BONKERS CLUTTERBUCKS

I am currently an 'apprentice' on Project Object where we will meet weekly to develop a card model based around the templates designed by Bonkers Clutterbucks. We are sourcing images and inspiration from the archives at Blackpool Library and as you can see from the second image down I have focused on the Blackpool Tower Circus acts from before the war.
Working with Peter and Kate we gain an insight into the world of taking a product to market. So far we have heard from the buyers at Yorkshire Sculpture Park and learnt how Bonkers Clutterbucks started their business with modelling kits for children. Its just all so much fun!
For more information and where you can buy some of the lovely models seen above check out Bonkers Clutterbucks site here - http://bonkersclutterbucks.com/

NEW PEN CAMERA

Recently I have been spending lots of time at my grandparents house and as I bought my new camera on Saturday I decided to try it out at their house.
I must admit I have probably replicated some of these shots over the years but as a small collection with the exterior shots I like the story that comes across.
By picking out the details in the house and garden I am able to build up a story of the space and I love this way of photographing an area and building up the documentary style.
All of these were taken on the Olympus Pen and although I have only used it for a few hours I love the results!

GRANDAD'S SHED

Over the past few weeks I have been spending time at my grandparents house and this usually means helping with odd jobs about the house. While in and out of the shed I noticed a few things that really meant something to me. The top image is of my Grandad's skipping ropes, hung up and showing signs of the how much they have been used over the years he trained as a boxer.
The second image is of the family scooter that has been used by my aunt, uncle, mum, me, my brother and my cousin. Its now hung up ready for the next arrival and still looks in good shape!
What treasures have you found recently? I'd love to know!

INSTAGRAM BLACKPOOL

This week I decided that while walking to work each day I would try to get a shot of a part of Blackpool that I have never seen or photographed before.
My journey usually takes me along the back streets and near the back of the Winter Gardens. I soon realised that there are lots of old signs that I have no idea what they mean but are faded or painted onto the walls.
The Instagram app and my iphone make it so easy to snap these up and as you can see the effects are quite 'urban decay' looking and bring out the colours brilliantly.
If your looking for an app for your phone I would highly recommend Instagram!

CULTURE SHOPS FINAL ROUND

The Culture Shops programme is supported by Blackpool Council and enables artists to exhibit their work in an empty shop in the centre of Blackpool. During this time of recession the project aims to make otherwise empty and dull spaces vibrant and interesting.
Friday 13th saw the final round of this programme and included artists such as Garth Gratrix, Michael Cassidy, John Mark Allen and the Langdale photography group. After a brief introduction at FYCreatives we all walked down to the space located at the old Bar Red site to listen to the artists talk about the theory behind the artwork.

Click here to find out more about the artists and the Culture Shops programme.

MANCHESTER

Over the bank holiday weekend I managed a trip to Manchester. As I was a passenger it was easy to snap up the great architecture from the window when we stopped at the lights or in traffic.
As you can see there are many unique buildings in the city and sadly most are boarded up including the Salford Cinema building.
The last few shots were taken at the Manchester Art Gallery. I love the interior and almost everywhere you look there is details or something interesting.
The photography exhibition on at the moment by Roger Ballan is very thought provoking and I recommend you go and see it if in the area. Click here for details.