Self Portrait

Here's a self portrait I'm doing. Doing this kind of thing you're acutely aware of how you think people will judge you- you might be judged for having the egotism to do a self-portrait, for the way you look, for the way you make yourself look.

I wore my hair up in a way I suppose I know might seem a bit odd to some people. I looked down my nose knowingly too, so there's an arrogance in the composition which hopefully jars a little with the vaguely ridiculous hairstyle and weak neck! This is not made in isolation- passers-by see me working in my studio and I will often work during classes, so it's quite interesting to note how it feels undertaking something that makes you vulnerable in such a public way.

Lovely big paintings.

Here are some lovely big paintings made by primary school students last week. I've also been working on some large insect sculptures with another school (details to follow). these paintings were based on photographs taken by the reception and year one students, then painted on by successively older kids. They're absolutely huge canvases- five feet by four. Everyone has a favourite- mine's the big tree.

These paintings and the insect sculptures are part of a project involving artists in eight schools which will  create an exhibition in two Huddersfield venues in the coming months.