A flyer for the EAT project launching Saturday December 10th. The project combines the theme of food with Art and explores peoples feelings and attitudes towards healthy living.
An indepth look into the works of illustrations, graphics, music & photography presented by Leon Sparkes. Please view archive for complete history of past projects. Click pin links for work discription. Mail: imrleon@aol.com
The opening for our latest exhibition at The Drum, Birmingham will be on Thursday 15th September 2011 at 7.30pm. We will be there to discuss the work, engage viewers and do some sketching.
‘Dreams and stories’ is a collection of current paintings, illustrations and sculpture pieces by artists, Leon Sparkes and Deborah Brogden. It is a collection that came together when both artists started writing a collection of narratives inspired by abstract worlds, characters and dreams. The work is a mix of media and represents the artist’s emotions, observations and fantasies. With keen eyes for colour and pattern, both artists enjoy fusing their work and creating new territory.
The work is vibrant, experimental, and expressive. It continues to grow and mature while still manages to keep fresh in its originality. Both artists enjoy playing with colour, shape and form and presenting positive energy through their unique style. They believe in the power of Art to enhance spaces while promoting well being for the mind. The work also ties in with Black History month where the theme is ‘Africa calling’ where the influence of African sculpture has inspired them to create works using natural materials.
Stickman is one of the characters in this series and exists as a fictional narrative currently being written by both artists. He started off his life as a real man searching for something in a forest when he was struck by a large, falling branch. After falling unconscious he awoke to realise he was no longer a man, but was indeed a stickman…The story continues and is one of many books the artists are working on.
#EXHIBITION showing current work
@The Drum from Sep 5th – Nov 4th. 2011
AFRICA CALLING
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
OCTOBER
ILLUSTRATE CREATE
Leon Sparkes & Deborah Brogden
As part of The Bass Festival 2011 we created an installation reflecting our interpretation of the theme of revolution. We were lucky enough to be given the use of a constructed mini house which was erected next to the cafe in the main foyer. This fitted well with our ideas and concepts which we are interested in.
When the residency began we spent 4-5 days painting the shed interiorly and exteriorly. This took a lot of our energy and time. We worked organically, drawing out and designing the space freehand using our imaginations. It was a challenge and exciting at the same time working with a 3D space as we are used to working in 2D form. We chose 12 bright colours to make it bold, attractive and reminiscent of our style. We finished off with illustrations using Posca pens to add detail and quirkiness.
The house space worked well with our concept of home environment, revolution and technology.
We are interested in public engagement, hearing the views and opinions of local people and promoting drawing and creativity. This is something that The Mac visitors welcomed.
The focal point was the digital screen which was connected to a PS3 to present our digital graphics and original music. This created lots of interest and discussion as people were really keen on this feature. If only it had been touch screen! People were able to interact with this feature which proved successful and gave us more ideas for audience interaction.
In addition to the installation we had a featured wall where people could write/ draw on to. This proved popular as everybody wanted to make their mark. People of all ages participated in our activities, adding comments and freely expressing their creative thoughts.
Whilst painting, passersby always seem to stop and take a look which is the reaction we wanted. We had a lot of people ask us questions and engage in discussions about the project and related themes which was a great opportunity for promoting the festival, our work and The Mac.
We found that offering interactive activities such as message boards and free drawing allowed people to engage with the work on a personal level. The Tuesday Tunes was also a good feature as people jotted down their favourite tune on the message board and enjoyed this kind of participation. There were lots of positive comments about the work and people enjoyed observing us work at each stage of the process.
It was great working as a resident artist at The Mac as we began to become accustomed to its changing and diverse levels of visitors. People’s reactions were interesting too, some were enquiring and talkative whilst others remained quiet and observing. It was also brilliant to network with other artists and creative people. We are keen to take our ideas and interests into other public spaces and create other interactive installations.
