Breakfast Birds

In the time it takes to eat a bowl of porridge at the kitchen window this morning, I’ve seen a wren constantly on the hop amongst the solanum; a couple of blue tits pecking on the fence; a small flock of long-tailed tits swinging through the branches of the trees; a blackbird sounding the alarm; the fleeting shadow of a bird upside down on the eaves of the shed, gone too quick to tell, about the size of a robin but upside down? No sign of the ubiquitous magpies or pigeons. Maybe that’s why there was so much activity, and the bright sun melting the frost. So much energy. Continue reading “Breakfast Birds”

Frames of reference

My Life As A Tree

Last summer on holiday in Catalonia, we visited Girona where we chanced upon this striking installation by Àlex Nogué. It occupied one room of a small municipal exhibition space, Bolit-La Rambla. It consisted of 28 sheets of paper with ink and pencil drawings on the back wall, 56 trays filled with water on the floor, 2 digital second counters on the ceiling, one counting forwards and one counting backwards. It was possible to step through the hole in the wall and walk around the installation, but really best viewed from this position where it appears framed. It seemed to be an archetype, a symbol of time & place, heaven & earth, shadow & light, growth & decay. It was so simple and elegant and memorable, and more perfect for being found by accident. Continue reading “My Life As A Tree”

Frames of reference

Goat Party

On Thursday evening we had a party at The Rowley Gallery to launch Christopher Corr’s new book, The Goggle-Eyed Goats. It was published on World Book Day by Andersen Press in London and Gallimard Jeunesse in Paris. We hung the gallery with Christopher’s paintings for the book, together with more of his other paintings, and created a joyful and exuberant feast for the eyes which we’re now reluctant to take down. Here are some photos from the book launch, courtesy of Clare Simms at Andersen Press. Continue reading “Goat Party”

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Goggle At The Goats

A reminder that Christopher Corr’s goats are let loose today, March 1st at The Rowley Gallery, 115 Kensington Church Street, W8 7LN from 6 o’clock. Books and paintings and artist on display.

Stop Press!  We’re acting the goat!  Special offer one night only 10% discount on sale of goat paintings.

Frames of reference

The Lonely Goatherd

Because of his fondness for transforming cheesy show tunes I felt sure that Sonny Rollins must have played The Lonely Goatherd at some time, especially with that goatee. It would have been right at home on his What’s New album. I can almost hear it. His lyrical saxophone singing the melody, then deconstructing it with one of his abstract solos over a rhythm of congas and bongos. But I can’t find a recording anywhere. We’ll have to imagine it, and make do with this version by Eddie Cano. Continue reading “The Lonely Goatherd”

Frames of reference