Land, Sea & Stars | Land, Sea & Stars

Chatham Dockyard

editor — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 11:50:08 +0000

I’m off to a meeting at Chatham today, so to get into the mood I’ve added some of my paintings from 2011 and 2012; A display from the RNLI museum exhibit, HMS Gannet, HMS Victory, and also a painting of the famous Chatham rope walk, where ropes are still made after over 200 years.

It’s Jester Challenge consideration time…

editor — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 13:19:36 +0000

“Do I do the 2015 Jester Atlantic Challenge?”

Thats running through my head a lot at the moment… I have a gap in 2015 before my Arctic2016 Expedition, and other projects will be at mid-way point by then.

The challenge is a solo trans atlantic from Plymouth, England across the Atlantic to the USA (and back), in a boat between 20ft and 30ft. -My preference would be to obtain a cheap folkboat and equip her for the voyage in my spare time…

I can’t keep putting the atlantic challenge off!

I’ll let you all know when i’ve made my mind up no doubt!

Sail raising with Shaun

editor — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 13:13:35 +0000

I spent sometime over the half term, on a day when it warm enough, showing my little brother Shaun how to operate sails and halyards on Iceni.

He’s used to bermudan Rigging and last year completed his level 1 RYA dinghy sailing with the fantastic Helen and Bernard at the Arethusa Centre in Chatham. I thought it was about time I spent some time with him teaching him Gaff rig and some classic sailing techniques in anticipation of getting him out for a few short trips before the Arctic2013 expedition.

Whenever Iceni gets her sails up we get attention and the very sweet Harry from the yacht Sea Genista, came over to say hello and see if we could share some knowledge on sailing. -He ended up showing shaun how to tie a bowline one handed and help me untangle my Staysail lines.

Lower Town, Fishguard, Pembrokeshire

editor — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 12:18:02 +0000

Lower Town harbour is one of my most favourite places in the world, when i’m there you can often find me in the famous Ship Inn talking to the landlord or my friends in the local lifeboat crew. Below is a selection of the paintings I have completed there during 2010 & 2012

If you are interested in any of these please email art@landseastars.co.uk and ask for more details.

Deptford Market fruit

editor — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 10:42:09 +0000

A painting from 2012 of fruit sellers at Deptford Market, london.

Typographic Artworks

editor — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 10:23:43 +0000

One of my passions from my years spent as a Graphic & Typographic designer is playing with letterforms. Below is a few ‘Typographic sketches’ I have put together inspired by places, seashanties, or simply what I am thinking.

A dear friend

editor — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 16:15:54 +0000

http://arctic2013.co.uk/?p=61

The above link is to an arctic on the Arctic 2013 website about the sad passing of my friend Jan. I will miss her a great deal, sadly she lost her battle with cancer.

My thoughts are with her lovely husband Richard, who together made me feel so welcome and ‘part of the family’ when I needed it most when I myself was ill.

Anyone who has ever been to the Ship Inn in Lower Town will know the immense feeling of welcome and friendliness they showed to their friends and customers.

You will be deeply missed.

Its cold outside, but still working!

editor — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 17:22:42 +0000

Well its cold and sleet-like out there and have to say i’m looking at Iceni and thinking… another month of work on her outside and she’ll be presentable for the pre-arctic publicity!

I tried to paint some of the deck in a few weather gaps this week and found the paint not sticking to the frozen steel work so had to give up for a bit.

We’re still also working with the police on the break in on her, sorting out if we can recover any of the vital navigation equipment should it turn up.

Even though its cold, wet, and miserable I am desperate to get out and get sailing, Iceni’s now 6 weeks away from sea trials so its all coming up soon!

Good news also today is that she may be appearing at Easter Weekend events at Chatham Historic Dockyard, thanks to the Medway Maritime Heritage Trust’s Nicola, moored up alongside their steam tug they have been restoring -recently seen in “Call the MidWife” on BBC1.

Exciting times ahead, but for now… a bit cold.

This sunday at LV21

editor — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 17:09:08 +0000

Sunday 17th February 2013
My friends, and shore-partners in the Arctic2013 Expedition have an event on their Lightship this sunday, you can find the details below, do say hi if you see me there.

The first of a series of events so you can get involved with Creative People and Places for Swale and Medway, an Arts Council programme that will encourage people to experience and be inspired by the arts.

The LV21 crew will cast out their nets to reel in a bumper catch of local people’s thoughts, ideas and suggestions. Drop in anytime to help create a “message in a bottle” installation, generate electricity by pedal power, star in a film about the day and enjoy a free soup lunch, tea and cake subject to availability. Visit their website: www.lv21.co.uk for more details.

Iceni broken into

editor — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 10:53:25 +0000

http://arctic2013.co.uk/?p=47

Above is a link to the Arctic2013 Expedition’s website detailing the items stolen from Iceni last week. If anyone can help return the items or aid Kent Police in their investigations please use the details at the bottom of that page to help.

Thank you.