The Art Train

Yesterday the Art Train steamed along the West Somerset Railway and Toy Ahoy was involved in it's own way. For a while now I have been creating Digital Storywalks which you download and put in your phone. The Art Train organisers had workshops and artisits on every platform and thought I should be involved too. Well rather than authoring a new tale (quite a lot of work) I pointed out that Dunster already has a great digital walk called 'the Winding Charm' 

So with a fresh set of posters and an A board at Dunster station I was kitted out as much as needed, and although I am always telling people about the walks I didn't want to be tethered to Duster station all day, so instead I got on the train with my youngest son and went on an adventure. 

When eventually back home my son had a willow dragonfly, a driftwood wind chime, and a clay tile, all done through workshops provided on the day, fabulous.

When I returned to Dunster, leaflets had gone and there had been interest in the walks. I have no idea if anyone did them yesterday but my walks do need preparation which is easier to do at home (with wifi) ready for the day.

 

But the days promotion was the first step in a charm offensive getting the message across that my Storywalks are free, open all year, child friendly, interactive and lots of fun. If you don't believe me then take a look at the testimonials on my web captured through the Geocaching portal as there is a box hidden at the end of the walks which is registered as a Geocache.

My day was great and my son is still beaming, well done all.

Cold hands, warm heart

Yesterday I ran to the hills with my number one son and snatched a few shots between the showers, when I had caught the pictures of his beautiful pixie hands I asked him to take a few of me. He is no sly when it comes to taking good pictures and I love this one above with my dirty fingers. The inside of the tree was red with dusty timber and this hollow tree was open above aswell so you felt you were at the foot of a tube. 

When I ask my children or anyone I am taking pictures of I think it's essential to step in front of the lens and see how it feels. For this one it was possibly easier for him being a little smaller and far more subtle than me.

I have already posted my favourite image for the Somerset Art Works web and open studios booklet, lets hope they do their thing and entice the walkers into the heart of the tales. For as the saying goes, those with cold hands always have warm hearts, though it doesn't say anything about dirty hands!