MIF, The Whitworth and Fishink’s New Work in Manchester

Hi everyone. It’s been a busy couple of weeks lately. Culture, Art, a commission and two new shops to sell my work in, has really kept me occupied. Firstly let me say a resounding WELL DONE to the Whitworth Art Gallery who at the start of July was awarded the Art Fund Prize for Museum of the Year 2015. It’s the largest arts award in Britain and the biggest museum prize in the world. It is awarded to the museum or gallery in the UK that is judged to have best demonstrated excellence, innovation and imagination. I’m delighted that it went to a Manchester Museum but more importantly, to the Whitworth, which has always been a favourite of mine.

Photo above shows Ai Weiwei’s installation, Still Life (1995-2000), a mass-display of thousands of Stone Age axe heads and an iconoclastic gesture designed to offset the value and importance of these ancient objects. The Gallery is set in such beautiful grounds, here’s another image above of the trees at the back of the building.

This painting really caught my eye, such wonderful use of colour and texture.

While the Manchester International Festival (or MIF) has been entertaining the masses with a huge selection of art, dance, theatre and music. I spent a very sunny lunchtime basking in the European vibe of Albert Square, with stone baked pizza, live music, and some friends to keep me company….what’s not to like.

I booked to see two events. ‘Neck of the Woods’ with Charlotte Rampling.  A modern day re-telling of Little Red Riding Hood … which, to be perfectly honest … I’d be most happy if I never had to sit through it again in my lifetime! and ‘The Skriker’, which I’m off to see next tuesday, with the wonderful Maxine Peake. This has had amazing reviews and I’m very much looking forward to experiencing it.

Other show highlights included the contemporary ballet ‘Tree of Codes’ and hearing the Estonian choir ‘Vox Clamantis’, sing ‘Drei Hirtenkinder aus Fatima’ at the Whitworth Gallery too. On a work front, I’ve just completed this commission for a customer from the Sale Arts Trail.

I’ve also started selling some new cards in Make It in Chorlton.

I’ve designed some hand-made gift tokens and a flower and bird range of cards for ‘Floral Affair’ in Chorlton just next to the Horse and Jockey Pub on the Green. Pop in and get a beautiful hand-made card with your very stylish bouquet of flowers all in the one shop.

Also I’m still adding to the Fishinkblog Instagram Page so please follow me online too.

PHEWIE! a pleasantly tiring few weeks, but I’m now in need of a bit of this… lol !

Hope you are well too. Do keep reading, commenting and sharing Fishink blog. Thank you.