Hamish Duncan | Blog

Crochet to infinity

2010-04-20T06:12:00.000-07:00

This is the most impressive piece of crochet I've ever seen. The sheer extent of its application makes it look great!

Maybe one day we'll see this type of decoration on Changing Rooms or that other one with the big bird and the bald bloke that flirt with each other all the time. Amazing.

Creative Circle Awards

2009-10-22T02:19:00.000-07:00

Whilst making coffee this morning at Gorgeous I noticed some prints sitting stacked-up on the side. They caught my eye for the classic, comic style illustration.

I then realised that they were awards and the witty distinction in Gold, Silver and Bronze was represented in the growing head of the character.

It made me smile and remember why it's so good to draw, you can be so cheeky and literal in such a fantastic, simple way.

2009-07-20T10:16:00.001-07:00

Fans of the fantastic Dan Wolfe classic skateboarding film, Eastern Exposure 3 will remember this brilliant intro track from Archers Of Loaf...

Gerhard Richter

2009-04-22T02:09:00.001-07:00

The best part about art is when it looks so simple you could knock it up in an hour. But when you actually think about this piece from the wonderful Gerhard Richter, you realise it probably isn't as simple as it seems...

30 Second freestyle: Her Space Holiday

2009-02-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

For those that remember the formidable Afterbang snowboarding movie of 2002, this is the great track by Her Space Holiday for Travis Parker's section.

Watching the film this morning brought back how motivational and influential this film was to the snowboarding World and how important it was at the time. As snow falls across the UK and Europe we all look forward to the summer but secretly can't wait to get into the snow again. I, for one, am off to get my stash in the coming weeks and it really couldn't come sooner.

Recess to progress

2009-02-15T16:44:00.000-08:00

Many people have concerns about the future, in uncertain economic times this couldn't be more prevalent and often leaves us not seeing what we actually have and the value it brings to our lives. Mainly the relationships that we have built up and the importance of trust, honesty and respect for others.

In times like these it's more important than ever to reflect on our current situation, if often this is focused around a financial situation or where the next quid is going to be made to pay the credit card bill. Often those closest to us can see more and know more about us than we do, realising a situation for its true merit and the possibilities (hope) that lies ahead.

From this we learn and keep on learning. Clive James' recent broadcast on Radio 4's Points Of View talked of the end to the 'get rich quick era' where everyone from silly billionaires buying new super-yachts to investment bankers like Madoff mugging the muggers of their hard-earned (?!) cash and celebrities endorsing beauty products even if it makes them look like a fool. Maybe these people should have prioritised better.

In times of uncertainty and economic gloom there will always be one constant - life, and it goes on unabated. The longer some of us waste time on thinking how alone we are the less time we have to realise how many strong relationships are around us.

Les Sept Planches de la Ruse

2009-01-15T05:57:00.001-08:00

If there is one theater production you see this year then try 'Les Sept Planches de la Ruse' or The Seven Boards of Skill. Based on an ancient Chinese game, the tangram, in which seven different shapes are manipulated in almost infinite combinations, the show demonstrates how geometry is capable of producing exquisite visual poetry ( I knicked the last bit from the
Barbican's website).

I saw this last night and it blew me away. It's a fantastic fusion of graphic design & theater - haunting, inspiring and stunning. The music and production are superb so go see it!

Creature Comforts, Nick Park (1989)

2008-12-25T05:07:00.001-08:00

I haven't posted anything in a while and feel very guilty for it. So in true Christmas spirit (?) I thought we should celebrate Nick Park's original 1989 Creature Comforts animation, mainly due to the fact his latest work - 'A Matter of Loaf and Death' will air tonight on BBC1 at 8.30pm.

This is a true classic and one not to be forgotten. Its characters are fantastic, combining; an African gorilla with an irish accent, the brazilian cheetah and the australian tortoise, all giving their opinion on life within a zoo.

Photographer, Nadia Marquard Otzen

2008-09-12T10:27:00.000-07:00

With my current interest in the Shipping Forecast, weather, rain and such like, photographer Nadia Marquard Otzen's trip to the Faroe Islands has reengaged the passion once more.

Have a look at her new site, there's a lovely mix of work with a real interest for the lives of individuals both socially and politically.

nadia-marquard-otzen.com

30 Second freestyle: The Band, Bod Dylan and others

2008-08-30T06:18:00.000-07:00

"The road has taken a lot of the great ones; Hank Williams, Buddy Holly, Otis Redding, Janis, Jimi Hendrix, Elvis - its a goddamn impossible way of life."

Robbie Robertson

Raincoat

2008-08-11T06:47:00.000-07:00

It's stag central this month and this weekend took me to Newquay for yet another. The weather held out Friday but deteriorated on Saturday. Luckily I took my trusty raincoat, bought by a friend in South Korea.

It's conventionally used for a bicycle (clip attachment for handlebars at the front) but I like to use it whenever I'm not carrying a brollie. It's best in camping / festival conditions when you have to use your hands for carrying / drinking etc. The colour is brilliant too.

Hat shop, San Sebastian

2008-08-11T06:42:00.000-07:00

On a recent stag doo to San Sebastian I stumbled on this fantastic old hat shop. The signage looked brilliant in the surrounding streets, plus they had some great hats too...

München wall

2008-08-07T03:46:00.000-07:00

I think this gradient is amazing....

Chorizo Muck

2008-07-27T13:25:00.000-07:00

This is a good casserole for summer or winter, loads of beans which are full of goodness with great flavours and an excellent store cupboard clear-out; Chop and change the ingredients as you please, the beauty of this dish is in it's flexibility.

This is what I put in:

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CHORIZO MUCK
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Onion (diced)
Chilli (diced)
Garlic (diced)

(Simmer gently)

Potatoes (new potatoes / something waxy is good) (chopped in half)
Pepper - Red / yellow / green (chopped)
Chorizo / sausage (pre cook under grill) / bacon (likewise)

Mix up

Red kidney beans / mixed beans / chick peas - Drain and rinse
Chopped tomatoes

Simmer for 30mins - 2 hours (The longer you leave it, the
better the flavour)

Season generously

Serve with salad for a light summer dish or rice in winter with warm
pitta bread as a side. Leftovers are great in a baked potato with
creme fresh / yoghurt and chopped parsley. Enjoy!
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30 Second freestyle: Quarion

2008-07-27T04:08:00.000-07:00

"Quarion is a special project from Hip-Hop, Nu Jazz and Techno producer Ianeq. Going back to the roots of hypnotic dance music, Quarion is all about the deeper aspects of House and Techno."

Frank Gehry's Pavillion at The Serpentine Gallery

2008-07-16T03:20:00.000-07:00

For those that have experienced Gehry's distinctive, sculptural
architecture may have heard about his latest - and first for the UK - construction down at the Serpentine Gallery in Kensington Gardens. The Pavillion is an annual feature to the London based gallery, inviting a world renowned architect to design a covered space for summer relaxation in the day and performance by night.

Frank Gehry's Pavillion opens this Sunday, the 20th July and is well worth the visit. For more information visit the Serpentine's website. Here are some photos of the construction to get you in the mood....

Welcome

2008-07-15T03:49:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my new site for 2008/09. I haven’t updated since 06, which in web terms is a lifetime! Sorry for the delay anyway. Well, ish.

All my previous sites have focused on my snowboarding career. Those of you who know me from those days probably don’t know what I’ve been up to recently, while those that know me from my later projects may not know of my earlier life before I settled in London village. So this is a chance for me to grow up and profile some creative work I’ve been doing.

My main project has been the umbrellas, which has taken up most of my time for the last 10-12 months and has been worth every minute. JOI has had a great response from retailers, press and consumers worldwide. Find out more on the site – joiumbrellas.co.uk. With any luck, next season’s umbrellas will be ready this October so keep an eye out for those as well.

Over on hamishduncan.com, I’ve put up some examples of other commissions I’ve fulfilled for different clients over the last few years. I’ve divided them into categories that should be self-explanatory. Have a look and check ‘em out.

You can also contact me! I'd love to hear from friends, randoms and enemies alike. The latter is an open apology for anyone who has suffered my company on late nights.

Anyway, if you’re interested in what I’m up to I’ll be putting new stuff right here. So check the site, or hit the subscribe button at the bottom of the post to add an RSS feed to your ‘puter. Or, if you’re a real mate, then stumbleupon/diggit/facehook it or whatever floats your digital boat. Ta.

Hambourine