hi to everyone who uses mencap,i hope you are all ok!
last friday, i was told with no notice that i was to have an agency waking night that night and the next morning a agency day staff woud be taking over, the senior staff was very concerned for me as he knew how id cope (or dont cope) with new people to my routine and changes and so he spoke to my dad and aranged for me to stay at their house that night until 2:30pm the next day.
the day before,i had gone to the british ceramics biennial with my support staff, a few other artists and some staff and volunteers from venture arts and i was asked by my ceramics tutor if i am able to draw stuff as she had never seen my traditional art work before,and i have a routine at the studio-all of my ceramics are based around fish so i started drawing the synidontis poli catfish.
i used a few different pens and pencils on this, i had a big challenge with the size of the art book first of all-its A3 and massive to draw a fish to this size...then i had difficulties with the super fine line pen because i have severe peripheral neuropathy in all my limbs and hands and they shake and jump about without notice and i have no feeling in them so i dont know how much pressure im putting on when shading-i have to hold my hand when drawing as well to guide it and hold it still as i cant draw with just one.
i also did a abstract background-those designs are the bubbles that woud be in the water around the catfish, i used two pebeo oil paint pens to make them as well.
i really love catfish i have two chonky catfish myself and a black neon tetra,i am going to restock my tank soon (its 400 litre and my dad does the work with it,as its very technical_).
just before i go,for anyone in manchester or if you woud fancy a day out here, if you have got any time spare go visit the central library in picadilly,manchester-its got a free art exhibition on called 'completely a hustling place' until late december. its all fantastic art work from venture arts artists including myself,i know one of my photos/images has been blown up and is on show there, ive no idea what theyve picked as i coudnt go to the opening party yesterday but its worth a look, everyone at VA is incredibly talented and creative-the artists and staff.
xx 
