A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that Green Door were hosting an International Print exchange. I had planned to submit a design based around one of my Lucha Libré characters. Unfortunately this just wasn't working out. I think that the size constraint of the print, 10cm x 10cm was just too fine for the image. I agonised long and hard over this (for a bit anyway) and decided to do this instead. I have recently re-vamped my web site and this is part of the new logo that I designed for it. Worked out really well.

Boy, was that hard work?

Setting up the exhibition on Friday was a bit of a task. The room that we had, top floor of Cafe Zen, was, well, a bit grubby. So before Anna, Pan, Nat, Chris and myself could even start to hang the work there was a bit of cleaning and tarting up to be done. To be honest, I didn't think that we would be done in time but, as usual, everything came together at the end. Man, was I knackered? I found out that we actually have the space for a whole year so the pieces should change periodically. There are some pics here on Flickr.

Had two pieces of news today.

Firstly the show at Café Zen is being set up on Friday. There's a private viewing on Saturday, from which I should have some photo's, and it's set to run from the 22nd for public viewing. If you're in the local vicinity, go check it out.

The next item of news is that my work will be included in a book. How cool is that? The book is called Lucidity and it's been put together by a guy called Tom Wild and showcases the work of artists from all over the world. Tom has had numerous requests for copies of the book from design agencies so you never know...

I'm doubly excited about this because one of the artists included along with yours truly is Tommy Kane. I've followed this guy for a while and really dig his work.

The Café Zen show is running a little behind. Actually, I think I was premature with the announcement. It should take place the week of the 22nd June onward (for a couple of weeks I think). At least I'm all ready, I'm usually late for things, or down to the wire at any rate. In the mean time I'm updating my web site and working on some other items, new prints etc. There is an international print exchange organised by Green-Door and I thought that I might submit this. It's only a small image, 10cm x 10cm, but it should look nice once its printed.

I'm ready...

for the show at Café Zen. As any reader of this blog will know, and yes I do have a few readers, I have been working on these images for a while now (a quick check tells me it was back in February when I started work on these). And, drum roll please, here they are, framed and ready to hang either next Thursday or Friday. I'll be dropping them off at Green-Door tomorrow ready for the big day. This'll be my first real show participation since way back in 2003. I have to say that I am really excited. I had to take a quick snap of the little blighters just to see what they look like together and I think they look the dogs. But then I would wouldn't I.

These four prints are in editions of fifty, printed on acid free 300gsm paper and, should anyone fancy one, are available for £85 each (p+p to be advised - UK and world wide).

This a redux of 'Beetlebum', a print that I thought I had finished back in January. I was never completely satisfied with the finished article so, when I was approached by someone recently who had asked for a copy, I tool the opportunity to have another stab at it. The original was executed in three tones of blue which, while o.k.,always seamed a little flat. I decided to take out the darkest shade of blue and replace it with black. I also added an out line to the typographic elements. If you compare this with the original I hope you'll agree that the changes are for the better.

This is an edition of 20, 28cm x 19cm and is available for the princely sum of £50 (+£5 postage in the U.K.). Anyone interested in obtaining a copy can contact me at mail/remove/@mickstatham.com

So, this is how it goes...

First prep the screens and expose the image.

Fix the screen into the press


Ink it up and make a registration print

If everything's good, add more ink and start printing

Before you know it you have a row of lovely prints.

O.K. so it's not that simple. I just didn't take enough pictures.

My four 'Pantheon' series prints are now in the bag so all is set for the show at the Zen Café, a local arts café in the centre of town. Not sure of the date of the show yet but it's looking imminent.

I also have a small interview up at 'The Tools Artists Use'. It's a really great snooping resource. If, like me, you like to read about other artists techniques and modus operandi, you should really check this out.

Later this week I'm going to post some photo's of my work space at Green Door studios to let folks see how I work when I'm there.

It's two o'clock in the morning. Just finished the prep work for number four:Poseidon. I'm officialy knackered. Need sleep. Got to print this tomorrow. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

I've been back from Italy for only a week but it feels like so much longer. Funny how the daily routine pulls you back to reality so quickly.

I've only been across the channel once before, a few years ago, to Barcelona. That was an amazing trip and I thought that Barcelona would be an unbeatable destination. How wrong I was. Italy has to be the most amazing place that I've ever been to. It certainly beats Britain hands down. There wasn't one thing that I can say was a disappointment. The scenery, the company, the locals (that's the Italians, not the pubs), the architecture , the art. Even the food was really good. And those who know me, know that I have food issues. So this was a feat in itself.

I didn't manage to do much sketching, only one in fact, which I've posted on Skineart. There just wasn't the time. And I'm a lazy sod which might account for it. There are photos on Flickr for those interested. Oh, and we stayed here. How awesome is that?

So back to work. Got one more print design to produce. Hopefully this will be ready for this Thursdays visit to the studio. It'll be Poseidon, which will be the fourth in the series of prints that include Ares, Hades and Medusa.

If I can get my act together that is.