Got an unexpected birthday pressie tonight. A work of art from a guy whom I had admired since I was about 14 (26 years ago). He's not a known artist, merely a local guy doing it tough and many of his pieces are lost or have been possibly thrown out over the years - Phonse McGrath.
As mentioned, about 26 years ago - my mother brought home a couple of 'scribbles', made by ball-point pen on A1 paper of streetscapes (the most memorable of mine being Sydney, including the Harbour Bridge & Opera House) from where she worked as a carer in what used to be called a 'centre for mentally handicapped', when I was young. The detail captivated me and the fact that the artist was a kind gentleman with special needs, that I assumed was a form of 'autism' and simply drew city streetscapes for enjoyment and handed them out to anyone whom he felt he connected with.
Tonight I was presented with this work of art from my wife (who searched high & wide to get hold of one) and the rest of my family and I was stunned - 'Night Surprise in Melbourne' - I now have something that I have always wanted, but had forgotten about years ago through other distractions...I'm happy to hear that his work is now recognised through small exhibitions in art circles and that he is able to share his love for 'urban form' on a wider scale.
Happy birthday to me.
Maybe the Teatrea's, Windxtasy's, Sboarcrazy's & many more of the artistic seabreeze community or simply those of us who have a particular favorite work can share some images & stories on this thread...I'm happy to start it off.
