One of the more interesting briefs! Bristol Hog Roast firm Crackling and Ting are selling Luwak Coffee. The coffee that has been digested by a weasel/civet cat and once excreted – roasted for human consumption. A rare delicacy indeed.

One for the Dr Who fans..

DDessin, L’Atelier Richelieu, Paris 

I have returned from DDessin, Paris to my humble drawing desk. I am feeling fully inspired and energetic to start new work! The fair was a total success and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. Here are a selection of Photographs including some of the work from my co-contributors Mlle Chat Chat, Carole Wilmet, Aude Lerin, Edouord Roques and Geraldine Georges.

Geraldine & Carole. 

Mlle Chat Chat & Carole.

The Private View

The work of Aude, Edouard & Geraldine

My Socks and I

The work of Carole, Mlle Chat Chat & I

My Work

The Private View

The Private View

This is a new Illustration that is to be potentially exhibited in Paris. (Yes! Another one!). I have submitted three pieces (two of my older work’s as time is of the essence!) and it’s up to the curator for what is in the final show. I thought that this time I shall attempt my hand at collaborating watercolour with pencil. Admittedly, I think It’s a bit much but I still think it has a nice effect. It was a good chance to work on a new idea.

Featured exhibitors: Mlle Chat-chat, Géraldine Georges, Edouard Roques, Carole Wilmet and Aude Lerin 

For my French friends and followers, a date for the diary. As always, I would love to see a friendly face or ten, drop me a line if you are free to attend and hopefully we can swindle the private view together.

DDessin

L’Atelier Richelieu
60 rue de Richelieu, 75002 Paris

du 12 au 14 avril 2013

VENDREDI 12 AVRIL : 11 – 19 H
SAMEDI 13 : 11 – 20 H
DIMANCHE 14 AVRIL : 11 – 17 H

plein tarif : 7 euros
Tarif réduit : 5 euros

Métros: ligne 3 Bourse et quatre septembre

Bus: Ligne 74 – arrêt : Richelieu 4 septembre

Parking à proximité: Bourse (VINCI Park 2 place de la bourse)

Each artist knows it is hard to sell something you have spent laborious hours caring for. I feel now is a perfect opportunity for you to buy some original high-end artwork of mine. They wont be around long so please you are more likely to get the piece you want if you act quickly!

I have these on sale to under 50% of their original price, now, that is a bargain for sure.

All work is signed by myself and will packaged and distributed by recorded delivery to your desired address.

I am very passionate about these pieces, these are from a beautiful moment of my life. Yet my life is changing right in front of my eyes! I have started to act upon things that I am learning and now success is happening often and easily. The sale of these will add funds to my next HUGE project!! It’s a belter – It’s a game changer. I am now finding myself overcoming a few things and breaking into new levels. These aren’t about making money but for you they are an investment, I can promise you that, hand and pencil on heart.

Femme ∆ (Signed) – £ 260 (Inc. P&P) – FRAMED

£260 (Inc P&P) original price – £750

Link to the blog post they’re in.

These are beauty’s eh? Just visualise how wonderful they’ll look in your own home or workplace.

Each piece is fully personal and ooze love from a caring hand, I really love them, You can too.

I realise that whilst I am writing this post these pieces of art don’t just represent an image but a pinpoints a moment of my life. I don’t really care about the money but I cannot give them away for free they have a worth to me. There are certain things we have to do, when I know they are sold, there is absolute no doubt in me why you have bought them and for that I will be grateful. The fact you have even thought about buying them means you care about why I have done them and further more, what I will continue to do. No matter where your intention lies – that means a lot to me. ‘You want a piece of me’ in a nice way. 

Friends, just the fact you are on my blog makes me proud. You are buying my passion, my sweat, my struggles, my story. This is my dream, I am not in front of a TV, I am willing to take action. You want to know what I am doing with my evening? Selling something I love to invest that money to grow me further. I am working into my dream and I am getting there. Imagine in fifteen years time (at most) you can turn to your new friend and say ‘That’s A Rob Reed’ – We’ve linked arms, We’re side by side. I can say that with conviction, you have a piece of me and my legacy – 100% conviction.

I can only work with what I got and what ever it is it’s a hell of a lot! I am doing things for the right reasons. I am who I am and you are here because of that connection. I am transparent here, these are authentically me and the price isn’t too much. I feel good that you have come to this page.

Think about it, I know that money might be a lot for some and not a drop in the ocean for others, but art is for all.

This is my email address: Rob@thisisreed.com

My first effort in watercolour. I feel I can do better, I enjoy the inconsistent and uncontrollable manner of that medium. This is the start of something, practice, practice, practice, and hopefully I will be able to master the method of watching it happen and perhaps it will lie on the paper the way we both are happy of.

The way the paint moves is magical. One can only observe the slow happening of it and should never really try to control it. For as of a butterfly, if you try to capture and control its beauty, you’ll kill it.

I guess I am a boy with a net watching the butterfly in a field. I can never be as free as that butterfly but at least I know why it is.

Us artist’s are a strange breed, but it’s beautiful.

I will keep trying. My problems with colour (because of my sight and recognition of it) will hinder me at the start but I will conquer it as the world is full of colour, I need to really say so and I have lived to often in black and white and fear. Please comment on the colours as I have no mentor apart from myself and all help is much appreciated. I will keep painting because my heart is in the right place and then I will mix it with my inherent drawing ability. I will do it. This is my accountability to the world, universe and myself, for life and colour!

These are the first two designs on an Iphone case!! Great stuff.. Looking fine if I must say!!!! You can purchase them at Getincased.

You can see the original designs here:

Bird  &  Cassette

Now the first two desings are live and on site, get ready!!! I am going to become case-tastic!! Go on treat yourself!!!!!

“Nothing better illustrates our throw-away lifestyle and waste problems than plastic. It is everywhere. The production, use and disposal of plastic has become one of the most serious environmental and human health problems facing us today.”

On a very cold January night in Bristol the private view of Raw Foundation’s Making Waves managed to pull off an aesthetic and ethical exhibition. Here are my photo’s from the show.

I had to produce a very short turn around. With a heavy christmas load and followed by several visualising jobs; I managed to get my work finished only just in time! Using a mix of digital watercolour and my pencil work, I managed to get a great affect, one I will surely practice and experiment later on.

Some photo’s of my work in situ.

The evening placed special emphasis on realistic solutions for the individual, business and community. The theme was action-focused, helping guests to reduce their own plastic footprint and towards improving Bristol’s European Green Capital Bid.

Speakers, panel debate and questions: the panel will included Jane Stephenson MBE, Resource Futures, Ian Dunn, CEO Galapagos Conservation Trust and Simon Dawes from the Environment Agency. The debate was chaired by the prominent botanist and ecologist Prof Sir Ghillian Prance FRS VMH.

Artists: Andy Hughes, Fran Crowe, Stephen Rahn, David Forsyth, Oli Kirkham, Zoe Nicholson, Rob Reed and Poietic studio.

Something very different; Digitally created for Purely Payroll Magazine. Penny was designed for their Q&A section.

The design of a Short film poster, Illustrated by me for a production to be released late 2013. This is just the drawing, type to be added later by the designer.

Just a teaser! Think Green – or Blue? x

To kick it all off; Illustration, Fashion and Paris.

A few years ago (6 to be precise) I had a rather nice message complimenting my work from a Mlle Chat-Chat. She loved what I did and I enjoyed her work also. Back then a few emails and messages were passed back and forth, talking about such things as the process of work and the climate of being an illustrator. In 2011 I was invited to exhibit some abstract illustrations for a show called obelisk by Katherine Bannell. The show was also in Paris and here I invited Mlle Chat-Chat to attend the private view. Here we met for the first time face. Since then whenever she or I are in Paris or London we  do lunch or coffee – as us artists do! Although it is often the case as with her line of fashion work she is more likely to be in London. Well, she had an inspiring thought one day to curate her own collaborative show. With the helps of her creative contacts one such show was made; Face à Face.

There were seven artists exhibiting (including myself) and a very fashionable silk scarf manufacturer who’s produce was sold alongside the eyewear. I will go into detail about their work soon.

The location for the exhibition was Optics & Co; 18, rue Biot 75017 Paris. It is situated besides the Place de Clichy metro station in the hear of Montmartre, Paris. For those who don’t know Pairs well, Montmartre is a stunning part of the city where you have cobbled streets, ancient and traditional buildings and a host of art galleries, coffee shops and places of an indulgent interest. The gallery itself will still function as a shop for regular customers as the exhibition continues to run on until the 1^st of December 2012. The glasses that they sell are beautiful. I am in need of a pair so when I return I think I will buy some. I am unsure which make or shape but there are so much to look at (I tried a pair or two on!!).

The mental process of creation (Narrative in runestones). 

Every time I am asked to exhibit, I make a rule to myself as to produce new work. Although time wise its not too effectual, but I feel that I develop quicker and in turn, grow my portfolio and name faster. For this exhibition I had a serious think.

In English, the term face à face is very simply face to face. Illustrative portraiture and human interaction. In its simplest term this is what I produced, although my aim was to add narrative to what I was saying. I exhibited the original pencil illustrations. I regularly scan the original pencil work and then edit the cleanliness and levels of the piece in Photoshop – sometimes adding colour. What I am showing here is the finished digital version alongside photographs of the original illustrations. There are also some work in process photographs for your interest and enjoyment.

The concept of the work was to run a simple narrative in six pieces – I had enough wall space for six pieces of artwork. The idea was quite simple. Two dreamers are alone, they are both similar in their thoughts, wants and aspirations. They see each other, fall in love and together find happiness. It was a simple expression of humanity and adoration, one I wanted to keep basic as a love song.

Purely on my own effort and in my spare time, I have curiously studied various ancient cultures (and the associated relics). They are pre-roman, European, ways of living. I wanted to subtly slide this into my work. 

The story unfolds with the use of runic inscriptions subtly placed with meaning in the work. I used runes so I could add a subtle nod to those who knew about them in either the historical and esoteric form. I also wanted to contribute to the narrative by extending the visual language, without becoming pretentious and keeping each of the images’ innocent ‘pretty picture’ approach.

Runes

In case you are unaware of runic inscriptions, they are a communicational alphabet,  commonly found set within rune-stones. An ancient, Viking/Norse/Neolithic form of memorials to deceased men or women (the majority being men, especially within war or of high importance), most Scandinavians would be rune literate. They are found all over Scandinavia and around most the northern and western Islands of Britain and north-central Europe. It may seem a dark subject but there are a lot beauty within the translation of the inscriptions into English. They are found not only on stones but ancient swords, shields and bronze pendants. One of the oldest runic alphabets is found at the Kylver stone, Gotland, Sweden and it dates from the fifth century. There are a vast amount of runic poetry on stones throughout Scandinavia that tell folk tales of the era. Some of these poems are more Pagan than others, particularly those from Iceland, where Christianity was not yet as widespread as it was in the Anglo-Saxon regions.

Runes are still quite a mystery. Each character resembles a particular characteristic or meaning – similarly to how in modern language, a character or symbol represents a sound. They appear to run in patterns, which have particular traits or groupings. Unlike many contemporary language structures these are not so easily defined. Scholars have used their Germanic origins to organise them into three aetts (meaning families or groups) but I have sidestepped creating sentences in an attempt to avoid any misunderstandings. I used individual runes to portray its specific associated meaning. There are variations of alphabets within each local dialect, I used the most popular; the fuþark alphabet. It is an alphabet that has great Esoteric importance, one could consider it a journey or a spiritual odyssey where the traveler or audience may face hurdles, receive gifts and particularly learn lessons that will aid their development as a human being. Its a very personal process steeped in mystery and myth. I adhere to the mystery of these inscriptions as they provoke  in me a sense of curiosity and romance. I resemble personal opinions to how the Norse world view. Both are reflections of life’s flowing cycles and patterns. Although mine have no apparent dragons or giants.

Here I should note; Although I have followed rune interpretations that are founded in historical evidence, they are at some point, partially putative. I am no scholar of antiquity (please, if you are a scholar of such things – get in touch I would love to learn!) so my own passion of curiosity is the only fundamental truth behind the exegesis.  

Face à Face 

The narrative starts with the two dreamers and two perspectives. They are alone and apart but at the same time, in their own world they are the same. They have there individual differences; as so does everyone, but they are idealistic and similar because of that. Sometimes in my life when I cant explain certain things but the understanding is there I use the phrase “the same but different” that’s what they are as lovers.

JS

I wanted to move the narrative on and quite simply, the woman see’s him first.

The drawing is a crop from the model, Jean Shrimpton. As this is Paris, I had to swindle some fashion in there. At the height of her fame she was dubbed “The It Girl”, “The Face”, “The Face of the Moment” and “The Face of the ’60s” – A good face, to face drawing. 

LHSM

Pencil on paper – October 2012. Copyright 2012 Robert Reed

The stereotypical icons of the UK: I brought The Beatles with me to Paris. I wanted to say hey “I don’t know if you noticed, I’m British” – Simple as that. Curated next to the Jean Shrimpton piece the exhibition would boast two icons (or “faces of..”) of the 60’s. A true Face à Face.  The narrative is equal to that of the heroin, she see’s him; He see’s her.I had an odd thought that each Beatle could reinforce the rune narrative. Each one resembles the four elements of life, but that may be taking things a little too far.

Rune: mannaz : man, humankind

Phonetic equivalent: m

MEANING: significator, self, community, relationships, social concerns

In its broadest sense, mannaz represents all of humanity, therefore; the entire realm. In more practical terms, it reminds us of our nature as social animals. It also represents our connection with all Gods and nature. It’s our social conscience, reminding us of those who we affect with our deeds.The rune itself resembles the joining of masculine and feminine elements.  Representing an entire web of human relationships, with the self at the centre. Through past and present, male and female, self and other – all opposites are joined here and made whole. Mannaz is ‘home’, it speaks for all those whose lives we touch; especially when we use the gifts we have been given.

▲ Femme

Pencil on paper – October 2012. Copyright 2012 Robert Reed

She falls in love. She is nature.

The Model: Lana Del Rey. – To keep contemporary.

The heroin, looking inward notices the journey she has begun. A journey of love but also a reflection of life. Resembled in the flowers; all things must bud, blossom and then perish – and so the wheel of life continues. Although death is as necessary as birth, I feel there is no real end to a journey. Therefore I have no representation of perishing in either this image or in the set. I want the viewer to appreciate love’s pinnacle and this being a snap shot of time and beauty.

In this image there are three Runes:

I have a vested and deep personal adoration for the world and more specifically, the nature within the British isles. An ideology that unfortunately other people have been unable to adopt. Its the connection with the land we live upon. There is a segregation of values and its consequences could prove disastrous. The simple line is that the earth has a sustainable balance. One we as humans need to respect The significance of this rune lies in its balance. A representation of a harmonious relationship between the four elements and the four directions.

▲ Homme 

Pencil on paper – October 2012. Copyright 2012 Robert Reed

He falls in love. He is divinity.

The Model: Josh Beech. – To keep contemporary.

To concur with the law of polarity, the reflective state of mind from the female is mirrored by the male doing the same. The male protagonist with an arrow at his throat, faces the inevitable peak of love. His has also noticed the development of the personal journey. His thoughts escape into the world. He is the growth of the world yet he is also the harvest. He is the protection, the giver and taker away. 

Again like his counterpart,  there are three Runes:

Together, We dance the world into being.

Pencil on paper – October 2012. Copyright 2012 Robert Reed

The universal laws run through everything and everyone. As ‘fate’ takes our hand and guides us to our destiny, goal or the ensuing crescendo; every mere mortal shall take their own time and experience in the wheel of life. Hopefully, in that small ecliptic period; they shall fall in love. 

fehu : cattle

Phonetic equivalent: f

MEANINGS: prosperity, money, wealth, concern with physical and financial needs, goals, promotion, self-esteem, centeredness, karma

Fehu is both the day-to-day reality of our lives and the catalyst that awakens us to what lies beyond. It is whatever we think we are seeking, which frequently bears no resemblance to what we will eventually find. It is also our home, for after all our wanderings we will still need to attend to our physical needs and ground ourselves in the simple pleasures of home, family, and good work.

Fehu reminds us that we must be secure in our physical situation before embarking upon any spiritual journey. We all must begin with the mundane reality of our lives. In many ways, we have become as domesticated as the cattle, living our day to day existence without wanting or even being aware of anything more being possible. The first step in breaking away from this situation is to catch a glimpse of what is possible, without dwelling on what security we may lose to attain it.

kenaz : torch

Phonetic equivalent: c (as in ‘candle’)

MEANING: wisdom, insight, solution to a problem, creativity, inspiration, enlightenment

The Scottish ‘ken’ means to know or understand, and this is the sense in which the rune should interpreted. Today, light, inspiration and knowledge are often associated, as in ‘gaining enlightenment’ and ‘shedding light on the problem’. To bring light is to make the invisible visible. This knowledge will generally come in the form of a sudden inspiration, and we will be able to see clearly the answer that was once hidden from us. It does not come through conscious effort but rather through passively opening one’s self to it. Thus, a more feminine element is added to our journeyer’s experience. The act of bringing light into the darkness is also a creative one. Again consider the image of the person carrying a torch , representing the masculine elements of fire and air, entering the cave and penetrating the feminine realm of earth and water. This joining of masculine and feminine elements results in the creation of new ideas. In physical terms, this can be correlated to the application of fire to mold and shape matter – the art of the smith.

 sowulo : sun

Phonetic equivalent: s

MEANING: success, positive energy, increase, power, activity, fertility, health

The sun is held sacred by almost every religion in the world. Its light and warmth symbolize life and growth and all that is good. A symbol of life and fertility, and usually considered ‘masculine’ in polarity, although in Norse myth the chariot is driven by a girl. The swastika or sun wheel is a constant motif in rock carvings dating back to Neolithic times, and occurs throughout Europe and Asia. The sun rune itself is a variation on this symbol, and represents motion and energy. Sowulo represents success and glory. However, unlike the rest and relaxation of Valhalla, the sun is very much an active symbol. We have reached the end of the aett successfully, and the conclusion is a positive one, but in this case we are fully aware of the changing and transient nature of the universe. We can see a wolf at our heels, and we know that we must move on. Here, though, the journeyer may pause briefly in the warmth and light of the sun, absorbing and applying its energy to the work ahead. This time we won’t need to be blasted out of our safe position, but will rather choose to leave it in order to continue on the journey.

gebo : gift

Phonetic equivalent: g (as in ‘girl’)

MEANING: gift, offering, relationship, love, marriage, partnership, generosity, unexpected good fortune

Gebo is a rune of connection, particularly the connections between people. Up until now, our journey has been a solitary one. This rune represents those places where our path intersects with others, and allows us to begin to form conscious relationships. Such relationships are strengthened and sanctified by the exchange of gifts. The use of the gift as a symbol of an oath or a bond is an ancient one. When a lord wanted to ensure the loyalty of one of his subjects, he would give that person a gift. The gift would create a debt on the part of the person receiving it, and this debt would ensure his readiness to serve his lord. Similarly, a gift given between lovers, especially that of the ring, symbolises the bond between them. Originally, only the man gave the ring in a marriage for much the same reason as the lord giving gifts to his vassals, but today the arrangement is usually more equitable.

wunjo : glory

Phonetic equivalent: w

MEANINGS: success, recognition of achievements, reward, joy, bliss, achievement of goals, contentment

Wunjo is the last rune of the first aett, and thus represents both the end of one cycle and preparation for the next. It is a very positive, stable rune, and is another place where people tend to get stalled along their journey. Christian poets related it to heaven, but in fact it more closely resembles the Pagan Valhalla, since this particular paradise is not a permanent one.

We have achieved success on one level only, and there are many more lessons to be learned. It is, however, a welcome respite which allows us to rest and prepare ourselves for the rest of the journey. It also gives us some perspective, allowing us to look back and reflect on the road thus far. Wunjo gives us a glimpse of what is possible, but if we try too soon to reach out and grab it, like the Grail it will disappear between our fingers.

Home Office Je t’aime, Merde Merde Merde..

Taking the Eurostar from St. Pancras London to Gare du Nord, Paris is regularly an unpainful one. With the right organisation it takes no more than 3 hours and with a cheap ticket. But for me? No… It didn’t happen this easily.

I was expected in Place de Clichy at 16.00 I arrived at 22.00 – A little late you could say. I was up at 05.00 and I left somerset at 6.45 from my local station Templecombe. I had my return Eurostar booked at 1pm. I was expecting to get to Paris a little later than desired but through changes I had no choice and as long as I was there before 18.00 It wasn’t that big a deal. Well, I lost my passport the night before (It still hasn’t been found). I took the first train to Waterloo and visited the Home Office in Victoria. The Home Office said on their website that you could receive a premium passport for a fee of £128 and collect it within 4hours. After much deliberation I received the forms needed for me to receive an urgent passport. I still needed to find someone to act as a guarantor for me. My good friend Nick Marsh travelled from Bow and helped me. Once I had the passport forms filled in the lady on the counter wouldn’t accept Nick’s side of the form as he was a freelance illustrator and not in employment – we needed his tax details. So, at 12.00 I travelled out east – A good 40 minute journey from Victoria to collect his details (I shall say right here I was at my lowest). I had four hours sleep due to me looking for the lost passport and the woman at the Home Office seemed quite content in negatively instructing me about my options, they were all pointing home. On the tube back to Victoria I was certain to give up and go home as I had already missed my train to Paris and will be very late. Nick gave me a lot of positive encouragement before I left to Victoria and I shall always thank him for it. On the lonely 40minute, counting stations tube journey I contemplated returning to Waterloo. Only to change my mind and at least see if they could process my passport request. Between Victoria underground and the Home Office my mother called. A great deal of statements and suggestions were received, they were wrapped in positivity and orders. After which, my aunty rang and did the same. A great deal of help was received from both, I headed to the Home Office and enquired.

The form went through ok. It passed and I collected my passport at 17.30 that evening. I did spend four extra hours waiting to collect it. I have never spent so much time in Victoria. I would like to say I like the place but my experience has only added to my on growing opinion that its just full of Hen Nights and B&Bs. A place I would in future have a branded memory of extreme tiredness and confusion.

I have to also say Thank you to Hayley Simmons for seeing me after her shoot in Kensington. A real sight for very sore eyes! After a coffee and a catch up I felt on my way to getting there in at least one piece at most a broken man!

I had no idea if I could buy another Eurostar ticket. I was tired. I had my new (very tired photo) passport and a large suitcase travelling through London’s rush-hour. I knew I had missed being able to put my work up for the gallery viewing for the artists and Gallery staff but I was going to make Saturday’s private viewing. I bought an ‘on the day’ price ticket – I was going to France!!!

I couldn’t sleep on the Eurostar as I had too much coffee.

I arrived in Paris at 21.00 and I had to remember how to use the Metro system and find Place De Clichy. I had no working phone as I was abroad and never registered it as I was wanting to save money. No-one from the gallery knew whether I was coming or going. I was exhausted and embarrassed (The walk from Gare du Nord to La Chapelle (Metro line 2) is a rather long one for anyone interested). But out I popped at Place De Clichy and after a 20 hour day …  I got there!!!! 

Montmartre. Paris. November 2012

Lesson learnt: Put important documents in an important place – Then don’t forget the important place! And always say thank you for the help received. I hope Karma gives all those who were kind enough to help their return. 

Montmartre. Paris. November 2012

Sacré Cœur, Montmartre. Paris. November 2012

The next day I was able to put up my work … 

Mlle Chat Chat - www.mllechatchat.com

Mlle Chat Chat - www.mllechatchat.com

Edouard Roques - edouardroques.ultra-book.com

Jwls - www.jwls.fr

Geraldin Georges - www.geraldinegeorges.be

Geraldin Georges - www.geraldinegeorges.be

Carole Wilmet - www.carolewilmet.com

Miss Armis - missarmis.ultra-book.com

There was an amazing silk scarf maker. I was unable to take any photo’s but I have to point you to her as her design’s are brilliant!! - http://www.antagoniste-clothing.com/

‘Gueule de bois’/The hangover.

After a very successful night (All my postcards are taken!!), I have received numerous messages with compliments and praise. Mlle Chat – Chat - I have to say thank you so much for putting it on.

Thank you to all who came and saw. Thank you to everyone I met — Really enjoyed it

A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. 

But if you are in Paris, Please go and visit,  it is on until the 1st of December 2012. It is such a cool little venue and full of awesome things.

Front Cover

I was commissioned to create the artwork for London based folk musician Mich. Her tastefully named album ‘Chocolate’ (Excuse the pun there!) is a medley of wonderful tales  and emotion.. Her sound has similarities to  Joni Mitchell and Lianne La Havas. The album release is on the 2nd November at The Troubadour  and released by Miridiem Records. It will be launched via Itunes very soon also.

Back Cover

Outside Sleeve

Inside cover – The CD lies above the guitar and the sleeves fold from the swirls either side.

Keep an eye on my twitter, hubpages and facebook as I shall be notifying its release on Itunes there.

Have a good day x

Well the article of myself and other fashionable folks are up online! You can read it fully a little later on..

But firstly! They only went and filmed me!!

It’s always very interesting watching yourself. Somewhat cringing but again still very happy to have been involved.

As you can see they have posted the write up of the whole interview. After re-reading it, I reminded myself of what I said. I think I came across rather well! It represents me well and I am happy for it to be spread into the world. Happy days! Fortunately  they missed out a cringing line (from as soon as it left my mouth I knew it was as fromage as brie!)  ”I wear clarks as being from Somerset its like walking through London representing a bit of home.” Gosh that was a blinder of a line! But yes I enjoyed every minute being snapped and filmed.

Please read the article here (You can also purchase the smart shoes I wore) .

Thanks Clarks!!

As many of you may be aware (If not you’re going to find out!) I am also a keen Harmonica player and more to the point; A Poet.

Recently I had a sudden urge to write something sincerely deep. My regular poetry I turn into songwriting and perform within a band. Others get put to one side to use at a later date (I am midway through an anthology of my work, I hope soon to self-produce an illustrated book of contemporary verse). My work has so far been generally about positivity, nature, growth, searching and developing. It’s normally extrovert and pleasantly ‘chipper’ so this new piece is something strikingly contrasting.

There are a few relations to my life. Something quite regular – boy meets girl – boy loves girl – girl loves boy – all pear-shaped - move on. We can all relate, well I admittedly have dramatised it a little but I think the finished piece is sincere, nostalgic and in lack of a better word; touching.

I wrote the words and music in one evening and then the following night I recorded a really low quality video. I have only my laptop to use so it wasn’t the best. But I know a little in After Effects and therefore managed to get away making it look moody. I recorded the audio using Garageband.

An MP3 equivalent is available to download for free on soundcloud. (click the link)

Please let me know any feedback as I am always wanting to develop. Please share if you like!

Thanks again and keep dropping by as you never know what I am posting up. Could be business could be fun. I am grateful for my good life and I promise the next blog poetry will be exceedingly ‘chipper’!!!

************************************************************************************************************************

Poetry and Harmonica by Reed.
Created using Garageband.

Poetry:

Two star-crossed lovers that flew into the sun
Too fast, too wild, too full of love, to none.

We are but two solitary arrows
Once tied within a bow
Now pulled apart in deprivation.
We go and fly alone.
Fired into burning skies within our hearts desire
Only painful cries and billowing
Desolation, smoke and mire.
After all is said and all is done,
All we have is ashes -
As useful to us now as for anyone,
Useful as wet matches.
We might as well throw it in the air as dust
Let time take us in its realm.
And in the wind we rust.

Two star-crossed lovers that flew into the sun
Too fast, too wild, too full of love, to none.

You taught me the wonders of your life.
My vision of us, I tried to instruct.
It ended lost in “I don’t care’s”
“I don’t know’s” and “I don’t give a fuck.”
Then Caught within a moment
As autumn leaves on branches
Sent to us to shake and mock,
And then to fall and die
Upon winters grasping, guarding stance.
Frozen hands on hearts of rock, Ego’s full of pride.
We crawled along the sharpened ground
Without jumpers to comfort;
That skinny love we found.

Two star-crossed lovers that flew into the sun
Too fast, too wild, too full of love, to none.

We had abundance in single seeds of happiness
Guided on, by each others dependence
Alone we sailed upon seas of bliss.
We gave each other freedom,
We danced, we danced in chance.
Yet now we are alone,
Upon two isolated Islands and neither of which, a home.
Oh how my soul is caught, and anchored
I hope your arrow flies upon another land
As I see mine falling upon the beach downwards
Head first, head in sand.
Go make smoke and fire in another place.
I will look at my embers,
With its reflection on my face.

Two star-crossed lovers that flew into the sun
Too fast, too wild, too full of love, to none.

I accept all things must grow then die
I know we had our time
I just need to get this out of me,
So I can move on,
But more importantly;
Feel,what it is to cry.
************************************************************************************************************************

Can also be found on Hubpages
Can also be found on Youtube

Click the image below to take you to YouTube:

I illustrated a tale by Michael Morpugo (Extracted from Michael Morpurgo: War Child To War Horses by Maggie Fergusson and Michael Morpurgo, published by HarperCollins, priced £18.99.) The story is about a sailor from England who in 1965 finds himself lost in Norway and landing at Arnefjord, a deserted village with only one occupant; Ragnar Erikson. You can read the story and see my illustration’s again, here.

Spot 1

Spot 2

Some photographs from print:

‘Summer Voyage’ – Pencil May/June 2012

‘Natural History Museum’ – May/June 2012

‘National Portrait Gallery’ – May/June 2012

This is to be printed on Iphone cases – Set 1 of 6. Keep an eye out for an update on these very soon!!

2 Days drawing July 2012

I was recently commissioned by The Lady magazine for last week’s issue (22nd of June 2012). The commission is for a full-page and two spots. The article was about a short story by Ruth Rendell called Catamount. It was an enjoyable brief to work on. I hope people like it!

June 2012 – Personal

VERY AFFORDABLE PERSONALISED PORTRAITS 

Would you or a loved one like a portrait done like the image below? Would you like to send a personalised gift or suprise?

For £50 you can have a SIGNED and ORIGINAL piece of Rob Reed  artwork — Sounds juicy eh?

All you would need to do is send a photograph to Rob@thisisreed.com and payment will be via paypal or a bank transfer (Please note that for £50 it includes featuring one person only at a size of an a3 portrait, only specific detail and includes P&P, any extra people, sizes or a full portrait of complete detail please email requesting a quote. For a framed piece a quote will be supplied depending on requirement). Offer Ends 5th August 2012.

If you have a preference to adding something sentimental, wacky, humorous, or plain rude, please don’t hesitate to let me know as I would probably do it! ..

Hopefully this will be quite popular and if there is a reasonable number of requests, I will host an exhibition in London using prints of the portraits*

*(if you would prefer not to be included it’s not a problem!)

Get in touch and Thank you!!!

The Science Museum, London ..

June 2012 -

A3 – Pencil work.

June 2012

A recent commission of a Surrey church.

Pencil (HB, 2B) and Cartridge paper. Time : 4 days (32 hrs).

May 2012