We went to the end of the Land.

This past weekend saw my family gathering in Cornwall to celebrate the life of my grandmother, at a memorial service at the church of St Piran, in Perranuthnoe.

In the clear, icy sunlight, small people braved the water.
And we scattered ashes, and said Goodbye, on the headland, with a perfect view of the castle in Mount's Bay.

Both the songs posted here are favourites of mine, and while rummaging around online, and choosing music for the weekend, both of these seemed appropriate, particularly as they had videos using old black and white footage, akin to the images we were using to make our own slideshow of my grandmother's life. The video for the British Sea Power song is from a 1934 film Man of Aran. Though Aran is in Ireland, life would have been little different for fisherfolk in this most westernmost part of the British Isles, where life was ruled by the sea.

An Eeyore moment.

The cold and dark has crept into everything this week, even my mood. All I have wanted to do is tuck myself up in the little armchair beside the fire. I had a rummage at the book store at Proper Job, and found, to my delight, a whole pile of my childhood favourites. I brought them all back - ostensibly for the children to read, but I feel the need to reacquaint myself with them first!

Even a Sunday walk with the family and their dogs seemed to be in semi- darkness. Tonight I think it is time to bring in the christmas tree, bring light and greenery to the house, and sweep the gloom outside!

A Radio Interview!

November blew out with a final gusty squall (nearly taking my internet connection with it), and December stepped in, clear and icy, a welcome change.

It's chilly indoors and out, and we are all nearly brought to fisticuffs over the comfy chair with the furry blanket! I think I may need to ask Father Christmas for another one.

Photo, left to right: Me, Simon Ford of Chagstock, David Wyatt, and front row, Matt Smith and Terri Windling.
I started the month by doing an interview along with David Wyatt for BBC Radio Devon, for their arts program. It was something I had been dreading for days - I become all tongue tied under pressure, and tend to sound like an utter idiot. Thankfully David is much more experienced and professional, and was able to do most of the talking! If you are interested, it goes out this Thursday , between 6 and 7 pm.
David and I are both participating in the Chagford CHRISTMART this Saturday morning, an art and craft sale in the Jubilee Hall, for which the above photo was taken. It should be a great event- I am in quite illustrious company! Alongside David, who is probably one of the best known Fantasy illustrators working at the moment, Terri Windling will be there, Jason of England, the Chagstock Crew, photographer Matt Smith and a whole host of excellent artisans. So do pop in if you are in the area - mulled wine, mince pies, and a fabulous raffle for which we will all be donating a small artwork or similar!

Black Friday sale on Etsy

© www.chrischapmanphotography.co.uk

(photo shows William Todd-Jones, Nick Baker, Mark Coreth and me)

I'd like to say a big 'Thankyou' to all the people who passed the Ice Bear message on. The night, and the auction, was a resounding success. It was brilliant to hear three speakers who are so knowledgeable and passionate about their subject, and we all had a great time. I can't wait to see the real sculpture!
The 'Spirit of the Ice Bear' print goes to Cat ofDarkling Woods.
I got so caught up in the momentum of the Ice Bear yesterday that I forgot to tell you the other news! It's sale time!
I'm taking part in the Etsy-wide Black Friday sale, and I have to say, I'm offering my best deal yet. Free shipping worldwide on everything, AND Buy one print, get another free. The sale has already begun, and runs until the end of Monday 30th November. There is still plenty of time to send things all around the world and beat the christmas rush, so, if there is something that you have been wanting for a while - now is the time to get it! Visit my Etsy Shop

The Spirit of the Ice Bear

"Ice Bear Spirit"
11 x 7 1/2 inches
Original Watercolour painting

******
This blog goes days and days without a post from me, and then TWO in one day! Stick with me, it's worth it I promise you!
Here is the finished painting, which I've been working my socks off to get completed today. I've framed it, and it goes up for auction tomorrow night, at the Fire and Ice fundraiser at Castle Drogo. This is in aid of the Ice Bear Project, the brainchild of sculptor Mark Coreth, who aims to raise awareness of the effects of climate change by bringing his truly amazing ice sculpture of a polar bear to Trafalgar Square, London and Nytorv square, Copenhagen. Over the course of several days this imposing bear will melt leaving nothing but a bronze skeleton and a puddle of water. Each hand that touches the bear melts a little bit more of the ice, giving a stark message about the effect each and every one of us has on the fate of the Arctic.

If you wish to put in a bid for this painting, please email the ice bear team here: kesella@icebearproject.org


And please, I'm asking a favour here, if you have time, and love what Mark is doing, please pass this message on! Time is short, the auction is tomorrow night, and the first bear arrives in Trafalgar Square on the 8th of December. We aim to raise as much money as possible tomorrow night, so please tweet this, blog this or pass on this facebook link.
Many, many thanks!

You are welcome to use these images in passing the message on (but please respect the rest of my artwork and images - all are copyrighted!)

If you like to let me know in the comments section of this post, I will send a print of this painting to one 'passer - on' drawn at random on Saturday morning 9 o'clock UK time. So hurry along - only 24 hours :)