With no boots left and burning back, too scared to brave the sea

It looks like our poor pirate will have nothing for his tea.

As dusk drew in our pirate saw a crab down by the shore

He thought, "I know, I'll cook it and eat tonight for sure!"

He caught and then he cooked that crab by burning down the tree,

And poor, old, lonely pirate had crustacean for his tea.

He slept that night and when he woke there was nothing left to eat;

The tree was gone, the ocean not, just hot sand for his seat.

Then, suddenly, a wing beat brought a seagull to his feet!

The poor, old, lonely pirate had raw seagull for his tea.

YUK!

The pirate didn't sleep that well, he tossed and turned all night.

In the cold light of the morning he looked a dreadful sight.

So thin his ribs showed through his skin, which looked a sickly green.

The poor, old, lonely pirate had seagull poisoning.

[shave and a haircut...2 bits]

Tap Dance

THIS is how you tap dance!

Happy New Year

Guriwagon

Transport is arranged

Yule Uv Us

I've loaded a couple of boxes onto the Guriwagon and strapped a rucksack on top

All I have to do now is get it/them and Flo to Exeter. There might be tension on the train, so I'm wearing my "friendly" face and making contingency plans.

Here's my friendly face.

Fingerlumps

Breakfast

The Farm Cafe