A PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST AS AN OLDER-YOUNGER MAN...

A Portrait Of The Artist As An Older-Younger Man.

By Lloyd Rundle

A few hours spent in award-winning artist Peter Meacock’s company is exhausting – naturally, I mean that in a good way. Some artists might bore you with self-publicity but Peter’s conversation is quite different. He moves seamlessly from the artistic to the philosophical to the scientific, skipping from childhood memories to adult experiences in a flash as if his life was being played out in his mind all at once.

Like his art, Peter is an enervated mass of ideas, firing on all cylinders. In a matter of moments our discussion moves from his admiration of the Surrealist movement – especially Salvador Dali - to quantum physics to he and his friends’ failed attempts in the early seventies to call America for free using a complex (and perhaps mythic) beep code on coin-operated payphones. Apparently that was just to hear what people on the other side of the Atlantic might actually sound like. But it also illustrates his tireless questioning nature.

BabyBabyBaby, Peter’s first solo art exhibition, is an expression of this rambling, seemingly chaotic thought process which in our conversation shoots off in all directions, but in his work it is brought keenly into focus. His chat may be complex, but simplicity is key to Peter’s art – a singularity of concept and thought on the origins of the universe.

Held at Potassium – a chic, environmentally responsible boutique near Marble Arch which has previously supported a number of arts’ projects – BabyBabyBaby is an exploration of what Peter likes to call, ‘the birth of the megacosm’. An ambitious theme for a first exhibition but then, at 52, Peter is no spring-chicken and while the Big Bang, quantum physics and the nature of the insurmountable life force which births us, binds us and ultimately tears us apart might be daunting for some, Mr Meacock approaches his subject matter with a touch of schoolboy glee.

The man himself towers over me like a bear. Not a Grizzly one, of course - more a giant Teddy bounding about the room with ceaseless energy, his eyes bright with anticipation for anything new and exciting; the only sign of his age a shock of curly and neatly coiffed grey hair with the salt and pepper speckles of its original dark hue. His glasses remind me of Harry Potter and as Peter expounds on the unstoppable forces of the universe I can’t help but think of the boy-wizard’s wonder at the discovery of magic. But Peter’s ideas and concepts revolve around an altogether different form of alchemy.

The exhibition comprises of three works – Goose Baby, Baby and BabyBabyBaby - in which he has spread 10,000 specifically moulded golden bullets over dense uniform black reflective surfaces, to represent points of light shooting forth into the dark nothingness of space at the moment of the Big Bang to form foetal constellations. For Peter it’s the simplest of concepts – the babies depict an origin we all share unquestionably – that are the most profound.

“A lot of modern art has been about death and our mortality,” he says. “That’s a subject in art that I’ve never really pursued. I started at the point of life, a baby, which is a more important question. Go and stand at the end of the conveyor belt and you’ll see that people are dying all the time. But they are being born too. All that naval contemplations until death is pointless because whatever you do, life will continue around you anyway.”

From here, he launches into the beginnings of a political rant about Iraq and the war. “We bombed Iraq,” he tells me. “And yet there are still babies being born there.” Pointing at the thousands of intricately placed golden pellets that make up Goosebaby, he adds with a winning smile: “Babies from bullets.” Then as swiftly as he moved onto contemporary politics, he moves onto something else - new, different and seemingly unrelated. I wouldn’t be surprised if I found myself back at the gates of Baghdad an hour hence, as if we had been discussing it all along. Sometimes it seems as if his mind works like a telephone-exchange, a multitude of dialogues going on at one and the same time which he can tune in and out of at the drop of a hat.

Peter grew up on stud farm near Selbourne, in the Hampshire countryside which he cosily calls ‘Gilbert White’ country. He always felt the creative impulse, he says, but initially he was drawn towards architecture – “a great art form” – and started his career in 1977. However, his creative impulse remained and in 2006 he was commissioned to produce the sculptural installation Atom in the Lake District. The project, launched by the late-Tony Wilson (of Factory Records fame), was finally set in place in the hills near Pendle in 2008 and won the Civic Trust that same year.

A bronze-coated glass reinforced concrete shell which a viewer can comfortably sit inside and be part of, Atom represents the space within and without those building blocks that make up our universe. Atom can be seen as Peter’s first attempt to marry the world of art with scientific theory in a unified whole but, as he is keen to emphasize, he’d been dabbling in science for some time, as much for personal reasons as out of professional interest.

“I did a lot of research,” he says. “A lot of that was because my late-brother William was mentally ill. But also because I had friends who were scientists at Bristol University. It always interested me. I have always followed up on these things, always been talking to scientists.”

His brother’s death in 2006 was evidently a turning-point, which inspired a series of smaller sculptures, among them William and Babybones which are on display at Potassium. These sculptures, forged in his kitchen at his current home in Bath out of modelling clay are overlaid with gold leaf. They set the stage for the BabyBabyBaby exhibition, forming a kind of prologue to the main body of work. Each one is a golden globe, set on a tripod with a baby’s head and wings atop, representing the Earth and the upward motion of, perhaps, the human spirit.

“With my brother’s passing, I was forced to confront where somebody goes when they die,” he says. “It thrust it at me; whatever I did or he did – nature or nurture – he would have died anyway.”

But he’s keen to emphasize that his brother’s passing wasn’t some kind of spark that lit the creative fuse. “I’d already done that,” he says with a jovial smile. “I was making it before William passed away and I dealt with his passing through it. But through the making of this art, I became incredibly excited. It was cathartic, yes. And it was also hysterical. I was in fits of laughter all on my own. It was enormously entertaining.”

Still, William evidently remains an integral part of Peter’s life and work. Goosebaby is, in part, the recreation of a childhood memory of him, depicting a baby surrounded by geese. “We used to have geese as guard dogs,” says Peter. “When William was a little boy he used to hide from us and we’d find him in the Duck house surrounded by bantams, ducks and geese.”

Although Peter is keen to distance himself and his life from his art, they form an intrinsic part of his work – his late-brother especially. As Peter notes on his website (petermeacock.com): “I think of [William] every day and I do not wish him back. I know he is recycled somewhere in somewhere in the Universe.”

Peter cites Salvador Dali and the minimalist artist Donald Judd as his central artistic inspirations. He adds that it was a visit to the Catalan surrealist’s summer house at Port Ligat, in June 2008 that brought his vision into focus. Dali’s humour and creative ability set him on his way. But Peter’s art is altogether more influenced by science, notably the theories of the physicist Stephen Hawking. You don’t need to know quantum physics to understand BabyBabyBaby – but it adds a new dimension to it, if you do.

Hawking's attempts to unlock the mysteries of the universe and his study of black holes revolutionized the scientific world in the 1970s and forced their way onto the public consciousness with the publication of A Brief History of Time in 1988. Peter had always been a fan of science. He remembers the moon landing in 1969 with childlike excitement. “To see that happen was amazing,” he tells me, “I refer back to that all the time.”

And he was an avid fan of the BBC science programme Tomorrow’s World. Hawking's efforts to provide one unifying theory on the origins of the universe may seem quite a jump from there but in Peter’s mind at least, it was a natural progression.

“It’s the breakdown of the idea of man at the centre of universe, integral to Renaissance art,” he says. “From there we had to accept that the sun was at the centre of the universe and we revolved around it. Then suddenly we were at the edge of the universe and now with quantum physics and string theory we’re into multi-dimensional universes. Where does that leave us?

“Understanding the science through the eyes of Hawking’s clearly proffers a new relationship with the maker and even disregards the significance of it by an extremely deft observation. Spontaneous explosion! The Universe is bigger than anyone can even really put a finger on. And a lot bigger than anyone who gets in its way!”

And that for Peter, is what he has attempted to capture in his work – the spontaneous, explosive energy of life bursting forth from a single point of creation. Unstoppable and insurmountable, the stars shooting forth as represented by the golden bullets in each piece to form the image of a baby or babies – an image which unites us all in its simplicity but fragments and breaks up at the edge of the shiny black surface as we might shift off of this mortal coil only to be reborn, to give form to something else. He calls it ‘apoptosis’ defined as the controlled destruction of cells in the growth and development of an organism.

“It’s like the baby in the womb,” he explains. “The hands form as clubs but the cells between the fingers are programmed to die to create the spaces between the fingers. It’s all part of the cycle of life – birth and death – to create form. That’s the nature of life and we are just constituent elements, part of a greater whole.

“I had to go back to the point of origin – that’s what’s important,” he continues. “It’s like Picasso and his drawing of a dove. People said it was simple, that a child could do it. Picasso replied that he had to work all his life to be able to do it – to get that simplicity right. That’s what I’m trying to do. To go back to the point of origin to get it right!

“Now, I’ve got to get back to Bath, I’ve got to get on, I got things to create.” And with that he's off again like a spinning top, shooting out sparks of ideas in all directions but at the point of origin simple, unified and ceaseless.

BabyBabyBaby will run at Potassium until 30th October.

UPCYCLED IS THE NEW RECYCLED...

Autumn Winter 2010 sees ethical brand Laundry Maid in a resourceful mood with the introduction of Laundry Maid Upcycled; a small collection of jeans, bags and a skirt all innovatively recycled from existing styles into newer directional garments.

Developed to sit alongside the label’s core form flattering range of skinny, tailored and tapered leg fits, the concept minimises waste, cuts down on unnecessary consumption of raw denim and introduces exciting new product areas to the line.

A tailored chino in stone has been painstakingly unpicked to rescue knee patches and the brand’s unique uplifting back panel, which have then been applied to a signature tailored jean in slate grey denim. Excess stone fabric has been further utilised to make Jodhpur riding patches for the label’s current favourite, the high waisted skinny jean. Nothing is wasted and excess stock is converted into new seasonal items.

Jeans styles have been further adapted to form a snap fastened fifties style handbag and a slouchy cross body bag, each featuring a base and strap handles made from the legs of the jean. In keeping with the label’s ethos, all items are designed, manufactured, laundered and customised in Britain.

Due to the rarity of supply, Laundry Maid Upcycled is numbered and available exclusively at Potassium...

BabyBabyBaby...

BabyBabyBaby


Exhibition of new artwork by Peter Meacock


Potassium, 2 Seymour Place, London, W1H 7NA


23/09/2010 - 30/10/2010


Mon - Fri 11:00 to 18:00 Sat. 11:00 to 16:00


Contact: Peter Meacock, petermeacock.com, peter@petermeacock.com
Contact: Karim Ladak, potassiumlondon.com, karim@potassiumstore.co.uk


"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye." Antoine de Saint-Xupery.


Peter's work is constructed of 8,894 golden dots framed, distributed and floating over three dense uniform black surfaces. The physical substance of the golden dots is precise and yet minor in comparison to intensely dark and seemingly endless surrounding space. Specific points hover to form braille like fragments of information to allow the whole substance of the image to form within the mind and imagination. There is a specific relationship between the points and the surface that creates the illusion of substance temporally and emotionally; cerebrally and sexually. Then, if you see a Baby in the image, you could see the colour of it's eyes; know it's name; know where it will travel in it's life… As if, when you were looking up at the darkest sky, you saw a man or woman dancing through space.


The Elements that have been identified are caught in a series of intriguing and complex reactions, driven by a relentless and profound energy. The material substance of these Elements, from which all things are made, is so evanescent in the Universe that the average matter density, when taken over all space, is effectively zero to a very high degree of precision. A little does indeed go a long way. In the universe light is absorbed by all things and the part that isn't illuminates our brains through the retina, distinguishing it from the next. Yet in a thing there is substance and that cannot be conveyed by what we see. As the presence and substance of the subject is derived through our consciousness and experience. A baby is a baby, and also there are pictures of babies.


The element Potassium, like art and fashion, is essential for the proper function of all cells, tissues, and organs in the human body. It is also an electrolyte, a substance that conducts electricity in the body. It is crucial to the function of cellular life. Apoptosis (programmed cell death), shows us that some cells are born to die to allow life to take its many forms. These dead cells do not decompose but are recycled and the Elemental components are redistributed into new forms. It is this process of re-use and re-distribution that has become important to us now that we come understand our world more intimately.


Peter Meacock's first solo exhibition is set in a world of innovative ethical fashion and design. Potassium, always at the forefront of thoughtful and environmentally responsible chic, invited Peter to be the featured artist for the new Autumn season because of his elemental reflections on the way we live on our planet, together. In the Victorian Apothecary pharmacists made potions and pills. At Potassium, Karim Ladak combines 'elements for living,' to inspire, inform and articulate the modern ethical lifestyle. Potassium continues through this exhibition to support the visual arts and local community, having previously supported Art in Marylebone, The Free Art Fair, The Serpentine Gallery, and Westminster City Council’s Edgware Road Action Plan.


Please contact Contact: Peter Meacock, peter@petermeacock.com for further information regarding this Press Release.


Separate images are available on request.

TIME OUT LONDON'S BEST SHOPS

Time Out London's Best Shops Edition 15:

"It's stylish, modern and - its USP - all of its unique products are ethically sourced and environmentally friendly. There's a collection of clothes for men and women, accessories, such as the vegan friendly leather look bags and wallets from Canadian brand Matt & Nat, candles (including own-brand soy can...dles made in Canada as part of a return-to-work programme), glass and kitchenware, bathroom objects, and more. Owner Karim Ladak - who earned his stripes working for Habitat and Polo Ralph Lauren - is friendly and informed, making shopping here a memorable experience. Also look out for classic and sustainable womenswear by designers such as Bitte Kai Rand - known for its natural fibres such as merino wool - and Frank & Faith , with a stylish range of dresses made from bamboo. Menswear includes the covetable Original Penguin polo tops, while unisex Dutch line Kuyichi has proved a big hit becuase of its stylish, fairly traded denim"

Buy the Time Out guide in store or on line £9.99

INTRODUCING: TROUSERS LONDON

Potassium adds to our stable of ethical and organic products this season Trousers London Men's Organic Cotton Denim.












Founded in 2008, Trousers London has already established a cult following in Japan, and includes Matthew Williamson and Tinie Tempah as fans.












With sustainable foundations, Trousers London has created a series of coveted men's jeans in organic cotton, promoting the collectible fashion trend - the opposite to the disposable fashion attitude of the noughties.












The team behind Trousers London come from diverse backgrounds including architecture, advertising, business, design and social media marketing. Not having follwed the traditional route to fashion means their unique methodology and approach is balanced and progressive.

The range is crafted with patience and skill in small batches calling on the expertise of Italian tailors. Each new style is numbered in order of its design and to ensure exclusivity each pair of jeans is individually numbered.












Distinctive, directional, designed denim, with quirky details like exposed buttons on Trousers Nine, and vintage silk and check linings throughout the collection make this covetable denim. By using raw premium organic cotton indigo denim, the wearer personalises their jeans adding to the story of each mans jeans...

time for a window change...

Our window change this week, is a break from the usual visual fest. Words, words, words, to make you stop and think - and so far it's stopped quite a few passers by...

"Time for change….

So you probably pass by here quite regularly. Well thank you for taking the time to stop, pause, and read. For the last few weeks, months, maybe even years, you’ve been wondering what goes on in there.

How do they survive? Thankfully we have a great collection of friends and supporters who for the last 5 years have supported the original independent ethical shop in central London.

We sell an eclectic mix of modern fashion for men and women as well as home accessories over 2 floors (yes there’s a huge downstairs too!) Alongside established sought after brands, we offer a leg up to independent designer/makers and emerging artists which means you could be buying the next Tom Ford.

Often better value then the megalith stores on Oxford Street, our offer is built on service – something you probably have not experienced much off recently. We don’t bite, we don’t force a sale, we don’t hassle. In fact you’d probably think we’re quite relaxed, making shopping what it should be… pleasurable.

If you don’t believe what you’re reading check our Face Book page and see the reviews from the press – we’ve been listed as one of the top 10 Most Ethical Retailers in London (Time Out), one of the 100 Best Things in the World (GQ Magazine) Designers with the X-Factor (Evening Standard) and we’re even on You Tube!

In our five years we’ve partnered with The Portman Estate to build Portman Village, Westminster Council on the Edgware Road Action Plan, The Marylebone Association for Art in Marylebone, and The Free Art Fair.

So what are you waiting for? Go on, take a risk, be daring and come in for a browse. Be the change and support your local independent…"

margin meets potassium...

Centrally located a stones throw from Marble Arch, Potassium on Seymour Place provides classic mens and womens clothing such as Original Penguin alongside ethically-sourced emerging labels, including Frank & Faith, Laundry Maid Jeans, Credau, Kuyichi and Komodo, who have all exhibited at Margin London. With limited-edition homewares, gifts and furniture, Potassium is a true concept store in the original sense with each lifestyle item handpicked.

Click on the title to view the video...

http://www.potassiumstore.co.uk
http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl5BKgz1HkE

SUMMER LOVING WITH KOMODO AT POTASSIUM...

This summer sees the launch of another great ethical range at Potassium called Komodo.

Inspired by an Indian summer, Komodo has created an homage to to its traditional brand heritage. The spring summer collection features an array of vibrant colours with nuances of coral, soft pinks and blues all carefully edited by Potassium.

Bold Japanese designs reminiscent of a master of print; Pucci, are printed on flowing cotton voiles and eco-friendly rayons. Embellishments include sequins and tie-up belts that can be worn with or without to create your own unique look.

Since its launch in 1988, Komodo has pioneered ethical and eco-friendly clothing. The brand was born from the Acid House Summer of Love which allowed it to express feelings about the wonderful places and faces involved in production. By using natural and eco-friendly fabrics, dyes, and artisan's skills, Komodo spreads positive fair trade messages to its consumers. Komodo is certified by MADE-BY an independent organisation that monitors the social, economic, and ecological conditions involved in garment manufacture.

Potassium is privileged to be associated with a company that shares its own ethical stance. Prices range from £49-£89 and is available in store and on line...

MADE IN BRITAIN: LAUNDRY MAID JEANS...

LAUNDRY MAID is a new British brand of women's premium jeans.

Laundry Maid jeans feature a tailored construction and a signature back panel that subtly lifts and shapes the rear, creating a super-smooth side seam free fit.

Laundry Maid’s second season of premium jeans, all designed and made in the UK, continues to offer the essential fit whilst retaining a focus on flattering the rear and accentuating body lines.

To show off this collection Laundry Maid scooped up-and-coming face Rachel Rutt into their new ultra skinny skinnies, favourite tailored classics and slouchy wide leg jeans for the new season’s photography.

Black waxy super skinnies, with sophisticated dark wash high waisters and a sharply tailored cigarette jean in the season’s cement grey satisfy the everlasting demand for super slim, while the brand’s signature tailored jean appears in organic cotton milled to a smooth, flat finish with added lycra. Further direction is provided by a pintucked wide leg and the new tapered slim ‘carrot’ jean all available in a variety of finishes from subtle shadow blue through slate and grey to deep blue black.

Laundry Maid jeans are all designed, maunfactured and laundered in the U.K and are genuine limited editions. They combine the best of true British attention to detail with a low carbon footprint manufacture.

Already a favourite of Elle Macpherson, Laundry Maid jeans are now available at Potassium in store and on line so they can become your favourites too.

All jeans retail at £150 and shorts retail at £120.