Deconstruct This

So this weekend I explored my arty side by enrolling myself on to a workshop called Deconstructing Deconstructions with artist Paddy Simkins.

Now it's a universally known truth that I am no artist. Stick men and cross stitch yes; sketches of landscapes and people no. My twin sister on the other hand is exceptionally talented and was once told that she could be a great forger of masterpieces. Fortunately she chose to be a teacher instead of opting for a life of crime.

Despite my lack of artistic skill, I'll always throw myself in to different experiences and this class caught my attention. You never know this could be the one that reveals my secret talent, leading to me dominating the art world. This is highly unlikely.

Anyway back to the class. Hosted by artist Paddy Simkins, a member of Repre, we looked at what it now means to create a piece of abstract art after all the 'isms' the artistic world has ventured through. I won't name them all as I'm sure you get the gist.

The session involved us drawing objects in the room several times in different ways against the clock whilst Paddy took us through the different techniques we were applying. We then had to draw two pictures of the person opposite us - not so good at this part. Two of our original sketches then had to be coloured in and cut in to strips and stuck on to paper - are you still with me? We then took another drawing and cut out squares or circles and placed the art work on top of the coloured strips. What you see above is the final piece - ta da!

So, what did I learn? Well firstly I need to stop drawing with my wrist and instead use my whole arm. I also need to stop over analysing everything and try my best to forget about being so detailed. I blame this on my English degree.

I didn't uncover a secret talent, but I did leave me with an appreciation for modernism and the artists process - a process that some of us probably take for granted.

If you are interested in checking out the work by the troupe of artists at Repre, they are hosting an exhibition on Thursday 5th September. Visit www.repreart.co.uk for more information.

In a Bit of a Pickle

So this weekend I made a return journey to the Hunterian museum to view a vast collection of pickled specimens.

The museum is part of the Royal College of Surgeons and fortunately for us average joes they open it up for free to the general public.

It's not the biggest of museums, but that hasn't stopped the curator using every inch of space to pack in animal skeletons, brains and even pickled human body parts.

Yes, there are some things that aren't particularly nice , an obese foot with black toe nails springs to mind and I expect a lot of guys have left the museum with their tail between their legs. Yet, it is a fascinating place and if those 17th century doctors hadn't taken specimens we would have the knowledge we have today of human anatomy.

Would I donate my body parts for scientific research and have them on display? Well unless I want to give the general public nightmares probably not. 

For more information visit, www.rcseng.ac.uk.