Bright Ideas no.9 – The Times Saturday Review

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V&A Workshop pictures

Here are some pictures taken at the V&A Friday Late workshop - A Postcard Home. It was great fun; I couldn't believe how keen everyone was. By the end of the evening the Sculpture Gallery looked like a sprawling refugee camp for collage artists.

Many thanks to my 'Home Help' team, Fiona, Audrey, Margarida and Margaret.

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Bright Ideas No. 8 - The Times Saturday Review

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Because Matt Groening says so

Woman's World is brilliant. Matt Groening says it is, so it must be. This is from the Minneapolis Star and Tribune where he was recently 'cameo critic'. 

Bright Ideas No. 7 – The Times Saturday Review

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Bright Ideas No. 6 - The Times Saturday Review

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A Postcard Home- V&A workshop

Just a few of the delightful 'home' postcards that could be dropping through the letterbox of your home next week...if you come and do a collage tonight. See below for details. (Click image to enlarge).

Collage workshop at the V&A

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Don't forget the V&A's Friday Late event on Friday February 27th, Home Sweet Home. 6.30 - 10.00 p.m. Here's a link that tells you all about the various events based on the theme of home. It all sounds like good fun.

http://www.vam.ac.uk/activ_events/events/friday_evenings/friday_late/events/fl_february09/index.html

At the very epicentre of all that fun, I'll be hosting a workshop called A Postcard Home where you are invited to collage your idea of home onto a postcard. If you put your name and address on an envelope we will send a randomly-chosen original work of art postcard created by one of the other 'workshopees'. Or me. Or one of the Home Team. Above you can see the back of the postcard, which explains how it works.

Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL

Bright Ideas No. 5 – The Times Saturday Review

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Sunday Tribune Interview

From the Sunday Tribune in Ireland. Click to enlarge.

Bright Ideas No. 4 - The Times Saturday Review

Bright Ideas No.3 - The Times Saturday Review

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Georgia Straight

Woman's World is recently out as a paperback in the USA. Here's a review and a Q&A interview from the Georgia Straight in Canada. 'Rawle is master in a field of one' sounded pretty good to me until somebody pointed out that coming first in a race where you are the only competitor isn't that impressive. Still, it's a nice review.

http://www.straight.com/article-199631/seriously-funny-parody-rules-rawles-world

http://www.straight.com/article-199803/womans-world-qa-author-graham-rawle

150 years of Brighton

There's an exhibition and book to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Brighton College of Art (now the University of Brighton). I wrote a tiny piece about the fun I had working with Brighton illustration graduates (and others) on a project for Expo 2000 in Germany. Many of the team went on to form the illustration collective Peepshow and remain my lovely chums.  

Bright Ideas No. 2 - The Times Saturday Review

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Metro - 60 second interview

From the Metro in Ireland. Click to enlarge.

Dublin Lecture

If you're thinking of coming to my talk in Dublin on Thursday, this Facebook page lets you see pictures of all the other lovely people who will be coming.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=49202277540&ref=mf

Bright Ideas – No. 1

Here's the first in my new series for The Times Saturday Review. Look out for another bright idea next week.

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Crafts magazine review

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New Series – Bright Ideas

Tomorrow (Jan 24th) sees the relaunch of The Times on Saturday and I'm starting a new weekly series, Bright Ideas, for the new Saturday Review section. Each week I'll be coming up with a different bright idea, but I can't give too much away yet, you'll just have to wait and see. 

OutFront Colorado Review

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Foreword Magazine Review

There's a nice review of The Wizard of Oz here at Foreword Magazine.

http://www.forewordmagazine.com/blogs/soundoff/PermaLink,guid,2a04c148-004d-46f2-ac9a-e8acec170402.aspx

V&A Home Sweet Home workshop

As part of their Friday Late series, the Victoria and Albert Museum presents Home Sweet Home.
"Join us on an evening dedicated to the notion of domesticity and all things homely. Take part in unique workshops exploring the design and craft of everyday household objects with celebrated designers and explore everyday rituals through intimate talks and thought provoking film screenings. Find your inner super sleuth as we transform the museum into the site of an original twist on the classic murder mystery."  

As part of this event I will be holding a workshop where you are invited to create a postcard to tell us about your ideal home. It can be words or pictures, or a combination of both. There will be scissors and glue and piles of pages from 1950s magazines such as Better Homes and House Beautiful so that you can collage your personal message. Submit your finished creation for the display board along with your name and address and you will shortly thereafter receive, by mail, a randomly chosen original art postcard from one of the other workshop contributors. You could receive something truly beautiful, precious and inspiring from a talented artist. Or you could get something really rubbish from me.

Friday 27 February, 6:30–10:00 pm. Admission free, I think.

http://www.vam.ac.uk/activ_events/events/friday_evenings/friday_late/events/fl_february09/index.html

Dublin Talk. Barry's 'Tea with' cultural series

"Monster Truck Gallery & Studios were delighted to be asked to contribute to the Barry’s ‘Tea With’ series, in which Barry’s Tea fans are invited to have ‘Tea With’ some of the most inspirational international artistic talent. After much thought Monster Truck has invited the writer, illustrator and collage artist Graham Rawle to discuss his work over a cup of tea at the Royal Hibernian Academy."

Thursday 29th January at 7pm at the RHA, 15 Ely place, Dublin 2. Admission free.

http://www.monstertruck.ie/barrytea.html

Night Waves link

Here's the 'listen again' link for the Radio 3 Night Waves interview. My bit comes 34 minutes into the programme. I am talking so fast you would be forgiven for thinking that I am being made to stand barefoot on hot coals for the duration of my answers.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00gdb0b/Night_Waves_05_01_2009/

SpaceTM interview

Here I am with my hand on my chin answering questions for the nice people at SpaceTM, a great site that is interested in 'how environments shape our psyche'. My bit appears mostly on their December 26th entry, but there's also a bit about sheds on December 28th. 

http://www.spaceTM.com

Night Waves BBC Radio 3

On Monday January 5th at 9.15pm I'm being interviewed by Matthew Sweet for Radio 3's Night Waves. The topic under discussion is Work in Progress and I'll be talking about my new book, which is still in its early stages and doesn't have a title yet. It might be 'The Card Collector', or it might be 'The Completist', or it might be 'Face Down in the Gutter'. It's about a man who picks up playing cards off the street. Tune in to find out more or listen live online. http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/

Willow Foundation Charity Auction

A picture I did for The Willow Foundation is up for auction. The original collage artwork is part of the Stars on Canvas project - a public exhibition of more than 200 canvases, each created by a different artist or celebrity in aid of national charity, the Willow Foundation (registered charity no: 1106746). You can view the entire range of canvases, created by a host of actors, artists, cartoonists, chefs, children's illustrators, politicians and radio and television personalities online at http://www.willowfoundation.org.uk/starsoncanvas

To bid on my picture go here:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=180309199121

Ends December 6th so get bidding!

Wizard of Oz interview

Here's an interview I've just done with Blair Frodelius (great name). Blair is the editor of The International Wizard of Oz Club's website, The Daily Ozmapolitan, and OzProject.com.  It's in very big type so you won't need your reading glasses.

http://www.frodelius.com/wirelesstelegraph/rawle.html

The Observer Magazine

Catherine Rapley interviewed me for the Observer Magazine last Sunday. It has some pictures of the studio (where you get to see the grubby, ugly bits) and there is even a guide to 'Where to buy Graham Rawle's style'.  I wasn't aware that I had a style, but I'm delighted to find out where to go in case I need more of it. Click on images to enlarge or read the piece via the link below. 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2008/nov/23/graham-rawle-interiors-homes

New Yorker - Editorial feature

http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/books/2008/11/weird-wizard.html

Curzon Cinema Soho - Oz Tea Party

GRAHAM RAWLE PRESENTS: THE WIZARD OF OZ
To celebrate the launch of his illustrated version of L. Frank Baum’s classic tale, Graham Rawle, collage artist and creator of Lost Consonants, will introduce The Wizard of Oz after a 3.00PM tea party in the Soho bar and a discussion about his new book. Limited edition prints will be on display and for sale.
The Wizard of Oz [U] Director: Victor Fleming. Starring: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Bert Lahr USA 1939 . 97 mins. Follow the Yellow Brick Road with Dorothy, the Lion, the Tin Man and the Scarecrow in this classic fantastical Hollywood musical. To book tickets call 0871 703 3988 or go to 

http://www.curzoncinemas.com/whats_on/all_times/all_venues/graham_rawle_presents_the_wizard_of_oz

The Morning News - Interview

In the Morning News I'm interviewed about the making of The Wizard of Oz. See it here and find out about the Cowardly Lion's platform shoes.

 http://www.themorningnews.org/archives/galleries/building_the_emerald_city/

Wonderland magazine feature

There's a feature on The Wizard of Oz in the October issue of Wonderland magazine. 

Cinematical - Oz feature

http://www.cinematical.com/2008/10/20/buy-this-graham-rawles-wizard-of-oz/

Dazed and Confused

There's a short interview/feature on The Wizard of Oz in Dazed and Confused. November issue out in October. Or it may have been the October issue out in September. I haven't been able to find it.

The First Post- The Big Picture: Gallery

http://www.thefirstpost.co.uk/45664,arts,the-big-picture-no-place-like-oz

The Scotsman

Lee Randall interviewed me about The Wizard of Oz for The Scotsman, which appeared on Saturday. There's a picture of me gurning like an idiot, but luckily you don't need to see that by reading it here.

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/features/The--yellow-brick-road.4580883.jp

The Times Magazine

Ann Treneman interviewed me about The Wizard of Oz for The Times. The feature appeared on Saturday. Read it here and see me pretending to paint Toto's tongue. http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/article4891402.ece?token=null&offset=0

Los Angeles Times

There was a piece about The Wizard of Oz in the L.A Times on Saturday. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/jacketcopy/2008/10/graham-rawles-n.html

Wizard of Oz Prints

Here are the new Wizard of Oz Prints details and price list. Now also available in smaller sizes. The thumbnails shown above can be seen more clearly in Wizard of Oz - Pictures on my website www.grahamrawle.com/wizardofoz/

To enquire or order, contact us at questions@grahamrawle.com

Fine Art Giclée prints on 308gsm Hahnemühle German Photo Rag paper. Prints in a limited edition of 50 in each size, numbered and signed by the artist.

LANDSCAPE FORMAT
Large - 503mm x 1100mm (approx 20"x 43”) £175
Medium - 350mm x 764mm (approx 14"x 30") £95
Small - 230mm x 502mm (approx 9” x 20”) £60

SQUARE(ISH) FORMAT
Large - 700mm x 774mm (approx 27.5" x 30.5") £160
Medium - 425 x 470 mm (approx 16.5" x 18.5") £75
Small - 280 x 309 mm (approx 11”x 12”) £45

Measurements refer to paper size. Images printed with white border (approx 65mm for large; 45mm for medium; 30mm for small)
Packing and postage for any number of prints : UK - £8.00, Europe - £13, Rest of the World - £18.

Wizard of Oz - Book Trailer

Here it is at long last, the film trailer for the book. It'll be up on my website shortly, but for now you can see it here (or if that doesn't work, try here  http://grahamrawle.blip.tv/file/1332751) It will put stardust in your eyes and a glittering glow in your heart.

Enormous thanks to Pete Mellor, who made all this happen; he is a very clever man. And to that actor bloke, Jeff Rawle, who did the voice-over.

Feature - The Times Magazine

There will be a big feature on my Wizard of Oz book in The Times Magazine this Saturday (Oct 11th). To be sure of getting a copy, go and wait outside your newsagents now.

Talks at Liverpool and Brighton

LIVERPOOL – I'll be giving a talk about The Wizard of Oz and other things on Friday 17th October at 2.00pm at The Bluecoat in Liverpool as part of their new Art and Literature Festival. Tickets are free. The talk will be followed by a discussion with artist David Blandy on 'The Art of Collage' and I dare say I'll be signing a few books afterwards.

http://www.thebluecoat.org.uk

BRIGHTON – I'll be giving a talk about The Wizard of Oz on Tuesday 21st October at 6.30 pm at the Old Market Theatre in Brighton (it might actually technically be in Hove). Susie Boyt will also be there talking about her new book 'My Judy Garland Life'. Tickets are £6 and you get a free glass of wine and discount on books. What a bargain. http://www.city-books.co.uk/events

ICA - Panel discussion

The panel discussion at the ICA about the Wizard of Oz that I was due to take part in on Thursday 9 Oct has been cancelled. Sorry.

The Card Collector

This is a 3-D piece I've just finished, commissioned by Caprice Holdings. It's quite hard to see what's going on in this picture without getting up close, so here are a couple of details. (Click to enlarge.)

Any the wiser now?

Shoreditch Town Hall

I'm giving a talk about The Wizard of Oz at Shoreditch Town Hall on Saturday 27th September at 4.00pm as part of the Gold 08, 'new boutique arts and music event for London'. Lots of interesting things going on. Author Susie Boyt will also be talking about her new book, My Judy Garland Life. Our Oz-themed section is billed as Tea with Dorothy, but I don't know if there will be any tea.  For booking details go to 

http://www.gold08.co.uk

Leitch Book Jacket

I've just done this book jacket for a collection of short stories by Maurice Leitch. He's a terrific writer. It's published by Lagan Press... er ... don't know when. I'll find out.

Foyles Q & A

There's a Q&A thing on the Foyles website where I talk about The Wizard of Oz and various other projects.

http://www.foyles.co.uk/addfeature05.asp?#rawle

Wizard of Oz test clip - Tornado

Two seconds of upheaval.

New Scientist

This eager chap is from an illustration I did for a piece on self-control in this week's New Scientist.

Frequently Asked Questions No. 19

A journalist's follow-up question after an interview about the process of creating Woman's World.

Q: When you said you coded the scrapbooks, could you clarify that again for me? You were collecting the text at the same time as writing a straightforward narrative, if I understood, but then how did you keep track of which phrases and clippings were in which book, etc? And were they organized by theme or subject?

A: Yes, I never manage to explain this very well. Each piece of text is stuck lightly (like stamps) into scrapbooks. The pages are numbered. Each piece of text e.g. "She danced a paso doble." is then typed into the computer with the page number (667) after it so I'll know where to find it later. Once all the pieces are typed up they get sorted into categories: the weather; shopping; light conversation; confrontational conversation; driving; police; medical. etc etc. "She danced a paso doble" (667) would go under 'dancing' obviously. It also goes into an unsorted file that contains everything, all 1.2 million words I transposed which allows me to do a word search. 

Let's say that I want to describe someone smiling. If I can't find exactly the right kind of smile in the 'Facial Expressions' category, I have to think more abstractly. It might be a light, dancing smile so I do a word search for 'dance' instead and find the paso doble piece. I find a bit about lips from the 'Cosmetics' category and once it's all joined together, I end up with "A teasing smile danced a paso doble across her sweet and fulsome lips." – which in my manuscript would look like: A teasing smile (198) danced a paso doble (667) across her (4002) sweet and fulsome lips (234). Little by little all my original writing is replaced by found scraps like these. Only when the transformation is complete (and a final edited draft is agreed upon with my publishers) can I start pasting up those bits of text as artwork. I go to page 198 of my scrapbooks for the first bit, cut that out and stick it down, then go to page 667 for the next, and so on until the whole thing – 437 pages of artwork – is stuck down. Simple.

Wizard of Oz Test Clip

Dorothy and Toto on the Kansas Prairie. Here is a tiny excerpt from the forthcoming animated Wizard of Oz promo. I love the sense of depth. This is all done by manipulating my flat image. Pete Mellor is a genius. More coming soon.

Illustrated talk at Foyles

On Wednesday 24th September I will be giving an illustrated talk at Foyles about The Wizard of Oz, taking you on my own yellow brick road journey to creating the pictures for my new book. It starts at 6.30pm. Tickets are free and you can reserve them by emailing events@foyles.co.uk.

Foyles Gallery, Foyles Bookshop, 113-119 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0EB