Andrews Birthday Blog 2018

 In Andrew's Blog

THE SHOCK OF THE NEW

I wasn’t sure that I would actually be alive to celebrate this birthday. The cancer, the surgery and the chemo left me in some doubt as to how long I would survive. But thanks to the excellent NHS care at St Georges Hospital and, in particular, thanks to my brilliant surgeon, Mr Alex Chung and my equally brilliant oncologist, Dr Fiona Lofts, I’m still around and working to boot. In fact I’m feeling so good that I’m now planning a big exhibition for my 80th birthday a year from now. That’s what this blog is primarily about. So you’ll forgive me for not talking about the various “block buster” exhibitions and “5 star” films to which I’ve unfortunately subjected myself since I last wrote to you.

My work has changed and is changing still. Depicting the world as it appears no longer interests me. Though I still see the beauty of the world the images that I must now make are about my inner being. I have to drag these images out in order to confront myself with them. I shall write more about that in later blogs.

I’m showing you one piece now as a taster of what is to come. I’ll send more in the later blogs to wet your appetite.

I can’t tell you when exactly the exhibition will take place or where it will be, but you can be sure that it is going to happen. It will, most probably, be somewhere in central London and definitely early in 2019. I understand that the National Gallery isn’t available but any other ideas as to where an octogenarian painter could exhibit his work would be welcomed.

You will receive an invitation. I hope that you’ll be there.

A warning; if you think you know my work you should be prepared for The Shock of the New.

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Showing 18 comments
  • RHONA
    Reply

    Andrew I was “over the Moon” to hear from you and that you have been treated so well!! Long MAY IT LAST!!!!

    Please keep in touch with your New Venture in ART! I

    It’s amazing how life and it’s Trials and Tribulations can change OUR IDEAS?!

    Take Care and keep in TOUCH

    Love Rhona

    • Andrew
      Reply

      Thanks Rhona,
      I’ll keep you updated

  • Angela Fritz
    Reply

    Bravo, Andrew! On two counts: surviving thus far and then having the extraordinary courage to try something new.

    My best to Paula too.

    Cordially,

    Angela

    • Andrew
      Reply

      Thanks Angela

  • Anne Clark
    Reply

    I’m so pleased to hear that your treatment has been successful and I wish you the creativity and strength to make art for many years to come.

    • Andrew
      Reply

      Thanks Anne

  • Claire
    Reply

    Happy Birthday to you-hoo!
    And much love to both of you.
    I haven’t been in London for aeons, but who knows……..
    Lucy now has both prints, and they look very well together.

    • Andrew
      Reply

      Thanks Clair, You should come to London. It’s quite civilised down here.

    • Naomi Tippett
      Reply

      Dear Andrew,
      We are glad you’re here, to celebrate another year, and as it is your special day, here is what we want to say:
      Your work is such an inspiration to all your friends, the British nation,
      You hang in galleries near and far, to all of us a shining star.
      A life well lived in every way is what your friends and’ rellys ‘say,
      A sage amongst us wise and true, and so we all admire you.
      Now it is your place in the sun, sincerely hope you’re having fun,
      And whether it’s at work or play, we hope you have a happy day.

      May yo live for 120 years.
      With love to you and Paula
      Naomi an George

    • Naomi Tippett
      Reply

      Dear Andrew,
      We are glad you’re here, to celebrate another year, and as it is your special day, here is what we want to say:
      Your work is such an inspiration to all your friends, the British nation,
      You hang in galleries near and far, to all of us a shining star.
      A life well lived in every way is what your friends and’ rellys ‘say,
      A sage amongst us wise and true, and so we all admire you.
      Now it is your place in the sun, sincerely hope you’re having fun,
      And whether it’s at work or play, we hope you have a happy day.

      May yo live for 120 years.
      With love to you and Paula
      Naomi an George

      • Andrew
        Reply

        Lovely of you to say such nice things and twice over. Many thanks.

  • Irene runayker
    Reply

    Andrew. So glad you are still with us. And look forward to seeing you and your new works,

    • Andrew
      Reply

      I’m also glad and look forward to seeing you soon Irene.

  • Trudi Tate
    Reply

    Very good to hear from you. Good to hear that the treatment has been so successful. I wish you well in this new phase of your work.
    Best wishes,
    Trudi

    • Andrew
      Reply

      Thanks Trudi

  • Stuart Westerby
    Reply

    Hi Andrew.so glad your treatment was succesful.cant wait to see your new work.judging by the pic you put online it looks awesome.all the very best to you.looking forward to your exhibition.best wishes from stuart.

  • michael czerewko
    Reply

    Belated Birthday Greetings Andrew. Good to hear from you as always. I see raw strength in your new work and trust that translates to your physical/mental being. I have circled 2019 on my calendar and am in disbelief that it will be 20 years since that amazing 60thbirthday overlooking the Thames.
    Best Wishes Andrew. Love to you and Paula.

  • Laurette Hilton
    Reply

    So happy to read this, dear Andrew! Happy Birthday!!!
    Be well, paint lots, be happy and get ready for your 80th birthday and many more!

    With love to you and Paula,

    Laurette

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