‘Thanks Johnny & Carmen’, Acrylic, Canvas, Hazel, String, September 2009. “Thank you” gift for ex-army Czech neighbour and his partner, for help with Rites exhibition (see After Rites). Someone described this as a “dreamcatcher”. Damn, the long hair too easily persuades people that I’m a woolly-headed, superficial hippy.That’s why I’ve cut it off. I was hoping this might suggest fire, and something vaguely circular with an outside and a middle. Questions might be asked: “Why didn’t he take care to make a proper circle, or paint proper-looking flames? Has he really got no discernable talent, was he just in a hurry, or is there a point to making something messy and half-finished?” I guess calling it a Dreamcatcher is a legitimate response, maybe I’ll just have to avoid circles! Happy New Year everyone ..