I'm Frieze-ing

Yesterday I travelled up to Regents Park to go and check out this years Frieze London Art Fair that was running from 17th-20th October (the closing party is tonight!).

I had never been before so was both surprised and impressed about how much work there was on show. We looked around for over three hours and still didn't get to see everything.

My main reason for going was to see the work of family friend Eloise Hawser who was exhibiting her sculptural pieces including a 3D scan of her father.

Personal highlights from the fair for me included Ron Mueck's hyper-real lady with a baby sculpture, a giant kitten hanging in a sock by Jeff Koons and ink illustrations by the continually witty David Shrigley.

This cartoon flower print by Takashi Murakami was instantly recognisable but I was also excited to see some of his sculptural work like the gold sleeping man with his dog above. 

Jeff Koons' sculpture pieces definitely seem to be the biggest talking point of the show. I went to see his exhibition at the Brighton Royal Pavillion Museum and Gallery last month so it was good to see more of his work here too. I like how he makes solid pieces look so convincingly like inflatable toys. I'll also never forget the giant Floral Puppy he once made. 

I got my younger sister Ellie to pose in front of William Boshoff's Flag I piece comprising of a Union Jack filled with toys that, on closer inspection, included Chuckie from the Rugrats and my old favourite, E.T. 

My family and I were not expecting to see a piece from one of our favourite artists, hyper-realist Ron Mueck. We have been following his work ever since Dead Dad was exhibited at Saatchi gallery way over 10 years ago back when it was still at Boundary Road. His mother-in-law is also Paula Rego which always made sense to me as I think their work shares an odd similarity. 

The stand I probably spent the most amount of time at was that of Glasgow artist David Shrigley's, mainly because I find his illustrations amazingly funny and there were so many to see. I have also bought some of his greetings cards for my friends so it was good to see his work in real life. My favourite print was probably the one above reading 'It's good to bury things' because the illustration of the man reminds me of Worzel Gummidge. 

Unfortunately Frieze London has now finished but I would definitely recommend trying to go next year if you didn't get a chance this time. Although you'll have to be organised as tickets did sell out pretty fast this year.  

friezelondon.com

Hounds of Hollywood

January is probably my least favourite month so when I found out that I was going to Los Angeles to do a photo shoot with work last minute I was definitely excited. I had never been before and heard it's where all the famous people lived so that was enough for me. 

While celebrity spotting was on the minimum, one thing I couldn't help notice were the amount of stunning dogs this coastal city holds. I spent most of the time on Venice Beach which was filled with every type of breed imaginable. Americans love dogs even more than us Brits and the beach is the number one walking spot. I took some photos of a few of my favourites. 

Above there is Oscar, the Labradoodle puppy who had the most beautifully cut coat and looked liked a teddy bear. 

I knew I was going to like LA when I went to cast models at Vision and was greeted merrily by this stunner. 

This chubby chihuahua was being carried around by his owner in a pair of goggles to protect his sensitive eyes, he was caught on camera by our videographer Brian Kazez. 

One very friendly pair of pugs.

    

I love the shadows in this photograph - look at the tail! 

I hadn't seen a french bulldog with this colouring before, I think it might have been mixed with an English Bulldog? 

This is Gezelle, an old French Bulldog who I looked after outside Abbot Kinney's Intelligentsia cafe while her owner queued for coffee. He described her physique as compact. 

So much grace in that paw. 

This roller skater had put sunglasses on his dog, but they didn't stay on for long. 

My boss Gemma caught these two long haired Chihuahua's teamed together in their owners bicycle basket. 

There appeared to be a shortage of large dogs in the city so I was pleased to discover this sloppy St. Bernard. I was reminded of my affection for this breed after re-watching Beethoven 1 & 2 over Christmas. 

I felt a bit sorry for this little guy being left out on his own while his owners dined. 

For the best dog spotting in LA, visit Venice Beach Boardwalk, there is even a corgi being carried around in a cart wearing a bikini, but you have to pay for a photograph of that. 

Alpaca Adventures

Late last winter I headed back to the Home Counties and my very own home county Buckinghamshire to have what turned out to be one of the best days of 2012 - hanging out in an alpaca farm. 

Located in the picturesque village of Aston Abbotts just outside Aylesbury is Abbotts View Farm, home to 28 alpacas and 4 miniature Shetland Ponies. The farm is run by Jo and her family who are in the process of turning it into the ultimate alpaca experience. While it is yet to open to the general public, my mum made a call and Jo kindly let us head down for our very own personal tour. 

I have been alpaca mad for some time, I once even tried to make my dad pull over on a dual carriageway when I spotted a field of them. So getting to meet them, feed them and find out all about them for a whole afternoon was a dream come true. 

The alpacas were split into three fields - one for the girls and babies, one for the boys and one for the men. We were lucky enough to get to meet two new babies (see above) who were just about the cutest thing ever. 

We were introduced to every alpaca by name and farm owner Jo had no trouble differentiating one from the other. This seemed surprising at first but the more time we spent with them, the more we noticed their individual characteristics and the more we fell in love. 

This year Aston Abbotts Farm plans to open up its gates to the general public so if you live in Bucks or are passing through I would definitely recommend paying a visit and giving them a hug from me. 

The the biggest character on the farm was Paris the miniature Shetland Pony who showed the alpaca men who's boss on her afternoon run. 

Abbotts View Farm, Off Moat Lane, Aston Abbotts, Bucks HP22 4NF. 

www.abbottsviewalpacas.co.uk

www.facebook.com/AbbottsViewAlpacas