Metall auf Metall

Had a meeting this morning with my long-time collaborator, artist and sculptor Noah over in his Salford studio. Kindly, (and because he only ever needs half an excuse to get dressed up), this is he helping contribute to my 200th blip-birthday today.

In this, he is wearing the hat, beak and googles of his own recent 'Oldham Art Bike' installation, as featured in the carnival procession of The Manchester Day Parade back in June. Here, Noah recreates his performance that day, sat astride a mechanical bicycle creation - whilst he the robotic percussionist, plays along zombie-like to Kraftwerk's Metall auf Metall.

In the background, is Noah's fellow studio artist Jo - and who also then kindly agreed to pose. She and Noah's joint goggles portrait are on now my photoblog, but the only reason I didn't use that shot instead, was simply that I realised after that it read as a 20,000 blip birthday. Blimey, a bit to go for that just yet.

Jo is currently finalising a major body of work, she is about to have displayed for sale at the Greater Northern Contemporary Crafts fair at Spinningfields in Manchester (between 4th and 7th October).

Jo's lovely work is a mixed media of steelwork & porcelain sculptures and vessel forms. Her website says her inspiration comes from the natural landscape, including the structures of branches, fungi and undersea reefs.

Thanks Noah and Jo!