New Additions To The Streets & URBANARA Giveaway Winner

These pieces of street art appeared in my town a few weeks ago but today was the first time I could have more than just a passing look. The series is part of the Sun, Sea & Spray festival which now in its third year. This time round it saw over 40 artists bosh out a ton of paintings in various styles and themes, I didn't witness it myself but anything that doesn't include drunk groups on day trips seems to have a possible effect on the town. Are you seeing a changing landscape where you live?

URBANARA Giveaway Winner

Thanks to everyone who entered the URBANARA picnic blanket giveaway. And the winner is....

Daisy of Pretty Green Tea

Well done to you, check your Twitter and email or contact me and I'll get it send out to you as soon as I can. Sorry to everyone else but I'm looking to hold more giveaways in the future. 

If you are a company and would like to sponsor a giveaway or work on other project please get in touch - bucketsandspadesblog@googlemail.com

Lisa Marie Payne's Illustrations

This is the third post of series in where I am looking for talent on my own door step, I've been searching in and around Blackpool for all things creative. Next up are some lovely illustrations and prints from Lisa Marie Payne. Usually taking her hometown as inspiration(there really is so much going on all at once in Blackpool), she creatives one-off prints in the most vibrant and detailed way. A recent graduate of Textiles at Manchester Metropolitan University, Payne's work is printed onto canvas and she has been dabbling in printing onto silk scarfs(see below).

Feast you eyes people;

Blackpool North Pier

Clown Drawing

Drips Installation (This one is one of my favs, got a touch of surrealism in there)

Le'Opera Silk Scarf 1

Pier Hut Collage

It's nice to see your hometown in a different light, but a different perspective altogether is really unexpected. I wouldn't mind the "Pier Hut Collage" for my wall at home! When I finally make a permanent move it would be nice to take a small part of the seaside with me.

Here's how she describes her work and thoughts, "Energy filled fun fairs, sinister clowns and dizzy festivals fused with romantic picture houses, ornate architecture and nostalgic theatres inspire my chosen imagery and ambience. The storey behind these visuals, teamed with my fascination for intuitive marks, abstraction and linear qualities within contemporary painting, collages and photography create inspiration for my most recent pieces."

To your taste, would be really great to hear some feedback so I can pass it on? Are you enjoying my homegrown talent series?

All her work is available for purchase and she does commissions too, visit Lisa Marie Payne's site for more info.

Tolga Ozturk's Body Sculture

After doing a post a couple of months back on Yannick Dixon's photography, a fellow Blackpool local, I decided to do a bit of research into what else talent is coming out of my seaside town.

Tolga Ozturk is currently studying Fashion Design at UWE Bristol university and has been creating some wonderful body sculptures while he has been there. The move into sculpture and moulding on the body is a welcomed one and defiantly a step in the right direction. He was always a really talent designer when we were at art college together but it's great to see him experimenting and pushing his abilities. 

Moulded wrist cuff

I caught up with Ozturk to find out how he would describe his work; 

"The concept behind my work is using unexpected materials to create wearable accessories. It is all about experimentation and being playful and I find that the best results are often the product of mistakes. I tend to focus most of the pieces i create on the shoulders as this, to me, is the most interesting part of the male silhouette."

It's interesting to hear his view on the shoulders as I haven't really thought about this too much but really does make sense to me. Hence a classic piece in a mans wardrobe would be a blazer ect.

Tolga Ozturk is currently interning an milliner Nasir Mahzar, based in East London. So expect to see more of him in the future. What's your thoughts then, hope you all like?

Yannick Dixon Photography

Ahh nearly the weekend again, this week has flown by for me! The weekend pretty much starts with the England game tonight, I just hope they win. Anyway, Friday's Inspiration comes from Blackpool based Photographer, Yannick Dixon.

His work ranges from culture, nature to travel. Being based in Blackpool does have its advantages, it's a bit of a photographer's dream in some sense, just because it's so varied and colourful. Maybe not the classiest town about but certainly entertaining;

Aloha From Blackpool - I adore this photo, the grey side of Blackpool.

Championship Playoff Final 2010

The Living Statue

The Wave - This is a piece of art that was commissioned in Blackpool town centre.

Hong Kong Metro

Starlings Above #6 - Dixon's photos feel really atmospheric and shows Blackpool in a whole new light.

What do you think then? I think he captures scenes so well.

Has anyone else been to Blackpool? Not such a nice town with all the stag and hen do's every week, but if you look hard enough you will find a pretty wonderful place. There is actually lots to do in Blackpool but most people just think of endless boozing. Think again!

If you like what you see, check out Yannick Dixon's website for more. He is also an Associate Lecturer at UCLan uni. All images owned by Yannick Dixon