Mike's Plinthian Pipes

I did my bagpiping on the vacant plinth in Trafalgar Square and found it to be a very rewarding experience. Many people stopped to enjoy the music and seemed intrigued that I was just there as myself providing some entertainment. No fancy dress or stripping exploits just me with my pipes dressed in my kilt and trying my best.

The height took a few minutes to get used to as it is about 8 metres high but after a while it was a breeze. My reeds rose to the occasion and altogether my one hour spot flew by. Thanks Antony Gormley for dreaming up the idea. I am now one of 2400 and part of your public art project.
To view a recording of the event click on the link

California Road Trip

Mono Lake is such a precious spot not far from Yosemite. These gigantic Tufas or mineral deposits rise from the lake suggesting something from another planet. Although almost alien to look at they are also totally human in their organic qualities.

U.S. Roadtrip

Coming to the end of an eventful road trip through California and Nevada. The massive scale of the beautiful scenery especially around Yosemite is stirring the religious side in me. Maybe it is because we become more aware of how tiny we are as humans and defer more to nature. Also an awareness of some larger force. Hope to be posting a few pics soon

Work in Progress

This is a thoughtful period when I am taking a break from painting to concentrate on my piping. My next major art project is at the planning stage and will see me working "plein air" again if possible. Taking off for the States next week to absorb the wonderful scenery of Northern California and Nevada that will be inspiring enough. In the meantime here is a link to my ramblings and also an earlier studio work from my New Mexico series.http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=455037512

Mike talks about turning Plinthian

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=60045659

I am a Plinther

I succeeded in getting selected to perform on the vacant fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square. My time slot is from 7am till 8am on Tuesday 11th August. I will be playing the Highland Bagpipes and hope to include some pibroch. It is the ancient music of the Scottish Highlanders and some of the movements evoke the sweet sounds of nature like a gentle wind or the passage of water over stones in a Highland burn. The poetry and emotion will resonate through the traffic and rush hour sounds of London as the city slowly wakes up.

The Plinth

My London visit went well with soaring temperatures into the mid 80s
I did get to Trafalgar Square and viewed where the public will be competing with the statues as from July 6th. Maybe even I if I am successful in the August draw. It looks like a major bit of constuction is underway as you can see.
Visited Tate Britain and viewed an exhibition highlighting the similarities between Rothko and Turner's later work. The colour and abstract qualities are close in a way. Also enjoyed looking at the Monet's and Van Gogh's in the National Gallery especially after my recent forays painting on the spot (plein air).
My usual visit to the theatre took in "A Little Night Music" which is a stunning new production. The set in the second act was very austrian secessionist inspired. It reminded me of one of my trees paintings. London is very busy at this time especially with Wimbledon but always worth a visit.