Gina Cross | Artbuyer, Artist representative, Curator

It wasn’t until last week that I realised how much of Manchester’s identity is tied up with rain, red bricks and music alongside a very solid burgeoning creative industry. Robert Shadbolt invited me in to give a talk and do some tutorials with the Illustration students at Salford University. It was interesting to see the range of styles and interests that the students portrayed and very encouraging to see a real active involvement with the City’s businesses on projects. What I hadn’t banked on was how much I was taken by the place. Salford is on the agenda a lot at the moment due to the new Media City and although the larger area of Salford is under development, the proximity to the centre of Manchester is so close I had no idea. We went along to the opening of Manchester & Salford Illustrated which was an open submission show with the brief of ‘What does Manchester mean to you’.  It seems it means rather a lot to quite a few people! I really enjoyed the show and then a stomp through the rainy streets of Manchester to a lovely bar called 57 Thomas Street selling Marble beer that is brewed in Manchester.

I’ll definitely be going back to explore further – and see what else is up Manchester’s sleeve!

The AOI has asked me to give a masterclass on commissioning illustration, which takes place tonight. I’m currently polishing off my presentation, but I always enjoy doing these events.

It’s quite hard to keep up with all that’s been going on with the London Design Fesitval in the past couple of weeks, and the conflict when you are participating is that there’s very little likelihood of being able to see everything that is on. We spent four days at TENT London, which was partly great but also frustrating since the show had grown and we had a hard to find stand. However, feedback was fantastic for the crazy wallpaper and beautiful metal designs and printed pieces that were on display. It’s very much the beginning for GAS Art since there are a number of directions for it to go in. As for A Little bit of Art, I’m about to start opening the studio for viewings on Saturday mornings from 10-3pm to give people the chance to look at the work in reality and come and see the lovely Iliffe Yard which I absolutely love. Also coming soon will be published exclusive works that I am commissioning from a selection of the artists. So, more to come…..

Jonas Ranson Wallpaper Design © Jonas Ranson