The huge sculpted insect on the side of the gable end in Gerrard Street (just round the corner from me) is another of those Brighton quirks. I have been meaning to take this picture for a while because I run past this (in my new Nike shoes) but I never have my phone or camera on my runs. So yesterday we visited a new gallery (and bought a new piece - as well as a bag of fruit and veg because its in the newly refurbished Market on London Road) and then walked up past this on the way home. I love such city landmarks, the unofficial art that bedecks the town (because the commissioned art is, well, commissioned and often a wee bit dull and predictable). This art carries traces of other conversations and industry and cheekiness and art for the sake of it. This would never have been a high price commission or anything. I am no' sure about the end of the tail though, but hey ho, aesthetic choices. I don't know who made it - I could probably find out easy enough - I could knock on their door for a start. But I just like the fact that one day, during the Open House weeks it just appeared. But it also reminds me - the UK has been politics, politics, politics all year; does anyone except the radio and TV who feed and feed on such dialogues really give a toss that Alex Salmond has decided to step down? As the manager of the cup finalist with a runner's up medal, I would feel the same. I am not ignoring the importance of politics but the obsession and coverage which art doesn't get. So here goes, my new manifesto: "WORK is what we do; ART is who we are!" Happy Saturday - if you get a chance soon, check out 20000 Days on Earth - my old mate Nick Cave's bio pic (remember we met with out trousers down - while trying on new jeans - many posts ago).
