I am dyslexic so Art has always been my preferred way to communicate and an important learning tool to process and understand what I see.
Drawing Martial Arts is a unique way to capture movement and analyse technique which also assists in my Shidokan Karate training.
The most beautiful compliment I could ever wish for was from our beloved Shidokan founder and Grand Master, Sosui Yoshiji Soeno 10th Dan, who stated that ‘my drawings have Samurai Spirit!’
Kan’ei-Ji’s original five storied Pagoda in Uenosakuragi 1-14-11 Taito-Ku-Tokyo. I painted and collaged with Japanese paper this beautiful Pagoda on location in the sweltering heat under my sun umbrella!
Art therapy project ‘Where East meets West’ in collaboration with Light House in Omiya Shi, Saitama, Japan supported by The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation.
My Martial Art adventure all began with the most beautiful and crazy words I have ever heard from our beloved teacher Shihan JJ Burnel 7th Dan.
“Train with us and the boys will treat you like a goddess!” So I joined and they do, in a punchy kicky sort of way and with great care and respect.
The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation is an organisation set up to promote and develop good relations between Great Britain and Japan. It serves to enhance the mutual appreciation and understanding of our cultures and gave me the great opportunity to create a study of the teachings of Kancho Yoshiji Soeno 9th Dan, founder and living master of the Martial Art Shidokan.
A selection of storyboards and artwork from my Channel 4 Animation Cuban Development.
It was created from sketches, paintings and collage found on my travels in Cuba. The idea of the project was to show the music and dance of Cuba, its life force and the inventiveness which came around from living in a simple way, for example, I saw an old 1950’s vehicle that literally had no outer car body and was still in use, the ultimate in air conditioning!
Also, it wasn’t unusual to see a whole family balanced and traveling around on one bicycle.
There was no political or social commentary in this project contrary to my other animated films, I was shining a light on the Afro Cuban culture and the amazing spirit of the Cuban people. However, the idea behind the film was prompted by the American blockade against this beautiful and tiny, in comparison to the U.S. magic Island of Cuba!
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