The Vauxhall Tavern, Thursday 10th August 2023 through to September
5 stars xxxxx
A David Hoyle show is a truly unique experience and it is meant to be. I once described him as Kate Bush’s and Lyndsey Kemp’s love child. His talent is undeniable, and he asks his audience, as he narrates, to think out of the box with him.
As you look around the packed room, it mirrors “Warhol’s Factory. From the lady you feel sure may have been one of Warhol’s prodigy in her hay day with the bright pink hair, Trans adorned Hoyle’s congregations long before it became a topic of conversation. But it is not just the LGBTIQQ community that worship here. Men in suits that look like they have come from the city or just people who love art or good conversation can be found at David Hoyle shows.
” Everyone is beautiful in this room” David assures us all.
The atmosphere is electric before David even enters the room. If people-watching is your thing, part of the experience is to join liked-minded people before the show gets going. The excitement is mounting as a virgin David audience member whispers to me,
“I just love drag”.
“He is not drag”, I replied, well not in the traditional form: you won’t see Hoyle entering “Ru Paul Drag Race” any day soon. Certainly, he appears in tattered stockings and a night dress that had seen better days.
I would love to hear Michelle Visage questioning Hoyle’s sewing skills (I’d pay to witness his reply!).
Hoyle is simply art. You never know which David you’re getting and it reflects how he feels about the state of the world that night. One show he will walk on stage dressed like Frank N Furter meets Bowie’s Space Oddity, oozing glamour. The next show his hair will be in bunches like Violet Elizabeth, his tooth having fallen out, talking about poverty as an artist. Or he walks on with his face bare, a few nights after the Manchester bombing (his now home town), opening his heart to the pain we are all feeling.
He moves amongst us handing out autographed prints of his actual artwork. Hoyle uses his audience as his paint brushes. He asks those at the front why they have taken prime position if they did not want him to point them out.
Hoyle does not take cheap shots at people unlike so many that humiliate audience members. Even when confronted by the more difficult patron. To this day it still makes me chuckle to think about when he asked a slightly drunk man what he did. “I do what you do”, grandly the man replied.
Hoyle retorted, “Really! I had no idea I was generic!”
Hoyle will make fun of himself, asking if anyone fancies a 61-year-old homosexual with a bridge tooth, he chats about the difficulties of dating as an older gay man. David gives sermons on not fitting in the box, or on everyday life as an artist, or those that do not want to conform or those that do. He does not ask you to agree or disagree, but merely to think. This may not sound like a form of entertainment, but it is, and he packs out venues with those wanting to hear him.
Hoyle always finishes off by doing a portrait of an audience member. Again it could be ritual humiliation but instead the chosen one is always made to feel special, but the audience is in hysterics.
David is so very special , and it is a joy to walk away having seen someone so gifted who often bares more than his soul to his audience . Please go see this icon.
I’m deeply sad I’ve missed my chance to go to the Eras Tour in London, but I’m not mad.
Her lyricism will stay close to my hopeless romantic heart but I wonder, do the haters even bother listening to her music before they attempt to annihilate her?
Unlike some people out there who drool over their screens with a fool’s smile to let their hatred towards her be known.
I love that Taylor Swift is so insanely popular, good on her for being a smart businesswoman but also an incredibly clever artist.
What must it feel like to achieve something so revolutionary through art that it brings you everlasting fame and wealth?
I feel slightly envious as an artist myself sometimes and I think we all do when we see her on our socials at least two times a day.
However, the jarring hatred she receives baffles me to bits. I wouldn’t call myself a hardcore Swiftie but I love her music, I can acknowledge an artist’s journey to this point and choose to be inspired rather than project my insecurities onto her.
I have a sense of humour and I’ll admit, some of the memes are actually funny. If it’s in good humour and the creativity of the shade makes me gag, I’ll have a laugh or two.
She has cats but that’s funny
But if it’s down bad cruel and insensitive, I fail to understand the purpose behind it. What’s worse, it comes from her own fans occasionally.
Social media has become such a hotspot for people to help someone rise to fame, be proud of them when they do but also find reasons to drag them down when they get “too famous’.
The irony is ridiculous. What do people really achieve when they type negative comments about someone, to express a moment of anger on a complete stranger and call it a job well done?
They actually don’t realise that their hateful interaction is probably adding more digits to her bank account so, continue I guess?
Taylor Swift has had a target on her back the day she turned famous. She’s heard it all, she abandoned country music for pop, she’s boy-crazy, she’s way too opinionated, her music is average and she doesn’t deserve the recognition she gets.
I’m coming from a neutral Swiftie perspective when I say so much of what the media has fed us has made us believe she’s not a worthy artist at all. Which is FAR from the truth.
It takes away from the beautiful songwriter and producer she actually is. Her remarkable vocals, captivating stage presence and how she never fails to put on a fabulous show for her fans.
I’ve watched videos of her performances and heard a lot about how thrilling she is on stage from a few friends who pounced at the opportunity to see her.
I admire the passion her true fans have for relentlessly standing by who she is. She knows how to provide for them and they receive all that she has to give with open arms.
Isn’t that the point of loving an artist anyway? Aren’t we all in some way shape or form emotionally attached to that one artist or band that we just want to see conquer the world?
My loyalty lies with Lady Gaga and always will but when I see artists like Taylor Swift who has a palm on the world, I’m thoroughly impressed by the sheer guts it takes to achieve such a thing.
But what I can say as a writer is the consistency of her talent in all her songs. She takes me on a journey from what was perhaps a sad portion of her life and makes me see how she struggled but prevailed in a just a few minutes.
Her songwriting dances on the fine line between, “Oh my god did this really happen? Who is she talking about?” and “Oh wow that must have been so painful and confusing but good for her breaking out of it.” She is a genius storyteller.
The sister albums, Folklore and Evermore made me completely fall in love with her artistry for life. I can’t begin to tell you how brilliant these two albums are in terms of variety as an artist.
She piqued my interest most when she entered her villain era with Reputation. I was re-introduced to her as an artist gone rogue and I loved it. The release she found through that album was I’m sure, cathartic for her but also for the confused teenage me.
Taylor Swift in her Reputation era. Picture credit: The Hollywood Reporter
And she just didn’t stop after that, did she? She recorded Lover, she had the drama with her toxic ex-producers mooching off of her. She re-recorded all of the songs from her older albums while simultaneously working on new material for Lover, Folklore, Evermore and Midnights.
She works HARD for her art and her brand. This is a woman who knows her worth and will fight tooth and nail to stand up for herself while delivering exquisite pieces of music.
I didn’t entirely listen to the Midnights album but I have a few songs that I will listen to for the rest of my life. Anti-Hero being one of them that really helps me put things into perspective. When she says, “Must be exhausting always rooting for the anti-hero” that hits deep. I smile at the thought of being my own worst enemy so I truly ‘Shake It Off‘ and return to myself.
I’m still working on the Tortured Poets Department because let’s be real, 30 songs?? I love her but I don’t love her All Too Well (okay I’m going to stop with the Taylor puns).
I’m taking it day by day and listening to perhaps 1-2 songs, giving them all of my attention so I can fully take in what she’s trying to say.
But this is what I mean when I say, she feeds her fans and she feeds them WELL. I’ve never once heard a Swiftie tell me they’ve had enough. This woman is making her fans tweak the tectonic plates! That kind of energy is monumental.
I’ve had conversations with my Swiftie friends recently, we’re all kind of on the same page with how much we love her. We agreed that as much as we adore her, we want to see more and not just the break-ups or the boy troubles. For instance, when she spoke about how she dealt with her mum’s cancer in ‘Soon You’ll Get Better‘, that was an invite into another side of her vulnerability that we were aching to see.
She goes into intricate details about relationships which could either be real or fictional, who knows? And the boy-crazy songs may not be entirely for me but the way she sees love and how she heals after a separation resonates with me on a human level.
Ultimately an artist’s purpose is to feel seen through their work and hope for people to find themselves in it. Taylor Swift has done precisely that on an enormous scale and it was not overnight.
She has been around for over a decade, her growth was erratic but she continued to wear her heart on her sleeve. I mean let’s not forget she has 14 Grammys to her name.
Unfortunately the dark side of the internet will find reasons to dehumanise her relevance in the world. Scrutinising her relationships, the private planes, the snot coming down her nose and the list goes on.
But this is a message from a neutral Swiftie who sees and appreciates her art for what it is and promises to not shame her for what I don’t know.
She makes the teenage girl in me very happy and the woman in me sees the woman in her. She’s a girl’s girl but not just any girl, she’s a woman who stands on business and is a legend in her 30s, that’s pretty iconic to me.
Here’s a few of my favourite Taylor Swift lyrics that I appreciate as a fellow poet:
Song:Exile by Taylor Swift and Bon Iver. “I think I’ve seen this film before, and I didn’t like the ending. You’re not my homeland anymore, so what am I defending now? You were my town, now I’m in exile, seein’ you out.”(Excuse me miss Taylor and Bon Iver, you’re not allowed to know how I see separation, get out of my head but stay in my heart)
Song:My Tears Ricochet. “And you can aim for my heart, go for blood. But you would still miss me in your bones. And I still talk to you (when I’m screaming at the sky), and when you can’t sleep at night (you hear my stolen lullabies)” (Sobbing, I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels this deep)
Song:Cowboy Like Me. “Now you hang from my lips, like the Gardens of Babylon. With your boots beneath my bed, forever is the sweetest con.” (How does she manage to take me on such a dreamy, romanticised journey and snaps me back to reality at the same time? It’s simply sensational)
Song:False God.“But we might just get away with it, religion’s in your lips, even if it’s a false god. (We’d still worship..) We might just get away with it, the altar is my hips, even if it’s a false god, we’d still worship this love. (I didn’t ask for this biblical sensuality but okay, take me to CHURCH)
Song:Guilty as Sin?“What if I roll the stone away? They’re gonna crucify me anyway. What if the way you hold me, is actually what’s holy? If long suffering propriety is what they want from me, they don’t know how you’ve haunted me so stunningly. I choose you and me…religiously.” (The way she makes biblical references is intriguing because that’s how much she views love, like a union of two souls praying for harmony against forces that try to tear them apart)
I might be a total Swiftie in denial but it’s against my morals as a little monster to exclusively call myself one.
The haters can hate all they want but Taylor Swift will continue to serve exceptional music, poetry, love, entertainment and pure talent as always and we will always be, ready for it. (I had to)
John Lee Bird with Mark Wardel at the 'You are a doll!' exhibition
John Lee Bird’s brings solo exhibition to The Crypt, London from 9th-29th August
This intimate display of John’s creative imagination through small-scale textile dolls will wow you.
‘You are a doll! exhibition by John Lee Bird
Tucked away in an underground pub is a doll exhibition by the genius, John Lee Bird.
I was greeted warmly by him before I could step into his lair of imagination. He was a piece of artwork himself with a campy-gothic paint dripping down his head. I could not wait to dive into his world of art, knowing the person behind it has such a lovely yet intriguing presence.
I may have taken five or six rounds to completely capture the essence of each doll in the exhibition. They were all dolls of friends and celebrity idols who are an inspiration to him.
I think my favourite would have to be the doll Scarlet Johansson’s ‘Under The Skin‘. I’m a huge fan and John’s doll is the perfect representation of such an underrated film.
It was then that I realised that each of the dolls had intricate details that told a story. Some were statement dolls, others were silly, goofy and absolutely out of this world. No really, there were aliens and predators.
The entire display was an enigma and the depths of John’s mind made me wonder, how does he do it? And why?
I asked him a few questions to understand the purpose behind his explorative, niche art.
When did the creation of your dolls begin? What sparked the idea?
I had a little accident and slipped, ended up in hospital and diagnosed with a spinal problem. I could barely walk or do anything so confined to my kitchen table I looked down at my art/craft stash of materials and spotted some sheets of black and white felt and a ball of orange wool and for some crazy reason (or just because I’m a Bowie nut) decided I’d make a David Bowie doll; the look from the LOW album and THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH.
Twelve hours of messing around later it was done. All the little movements, reaching out to pick up cotton, stretch to grab some stuffing or some beads…it was a form of exercise and relief from the pain I was in. Plus hand stitching takes time so it filled the day of boredom trapped at home and distracted me from the pain I was in. So that night I ordered a whole bunch of felt. I’d made one Bowie so now I surely had to make 69, because he died when he was 69. Thankfully Amazon did next day delivery so my project was born. For 69 days I made a new Bowie doll each day. It was an excuse to dive deep into each album and outtakes and live recordings. To play things on loop as I stitched. I used stitching and Bowie as therapy.
How long does it take to make one of them?
About 12 hours of constant sewing. Minus quite a few roll-up breaks when my brain is boggling over how to fold or roll or cut a piece of felt to conjure it into an outfit. Working out tiny pattern cutting isn’t really a thing I’d done before. Problem solving tailoring conundrums sort of motivate me while I’m stitching the boring bits like legs and arms. The fun bit is at the end when all the details start flowing into place.
Do you feel like this helped you find your calling as an artist?
I still draw and cut lino prints and make music. But making these ‘doll’ sculptures does give me focus. It’s become a daily practice, something that had never been on the horizon for something I wanted to do. I actually still have no idea why it’s consumed me so much, other than those odd stretches and problem solving bits that I mentioned earlier. I guess it really is just about me being so locked away from socialising, so I’m trying to document my heroes and friends.
To show them how much I appreciate them and how they inspire and motivate me. It’s a way to say hi and remind people that they’re important. Dolling up my iDOLLS.
John Lee Bird captured by Suey Sue
Which doll/collection of dolls do you have a deeper connection to? Any favourites?
Bowie, Alien, Derek Jarman, Simon Fisher Turner, Xiu Xiu, the ones of my cabaret and performance friends. Especially the ones that I’ve roped in to bring their dolls to life at this exhibition.
The ones I’ve made silly videos for: there’s a whole playlist on my YouTube channel where I’ve recreated trailers or made little promo videos for songs. Silly, humble tributes. Fully felted from my heart.
What do you hope for people to experience throughout this exhibition?
I hope people will look at their own inspirations and idols. Mix it all up like I do. Place their family and friends in the same rightful position with their heroes of stage and screen. To work out their own web…and maybe point out some idols I may have missed from my own obsessions along the way. My fingers still need to be busy!
The energy in the room was friendly, warm and full of laughter. If you’re looking for a cozy bar with vibrant people and a mind-bending exhibition in London, this is your sign to be a part of John’s brilliant way of existing.
Let the power of art lift you up in these troubling times.
Re print from 2022 by Steven Smith.
Read time:7 minute, 52 seconds
Art is subjective; arguably anything could be described as art. It has been said that as long as an artist says “what I have made is art” then it is art. Pulling a partially burnt door from the rubble of a derelict building and hanging it on your wall, then spray painting it, could pass as art. In fact, that’s exactly what one artist confessed to me that they once did, and it sold for a good price. But what makes a successful artist?
Experts in the art world often say that, unless you are represented by a prestigious gallery and have sold your pieces at one of the reputable auction houses for a hefty price, you cannot begin to describe yourself as a leading British or international artist. But in these days of spin and false news, many artists grandly describe themselves as just that – even if it is just on their own web page. That is why an artist being represented by a leading gallery is so important, it protects the consumer and cradles the artist. It is like good management for actors.
Your correspondent with actor and Loose Woman Denise Welch supporting her husband Lincoln Townley art https://lincolntownley.com
For me, if I walk into an exhibition and instantly see that an artist’s inspiration is another artist then I am not excited about their work. I am fine with artists being influenced by other artists’ work but if an artist recognisably channels legends such as Warhol, Bacon, Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst perhaps they need to rethink …
Hearing a truly talented, unique artist’s voice call out from their work is what captures me. It can send goosebumps up my neck when a crafted artist’s work is powerfully on display.
Take inspiration from the masters by all means but when your art is the equivalent to an X-factor contestant belting out someone else’s song, and a poor version of it at that, a great artist you are not. You may well be on the path to becoming one as long as, like many in the craft, you dedicate yourself to finding your own voice.
This is usually my favourite time of year as Frieze comes to town and the best galleries from around the world showcase their finest artists. Held in Regents Park, you can submerge yourself in an orgy of talented modern artists. Along with Frieze Masters, it feels like Christmas has come.
Sadly, Frieze, like many other events has moved online, but has offered lectures and courses and hopefully further experiences for art enthusiasts. It is be back in its typical glory now when this is all over.
The landmark Venice art festival “La Biennale” is still set to go ahead next year, with the British entry selected by the Hayward Gallery and British Art Council. Next year, we are represented by curators Manijeh Verghese and Madeleine Kessler, who are bringing a diverse range of art to the British tent. La Biennale shows every two years, with the last showing in 2019, represented by British artist Cathy Wilkes. It’s the cream of the art shows, and I was lucky to attend in 2017 as a guest of Israeli artist Michele Cole. I still get excited about my trip; it is a memory that will stay with me for life. It is well worth going.
The arts have suffered grievously during the pandemic, with many galleries and exhibition halls still closed. It was a ray of light to be invited by LGBTQ+ international artist, Pedro Sousa Louro, to the opening of START at the Saatchi Gallery. His work received rave reviews when he showed at the Kunstmesse art fair in Germany. Pedro, originally from Portugal, resides in Chelsea and has a studio in Wimbledon. Pedro was educated at the Chelsea College of Arts in London. Among his army of fans are celebrities such as Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s Holly Johnson.
Holly Johnson (l) with Pedro Sousa Louro
Holly says of Pedro’s work “I like the fact that his art does not mean anything in particular. It is geometry for the sake of geometry “
Going into its seventh year, START showcases new and established artists, attracting international exhibitors, although the artists at START must pay to show their work. START gives voice to artists hoping to make a name for themselves on a global stage while providing the perfect platform for new collectors to discover talent that might otherwise have gone unseen.
Included in this year’s programme is Korean Eye 2020, a teaser exhibition that gives an insight into the work of some of Korea’s most exciting young artists.
START founders, David and Serenella Ciclitira, were determined to support artists and push ahead with this year’s show, despite many sceptics. They recognise the difficulties faced by the art world during these tumultuous times. They appreciate that many people are not ready to return to galleries amidst the ongoing pandemic. They have made START a world leader that combines both online and physical reality. The Ciclitiras are aiming to make START a leader in the ‘phygital’ world, which marries both the physical environment and the online digital world at the same time
‘Serenella and I are committed to playing our part in supporting artists and galleries, and in getting the art-world as a whole back open for business.’
David Ciclitira
2020 has been a challenging year, to say the least. It is a time when we must adapt and innovate; we must come together, united, for the greater good of all our fellow artists and galleries.
The Saatchi gallery is one of the great London venues and brings a beautiful addition to the trendy Kings Road. My date for the open day was our Editor, Rob Harkavy. He was all suited and booted for the occasion. You can’t help but love the gallery the minute you walk in. For me, it is my dream home; it has been my fantasy to live in a gallery since I studied art as a teenager.
The celebrities were out in force. Anthea Turner was on hand to support David Bowie 20/20 Vision; a collection of photographs by Tony McGee, award-winning British photographer and friend of Bowie. This unique collection of never-before-seen images were hand-selected ‘on set’ by Bowie himself as a reflection of his own inner image, and are as powerful as they are poignant, beautifully capturing the essence of the shapeshifting, beguiling, enigmatic superstar. It blew me away. Anyone looking to buy me something for Christmas at £4k, one of these, please!
Loose Woman and award-winning actress, Denise Welch, was chatting to people at her husband’s section, the former PR-man-turned-artist, Lincoln Townley. Welch’s son, Louis Healy (star of Emmerdale) was also in attendance. Michael Caine has previously shared that he is a fan of Townley’s work.
The beautiful Gail Porter was also present and chatted to us. She was just charming.
START is well worth going to. The atmosphere is exciting, and there are one or two gems, depending on your taste. START also has a great bar on the third floor, where the Korean exhibition is, and there is some stunning work there.
Also open is the Brighton Museum; a hidden gem, but trust me, a must for everyone visiting the legendary gay seaside town. Among the exhibitions is Queer on the Pier. This community-curated display peers into local LGBTQ+ history. Celebrating the lives of the writers, artists, performers, activists and ordinary people who have made Brighton & Hove so fabulous, their stories are brought to life with film and photography, fashion and drag and oral histories. It is part of Be Bold, a series of collaborative exhibitions and events, programmed with Brighton & Hove’s LGBTQ+ communities.
Steven chats over coffee with art sensation Pedro Sousa Louro
Pedro Sousa Louro is one of the most talked-about LGBTQ artists at the moment. The Portuguese born painter is exciting the art world with his blend of styles and fresh take on painting.
Educated at the Chelsea College of Arts in London, Pedro’s work caught the attention of many at the prestigious Kunstmesse art fair in Germany last year. He is also among the headliners at the START art show this autumn at the Saatchi Gallery. Our very own art connoisseur, Steven Smith, catches up with him at his studio in Wimbledon.
Do you remember the first painting you ever did and what made you want to become an artist?
I was fascinated by Greek and Roman statues, especially the beauty of the naked form and the stillness from an early age. It caused quite a stir when my first drawing at school was a statue, and some teachers were not impressed, though others thought it was great. Of course, my style at the time was hardly refined, and to some eyes, it may have looked like mischief-making.
Either way, art captured my imagination from an early age and creating images was something that excited me. So, becoming an artist was something that has always been at the forefront of my life.
Who in the art world influences you?
Francis Bacon and Picasso, as well as Dame Rachel Whiteread and Robert Rauschenberg. Art is always a personal thing, and these artists really speak to me. When I am looking at their work, it moves me and inspires me to create.
What training did you do to become an artist?
I graduated with an Arts degree from the Chelsea College of Arts in 1998. Two decades later, I graduated from the Kensington and Chelsea Art College in Abstract Expressionism and Abstract Vision.
Your work has been shown all over Europe, and you are appearing later this year at START in the Saatchi Gallery London. Can you tell us a little about START and do your audiences differ from country to country?
It is my first time exhibiting at the Saatchi Gallery and START Art Fair in London. The timing could not be better. It is an honour to be a part of this prestigious event and a chance to network with new artists as well as established ones. The fair is a global gathering of artists and gives new talent a chance to show their work.
Last year my work was shown at the fifth Kunstmesse art fair in Leipzig, Germany. I do not think that the audiences differ. In every show that I have been a part of, people have been enthusiastic and inspiring.
What advice would you give to a young artist starting out?
It is not easy at all to be an artist seeking recognition, especially in these modern ages, where social media platforms are making a colossal and gigantic difference in the careers of artists. I’m one of them! I want to be recognised by the public and by the established art scene. I want my artwork and my abstract visual language on our new modern living expressionism to be taken seriously as another important artist legacy and statement. The advice is only one. Don’t stop working even in times when it seems you aren’t going anywhere. If we don’t stop working, we’ll arrive somewhere, and that is inevitable. If you don’t stop creating you will arrive somewhere – a good place or a not-so-good place – but you’ll arrive somewhere!
How do you think COVID has affected the arts and LGBTQ community in general?
I have seen artists, where I have my studio, for instance, leaving their studios because they cannot afford the rent or because they have lost their other jobs, the direct income support of their lives. It is unfortunately sad, but on the other side, I have seen so many artists making sales over the internet and on social media platforms. Some of them did exceptionally well.
Do you think that with apps like Grindr and Scruff being so popular, romance is dying?
Inevitably, yes. The technology of these sex and social apps on our phones completely eradicate so many vital personal elements of each one of us. From educational factors to responsible factors and so on, this new way of interaction between us has changed so profoundly that romance has become an old-fashioned item, not even vintage!
Some of our best British artists have been LGBTQ, from Francis Bacon, David Hockney to sculptress Maggie Hambling. How much does your sexuality influence your artwork?
I have heard so many different views and opinions about my work being too connected with my sexuality. There are people from galleries from the art world itself, saying that it is 100% related to and influenced by my sexuality. I just let them talk and say what they want.
I would say between 50% to 70% is undoubtedly associated with my sexuality. But there are quite significant elements which come from my art studies and the art research that I attach to my creativity.
How does your family feel about your work?
My parents still live in Portugal. My dad is the silent type, and my mum is vocal about her love of my art. They are both proud. My sister lives in Oxford, and she is a huge fan, I am hoping she will be at START. I am one of six children, and we are all proud of one another.
What would you like to see happening in the art world in the future?
I would like to see myself happening more, actually. I would like to see myself coming out as a more established artist, flourishing and gaining recognition worldwide. Yes, it’s all about me! Well, why not?
QUICKFIRE ROUND
Your favourite restaurant in London?
Right now, Sexy Fish in Mayfair. Amazing Asiatic food.
The one thing you find to be a turn off in others?
Their selfish, cynical side that makes them think they can always get away without doing the work.
The most romantic place in London?
I think London is a very romantic city, but for me, Chelsea Embankment is a more private environment. It is so romantic.
What is one thing you would change about London if you were the mayor for a day?
As Mayor of London for just one day, I think I would want to make all galleries and transport free .
What is your favourite film?
Well, I used to have a favourite film, The Bridges of Madison County with Meryl Streep, but now I have so many. So, now anything with Cate Blanchett for me is a good movie. She is my new obsession!
My viewz and not of 2Shades brought to you bi -monthly a column that does not hold back
“Where to pee or not to pee, is that really a question?”
Trans. Trans, dear God has there ever been a topic that will have you cancelled simply for not agreeing and get so many hot under the collar?
Now let us get this straight and to help the right-wing God squad: if your apparent higher power allowed a child to be born with bone cancer or deformed, is there not a chance he popped one or two in the wrong body too?
For me, if a man or woman feels they have been born in the wrong body and have undergone two years of therapy and gender reassignment, as far as I am concerned, they are now the sex of their choice.
People who have had gender-affirming surgery have been in my life since I was 16. The Famous Julia / George dropped coffee all over my Fiorucci white jump suit at “Scandals” night club when she ran the coffee shop there. Strangely we became friends. From April Ashley to Tallulah, famous sex changes have been in the news. Many have played under the radar and of course with some there was the odd whisper, but all for most part got on with their new lives. Wonderful India Willoughby, whom I admire, campaigns for
Transvestites who enjoy popping a frock on are not in that transgender category, however.
Nor is drag. Drag has been around since time began and in the theatrical sense it is a performance. So many people seem to be labelling drag artists as trans which, for the most part, they are not. Men that suddenly announce they are trans and pop on a frock, an acrylic wig and some false nails are not women.
Sure, some might be starting a journey towards being a woman. Others never will make that trip and must appreciate it is a dream and not expect rights as a woman.
Tim Curry in the incredible The Rocky Horror show is a sweet Transvestite not to be confused with gender reassignment https://rockyhorror.co.uk
Much as mixed toilets have been in many venues for years, the right for a woman or, when it comes to it, a man to go the toilet that is used by their own sex should be enforced. What many forget is some women are coping with trauma, having been raped or abused badly by men. They will find the idea of sharing a bathroom (where they are in a vulnerable state) with anyone with a penis utterly terrifying. Simply put, if you have a penis stay out of the ladies loo.
What is bizarre to me and many of the trans is this “Dead Life”, i.e. if you are now identify as woman, your prior life is “Dead Life” and you can suddenly create a whole past as girl. One (who we all know)
described how she slept with a variety of celebrities as a beautiful young girl – the issue here is she was a 17-year-old spotty boy at the time she claims it happened. It is just a lie, a “Fantasy Life” that to my mind is closer to criminal fraud.
I certainly would have been trans back in my school years. I used to pray that I would wake as a girl because being a boy was pure misery for me. Today I love being a man, in fact after about 14 that desire to be a girl eventually passed. For many it does not, and they have my
empathy and support to be who they want to be after a certain age.
Forcing kids into boxes i.e. boys like football and action and
girls like Barbie and cooking is one of the unhealthiest things I can think of. It is responsible for so many mental health issues in those kids who do not fit into society’s false expectations. But please do not let kids undergo surgery till they are fully matured and can decide if it is still what they really want.
Personally there would be no way I would even want a child of mine to have a piercing or tattoo until they were in their late teens. There are support groups such as Mermaids that help young people who feel they are struggling with gender
Finally, practise what you preach. A lovely trans woman who I respected and addressed as a woman (even though they had not had surgery, or any work done), berated me for not eating what I was given at a dinner table (I do not eat red meat or pork).
“In my day you ate what you were given!” she chastised me.
Thank God for you it is not “your days” as you would be running for the hills dressed as woman. The problem is, if we expect people to accept us for who we are, it has to be reciprocal, not one-sided.
Colin Farrell – a real man of action
As if we could not love Colin Farrell enough already, the actor and his son James have melted our hearts this month. Colin has been talking about his 20-year-old son James who lives with Angel Syndrome.
“I want the world to be kind to James. I want the world to treat him with kindness and respect.”
Angelman syndrome is genetic disorder that mainly affects the nervous system. Symptoms include a small head and a specific facial appearance, severe intellectual disability, developmental disability, limited to no functional speech, balance and movement problems, seizures, and sleep problems.
Farrell has started a foundation in honour of his son in the US. The Colin Farrell Foundation will provide support for adult children who have an intellectual disability through advocacy, education and innovative programs.
As for the foundation, for years Farrell has wanted to do something in the realm of providing greater opportunities for families who have a child with special needs, to receive the support that they deserve and the assistance in all areas of life.
“Once your child turns 21, they’re kind of on their own,” Farrell says. “All the safeguards that are put in place, special ed classes, that all goes away, so you’re left with a young adult who should be an integrated part of our modern society and often is left behind.”
This is mirrored in the UK. Last year Dr Anna Kennedy OBE petitioned Number 10 Downing Street to help those living with autism to be aided after the age of 24 where government aid stops. “Who will look after my sons when I am gone?” is a question Anna has raised along with many parents of children with special needs.
Dr Anna Kennedy OBE and me delivering a petition to Number 10 downing street picture Terry Scott ,
Colin and Anna are real heroes and we need more of the likes of these two in this world.
Yet more bad news for the BBC as their top-rated show “Strictly Come Dancing” comes under fire for apparent bullying as previous contestants have been complaining.
Oh do get a grip. You go into a reality show and you are really expecting it to be plain sailing?
These people complaining of bad treatment have agents and a
right to walk out at any time. Stop, enough already. Do not go into a
show like “Strictly” or “I’m a Celebrity” and expect back rubs and hugs.
Dance is a highly disciplined practice and anyone who has properly
trained at the ballet or dance school will tell you it is not for the faint
hearted.
To conclude .
When your bear friend has been taking Ozempic and asks if
you have noticed any visible side effects on them…
Millions of people donate financially each year to charities.
However, many do not have the means to reach into their pockets and help. There are other ways to help from volunteering to raising funds by doing sponsored events like walking, cycling and even jumping from a plane. 2 Shades talks to someone who did exactly that, our columnist Dr Anna Kennedy OBE.
1. Anna, what on earth made you want to do a sky jump?
To be honest it was the last thing on my bucket list. We were brainstorming ways to raise funds for my charity Anna Kennedy online. One of our Patrons Steven Smith mentioned he had sky jumped out of a plane to raise funds for Pancreatic Cancer charity a few years back.
Three of the team, Steven, Aston Avery and Lisa Robins, decided they would all jump to help raise awareness. Quickly I made it clear that my contribution was to wave firmly on the ground. My fear of heights was too great to even think about doing it. Steven kept teasing me “You’re always getting others to do things outside their comfort zone, and they thank you for it”, and “Lead by example”. Thanks Steven I thought!
Dream team dive for Anna Kennedy on line
A few months ago, I spoke to Marie Hanson MBE (one of our Autism Hero Award judges) who had just jumped out of a plane and loved it so much that she was considering another challenge. Marie also had a fear of heights and said, “Go on Anna, you can do it!” So, I did!
Alway supportive @spman631dbbf47d on hand to give his advice
2 Tell us about the location where you did the jump?
We travelled to Peterborough to “UK Parachuting” at Sibson Airfield https://ukparachuting.co.uk. It is about fifteen twenty minutes from Peterborough station and they really looked after us.
There is a great café, and they advise you not to jump on an empty stomach. Steven was gutted as new rules meant that if your over 100kg the insurance won’t cover you for the dive. He was 4kg over and was not allowed to jump. Our wonderful AKO volunteer Stacey Moore took his place what a hero she only came out to wave at us and was not allowed to jump.
K PARACHUTING PETERBOROUGH
3. Did you think about changing your mind in the lead up to the jump?
Steven travelled up with me and was making me laugh. It helped as I was not thinking about the jump. In the lead up, getting sponsorship occupied my mind and it was exciting as funds came in, so it took my mind off the fact that I was going to be hurling towards the ground to raise the money.
4. Was there training involved?
It was professional. After a weigh-in and registration there was a bit of a wait and time to grab a coffee. Then there was a class with the lead instructor who was clear and concise, so he kept you at your ease. They were not going to let you fly unless you had understood the whole process.
Just before you got on the plane, they went over any questions and were just brilliant and made it fun too.
5. Were you scared getting on the plane and taking off?
It would be a lie if I said, “No!”
Just prior there were a herd of elephants doing a Zumba class in my tummy. For sure the egg sandwich from the café though delicious seemed like a very bad idea. But the team spirit and the instructors once we got on the plane made me feel calm and excited.
6. What was the jump like?
The first few seconds of the jump and free fall were a little scary. Imagine being in a tumble drier that is also a freezer. Kind of “What have I done?!”
Once those few seconds were over, I thought ‘Anna get a grip’, then I began to enjoy the whole experience and the beauty of the environment. It was exhilarating.
7. Were you relieved when you landed?
A little but so happy too that I had enjoyed the experience and immediately gave a short speech about the charity and our work.
8. What did your family and friends say about you doing the jump?
My son Patrick was worried and asked for reassurance I was not going to die or have a heart attack. I said we were in the safe hands of professional people who have been supporting the public for years who wanted to experience the skydive.
9. Would you do it again and how much did your raise?
Yes, I would love to do it again now I know what to expect! We were all so grateful to raise £3700. If you sponsored us, we really do appreciate it. We are only a small charity and every £1 counts.
“What, a night out on a Saturday in London? Is that not just for tourists?!” This was my reaction when the 2Shades team suggested we let our hair down and party.
You can only get me out on a Saturday if it is a friend’s birthday, a wedding or some special occasion. The very idea of pushing through the crowds that descend on Soho and the likes fills me with dread. Favouring house parties or enjoying a few select friends over for dinner would be my choice at the weekend.
“Do not worry, leave it with me”, said 2Shades writer therapist Michael Power. “I will find somewhere different. Maybe drag brunch or somewhere new”. Telling him I had nothing to wear elicited the reaction, “Shut up!”
The 2Shades team at The Rising.
A few days later the 2Shades WhatsApp message with the venue flashed up. “The Rising” SE1. OK, that is Elephant and Castle. Sure, I go to Southwark Play House https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk and it is not far from the tube. But let me be honest, it is not somewhere where (wrongly or rightly) partying springs to mind.
However, the web page looked interesting, you’re allowed to bring your dog (so ten points on that!) and they advertise cabaret. Mike rarely gets it wrong, liking to do his homework on everything from holidays to special occasions.
It was the first official 2Shades night out. The Rising is a five-minute walk (even in heels) from Elephant and Castle Tube, or 15 minutes bus ride from Canda Water. The bus stops right across the road by the Express Tesco’s and the Rising is almost opposite on Harper Road.
We should have of checked we where not wearing the same T-Shirts
Upon arrival it was hard to believe my eyes. Not just how stunning Adishiri, 2Shades Queen and Editor, and Mike were looking, but the vibe of The Rising. There was kind of a New York Village, Fort Lauderdale feel to it. Lots of outdoor seating and a friendly atmosphere.
A huge star was the wonderful security guard on hand, George. He is fully trained and unlike many gay venues when you’re greeted by someone who is as cold as the “ice bucket challenge”, George is gay, and blended a warm but no-nonsense approach to taking care of everyone.
Despite the football being on (this added a bit of camp to the evening), immediately we started to relax and enjoy ourselves. The bar staff are eclectic and very friendly and provide a great array of wines and beers plus some lethal cocktails and shots. There is no food, but you are welcome to order in or bring your own and they will provide cutlery.
No sooner than the football was over, it seemed half the crowd emptied out. It filled back up over the course of the evening. Football was replaced by live entertainment in the form of Drag Queen super star Ella Gant. Now Ella is a star performer you would pay to see. The Rising had laid her on for free.
Ella apologised at the start of the show she had not been well; her voice was not at its vocal best. Well, what a show Ella put on! She had us singing and dancing along for over and hour and if that was her voice when she was not at her finest, we all can’t wait to go back and see her full strength as we had an evening to remember
Drag Queen Ella Gant
The Rising might just be the best LGBTQQA bar we have been to in a while; it is really diverse and exciting, and you do not have to fight through the West End to get to it. It is just perfect for a group of friends to enjoy or even go on your own. Please try The Rising and see for yourself.
'The Places We Carry' exhibition at Grand Junction, Warwick Avenue
An an evening scroll on Eventbrite turned out to be the most holistic and heroic experience I’ve ever been to.
Pioneers of peace from Arabic lands gathered to remind us how art can heal us and speak our prayers.
Grand Junction at Warwick Avenue
In pursuit of my next cultural experience in London, I happened to tap my finger on a poetry and prose event at a church in Warwick Avenue.
It was the closing day of an exhibition called, ‘The Places We Carry‘ and something about that made me raise an eyebrow.
I went through the description and found out that the guest speakers were Arabic poets and artists from Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya and Palestine.
My heart instantly went out for the Palestinian guests and how gut-wrenching it must be witness the ongoing brutality against their homeland.
My body moved without hesitation to go to this event. I had to know how immigrants from these countries translated their sorrows into extraordinary pieces of art.
When I arrived, Dima Karout, the curator of the exhibition, was giving the visitors a tour of all the art displayed in the basement.
She graciously walked us through the artwork put together by her team that focused on immigrant lives in the UK ever since they moved here. And shared stories of their journey of finding a home away from home through artistic expression.
Dima Karout (left) giving us a tour of all the artwork
There were paintings, sketches and clay art that portrayed various Arabic cultures. Tools and artefacts used in households and agriculture that reminded me of my country in many ways.
The name of the event suddenly struck me then, ‘The Places We Carry’. The whole exhibition was a reflection of the emotions and attachments we have to objects and places that will always remind us of home and never leave us.
Each picture had a simple yet moving story that resonated with me like a warm hug. With unique narratives on how they adjusted to the lifestyle and the difficulties of they faced in terms of belonging.
An art piece that stood out to me was about siblings scattered across the world knowing they might never live in the same city or country.
I felt a rush of acceptance and resolution for a lingering sadness I felt over the years. I hadn’t quite faced the truth that I might never live in the same country as my brother or my cousin ever again until that moment.
As immigrants we make bold career and financial decisions to move away from our families to build new roots on a foreign soil.
We have our own reasons to do it and to each their own. Some flee the horrendous political and economic climate of their country in search of better opportunities. And others move with a sense of purpose to become more expansive as an individual.
But a sweet energy surrounded the exhibition like a silent acknowledgement for everyone’s journey. That no matter the reason, we were all there to recognise our own growth.
Sibling Bond by Nabilah
I made my way into a shrine that was dedicated to Palestinians. I noticed an art piece made of paper kites with names written on the strings. I soon found out they were names of innocent children whose lives were taken away as a result of genocide.
It grappled my heart and made me silently weep. It was overwhelming to look at this piece of art and admire the heart behind it but I couldn’t help but catch a glimpse of the horror those children had to face. I felt terrified for the state of humanity.
I suddenly became aware of the location we were at. I prayed to Jesus for a permanent ceasefire more than I usually do but I also prayed for any kind of divine intervention to bring softness to the world.
There were letters of love and consolation laid on what looked like a burial cloth. As I read each letter I was grateful for the humanity we as people cling so hard to while people in power seem to have lost theirs.
Paper kites by Helen Alzhar
We were allowed to write words of compassion of our own and I wrote mine without flinching. Words from the heart flow easily when you stop worrying about who might read it, it doesn’t matter anymore. When the purpose is beyond measure, every contribution is invaluable.
I placed it next to the other cards people had also written letters of support. I looked around and the faces I saw weren’t strange to me anymore. I felt a sense of unity without conversation, the language of our emotions seemed to be aligned.
Letters of love and consolation laid out on a cloth
We made our way up to the church to be seated for the second part of the exhibition. Dima and her team had gathered a few artists who read poetry, extracts, performed music and spoken word pieces.
Rama Alcoutlabi is a passionate musician, a dedicated scholar and an activist from Syria. She opened the performances with a soothing song in an ancient language called Aramaic using a traditional percussion instrument called the Daf.
She gave me the release I was seeking after all the heaviness I felt. Her angelic voice compelled me to close my eyes and listen intently to a language I had never heard before, yet harmonised perfectly with the emotions emanating from her melody.
She also closed the show with three beautiful pieces on her Syrian stringed instrument called Oud, that wrapped the entire evening with such grace and warmth.
Rama Alcoutlabi performing with her Oud
Hafiza Ibrahim is a Palestinian poet who settled down in the UK after her graduate degree and is now an English language teacher, translator and interpreter (Arabic-English). Her poetry emphasised on the longing of migrated residents of Palestine who wish to return to their land and reunite with their people. She gave us an imagery of a beautiful life lived in Palestine before genocide took away their simplicity of being.
Sarona Abuaker Bedwan is a Palestinian-American writer and Outreach & Programmes manager at Makan, a Palestinian led educational organisation. She read two poems from her book, “Why so few women on the street at night” and her narration reflected the ardent activist that she is. She has a strong voice and a powerful presence that made me want to listen to her every word. With short sentences compiled into a chronological sequence of emotions, she took me on a rhythmic vision to paint a picture of how human rights are being manipulated and criminalised by perpetrators who lack any awareness of themselves.
Laith Elzubaidi is a British-Iraqi TV/Film writer and producer based in London. His unserious and impactful presence on the stage made me adore him. I could see the comedy and drama writer in him bouncing out as he read an extract about his trip to Iraq with his mum after 30 years. He was unafraid to share his confusion about his dual ethnicity as he explained how Iraq is not how imagined it would be. And how his mum tried to rat him out to the airport security for not knowing the language. He was hilarious, I needed a good laugh and I could hear people around me snorting and gagging. But he also highlighted a lot of real emotions 2nd generation children face when they experience the other half of their culture for the first time.
Hassan Abdulrazzak is an award-winning Iraqi writer who settled down in the UK and continues to pursue his passion as a playwright. He read extracts from his play so charmingly, I hardly believed he’s not a performer even if he said so. His extracts were humorous and sweet, with a touch of purity to it. Particularly the, ‘Enemy Of The Sun’, a very vulnerability piece where he spoke of the citizens who will continue to fight no matter how hard other nations try to take away their land. And that “They will not compromise, till the last pulse in their veins” in his own words.
Hassan Abdulrazzak
Lisa Minerva Luxx is a poet, playwright, essayist and political activist of British-Syrian heritage. In the three poems she read, I could see a halo forming over her head for how persistently she advocates for peace in the world. A true warrior and empath who not only helped permanently shut down manufacturing companies in the UK who supply drones to Israel out of the law, but also speaks with such depth in her poems about the lives lost in her country and the bombing in Beirut.
She performed her pieces in a spoken word style with gestures that tempted me to sway with her. Her ability to be a voice for the suffering of many people, her family and herself was sensational and deeply inspiring.
I fetched two lines from her poems that made me connect to my own life. One of them being “If it feels impossible, you are going the right way.” And the other which isn’t really a line but an important reason for why we face the injustice that we do, “Bone collectors in cufflinks.”
It’s fascinating how a tap of the finger on an event page lead me towards heroes who make remarkable movements for a reformed world.
The exhibition reinstated my faith that if I continue to do my bit to spread the message of kindness and peace, I can help in the construction of a safer destination for future generations to arrive at.
Dime Karout and her team organise several art exhibitions, go here for more information and explore the tapestry of cultures that reside in London
Flux opens with a bang international artists Lisa Izquirado shows her work to moving art celebrity drag queens Liquorice Black , Anna Phylactic .
Steven meets one of the leading lights of THE FLUX exhibition Lisa Izquirado .
“The true strength of a woman is our ability to allow ourselves to be vulnerable.”
Lilli – artist
Even without meeting an artist, a great artist’s work talks to you. For me, I walk in and am almost immediately hypnotised by the story or emotion they are transferring to canvas. Sometimes I can even feel their pain or trauma running through my veins for a moment, as well as the joy and happiness.
A devotee of S and M, Francis Bacon´s brilliant work can never be copied. Not just because of the magnitude of skill, but also due to the parts of Bacon´s often tortured soul that he liberally poured into his work. I remember his sold out exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. A news anchor interviewed various attendees about Bacon’s work, among them a psychologist who commented, “I would love to have had a chance to counsel him!” I could not have laughed harder and wanted to retort “Really my dear, he would have wiped the floor with you”.
It is what makes Frida Kahlo so unique too, not just the skill, but you can feel her energy and fight for life through her work; you just cannot tear your eyes away. It is almost a shame she has become a fashionable artist associated with style. Her story is so much more powerful than anything linked to fashion. But in the same breath it has to be said (thanks to Madonna and others) it has brought Kahlo´s work to the masses and encouraged many who may not have sat at the art table before to explore what it has to offer.
I am always on the lookout for exciting new artists . There is no better place than to take yourself to one of The FLUX Exhibitions https://www.fluxexhibition.com/flux-exhibitions/ created by Lisa Gray her presence commands great art to surround her there is something for everyone’s taste and these events are well worth looking out for
With Lisa Gray creator of FLUX magazine and Exhibition.
My personal favourite that stood out was by an artist called Lilli. Full name Lisa Lilli Izquierdo. Knowing my art, I was not surprised that the Cheshire born former model
was also showing in New York and Madrid. There is something about her work that is almost haunting. To be frank, on first impressions I almost felt it was a little too commercial for my tastes and saw it as an inferior designer´s dream, with pieces sought in Dubai, Cyprus and USA for its stylish quality. But first impressions can be wrong and the more I delved into Lilli´s work, the more it spoke to me. There is however a story that makes her work so much more valuable and sitting down with her confirmed just that.
Do you remember the very first thing you ever drew as a child?
I have always been creative. My sister was the academic, so my mum encouraged my artistic side. My earliest memory of creating art was when I was three years old. I drew a picture of two flowers. I coloured them with different colour crayons. The teacher told me off as I had used the same colour in each flower. Looking back, I use a lot of monochrome in my work.
It makes me giggle that I got scolded for.
What other artists have inspired you?
Oh, without a doubt Monet. I can see his use of texture has a huge influence on me as a grown artist. I draw a lot of energy from other artists, and I can appreciate those that depict suffering or hurt. But when it comes to my personal taste, Monet´s calmness and beauty
fill me with a beautiful energy,
What demographic does your art appeal to?
A lot of women buy my art. From an early age I have been fascinated by the female form.
I used to draw a lot of elfin kind of women. There is something I think women see – the beauty of the female form in my art – and relate to it. Being pushed to look a certain way as model was not healthy and I am careful to depict woman as real now, not nymph like.
Music seems to play a part in art. Who are your favourite musicians? What does sound bring to your art?
Honestly a huge influence and my tastes are so diverse. As soon as I am in the studio
I pop the headphones on, and I am blasting Mozart or Snoop Dog. Vivaldi’s four seasons
is one of my favourites.
How do you feel about the growing trend of crypto art, and is it something you would consider?
Steven I am so badly informed about the trend it is hard for me to comment; I am not sure how it would transfer with the high amount of texturing in my art. I realise that the world moves on and I will keep an eye on it, but I took bitcoins for a print and that did not work out too well for me.
Your art is almost haunting in its affect. How much does it mirror your own life?
Very much so. My piece “The Kiss” may seem very abstract, but it is about the unity
of two people in love. It could be any two people. For me I have found love perhaps later in life, but I plan to marry next year.
I found great solace in my art; it has helped me heal from the modelling industry I entered at the age of 15. Eager to become a success I took off to Madrid on my own. However, it was not long until the dream became somewhat traumatic, as pressures to look a certain way and the sheer competitiveness at a young age began to take its toll on my mental health.
Eventually I had enough and turned to my family business of hairdressing. My father is from Valencia in Spain, He worked with the likes of Vidal Sassoon and Teasy Weasy. I found
using my skills as an artist, plus having lived a little more than most at an early age, gave me an empathetic ear for clients. I still do hairdressing now and combine my time between my art studio and the salon.
If you could buy one piece of Art, what would it be?
Irises in Monet´s Garden. It personifies calmness with an almost heavenly feel. Those little purple flowers hit you with an amazing feel.
If you could invite four people to dinner, dead or alive, who would they be, and why?
Ricky Gervais. I just love him he is hysterical, and life should be about love and laugher.
My financé as he and Ricky would get on. Michelle Obama. I love a strong woman in any event and she is captivating. Someone like Elvis would shake things up!
What is your favourite city to spend a day in looking at art?
Madrid or Barcelona. When I was modelling, we used maps to get around then and the architecture just blew me away as does Barcelona.
What is the one common misconception about you?
That I am a bitch! I was working in a salon and some of the female hairdressers seemed off- hand. When I got chatting to one, she suddenly went, “You know you’re really nice. We all thought you were a bitch.” God, talk about putting people in boxes. There is also the idea that I am super confident. If people knew the real me, I am quite shy. Do not get me wrong, I am a strong woman when I need to be.
What is the one thing you would like to change about the UK if you were prime minster for a day?
The homeless problem. It has become truly shocking in the UK, not just London, but all over.
We are a civilised country, yet we have way too many people sleeping on the streets.
What is the next project we can expect from you?
It takes around 80 hours to create each piece. I am going to be spending more time in the studio over the coming year, working on a new collection.
2Shades Magazine 