SGWRS BACH: 'Tracing the Land'

 

I am pleased to be part of this varied and intriguing line-up... 

SGWRS BACH: 'Tracing the Land'

SPEAKERS: Ellis O'Connor (Painter and Artist in Residence at Mawddach Residency), Emma Barley (Photographer, Gallery Owner, Curator), Remy Dean (Author and Artist), Dr Joe Hope (Lichen Expert), Peter Ogden (UNESCO advisor), Jane Williams (Artist and Potter). 

More information and tickets via EventBrite 

Event organised by Mawddach Residency 

...and that be 2023

 

Wishing You Health, Happiness, and all the very Best for 2024! 

Here's an incomplete summary of what I did, made, and published in 2023: 

Well, that seemed a short year! Looking back, quite a lot was done although the outcomes don't seem to match my sense of unrelenting activity... What was I doing?

I'm not getting into global issues here which were a mixed bag, heavy with bleak and there's a review of the year here at BBC News if one needs reminding. In this post, I'll endeavour to accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative... it's all about me and what I enjoyed doing and discovering. 

Published Fiction 

My short story Perceived Value was published in online magazine Horror Hounds which also published Final Bough in its entirety with reproductions of the original illustrations by Katie Hone that appeared in the first limited-edition print run, back in 2008.

illustration by Katie Hone for Final Bough (2008)

Behind the scenes, I wrote two full scripts and two additional short treatments for a potential television series that probably won't ever reach the production stage. In which case (focussing on the positive, remember) I have the groundwork for a set of short stories or graphic novels. Watch this space. They're something like magical realism, maybe. Difficult to sum-up the vibe... Horror but imaginative and uplifting? I hope I have conjured wonder and amazing creatures with a supernatural-folkloric fusion. So, if you are an illustrator looking for graphic novel scripts or an eager television producer, please do email me.  

Cinema Critique 

My contributions for Frame Rated have been predictably varied - my personal choice of six highlights are...  

A review of what may be my all-time favourite film, Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001), Christophe Gans' take on the Beast of Gévaudan folklore - a fantastic and rather surprising action-packed, martial-arts, monster-movie, period-drama, intrigue-thriller... and so much more! And for the newly restored Director's Cut debut on Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD, I also had the opportunity to talk with Mark Dacascos about his starring role as the mystical Mani - you can read the interview transcript or watch the video HERE. 

The Fall of Akō Castle / Akô-jô Danzetsu (1978) is among the most important, and gorgeous, historical epics of Japan’s rich cinema heritage, telling one of the nation's most retold tales. It’s a perfectly paced, serious samurai movie based on what happened during the first years of the 18th-century and with this new high-definition restoration by Toei studios looks and sounds better than ever. 

Among the reviews I really enjoyed researching and writing last year were two early, highly influential, giallo-esque classics. One from the maestro, Mario Bava, with what is sometimes cited as the original and still definitive example of the genre: Blood and Black Lace (1964), with its beautiful use of expressionistic colour in some inspired cinematography and a twisty plot that was astoundingly original at the time. Another seminal psychological horror-thriller from Spain, one of too few from auteur Narciso Ibáñez Serrador: La Residencia / The Finishing School / The House That Screamed (1969) exploring themes of awakening sexuality and the subjugation of natural desires as a tool of authoritarian control, as well as being a great gothic horror. 

Finding inspiration in real historic events and persons, director Kinji Fukasaku was bold enough to fuse chanbara, period drama, Japanese ghost story, and Hammeresque supernatural gothic horror in the highly entertaining Edo-period fantasy Samurai Reincarnation / Makai Tenshô (1981). With very satisfying results. 

In my most popular extended review published in Frame Rated you get three-for-one with the boxset of newly restored versions of Tod Browning’s Sideshow Shockers (1925–1932) which comprises his infamous Freaks (1932): a controversial fusion of strange soap and horror - accompanied by two I had never sen before, and very few had ever seen these prints of The Mystic (1925): an entertaining and satisfying supernatural thriller - and The Unknown (1927): gruelling but absorbing intense psychological thriller and my personal favourite of the trio. 

Curating Contemporary Art and Illustration

I have also continued as curator for The Signifier : six : shot : gallery and was pleased to host some super fresh illustration showcases. Zel Cariad closed 2023 with her fascinating exhibition Creatures on show over the festive seasons and Nanae Kawahara rang-in 2024 with her whimsical yet profound exhibition View. And you can view both for free using the links below (click on the colourful images):

 

submissions guidelines for artist can be found in this edition of Signified newsletter: HERE

Writing on Art and Design

I have contributed several online articles about art, art history, design, and media. 
For Signifier my personal choice of six highlights are... 

Félix González-Torres and Depletion Art

Intersections with the works of Anish Kapoor 

Abram Games: Poster Boy 

Two Classical Chinese Scroll Paintings of Landscapes

Artists Using Light as Their Dominant Medium

Costume as Concept and Sculpture

   

My updates on this weblog are sporadic, with occasional bursts... To keep up with what I've produced, as well as information on forthcoming events and live appearances, the best SNS is my new Bluesky - if you are on Bluesky, too, come say "hello" - and of course, most of my long-form writing appears online at Medium sooner or later, so please do follow my account there.

I began using my YouTube channel more over the last few months - there are plans in the pipeline, so check-that out from time to time, or subscribe for what I think may be surprising content later this year?

                                  

__________________________________

in memoriam 

Mr Barnum (2009 - 2023) 

A Relentlessly Loving and Energising Presence

Best Friend to the Whole Family

Mark Dacascos - Meeting one of my Heroes (Who is Sometimes a Villain)

I recently enjoyed a quick-fire chat with actor, top entertainer, martial arts superstar, and delightful gent,  Mark Dacascos. 

We chatted about a variety of things but his career is so rich and varied that I had to focus on asking about what may be my favourite film of all, Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001) which has just been released by StudioCanal on HD Blu-ray as a 4K Director's Cut supervised by Chritsophe Gans so, of course we touch upon Mark's work on Gans' debut feature, the beautiful live-action adaptation of the classic manga, Crying Freeman (1995). 

We also cover his recurring super-villain role as Giyera for seasons three and four of Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., facing-off with Keanu Reeves in John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum (2019), and finally bring things right up-to-date with Knights of the Zodiac (2023), the current series of Warrior (2023) and, of course, Iron Chef. (Can you guess what Mark's favourite meal is?) 

 

You can read the transcript published in Frame Rated where the uncut video has also been posted - I kinda became a vlogger by accident... The video may not be HD but you can see and hear Mark Dacascos clearly and he is a lively and entertaining interviewee, as one might expect. 

You can read, watch, and listen to my interview with Mark Dacascos HERE - a Frame Rated exclusive. 

You can read my extended review of the new Director's Cut of Brotherhood of the Wolf  HERE - also published in Frame Rated. 

Mark Dacascos as Mani in Brotherhood of the Wolf

Mark Dacascos IMDb filmography    |    Mark Dacascos on Twitter 

What Have I Done in 2021 So Far?

A rapid round-up of my 'what-when-where' for the first quarter... 

First up, I have to say I'm so glad to live in the age of modern medicine and vaccines, in a country with a National Health Service... focusing on the positives here, in a time of many negatives. Never 'Back to Normal'. Only 'Back to Better' is acceptable.

Despite the past 12 months of COVID-19 control lockdowns, I have managed to get on with some art activity 'out there'. Curating the . six . shot . gallery . for the new online initiative from The Signifier has been inspiring. I suppose you could say that I led by example with The Stars, At Our Feet, the inaugural exhibition to welcome in the New Year, and have been followed by two really intriguing, enigmatic and poetic online shows from Stephen Green and Julie Upmeyer. I look forward to artist Lou Gunstone taking the slot for April, adding a bolder splash of colour with his illustrative, pop-art vibe... 

I've also been regularly contributing articles about art and design in context for The Signifier publication. You can 'jump in' with these selected examples - try to guess the subject before clicking on the image: 

...and I continue writing regular reviews of film and television as a critic at Frame Rated. Here are a few reviews I particularly enjoyed writing recently - kudos if you can identify the movies from these stills before clicking on them:  

The readership for This is growing slowly but surely as more people get to know Rietta and Carla, joining them on their adventures across the magical realms of This, That and The Other... 

I thoroughly enjoyed a few virtual author visits to primary schools for this year's World Book Day, to talk about my favourite books from childhood and to read from This Part One. I was able to be there without travelling, and without that travel time, I could appear live in more places on the day than would've been otherwise possible. Through the magic of modern media, I even managed to be in more than one place at the same time! Big thank you to the schools for having me, to all those who listened to my stories, and for sharing the amazing art you felt inspired to make - see if you can spot your 'work in progress' below... 

As an author, I've enjoyed concentrating on writing (I could get used to this!) but much of my 'work' had been leading creative educational workshops in schools, colleges, and the wider community, so the pandemic definitely hit some of my main outlets pretty hard. I know I'm not alone in this and have been privileged to continue working for the Arts Council of Wales, helping to facilitate their forward-thinking Lead Creative Schools initiative. It has been a challenge to innovate and adapt, using a 'blended approach' to accommodate these challenging times for the schools, the children and their families. 

I have also been developing workshops and courses for digital delivery and hope to offer free preview access to 'friends and followers' in the near future (watch this space). In the meantime, I have launched my 'Buy Me A Coffee' page (if you're feeling kindly, then a 'coffee' is always very much appreciated) where I will be offering goodies such as signed prints and exclusive downloads... 

There is also a growing selection of merchandise for This, That and the Other at the Red Sparrow Press website including lovely mugs and specially designed stationery. The best way to support small indie publishers and their authors, is to purchase their books or simply to help spread the word via your social media. If you enjoy the work of a writer, then a reader review on your preferred peer-sharing platform is a brilliant way to show support and get the word out to others who may also enjoy their books. Huge thanks to those who have taken time to write reviews of my books on Amazon and Good Reads already! Of course, sales of merchandise can also help a lot... 

The dogs and dragons of This - who can resist Scrufty, Lucky, and Smugly?

For news and updates follow me on 

Twitter   |   Medium 

Unus Multorum 2020 Online Festival

Plas Bodfa, based on the Isle of Anglesey, North Wales, is hosting a series of brave and exciting arts initiatives.

Last year, I was fortunate to be selected for the inaugural 'artists takeover' under the banner of Sui Generis - an ambitious project that brought more than 60 international artists together to respond to the location that has been many things including a family home, a steakhouse, a care home, a tapestry studio with visitor centre, and is now in transition once more into a family home with attached studios and arts centre!

Participants from across Europe, Australia and the Americas all contributed some amazingly varied work and Sui Generis was listed among the Top 10 art events in Wales for 2019.

My two, linked contributions were, In Lieu (of All We Are) - a text-based installation in one of the several bathrooms, and Corridraw: Escape Route, which featured large-scale gestural writing, drawn directly onto the walls of the passageways, and brought together concepts I have been exploring in the Writing to Escape and 360 series.

This year, artist-instigator-curator Julie Upmeyer decided to do something even bigger that would involve more than 100 creatives. This 2020 event was titled Unus Multorum and followed a similar, installation-driven format, whilst integrating the launch for 'Plas Bodfa Objects' - a selection of exclusive artists' multiples.

Due to the lock-down in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the way that the art was to be revealed to the public had to be re-imagined. So, instead of an 'open-house' approach scheduled for April-May, the exhibition has morphed into an extended global arts festival with a series of virtual events including regular uploads of online galleries that showcase the work already installed and some of the work-in-progress that was intended for inclusion. There is also a programme of monthly video live-steams, each linked by a broad theme and featuring some of the artists talking about their work.

Along with Fiona Davies (joining us from Australia), Sian Hughes and duo Stanley & Bould, I was a guest for the first live-stream in May, with the theme of 'House', and here I talk about my contributions to the Unus Multorum 2020 Festival which are Corridraw: Continuum - an extension to Escape Route already near-complete when lock-down was brought in for Wales, and the Plas Bodfa edition of 10 new Cicorcs - the lucky cork sea-dogs...


click to play (my section begins at 50 minutes in this recorded live video)

Unus Multorum 2020

monthly themes  

May 

House

June 

Exhibition

July 

Freedom

August

Sustenance

All the very best for 2020 !

UPDATE

This (part 3) is now available 

HERE - as an e-book

and as a paperback - HERE

2019 That Was...

...so, looking back on the year, it seemed a bit 'front-loaded', starting off with three major creative projects: YMYL-2-EDGE was already underway and bridged nicely from 2018 into 2019 with my mentoring of nine artist-makers as they innovated their practice by exploring cutting-edge tech at Pontio's fabLAB in Bangor, culminating in the exhibition and associated programme of events - you can remind yourself of all that entailed HERE...

Then there was the Lead Creative Schools Project at Rhos Street School, in Ruthin, which I helped to facilitate, mostly 'behind-the-scenes' this time as the Arts Council of Wales Creative Agent. I think it went really well and developed naturally from initial concept to final outcomes with the pupil group really taking ownership and steering it all to success with the expert guidance of our Creative Practitioner, Elfin Bow - if you want to see what I consider to be a great example of Creative Learning through the Arts watch the short video below, and if you want to know more about what the Lead Creative Schools initiative is achieving, then you can read all about it HERE...

Around the same time, I was also taking part in a major 'artists takeover' at Plas Bodfa (more on that HERE) and producing work for my solo exhibition INTER⁁VERBA as part of the BBC Get Creative Festival and incorporating a Pop-Up Museum with Storiel at Blaenau Ffestiniog Library and Oriel Maenofferen Gallery. Some of the work premiered as part of that exhibition is now featured in the selected archive of Art Projects HERE, or click on the thumbnails below for some examples...

 

The Red Sparrow Press published the first two parts of THIS in paperback and then the latter portions of the year were mostly consumed by writing and restructuring the 'final' installments (see top of this post). Illustrations for THIS were featured in the exhibition 'Folklore and Fairy Tales of North Wales' at Oriel Ty Meirion (see previous post HERE) and the books were a focus of several creative workshops and storytelling appearances at the wonderful RSPB Conwy... where there were badges!

...and talking of badges - I was chuffed to be recognised with a 'Top Writer in Art' virtual 'badge' for my work editing, and writing for, The Signifier, an arts publication for the Medium platform - you can check that out HERE 

Wales and its Fairy-tales at Oriel Ty Meirion

A selection of prints featuring my illustrations for This, That and The Other are currently on show in a mixed exhibition at Oriel Ty Meirion Gallery, Dyffryn Ardudwy, one of the most exciting small galleries in Wales. The show, which runs until 5 January 2020, has the theme of 'Folklore and Fairy Tales of North Wales'.

[Check gallery website for opening times and to plan your visit.]

Folklore and Fairy Tales of North Wales at Oriel Ty Meirion Gallery
a magical, mixed selection of superior quality art including prints and paperbacks by Remy Dean
...that lovely ceramic starling in the middle is by local potter, Jane Williams

My prints are a signed and numbered edition and you can also browse and purchase paperbacks of my current epic fairy-tale fantasy, This Part 1 and This Part 2, as well as my spooky short horror novel, Final Bough, a contemporary tale of the supernatural with a traditional twist, set against the legend-rich landscape of Snowdonia and inspired by local folklore.

You can read some of my relevant articles online at Folklore Thursday HERE

Folklore Talk, Storytelling and Book Signing Event

Oriel Ty Meirion, 21 November 2019

free event, but booking required

Event Programme

1. THIS, THAT AND THE OTHER - an introduction to the Folklore of the Three Realms 

"A lot of folklore is concerned with other realms. Worlds that exist apart, yet overlap or interact to varying degrees. It is this aspect that aligns many features of myth, folklore and religion around the terrestrial realm we all share… and the idea of the Three Realms has been repeatedly explored through stories, art, psychology, and now the existence of separate realities is widespread in scientific thought. Why does the belief in the Three Realms persist so prominently across multiple cultures spread far and wide, geographically and historically?"

2. THE FOUND HOUND - retelling a traditional Fairy-Story of Wales 

"How you care for any animal in need is one way the Fair Ones of Wales judge you & decide whether to bestow epic curses or life changing luck.

3. CHATS and BOOK SIGNINGS

INTER⁁VERBA

EXHIBITION OPENS 24 APRIL until 7 JUNE 2019

check HERE for details of private view, workshops, artist's talk,

at Oriel Maenofferen Gallery, Llyfrgell Blaenau Ffestiniog Library

part of

find out more about 

GET CREATIVE 2019 at BBC ARTS

also taking part in this 'artists takeover' in the run-up to the solo exhibition:

click image for more info

at the same time, you can also see my work in the Stable Block Gallery at Plas Tan y Bwlch

and a couple of pieces in the Open Exhibition at Storiel, Bangor Museum 13 April - 15 June 2019

all the above is mentioned in this interview feature for the Cambrian News

which you can read as a PDF by clicking the thumbnail image below

Close 2 the Edge

Since June, this year, I have been Mentor for Helfa Gelf's Edge2 Programme
and I am now curating an exhibition at Pontio, Bangor, of the work produced

Mae'r byd celfyddydol a’r byd technolegol yn dod at ei gilydd i archwilio ein profiad dynol yn y byd modern: arddangosfa o weithiau a gynhyrchwyd yn ystod rhaglen YMYL-2-EDGE Helfa Gelf yng Ngofod Arloesi Bocs Gwyn Pontio, o ddydd Sadwrn 19 Ionawr tan ddydd Sul 10 Chwefror 2019. (11:00 - 17:00 dydd Mercher i Sadwrn ac 12:00 - 17:00 ddydd Sul.) 

Art meets tech to question our human experience within the modern world: an exhibition of works produced during Helfa Gelf's YMYL-2-EDGE programme in Pontio’s White Box Innovation Space, from Saturday 19 January – Sunday 10 February 2019. (11:00 – 17:00 Wednesday to Saturday inclusive, and 12:00 - 17:00 Sundays)

Details from the Edge2 exhibition at Pontio's White Box

For  more info on the Edge2 Programme and to read the original call-out and brief, CLICK HERE

You can read interviews with Edge2 participating artists at IAWN = the Integrated Arts & Writing Nexus:

• Lorna Bates
• Stephen Green
• David Thomas
• Susan Cantrill-Williams
• Sarah Holyfield
• Ann Catrin Evans
• Emily Meilleur

EDGE 2 Curator and Artists' Talks 

A Helfa Gelf Workshop / Networking Event

Wednesday 6 February 2019 

The Edge 2 mentoring and exhibition programme has been a great opportunity and a fascinating process for the mentor/curator and artists involved. To hear more about their experiences using new technologies to innovate and push boundaries in their creative practice, do join us at Pontio, White Box/Bocs Gwyn, Level 2, Prifysgol Bangor, Ffordd Deiniol, Bangor, LL57 2TQ

[ Sorry, both events SOLD OUT ]

Curator and Artists Talks at Edge2