Over the years I have done a number of projects with kids. Last year I did some workshops on toymaking and drawing with kids in schools and in local libraries. I collect childrens drawings, so I ask the kids for any drawing they don’t want or rescue their unwanted drawings from the rubbish bins at the end of a workshop.

These drawing were from a group of 3 and 4 year olds at Christchurch Grammar in Melbourne. They were shown different shapes and patterns and then asked to create their own.

I love these drawings, the mark making is beautiful and the colours are buzzing with excitement.

This is a view from/of my new studio. Located in Piha/New Zealand (where the stick insects grow to the size of cats).

I booked in my first solo New Zealand show this week. Opening on Friday 13th August at High Seas. For this show I am making a series of furniture, pimping up old chairs and tables with extra limbs and fresh paint. Also a range of recent work will be on display….including paintings, drawings, and random objects.

Over the past few months Ive been working on scribbles in both drawing and word form. The result is starting to form into a new series of books. They are steadily growing with each day and the characters within their pages are becoming quiet good mates.

The lastest character addition is Steve the dog. Steve is the side kick to a 3 eyed yellow monster called Jasmina.

But before Steve was a sidekick in my book, he was a big brown slobbering mutt that I met on the beach in Piha (NewZealand). He is a big clumsy, drooling bundle of brown that has an infectiously happy expression forever planted on his face. I love it when people give human names to pets. I think there should be more pets named Steve and more kids named Apple.

I think Steve should come and live with me in my studio. But till I can convince his owner of this I shall have to be content with him living within the pages of my books.

Welcome to my new blog and new website.

Please call back in the coming weeks as more work gets loaded up.

Something to check out while waiting for website to be up in full fighting form:
clog blog for an interview on my Totally Totem show at Craft Victoria, Melbourne.

and things to look out for in the future:
+The release of “Ink Me” a book of temporary transfer tattoos by Mao Mao Publications
due to be released in November 09. Featuring some of my tattoo designs.
+The Images33 Best of British Illustration annual and touring exhibition. Featuring some of my illustration stuff (UK in July/August)
+The ladies at Handmade Life are releasing a book of crafty folks. This will have some of my Totem pole/Peppergrinders in it aswell as an interview piece.