A great little opportunity approached me to team up once again with the restless, creative spirit that is Mr. Mead. His mission this time - to dream up and realize his first mural at The Gallimaufry, Bristol. I find Mr Mead's pop surreal visions fascinating - so how could I pass up this unique opportunity to make a time lapse based work of his adventures through the small hours of August, 2012?
The Gallimaufry commissioned the pair of us to realize this project and gave us the time, space and support to deliver it - it was a vigorous creative dynamic, best personified by Tom's 14 consecutive night shifts. I remain impressed by his ability to execute such detailed work so consistently with the added duress of reversed sleeping patterns. The Gallimaufry's ethos of making the best of what's around them has allowed this new business venture to flourish in the teeth of this recession, as has the presence of the award winning culinary skills of Mr. John Watson on the start up team! Their desire to showcase the best of regional food and creative talent seeded this project - a seed which produced an unexpected bloom in the shape of rising indie shoegaze stars The Fauns, and their 2009 track “The Sun is Cruising” (they also of course appear towards to the end of the video as they played a gorgeous set at the Galli on our 8th Vulpine Night). The Fauns recently signed to Geoff Barrow’s Invada label and are putting the finishing touches to their second album which will be released early 2013. They are also about to embark on a November 2012 tour of Europe with US shoegazers Ringo Deathstarr. Aiding in creating the video’s diverse soundtrack is the fresh talent of Charlie Cowper, who released his debut electronica album “Emerging States” in 2012.
Many thanks to both The Fauns and Charlie for use of their stunning material!!
Please enjoy a selection of close ups of Mr. Mead's inspired work below - projects like this are why I love working in Bristol, this desire to share creativity belies a rare generosity of spirit which permeates the creative culture of the city. It is a spirit which must be nurtured.
