Stored Images

DEMO-POP ART PRINTS - NO LIMITS

2012-01-15T11:29:00.010Z

Since deciding to hire a stand at this year’s Spring Fair at the NEC, Birmingham (Feb 5-9), I have given a lot of thought to the way I want my Stored Images art business to go forward.

As followers of my 5 year art blog will know, I have gone from ‘artist seeking gallery’ to ‘artist building own art business’ during this time. It has been a gradual process, and one that, among other things, has eventually allowed me to give a name to the work I produce – DEMO-POP ART.

‘Demo’ stands for ‘demonstrates’, as in the demonstrating of a traceable idea. But I also want it to stand for the ‘democratisation’ of art itself, as the digital process allows for this to happen like never before.

But what would be the best way to go about achieving such democratisation? I eventually settled on Limited Issue Prints as the way forward, believing that by producing them at a steady rate of one print of an electronic image per month, I was somehow giving a nod towards democratisation, while at the same time not letting go of the ‘exclusive’ tag altogether. In other words, I was trying to have my cake and eat it!

But I was never totally comfortable with the concept. Then came a knock at the door (ok, an email from an interested party). They loved the work I produced, but wanted it in greater quantity. In other words, they wanted me to make my work available as open editions – so that they could sell to interested buyers without restriction on numbers.

What to do? I then though of a scenario whereby a buyer from a chain of hotels loved ‘Young Blades’ so much she wanted to put an original digital work in each of their 20 premises, and could I oblige them? Using the old ‘Limited Issue’ system it would have taken me 20 months to complete the order, but under a new ‘No Limits’ system I could answer ‘yes’ straight away and complete the order in under a week.

I toyed with the idea of keeping ‘Limited Issue Prints’ as they were, and producing a cheaper print on photo paper for larger orders, but I quickly abandoned this idea. Not least because I wanted to stay faithful to the philosophy of Andy Warhol, when he said: “A Coke is a Coke and no amount of money can get you a better Coke than the one the bum on the corner is drinking. All the Cokes are the same and all the Cokes are good. Liz Taylor knows it, the President knows it, the bum knows it, and you know it.” I want the same principal to apply to my Demo-Pop Art prints. I want to be able to say: “You see that Man Ray Stops Bullets you just bought? You can’t get a better Man Ray Stops Bullets anywhere in the world.”

Of course, I am fully aware of the promotion I have given to the ‘Limited Issue’ concept in the past, both via my online blog and also in written form via a couple of show catalogues. But, you know, it didn’t take me long to realise that I had to abandon it. Not just because it made commercial sense to do so, but also because the ‘No Limits’ concept embraces the true nature and spirit of the democratisation of art.

‘No Limits’ works on other levels too - chief among these being the lowering of the price of each original digital print.

But nothing else changes, each print will continue to be produced on quality fine art paper, using archival pigment inks, and be signed, dated and stamped in the studio for authenticity.

It’s just that STORED IMAGES has now gone NO LIMITS.

Follow me on Twitter if you would like to see how Stored Images continues to evolve during 2012. And receive news tomorrow about the availability of some of my DEMO-POP ART prints at popular prices.

(Note to collectors of Demo-Pop Art: All original digital prints dated 2011 or earlier ARE Limited Issue, and have just become even more collectable!)

Spring Fair Exhibitors Page - Screen Shot

2012-01-08T16:35:00.002Z

Here's a new screen-shot of the Stored Images exhibitors page on the Spring Fair website.

The next task is to upload images of the works that will be on show at the fair.

Spring Fair - NEC - Birmingham

2011-12-21T08:48:00.000Z

Have booked a stand at the Spring Fair, NEC, Birmingham, Feb 5-9, 2012.

Will be taking along a selection of my Demo-Pop Art, hoping it will be of interest to art dealers and buyers.

It's a very professional setup at the NEC, which is helping me to move my art/business to the next level.

I'll be situated in Hall 4, at stand 4C81 - hope to see you there.

East London Design Show - 2011

2011-12-05T19:26:00.002Z

Here are a couple of photos of our stand at this year's East London Design Show.

The top five favourite original digital prints were: 1.Man Ray Stops Bullets. 2,Young Blades Are Just So Glam. 3.Power Of Radio. 4.Dogs Of War. 5.It's Poetry, Really.

We also had three offers for the 'Edie' dress! 'Pester Me' was also a big attraction.

On the final day we had serious interest in our Greyhound Clock from a creative director.

New Greyhound Footstool

2011-11-28T00:02:00.001Z

This is our new Greyhound Footstool.

Is will be on show at the East London Design Show next week (Dec 2-4).

Come along to Stand 51 and try it out for yourself!

Nathan's A Believer!

2011-11-25T11:24:00.005Z

Got some great feedback yesterday from Nathan Hughes, who was very pleased with the piece of Word Art I created for him recently.

It is called 'Believe' and can be seen (below) hanging next to a portrait of the great jump jockey A.P McCoy.

Here's what Nathan kindly said about the work:

"Hi Loz

I've waited all day for that knock at the door; finally that knock came...

'Believe'

A powerful piece; it works on so many levels and now has a hidden depth in the number 108. To me it's relentless and unyielding, but focused.

It's everything i wanted it to be, partly because i'm certain it's everything you wanted it to be.

Thank You.

Edie Dress + Pester Me (In Case)

2011-11-23T19:30:00.001Z

Plenty of work was completed in the Stored Images studio today.

First we published three 'Girl Dreaming' images on cotton rag fine art paper.

Then we published - for the first time on fine art paper - 'The Ambitious One'.

I went to Framers in Wolverhampton city centre and collected 'Pester Me', which has been housed in a solid black display case.

And finally Ruth turned up with the Edie Dress she has put together for us. It looks great - but does need an iron!

All of which can be seen in the photo (below) - and at the East London Design Show in early December.

Fabric for the 'Edie Dress'

2011-11-15T17:24:00.000Z

Went over to Wolverhampton Uni today and picked up the 'Edie Dress' fabric from the textile printing department (many thanks to Jim).

As you can see, the process has reproduced the colours of my digital work 'Young Blades Are Just So Glam' pretty well, so I'm pleased with the outcome.

The fabric will now be made into an 'Edie Dress' in time for the East London Design Show in early December.

Greyhound Clock

2011-11-13T16:40:00.004Z

I got hold of some coloured fingers for the Greyhound Clock yesterday. I'm hoping to have a smart prototype of the clock ready for the East London Design Show in early December, but will bring this basic model along with me if it isn't ready.

Edie Dress - Printing On Fabric

2011-11-11T18:12:00.001Z

We started the first phase of making the 'Edie Dress' today.
We went over to Wolverhampton Uni to use their textile printing machine.
Unfortunately, a technical problem meant that the yellow didn't print properly, so it will be back to the Uni on Monday.
Having said that, I rather liked to colours that were printed!

Word Art & Mannequin

2011-11-11T10:46:00.000Z

Here is a photo of the Word Art commission I did recently, positioned next to a t-shirt wearing mannequin.

Ed Ruscha Gets In Touch!

2011-11-10T07:45:00.010Z

When Ed Ruscha visited Wolverhampton Art Gallery (UK) recently, my friend and business partner, Doreen Gibbons, suggested I gave him a piece of my pop art as a gesture of thanks for his visit.
I thought it was a pretty good idea, and sure enough, at the end of his talk, Doreen presented Ed with a framed limited issue print of 'Man Ray Stops Bullets' (below).
It was all wrapped up, so Ed didn't know what the gift was, and I was left wondering if it would make it all the way back to California.
Anyway, this morning I got a thank you email from Ed Ruscha's assistant, Mary, saying that he appreciated the gesture very much, and that he had had a great time when meeting everyone in Wolverhampton!
This has absolutely made my year!
A big thank you to Ed, who has once again proved what a genuine guy he is.

Silver Torso Mannequin

2011-11-04T13:55:00.001Z

I recently bought a vintage silver torso mannequin.
The first shot is of the torso after a bit of a clean.
The second shot is of the torso wearing a Stored Images t-shirt.

Believe (Word Art)

2011-10-30T11:17:00.001Z

Have been working on a commissioned piece of Word Art titled 'Believe'.

Ed Ruscha Visits Wolverhampton Art Gallery

2011-10-21T21:09:00.001+01:00

Ed Rushca gave a talk at Wolverhampton Art Gallery today - it went really well - very informative.
I managed to take a slightly blurry photo with my phone - of Ed talking to my friend and business partner, Doreen Gibbons.

Parallax Art Fair - October, 2011

2011-10-20T20:49:00.004+01:00

I met some interesting people when showing my work at Parallax Art Fair.
It was especially gratifying when they 'got' the ideas behind the work.
Hope to show at Parallax Art Fair again one day.

Preparing for Parallax Art Fair

2011-10-04T19:44:00.005+01:00

We published some October issue digital prints in the studio today.
Including 'Dogs Of War' and 'Positive Race Riot'.
We also printed out a batch of small catalogues.

Videos of Solo Exhibition

2011-09-28T14:51:00.007+01:00

Videos of my solo exhibition at Artists Gallery, Wolverhampton, 2009.

Click to view...

Young Blades - In Gold Frame

2011-09-25T19:43:00.004+01:00

My business partner, Doreen Gibbons, has sourced a gold-coloured wooden frame for 'Young Blades Are Just So Glam'. Look out for it at the Parallax Art Fair in October.

Parallax Art Fair - Catalogue

2011-09-25T12:42:00.000+01:00

I've produced a small 12-page catalogue of my work for the Parallax Art Fair in October.

If you would like to receive a free copy before the event, then please email me a contact address and I'll mail one out to you this coming week.

Cartoons from the 80's

2011-09-21T11:28:00.001+01:00

Don't forget to check out the Demo Pop Art Diaries. Written by my good friend Richard Gibbons. Diary entry number 12 will be given over to the cartoons I created in the 1980's. An example of which you can see below. http://www.demopopartdiaries.blogspot.com/

LOZ TAYLOR A WARHOL WANNABE??

2011-09-17T13:22:00.002+01:00

Here's an invitation for you to come and see my work at the Parallax Art Fair (Pall Mall, London) in October (14-16th). Click on cartoon to make it larger.

Demo-Pop Design Label + Fabrics

2011-09-12T10:25:00.000+01:00

With the sample Greyhound Footstool now in production, I thought you might like to see the Demo-Pop Design label we have had made, plus the fabrics that will be used for the footstool.

Parallax AF Wall - How It Will Look

2011-09-11T11:57:00.000+01:00

This is how I hope my wall at the Parallax Art Fair in October will look. Everything is to 1:10 scale.

There will be six images on display.

Top Row: Ribbons & Razor Wire. Positive Race Riot. Second Row: Dogs Of War. Perfect Score. Third Row: The Audition. Young Blades Are Just So Glam. Each digital print will be published in October - on fine art paper - and signed, stamped and dated.

I'm also hoping to take along my greyhound footstool, and an art browser for displaying a selection of unframed A3 digital prints.

There will also be some literature - plus free Demo-Pop Art badges!

Hope to see you there.

Demo-Pop Art at G.I's

2011-09-01T16:23:00.002+01:00

Today we installed some Demo-Pop Art at G.I's, in Chapel Ash, Wolverhampton.

The Junction Contemporary Arts Festival runs over two days in Chapel Ash.
- Friday and Saturday, 2nd and 3rd of September.

As well as checking out the art - you can also pick up a free Demo-Pop Art badge!

Junction Festival of Contemporary Arts

2011-08-25T16:42:00.003+01:00

We spent the day in the studio, printing out and framing five digital prints for the Junction Festival of Contemporary Arts.

They are to be displayed at G.I's, Chapel Ash, Wolverhampton, on the 2nd and 3rd of September.

My business partner, Doreen Gibbons, is pictured sitting among the work.

Greyhound Poker Cards - Box Design

2011-08-12T13:13:00.001+01:00

Here is the box design for the Greyhound Poker Cards.

Many thanks to Chrissie Harper for her help with the graphics.

There will be a 'First Issue' of 100 packs of cards.

Due to go into production in October.

You can email me to register your interest without any obligation.

Each pack of cards will cost £25.

Best Next Move

2011-07-31T10:02:00.003+01:00

I spend a lot of my time thinking. And also cursing that I haven't got enough time to think - about the important stuff, anyway.

Demo Pop - Design Logo

2011-07-27T14:15:00.004+01:00

Plenty of work has been going on in the background regarding the development of the Greyhound Footstool and Greyhound Cushions.

So much so that in a few weeks time we should be in a position to give the green light for production.

Consequently, I've had to design a Demo Pop label for them. I've stuck with greyhound colours, as they represent the origins of Demo Pop.

Greyhound Poker Card - King of Spades

2011-07-21T08:23:00.001+01:00

This is still a work in progress, but I thought you might like to see how things are progressing with the Greyhound Poker Cards.

Chance Impacting on the Face of Certainty

2011-07-09T18:15:00.005+01:00

I finished the 3D work 'Chance Impacting on the Face of Certainty' today, and photographed it on the patio area behind Wolverhampton Art Gallery.

The base of the 3D work represents time before intelligent man walked the earth. The three pyramids represent the start of time following this period. The plinth represents the beginning of our modern age. While the three rods connecting the pyramids to our 'human clock' represents the transfer of knowledge through the ages.

This 3D work is about man trying to establish and defend certainty in an unpredictable world.

Early Works

2011-07-06T15:18:00.002+01:00

Demo Pop Art Diaries author Richard Gibbons came to my studio today, and I showed him some of my very early works.

Chance Impacting on the Face of Certainty

2011-07-05T14:32:00.000+01:00

This is the latest photo of 'Chance Impacting on the Face of Certainty'. Here we can see a long base has been added to the piece, while the main plinth has been halved in size. The base stands for time before intelligent civilizations appeared on earth. The plinth stands for time from that moment onwards. We will be adding final details to this piece of Thursday.

Greyhound Poker Cards - Ten of Spades

2011-07-03T22:03:00.001+01:00

Having made progress with the aces, now I'm turning my attention to the number cards two through to ten.

Greyhound Poker Cards - The Aces

2011-06-27T21:08:00.002+01:00

Okay, so the greyhound racing jacket colours theme continues through the design of this pack of cards, with each suit being represented by one of the major racing jacket colours.

As you can see, spades are black, clubs are blue, hearts are red and diamonds are orange. These colours will obviously continue throughout each suit.

Chance Impacting on the Face of Certainty

2011-06-23T17:23:00.001+01:00

We made some really good progress in the studio today with 'Chance Impacting on the Face of Certainty', even though the project is still only half finished. There are a few more interesting features to add, but the main thrust of the idea is in full view in this photo.

New Design: Greyhound Poker Cards

2011-06-22T12:03:00.004+01:00

I'm still drilling down into the 'greyhound racing jacket colours' concept, and am currently designing a set of GREYHOUND POKER CARDS based on them.

Here you can see the design for the back of each playing card.

More posts will follow soon, as I design the ACES, the PICTURE CARDS, and NUMBERS TWO through to TEN.

Taylors Sky Wins Greyhound Derby

2011-06-12T09:46:00.005+01:00

image source: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/

Taylors Sky won the 2011 Greyhound Derby last night.

Like the dice I found in my plan chest draw, I'm going to count this as a lucky omen.

Strange really, as I'm the kind of guy who tries to find the logic in most things!

Pop Art Image Promoting Demo-Pop Art

2011-06-11T09:22:00.000+01:00

I've just commissioned a great Pop Art image from illustrator Chrissie Harper.

She has really nailed my idea for a piece that promotes Demo-Pop Art.

You can find more of Chrissie's work here: http://www.chezchrissie.co.uk/

Demo Pop Art Diaries - by Richard Gibbons

2011-06-09T16:41:00.001+01:00

My good friend Richard Gibbons has just started a Demo-Pop Art Diaries Blog, which will cover all aspects of Demo-Pop Art and Design.

As I'm currently the only artist flying the Demo-Pop Art and Design flag, the focus of the early blog entries will be on the art business that goes on in my Stored Images Studio.

The first entry is up and running, with another two entries already in the pipeline. I hope you find them interesting reading.

http://www.demopopartdiaries.blogspot.com/

Busy In The Studio

2011-06-08T19:38:00.000+01:00

We were busy in the studio today, cutting out card and foamboard in order to make a 3D prototype of 'Chance Impacting on the Face of Certainty'.

'Greyhound Design' Cushions

2011-06-02T20:36:00.003+01:00

Today I took charge of my 'greyhound design' cushions. Many thanks to Belinda Longsden for producing them to such a high standard. This is a fine addition to the Demo-Pop family, as I have already designed a footstool, rug and clock. More Demo-Pop design items will appear on this blog in the near future.

Believe

2011-05-29T10:30:00.001+01:00

"I'm going to keep on hurting you - with one strong idea after another - until you believe in me - as an ARTIST" This piece of word art will appear in Wolverhampton Gallery's Art & Heritage Magazine in a few weeks time.

'Greyhound Footstool'

2011-05-25T18:51:00.005+01:00

Here is a photo montage of my prototype 'Greyhound Footstool'.

Update-09/09/2011: A sample footstool is now in production!

Reproductions & Duplications

2011-05-24T08:03:00.000+01:00

Have spent the early morning experimenting with a new computer program that can manipulate bitmap images.

Chance Impacting on the Face of Certainty

2011-05-23T20:36:00.000+01:00

A very early shot of 'Chance Impacting on the Face of Certainty'. Follow me on Twitter for updates and watch it develop over the coming weeks.

Update From The Stored Images Studio

2011-05-05T07:49:00.004+01:00

All may seem to have gone a bit quiet on the blog of late, but there is frantic work going on behind the scenes, with plenty of new projects in the pipeline.

The most current project I’m working on is based on my ‘Cut Me In, Cut Me Out’ series of images. ‘Fuel For Life’ is the first image in this series (see below), and now I’m working on an image based on racehorses.

I’m also preparing to have some giant greyhound dice made. These will be great for photographing when finished, and will also be part of a larger sculptural piece I’m planning to put together in a few months time.

Also in the pipeline is a project that requires the use of rubber stamps – I’m hoping they will help me create some striking images on canvas.

Below, is a photo of me and a friend on the patio area at the rear of Wolverhampton Art Gallery. As you can see, the gallery is very proud of its reputation as one of the best destinations for Pop Art.

Which reminds me, there’s a new Ed Ruscha ARTIST ROOMS exhibition coming up in a few weeks time.

'Fuel For Life' - April Issue

2011-04-21T16:48:00.006+01:00

Went to the studio today and published the April issue of 'Fuel For Life'.

A Limited Issue Print, it has been signed, dated and stamped for authenticity, and will soon be available for purchase on the Saatchi Online website.

Positive Race Riot - Framed

2011-04-18T20:02:00.002+01:00

I went to the studio today and did a test print of 'Positive Race Riot'.

Then put it in a poster frame so I could blog about it this evening.

I think it came out pretty good. Size = 70cm x 50cm.

Positive Race Riot - Completed Image

2011-04-17T19:13:00.001+01:00

I've added more horses to the image, and also the words 'Positive Race Riot'. It's as busy as I want it to be - it almost looks like a document - but I think it works okay.

I've done it in quite a high resolution, so it will print out pretty big and still keep its detail.

As with all of my Limited Issue Prints, 'Positive Race Riot' will be published up to once a month, and will be signed, dated, and stamped.

Work In Progress ...

2011-04-16T19:37:00.000+01:00

Not really sure I want to overlap now. I like it pretty much as it is - and I think the idea still comes across. I'll add more horses (colours) tomorrow - and see if it makes it more of a 'riot'.

Positive Race Riot.

2011-04-16T17:32:00.002+01:00

I'm not talking about race riots as we generally know them.

I'm talking about a POSITIVE RACE RIOT. That is, one horse race finish, superimposed on another, and another, etc, until a positive race riot comes into view.

Early plans below - More to follow very soon.

'Dogs of War' Chess Pieces and Board

2011-04-15T16:18:00.001+01:00

The 'Dogs of War' chess pieces and chess board are now complete. I think Belinda has done a great job crafting the chess pieces. Here are a couple of photos I took in the studio a few hours ago. One of them shows Simone looking at the chess set.

'Dogs Of War' Chess Board.

2011-04-07T17:14:00.001+01:00

Today I designed and printed out the 'Dogs Of War' chess board. It was printed out on art paper in two halves, as it is so big (90 x 90 cm). The two halves of printed art paper where then spray mounted onto double-sided cardboard. The 'Dogs Of War' chess pieces are in the process of being made, and should be ready next week.

It's Poetry, Really (IPR)

2011-04-02T17:56:00.011+01:00

Went to the studio today and printed out and framed the April issue of 'It's Poetry, Really'. Signed, dated - and stamped on the back, this Limited Issue Print is an authentic Demo-Pop Art piece - and is for sale on the Saatchionline website (http://www.saatchionline.com/Darley).

In The Stored Images Studio

2011-04-01T07:23:00.007+01:00

I had a busy day in the Stored Images studio yesterday, making some sort of order out of chaos.

Why Do I Use Greyhound Racing Colours In My Art?

2011-03-29T08:53:00.001+01:00

Why do I use greyhound racing colours in my art? - Because they represent life. Sex, ambition, competition, risk, it's all here:

Time For Some Business Art

2011-03-26T08:32:00.002Z

I've spent the last few days loading some of my digital works onto Saatchi Online. It seems they've given their new website plenty of thought, and are really opening things up for artists who want to be active in the marketplace.

I'm not an artist who thinks that 'business' is a dirty word, and don't have time for those artists who do. What are we making art for if not to sell it? Hirst, Koons, Banksy, they all sell their art, right? And Warhol loved the concept of business art.

I haven't loaded raw images onto the Saatchi website. Only work that is already framed and stored in my studio has been uploaded. This is proof to myself, and to potential buyers, that I'm serious about getting my work out there.

Please see below my homage to Andy Warhol and Edie Sedgwick, titled: Young Blades Are Just So Glam. This, and other works can be found on the Saatchi Online website - you can use this link to go straight to my page: http://www.saatchionline.com/Darley

Demo-Pop Art In My Bedroom

2011-03-22T09:50:00.003Z

I've recently installed a couple of Demo-Pop Art images in my bedroom. They being; 'Fuel For Life' on the left, and 'Young Blades Are Just So Glam' on the right. They really stand out well against the pale blue coloured walls.

Colour and Number Code

2011-03-20T15:41:00.001Z

To understand a good deal of my work, you must understand the colour and number code I am using.

Racing greyhounds have different coloured jackets - Red=1, Blue=2, White=3, Black=4, Orange=5, Black and white stripes=6.

To me, these colours represent ambition, competition and risk, three of the 'sacred' words that appear on the Stored Images 'Coat Of Arms'.

Understand this code and look again at works such as 'Dogs Of War', 'Young Blades Are Just So Glam', 'The Audition', and you will see them in a fresh light.

It's all about the RACE OF LIFE, it starts with 'Sex' and it ends with 'Death', two more 'sacred' words that appear on the Stored Images 'Coat Of Arms'.

March Issue of 'New Space Race'

2011-03-19T18:05:00.002Z

I went to the studio today to print out and frame the March issue of 'New Space Race'.

As you know, I produce Limited Issue Prints (LIPS), which means that I publish one digital print per month for each of the images in my catalogue.

But, in practice, it's not every image, every month, it depends on demand, either from collectors, or from the need to supply work for upcoming exhibitions and shows.

Plan Chest For Stored Images Studio

2011-03-18T14:30:00.000Z

I got really lucky yesterday when a 5' x 3' eight-draw metal plan chest became available to me at a knock down price of just £40.

I took plenty a sweat to get it up to the Stored Images studio, and will require cleaning out and a coat of metal paint, but it will all be worth it in the end.

We were checking out the draws and one of them had a stray object inside - a dice - which I am going to consider a lucky omen for the work that lies ahead.

Girl Dreaming Cards - Ten Free Sets!

2011-03-15T11:13:00.001Z

Highly collectable - much sought after - and usually very expensive when tracked down - I'm giving away ten sets of 16 'Girl Dreaming' cards to the first ten Twitter followers who get in touch with a contact address.

I don't care where you live in the world - I will stand the postage - but please be sure that you really want them, as I honestly do only have ten sets left.

Stored Images: Coat Of Arms

2011-03-13T10:19:00.002Z

For those of you who don't know. I am a Demo-Pop artist, publishing Limited Issue Prints from my studio at Makers Dozen, Wolverhampton. I trade under the name of Stored Images - and have just designed a Coat Of Arms that represents pretty much everything I stand for as an artist.

Greyhound Clock (c) - Prototype

2011-03-10T15:59:00.002Z

Today in the Stored Images studio we made a prototype of our greyhound clock out of foamboard and card. We stuck a digital printout of the clock face onto the foamboard, and then added a stand and clock mechanism. And it works!

Greyhound Clock Design (c) (Part 3)

2011-03-09T11:25:00.005Z

The 'greyhound' clock design is coming along nicely now. Lloyd has created a round version of the clock, as opposed to the first version which was much more oval in shape (and impractical). A square version of the clock design is also in the pipeline.

Importantly, the clock, whatever its shape, has the same colour code for all of the numbers. (See the previous blog entry for the rule that governs this.)

Greyhound Clock Design (c) (Part 2)

2011-03-05T18:26:00.006Z

Trying to get as much symmetry into the design of my greyhound clock was my number one priority. I knew there just had to be a way of making the design more elegant than it was after the first pass. I knew I didn’t want to see ‘six’ stripes anywhere on the left hand side of the design, and to eliminate the need to use this number I separated the colour blocks into three separate segments.

This meant that the solid blocks of colour on the right hand side could now be graded – still the same basic colour – but just given a mid and lighter tone on the middle and outer segments (I hope it will all make sense when you look at the full-colour design below). This meant that I could do away with using the ‘six’ stripes on the left hand side of the clock, and instead use two other colours to make up part of the total number (say, the number eleven).

Okay, so each of the colour blocks on the right hand side of the clock were established. And the numbers six and twelve at the top and bottom of the clock were okay too, now I needed to colour code the numbers seven to eleven.

Trying to keep as much symmetry in the design as possible, I mirrored the colours of the inner segments from the right hand side of the clock, so that the left hand side of the clock had those colours too. Then it was simply a matter of duplicating the middle and outer colours from the opposite side of the clock design to give me the required numbers.

For example, the number seven is represented by an inner orange segment (value=5) plus the middle and outer colour segments from the number 1 (5+1+1=7). The number eleven is represented by an inner red segment (value=1) plus the middle and outer segments from the number five (1+5+5=11). And so on.

** The main colour code rule is that the segmented colours on the right hand side of the clock are not added together, but those segmented colours on the left hand side of the clock are **

Below is a sketch of the clock with the colour coding in place. This is the graphic I’ve given to my good friend and fellow artist Lloyd Austins, in the sure knowledge that, with his computing skills and eye for detail, he will be able to turn it into a much more presentable and polished piece of art/design.

In part 3 of this series of short essays, I hope to show you the next stage in the development of my greyhound clock, so don’t forget to bookmark this blog page and come back soon. You can also follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/loztaylor

Greyhound Clock Design (c) (Part 1)

2011-03-05T09:41:00.001Z

I’ve been carrying around the idea of a ‘greyhound’ clock design in my head for quite a while now, and have had various stabs at it during this time, but never quite cracked what had to be an elegant, rather than rough and ready, solution to the problem.

The main stumbling block has been the numbers on the clock ranging from seven to eleven. One to six take care of themselves, as they are the colours of greyhound racing jackets (red = 1, blue = 2, white = 3, black = 4, orange = 5 and black/white stripes = 6). And the figure twelve, at the top of the clock, is simply two sets of b&w stripes overlapping each other – one vertical and one horizontal.

For the higher numbers, the simple solution would seem to be to add the colours for, say, five and two, to represent the number seven, and the numbers six and two, or five and three, to arrive at a representation of the number eight on the clock, but problems would surface when I wanted to represent the figures ten and eleven, as this would require the use of the ‘six’ stripes for each of the figures – thus displaying too many stripes on the left hand side of the clock.

Plus, such a design would show single colour blocks on the right hand side of the clock, and two colour blocks on the left hand side – and I wanted more symmetry (harmony) in the design than that.

Below is an early sketch of the greyhound clock – it show how I was trying to work out the best colour combinations – so that they not only made sense as a colour code, but also looked good too.
In part 2 of this series of short essays on my greyhound clock design, I will explain how I arrived at a more elegant solution to the problem. And will also publish a full-colour sketch of the clock, so that you can trace its progression.

Limited Issue Prints (LIPS)

2011-03-02T11:37:00.007Z

Over the past few years, during the development of ‘Stored Images’, and the transformation of my electronic images into hard copy art, I’ve been undecided as to whether to publish my work as Limited Edition Prints or Open Edition Prints.

I’ve never been happy with the idea of Limited Edition Prints, as it would almost force me, as an artist, to produce a whole edition of prints all in one go. Going down this route using traditional print methods, such as screen printing, would be very expensive, and anyway, I don’t like the idea that once an edition had been exhausted, then no new collectors could be catered for. It seems too restrictive a format for my liking, especially as I am using a print method (digital) that enables me to publish almost at will. I’ve heard some artists / photographers say they will publish on demand until a certain number of prints has been reached, but does this hardly ever happen in the real world? – No, it does not.

Yet I wasn’t a fan of Open Edition Prints either, as the name implies that there would be no limit as to the number of prints that could be published. Such saturation would surely make the artist and collector feel that the image was less than special. Less of a reward for all the hard work invested in its creation, and less of a reward for all of the trust and support sought from a potential collector.

Then I came around to the idea of LIMITED ISSUE PRINTS (or LIPS for short –see what I did there with the ‘s’ on the end of ‘prints’?). This method of publishing prints enables the artist the freedom to set his or her own agenda. Personally, I like the idea of publishing one issue of one digital image per month, as this will generate a useful amount of prints per digital image per year (12), keeping them special, while at the same time eliminating the two evils of restriction and proliferation.

And as my catalogue of digital images grows over the years, I also know that I will be setting myself a publishing agenda that I will have the time to honour. This is because every print that is published under the banner of ‘Stored Images’ comes out of my studio at Makers Dozen, Wolverhampton, enabling me to guarantee their quality and authenticity.

Stamping, Signing & Dating Prints

2011-03-02T10:17:00.001Z

All prints published under the banner of 'Stored Images' are stamped, signed and dated. And full details of all prints (size, medium, price, etc) are stored on computer.

Dogs Of War - With Silver Background

2011-02-28T10:51:00.006Z

My artist friend, Lloyd Austins, added a silver gradient background colour to 'Dogs Of War' over the weekend. The original white background made the image look a little washed out, but now I think it looks a more solid work - and helps those white knights to stand out better.

This is the kind of Demo-Pop Art I hope to produce more of in the future, as it is based on a strong, traceable idea, and has a cutting edge beauty to it.

News Update From Studio 11

2011-02-26T17:14:00.001Z

Today I printed out and framed 'True Love', and also printed out, framed and hung 'The Power Of Radio' (bottom right) alongside other recent works.

First Print With Words 'Demo-Pop'

2011-02-24T22:36:00.001Z

Went back to the studio and took a photo of Laura holding my 'Perfect Score' print - the first of its kind with the words 'Demo-Pop' on it.

Three Heavens (in a silver frame)

2011-02-22T17:54:00.007Z

Today I printed out and framed three digital versions of 'Heaven In Symmetry'. Each one has been numbered, dated and signed. The first ever version of this work - a large collage - was made in the 1980's, and is now in the possession of a private collector.

DEMO-POP ART : WHAT IT STANDS FOR.

2011-02-22T08:50:00.008Z

DEMO-POP ART already exists. It is work that is done in a Pop-Art style, and (demo)nstrates traceable ideas and a strong aesthetic.

DEMO-POP ART is different from Pop-Art that is just a simple reflection of something.

DEMO-POP ART wants to say something, in a time when things need to be said.

DEMO-POP ART won’t lead the viewer down the sometimes obscure path of conceptualism, and it has no interest in being rescued by art-speak bullshit.

When I say ‘traceable ideas’ I mean ideas that are easily resolved. That require simple explanation, but that can at times be quite deep in their meaning.

DEMO-POP ART also stays true to a strong aesthetic. This doesn’t mean it leans towards chocolate-box art, or the depiction of doe-eyed dogs. It means it aims for a cutting-edge beauty that helps the idea pass from a viewer’s brain into their heart and soul. So that the viewer falls in love with both the idea, and the work (image) that (demo)nstrates it.

It is an honest art, at a time when a lot of the ‘product’ in the art world is maybe not so honest (or even desirable).

I’m not interested in art that is ugly, or lacks any kind of aesthetic, or is dripping in pseudo intellectual mumbo-jumbo. You want to know why? Because, to me, it is both boring and meaningless, and a massive derailment from where art should really be heading. But its biggest crime is that It doesn’t feed either my mind or my heart and soul.

That is why I want to corral a certain type of Pop-Art into its own category – DEMO-POP ART.

DEMO-POP ART is based on traceable ideas and a strong aesthetic.

It will never lie to you.

** I encourage you to contact me if this article resonates with you.

** And to follow my daily updates about Demo-Pop Art on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/LozTaylor

Loz Taylor © 2011-02-22

A Message From Munich - The Poster!

2011-02-21T20:15:00.001Z

A few years ago I made a collage from images I found on the internet, simply by stapling them to a sheet of A4 paper (you can see the staples if you look closely enough). I have still got the original collage, and plan to produce an edition of posters from it.

Latest update from Studio 11

2011-02-20T17:55:00.003Z

Today I printed out and framed 'New York City Beat', and also arranged some previously framed digital prints on my studio walls. All prints on this art blog are for sale, at prices ranging from £85 to £150.

New Works

2011-02-17T15:36:00.003Z

Today we printed out and framed an original digital image titled 'The Power Of Radio', and also one titled 'Greyhound Night'.

New Digital Work: Ribbons & Razor Wire

2011-02-16T14:17:00.001Z

This morning I worked on a digital print titled 'Ribbons & Razor Wire', and this afternoon I printed it out in my studio. The print was then ink stamped on the back 'Stored Images' along with the date 'Feb, 2011'. It was also dated, titled and signed in pencil on the front.

New Digital Work: We Have To Take Everybody With Us

2011-02-14T19:12:00.001Z

Until today, 'We Have To Take Everybody With Us' existed only as a canvas print stretched over pine bars (currently on show at The Quadrant Lounge, Wolverhampton). But now there is an art paper version, which was printed, signed, dated, stamped and framed in my studio at around 3pm.

This work shows nine identical images of a rocket taking off (under the command of Pilot 804) each with the words 'We Have to Take Everybody with Us'. It's a social comment about how we, as a society, need to be fully inclusive as we move forward.

New Photos

2011-02-11T15:22:00.001Z

Here are three new photos for my art blog. The first is a photo taken just outside my studio. The second is of 'Paris Flickers' in a smart new frame.
And the third is of 'Painted Bottles', which I also framed today in my studio.

New Digital Work: Kidnap

2011-02-07T19:37:00.008Z

Today we printed and framed 'Kidnap'.

All digital images can be seen on our main website: www.loztaylor.com

New Digital Work: Man Ray Stops Bullets (green background)

2011-02-06T14:37:00.002Z

Today I printed out and framed 'Man Ray Stops Bullets' a digital work using pigment inks on fine art paper. There is going to be a series of these Man Ray images, each one with a different background colour. The frame size is approximately 42cm by 32cm. This work is for sale at £49.00, and will be posted out direct from my studio. It is signed and dated.

New Digital Work: Man Ray Stops Bullets (pink background)

2011-02-03T19:35:00.003Z

New Digital Work: The Audition

2011-02-02T17:39:00.003Z

Today I printed out and framed 'The Audition' a digital work using pigment inks on fine art paper. The frame size is approximately 90cm by 30cm. This work is for sale at £125.00, and will be posted out direct from my studio. It is signed and dated.

Advert in Art & Heritage Magazine

2010-12-08T09:23:00.002Z

I recently placed an advert in Art & Heritage Magazine - produced by the people who publish Art of England magazine.

Girl at Tate Liverpool

2010-10-15T11:56:00.003+01:00

Went to Tate Liverpool last Thursday and gave away some free art. There were ten 'Girl Dreaming' canvases given away. Here (pictured above) you can see a young woman in a red top reading the label on the canvas wrapping. Soon after she picks the canvas up and takes it home with her. This gave us a big thrill!

Just For The Record ...

2010-10-10T09:35:00.006+01:00

Just for the record, here is a list of the songs I co-wrote with Richard Gibbons during the summer of 2010. Plus one of Richard's own called 'The Storm'.

1. Three Wishes
2. Sugar Sweetness
3. I Just Know That It Can Happen
4. Lonely Man
5. Zig-Zag Haircut
6. Cassanya
7. Angel Cards
8. One More Chance
9. The Storm

There is a demo CD available with four of the songs on it.
It's called TILT.

See our new album - The Storm - here: http://parallelines.bandcamp.com/album/the-storm

Man Ray Stops Bullets (Negative)

2010-09-12T19:40:00.006+01:00

I've taken my original 'Man Ray Stops Bullets' image, and turned it into a negative.

I plan to do a multiple 'Man Ray Stops Bullets' work on a large canvas, using different colours, in the very near future.

Perfect Score

2010-09-12T19:17:00.002+01:00

For new readers of this blog: I often use greyhound racing jacket colours in my art, they represent, to me, ambition, competition and risk (chance).

There are six dogs in a typical greyhound race. Trap 1 dog wears a RED jacket, trap 2 dog wears a BLUE jacket, trap 3 dog wears a WHITE jacket, trap four dog wears a BLACK jacket, trap 5 dog wears an ORANGE jacket, and trap 6 dog wears a BLACK AND WHITE STRIPED jacket.

In the image above, I've taken the black and white stripes of the prison uniform to represent the number six, a number usually associated with the maximum score given in competitions such as ice skating.

Campbell's Soup

2010-08-20T12:44:00.008+01:00

It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Andy Warhol, and his iconic Campbell's Soup cans are right up there with the best of his work. So think how strange it is that I've recently co-written a jingle for a series of Campbell's Soup TV ads that are due out in the next few months or so. Of course, the jingle is only a pitch, so might not be chosen, but it's still pretty spooky.

Back After A Break

2010-07-07T12:37:00.006+01:00

I'm back and raring to go after a bit of a break. Sometimes it's good to get away and find a new perspective on things.

My good friend Lloyd Austins has moved into a studio two down from me at Makers Dozen. He is a painter - and a very good one.

Having helped him to move in he very kindly gave me his 'Woman In The Mirror', which is an amzing painting, and one that I'm sure will be worth millions in the future!

I haven't got an image of it to hand, but here's another of his recent pieces - 'The Crucifixion' (above) just to give you an idea of his style. Hell, why not visit his website and get the full story..

http://www.lloydaustins.co.uk/

Girl Dreaming - Snapshots from the video!

2010-04-09T12:14:00.005+01:00

Last night's Girl Dreaming Exhibition went off very well indeed. There was a good crowd, and three songs that I have co-written with Richard Gibbons (pictured playing the guitar) were well received too.

Crime Scene at Volte Galleries

2010-04-02T16:53:00.002+01:00

I part installed 'Crime Scene' at Volte Galleries earlier in the week. It went very well given the state of the ceiling!! The plot will thicken even further on the night of the private view - Friday, April 16th. It's part of a group show titled OUTLINE - curated by Kathleen Fabre. Don't miss it!

Girl Dreaming in Paint Box window

2010-03-11T08:50:00.003Z

The Paint Box, an art shop in Wolverhampton city centre, have kindly agreed to let me display some of my work in their window for the next month.

On the left is 'Girl Dreaming In Chocolate', then there's a promotional flyer for the upcoming Girl Dreaming Exhibition (White Tree Gallery, Chapel Ash, April 8), and on the right is a version of Dogs Of War (chess set) on canvas.

If you would like an invite to the upcoming Girl Dreaming Exhibition, then please email me at: info@loztaylor.com

Space Girl With Two Rooks - Early Promo Image

2010-03-09T08:48:00.003Z

I took some early promo images of 'Space Girl With Two Rooks' yesterday, at the rear of my studio at Makers Dozen, Wolverhampton. I'm going to use one or two of the images I took for a promo flyer, which will advertise an upcoming group show at Volte Galleries called 'Outline'.

'Space Girl With Two Rooks' will be one of two installations I'll have on show there, the other installation being 'Crime Scene'.

ALL PHOTOGRAGHERS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND AND TAKE THEIR OWN SHOTS OF THE SPACE GIRL INSTALLATION - IT WILL BE FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY - THE NIGHT OF THE PRIVATE VIEW - SO IS NOT TO BE MISSED.

The date for your diaries is Friday, April 16th. Please email me if you require further details.

Digital Prints at Cafe Maxsim's - Wolverhampton

2010-03-08T10:41:00.003Z

I've got some digital prints on display at Cafe Maxsim's in Wolverhampton city centre. They are: 'Girl Dreaming (in red)', 'Paris Flickers', 'Forevermore', 'Painted Bottles' and 'Pure Chance'. The people are really friendly in Maxsim's, and the food is great too, so try and pop along one of the days if you can.

Girl Dreaming Flyer

2010-02-28T11:44:00.005Z

I've just designed our Girl Dreaming flyer, which advertises our exhibition at the White Tree Gallery, Chapel Ash, Wolverhampton, on Thursday, April 8th. On the reverse side will be a prize draw number, giving each private view attendee the chance of winning their very own Girl Dreaming on canvas.

If you would like to attend the private view, then just email me your contact details and I'll send you a flyer. Hope to see you there.

Crime Scene - at Volte Galleries

2010-02-18T08:21:00.002Z

There is going to be an exhibition called 'Outline' at Volte Galleries, Wolverhampton, curated by Kathleen Fabre, with the private view taking place on Friday, April 16.

One of the pieces I'm entering is called 'Crime Scene', an installation that will occupy one of the smaller rooms in the building.

Here's an early digital image of 'Crime Scene', just to give you an idea of what to expect - but be prepared to expect the unexpected.

Progress Report

2010-02-07T10:33:00.003Z

We are moving on a pace in preperation for our Girl Dreaming Exhibition, which will take place at the White Tree Gallery, Wolverhampton, between April 9th, and April 24th. The private view is on Thursday, April 8th, and it would be great to see you there.