Telegraph article on My Head-to-Toe Body Book by OKIDO

Here's a great article in today's Daily Telegraph magazine all about the new OKIDO Head-to-Toe Body Book. Lots about Okido magazine; Sophie Dauvois' words are both articulate and resonant. 

Spot-on bit of writing by Lorna Bradbury, who had road-tested the book on her kids (aged 4 and 7 years). I sense the time is coming soon when we'll all be seeing a lot more of OKIDO. I'm speaking cryptically and my fingers remain firmly crossed...just watch this space for the next installment.

THE NEW OKIDO MAGAZINE IS OUT! This is issue 20 and it's all about MUSIC...

I've written The Riverside Band, beautifully illistrated by Alex Barrows and set to music by the wonderful Severed Limb! Listen to it here by clicking on the song:

The Shins: The Rifle's Spiral.

sketch of turquoise boots

Boots by designer meher kakalia. They have sheepskin insoles and are lined with scarlett leather; the zips are royal blue.

D. Hirst

If you really want sensation, check out Paul McCarthy

Daddies tomato ketchup by Paul McCarthy (AKA The Most Suitable Piece for my Website) 

A whole new perspective to creepy...

I have to admit to feeling far more excited/thrilled/moved upon entering this small-but-crammed sweet shop in Brighton on Saturday, than walking around the Damien Hirst exhibition this afternoon at the Tate.

 Cyber Candy art you can eat - and as a consequence, far more satisfying.

I've just discovered the charity Fine Cell Work which:
 "trains prisoners in paid, skilled, creative needlework undertaken in the long hours spent in their cells to foster hope, discipline and self esteem. This helps them to connect to society and to leave prison with the confidence and financial means to stop offending."

Several years ago, I worked as a volunteer in "B" Prison Visitors' Centre, via another charity called PACT  - the Prison Advice and Care Trust. While I was there, I also attended a couple of art classes within the prison, run by a rather wonderful and enlightened teacher. 

And having now discovered the calm industry and satisfaction of cross-stitching (see my step-by-step tapestry developing!) the very real and practical benefits of these quiet disciplines are clear. Following a pattern brings with it a kind of security; it forces a focus that leaves little room for other thoughts as you become totally "in the moment". But you're also creating something tangable and real and lovely.

My mother, looking pensive

Which confirms yet again, the place that art, in all its shapes and forms, has within all parts of society; not simply as something that can be beautiful or evokative or thought-prevoking, but something that is absolutely necessary if we are to survive and thrive. 

Green shoe

LOVE 

Easter arrangement

Remarkable Orchids

We went to my parents-in-law for Easter; dreary weather but wonderful, restful time. Beautiful garden bursting into new life; blossoms and buds and blooms. The scents of Springtime emerging at last...

Swan and blossom