CONGREGATION FOR THE CONFERMENT OF DEGREES

Tuesday 13 December 2011 at 9.45 am saw the culmination of an impressive learning journey: Private primary education, entry into the Grammar School system, spiced with adolescent anecdotes, such as an accompanied visit to a Police Station and very mild alcoholic poisoning and finally through to completion of an Bachelor of Arts degree course at the University of Leeds.

Megan Baynes was ‘admitted to the Degree of Bachelor of Arts First Class Honours - Sociology.

We had a nice cuppa in the Sociology Department after the Ceremony.

The end of year show

There was a large crowd and lots of chattering talent at the De Montfort (Leicester) Art Foundation Show 2011.

It was another one of those proud father moments and happily my enthusiasm for Bron’s final work was un-dampened by the wine having run out before my arrival. As ever, at a really good show, other people’s work fascinates and inspires me, so I walk away (to a meal at Chicken Nandos) with a few good ideas – to incorporate in my printmaking work.

Bedtime reading

As Megs continues to blaze a trial through the hallowed halls of the Social Sciences Faculty, in her final year at Leeds University her book stack/reading list continues to impress.

In awe of Auerbach

Super clever daughter Bron, currently at Leicester doing art foundation goes to life classes a couple of times a week.

The other day she sent me this wonderful study (full length nude) which immediately reminded me of Frank Auerbach's expressionist - impasto style. Wonderful and full of energy (both pieces)

Featured on the left is an Auerbach portrait.

Auerbach, born in 1931, was at St Martins, then the Royal College.

He was the darling of my tutors at the Slade.

More on Auerbach here

Offspring envy

Not other peoples'. Mine.
Over the last week both Megan and Bron have started blogs.
Click here http://bronniebaynes.blogspot.com/ or here http://meganbaynes.blogspot.com/
What really astonishes me (and makes me proud) is that each blog reflects what is unique, to my mind, about each creator. That,and fear, fear of what they will do to me having shared these links. Each blog's voice, tempo and topic is so very different.

(Horrid children - so full of talent)

Nest. Empty. Result!

Yesterday we ran Bron up to Leicester to start art school at De Montfort University. The sun shone, the vibe was good (where did the word 'vibe' come from) anyway all sorted. Leicester, like Leeds is dead cool. Example are the Bus Shelters all of which are classic minimalist Art Deco. I will return, meanwhile here are some pictures to keep us all going. . .

Featured here: Bookshelf in B's room, view from B's room out down onto the river and my temporary storage idea for important things: 'Still life with Ms Summers'.

Coming soon: A collision with Piper

Megan returns from Ibiza

And re packs for Leeds.

Ibiza - Friends re-united

It had to be done. 48 hours in Ibiza with Miss Em. Sun, sea, witnessing arguments on the beach, when I was in the middle of drawing, between a couple from Northern Island; cool meals in cool resturants, 33 degrees C, the Em-ster protecting from girls coming at me out of doorways at midnight and choosing me the coolest bracelets - essential for those subsequent senior business meetings. She's been out there for 13 weeks - done much, learnt much and walks more confidently. Yeah. Yay. Off to Gatwick to collect 01:00 Wednesday. What evs.

Master Chef

In preparation for the great move north to Leicester (and art school) Bron, determined not to starve has been preparing a Cookery Book and practising the finer arts of cooking and pastry making with excellent results

Featured here end result and the book

Swedish House Mafia

In a valient to stay au courant Miss Em, photo featured, emails through music recommendations each week from Ibiza.

This week Megan's top pick Swedish House Mafia - the combo of Axwell, Sebastian Ingrosso and Steve Angello, Mafia.

I am over there in two weeks time and Em and I are catching them on Monday night specials at Pasha.

Meanwhile this link should get you there http://www.youtube.com/watch?hl=en&v=UxuEl8qkErs&gl=US

Ibizia - the play list

http://www.youtube.com/watch?hl=en&v=wavpWRK6IX8&gl=US

and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4EslTTh6Xg

these are Miss Em's picks from Ibizia

School's Out - Big Time

Well, the other night we had the PV of Bron's final year Show and v soon she leaves school (for ever)

Lucky that Super Snapper Chris Worthington was there to scoop up the excitement. His Piccassa album is a click away http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/chkworthington/Bronnie?authkey=Gv1sRgCNqGnsyJ9eWnRw&feat=email#

Bron - a massive year of hard work. Some lovely work. Massive Energy and the beginnings of something great. Off to Art School for you young lady!

B's work is in the link.

Post Cards from the Edge

If I have passed any of my (useful, positive) values onto Megs then the value of written correspondence appears to be one of them. Since she arrived in Ibizia we have received two cards. Quite wonderful! Full of news and that ascerbic wit which I love so much. Thanks Miss M. xx Padj.

THE DRESSER AND HER MODEL

The idea behind this piece, being the final project in Bron’s A2 course:
Start point is Dolls and >> onto Barbie Dolls. Barbie is an icon of beauty - perfection. Everyone is seeking perfection, some will pay for it. So into plastic surgery and the finished piece represents the pure body gone wrong; the folds of the leggings, for example, represent cellulite.

Location: Undisclosed
Model: Megan Baynes
Hair and Makeup: Model’s own
Photography: Bronnie Baynes

Creative Moves

How much of life's goods and chattels can you get in the back of an aging Saab?

Quite a lot! Is the answer as we move Megs back down from Leeds in preparation for the Summer working in Ibiza.

Crime and Punishment

Megan appears to have perfectly blended her studies and her new role with Pukka Up in Leeds

Pukka Up (link) is 'All About the Party' Her unform is the perfect counterpoint to her recent essay "Media and Violence".

Megan featured far right.

Bron's First Solo Show

Ultimate Proud Father Moment

Bron's show of her Up-Cycling Martine Margiela inspired work ! Wonderful show, featured here Bron and her models are on the catwalk for photo call

Weight Watching

Other night, arrive home open fridge door for wine bottle, see photo of girl appended to fridge door. Go to crockery cupboard for wine glass, see photo of girl stuck to cupboard door. It must be down to Bron.

"Bron, what are the pictures" "They are fit birds Dad" "Yes Bron, OK, but why are they here" "So that when you go to food or drink you will think "is this going to make me fit"" "Oh I get it; Thanks Bron"

Leeds 2 A rare glimpse of student life

8 Welton Grove, Megan's house, nestles between the mosque and an old cinema. The interior decorated with the usual essentials of student life completed by interesting view from the kitchen.

Leeds A stroll through the campus

Up to Leeds to see Megan who is in her second year, reading sociology. We walked through the campus towards the city centre: the reward is an impressive mix of architecture, Victorian through to post-modern. Yummy. Traffic cone on the statue (rh picture a late addition)