Well, 2012 is nearly behind us. And what a year it has been, Queen's Jubilee, Olympics, Boris Johnson hanging around and Paul McCartney having every opportunity to sing 'Hey Jude'.
This year has also been successful for London Detours. We have been achieving what we set out to do, providing walking tours of London showcasing everything that the Capital has to offer. Not only that, but appearing in TimeOut Magazine & the Londonist for our epic fundraising event, The 24 Hour London Tour.
But enough bragging, lets move onto what really took your interest to click onto this page. The Street Art of Southwark. I've wanted to write about this subject for a while, and in someways I'm glad I've left it until now. For the past 6 months Borough Market and the surrounding area has been the new hunting ground for some of the countries leading Street Artists. And I bet you didnt even know they were there........
Have a ganders below to see my favourite Street Artists hitting the area, you never know, we might even start doing a 'Street Art Detour - Southside'! I'm already thinking out a route!
XYLO - The South American Street Artist has decorated the walls of Borough Market with his trademark 'Gold Frog' tile. The frog represents the species of animals becoming extinct in the rainforests of South America due to the cutting down of trees & pollution. (Notice in the background his other well known symbol of a circle with an egg timer in the middle).
MARLARKY - The carnival colours of this British born artist needs to be seen. Not that you would miss it. This is just half of the art work covering the shop shutters of Borough. Marlarky always uses the images of cats, bats and foxes in his artwork, animals that come out at night, just the same as this skillful artist. (Notice the cat tucking into a banana, makes sense as the shop is a greengrocers. Marlarky using his environment to bring the artwork to life).
GOLD PEG - This female artist is a big part of Bristol Based Burning Candy Crew. Known mainly for hitting the railway lines around the London Bridge area Gold Peg tags the rooftops with paint sprayed clothes pegs (Some can be seen near Borough Market). This message in itself represents her rebellious side but also making a statement to others that she can reach places that others cant.
BANKSY? - This stencil is sprayed on the building which was used in Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels. But is it a Banksy? This is a well known Banksy Stencil but is it a copy cat? The stencil popped up over a year ago and I'm surprised its still there but with no offical word from Banksy and his team the chances are it's the work of a 12 year old kid following in his hero's footsteps. Oh well, it made it in my blog so some coverage I suppose. To make up for the fake, take a 5min walk down the same street towards The Globe and you will find Lorettos feelings on this years Olympics.
SHOK1 - Take a trip up to Borough Tube Station and you cant miss the work of SHOK1, this street artist has been changing the walls of this area for over a year and gets locals and visitors turning heads with his huge art pieces that take over the shop shutters and walls. Even the newspaper booth right outside the entrance of the tube station is covered in his detailed imagination.
NATHAN BOWEN - Nathan came into the mainstream after his work was showcased on this year's 'The Apprentice', but this artist has been around for some time scribbling the construction sites of the Capital. Famous for his marker pen builders, a few still remain opposite The Hop Exchange in Southwark. Nathan is a proud Londoner and a ex builder who now makes his living from selling his crazy marker pen canvases and was recently comissioned by Borough Market to paint Mural Market Scenes while building work was carried out in the area.
STIK - I've always been a fan of STIK's work. This artist is a rags to riches story, as a homeless man living on the streets of London, STIK was inspired by drawing stick people. Making something that is non-creative and mundane into a story with emotion and feeling. STIK can usually be spotted in East London covering the walls with his giant STIK people but this one can be found just off Tooley Street near London Bridge. It's a difficult one to seek out but if you do find it then you will drawn in by the image of a stick man lost in an area of vast storage space and dark corners. Interesting and clever.
So, there we have it, a selection of just some of the Street Art taking to the walls of Southwark. All that walking around can be thirsty work so a visit to The Miller Pub maybe needed. And of course it wont disappoint. The pub is covered in Street Art and the inside is just as fun. Even the condom machine in the Men's toilet has it's own graffiti of interest:
Merry Christmas Everyone and look forward to seeing you all on future Detours.
'If You're Going Through Hell, Keep Going' ~ Sir Winston Churchill
So, it's taken me quite a while to getting around to writing this post. The past few weeks have been hectic with running tours, creating upcoming new tours and organising future events. But now I have found the time to sit down and write my experience of the 24 Hour walking tour that I completed. I hope you enjoy the blog, and any comments then please leave below. It's always lovely to get people's opinions and thoughts.
On Saturday 25th August 2012 I took on the challenge of a lifetime and a guided walking tour of London for 24 hours. The epic tour was split into 5 smaller tours covering subjects from Street Art, History, Culture, Ghost Stories & all Things London. All money raised for this event was donated to The Rob Knox Foundation that helps campaign against street violence and knife crime. www.robknox.org
I came up with the idea of a 24 hour tour of London a couple of years ago. People who know me will know I'm always coming up with strange & odd (but interesting ideas) all the time, this being one of my better ideas. My problem was I didn't put the idea into action. Instead I got on with establishing London Detours & put the 24 Hour Tour to the back of my head. The problem with putting something at the back of your head is that it never really goes away. It just sits there looking at you while you try your best to ignore it.
It started to grate on me. My head was saying "Just get on with it! Do the 24 Hour Thing! Do it Loser!". My brain is known for bullying me sometimes. However, I was a busy guy, I was setting up my own business and honestly didn't have the confidence, time or support to take on this challenge.
Then this happened.......
I was sitting in a pub with friends in Brixton just a few hours before the riots broke out in the South London area. I love London, and this just made me angry.
While sitting in the pub my friend gets a txt message, he lets us know that unfortunately someone has been stabbed in Brixton. We all look at each other, shrug are shoulders and say "That's a shame". Then we carry on drinking.
You see, me and my friends have grown up with this sort of thing happening all the time. Not always on our doorstep but always knowing of the street violence and stabbings that occur in the area. To us, it is an everyday occurrence.
It wasn't till a few days later that I thought about the way that I had reacted to someone being stabbed and the damage of the London Riots. This was wrong. I cant believe that the way that I responded was embedded in me. People had lost homes, People had lost businesses, People had lost lives.
And so, that idea that was sitting at the back of my head, the one who was calling me a loser, started to get bigger.....And Bigger.....AND BIGGER.
I don't see myself as a leader. I'm never going to be a politician or a councillor. I will never fight for my country or do anything to change the world.
But I will help others to reach those goals.
I set up London Detours to inspire and educate and now I was going to use my skills to lead a 24 Hour Tour of London for charity.
But where do I go from here? I have an idea, I have a reason to turn the idea into an action and I have the confidence. What I really needed was support and guidance, and the three following people I will be forever grateful. Thank you.
Some of the Map Planning for the 24 Hour Tour
Virginia Hyland (Good friend & someone who knows other people) put me in touch with Mick Wearing & Daniel Eycott of http://pixelformstudios.com/
These two guys have been a massive help with the completion of this challenge. Pixelform Studios are a production company that provide the best in video production. Both Mick & Dan were willing to give up there spare time to help plan and film this amazing event.
That's right! Film! We were now turning this challenge into a film!
It was all very daunting. I remember Mick saying to me that it's just like organising one big tour. That made me feel better. However, I found out quite quickly that wasn't the case.
The start of the 24 Hour Tour - Interview with BBC LONDON RADIO
And so the day didn't start well. I hadn't got much sleep the night before which I knew wasn't going to help with the 24 hours. But I couldn't help it, I was excited.... and incredibly nervous. Months of organising had come down to this day. And it could just all fall apart. I had many worries, mainly that no one would turn up, that would of been a huge disappointment. I had emailed, phoned past customers and annoyed my facebook/twitter followers for many weeks leading up to the day.
I arrive at Aldgate East Tube Station at 07.30am and find I'm the first person there. And of course it's raining. My worries are soon put to rest as my tour group start to turn up, just a few at first and then the whole lot, a group of 20! It's a big group to start with, but it's well worth it. The group were ready for the tour (more ready than me!). It was also great to be interviewed for BBC London Radio. I was overwhelmed with the support of everyone. So, I got the show on the road, starting with the amazing and creative street art of East London. I'm a huge fan of East London and it's artwork and it was honour to showcase the area. But I hadn't paced myself so well. In fact, within the first 30 mins I was already drinking water as my voice was already going. Brilliant! But the energy and excitement from the group was infectious. I had to calm down and get into a pace that was comfortable for me.
The Street Art Tour was coming to an end and I seemed to of got the walk and talk to a nice steady pace, it was a success. But, I had only completed 4 hours, there was a long way to go. The East London Tour started at Old Street Tube Station, and again, it was a nice group of people. We went straight into the second tour with no time for me to rest. This tour is a favourite of mine, it was great to have a walk down City Road towards Regents Canal and Hoxton. There is so much to explore and always something new to find, nothing was left out about East London and I had lots to talk about, from Jack the Ripper & The Krays to Banksy & The Blitz. Half way through the tour we stopped for good old fashioned Pie n Mash. This was a great time for my group to have a break. Me on the other hand kept busy with serving everyone's lunches and making sure that everyone was doing ok. It was at this point that the heavens opened and the rain poured down.
My mood changed completely. It felt that it was all ruined and my energy took a huge dip. This was the first time I wanted to stop (and it wouldn't be the last). I think what kept me going was knowing that these people had given up their weekend for a unique experience and I couldn't let them down. It was time not to see this as a problem but as an experience, and a good one at that! My group were surprisingly upbeat, and Mick from my support team bought a load of black sacks to wear. looking back it was one of my favourite images of the 24 hours. It showed everyone's persistence and interaction. Working together to try and stay dry. Plus, it was interesting to talk about the life of Shakespeare while standing in a council estate corridor!
The East London Tour finished at The Monument. I was starting to feel the pain mentally and physically, the rain wasn't as hard but it was still spitting and as I let one group go a knew one started to turn up. Groundhog Day springs to mind.
Before the Southwark Tour my energy was perked up by a visit from Sally Knox from The Rob Knox Foundation. Sally has been a great help and support with the 24 Hour Tour, she is an inspiration to everyone. She gave a talk at the beginning of the tour and it brought home what I was doing this for. I thank her for that. It gave me the strength to carry on, knowing the money we raise will help & educate others.
So, for the first time we go South of the River. Walking over London Bridge we took in the sights of Tower Bridge, Tower of London & HMS Belfast, making our way to City Hall. We stopped for a fun game at the longest water feature in London. I gave everyone a piece of paper, for which they had to make paper boats to sail down the stream. We were recreating the Boat Parade of the Queen's Jubilee. (And if I'm honest, Our Parade was better!)
Again, my energy started to take a dip but I hadn't eaten since 8am and it was now 8.30pm. So that could of been the reason. I gave my group a break at The George Inn Tavern while I quickly nipped out for two slices of pizza, (Not the best choice I know but on a Saturday night in London Bridge it was either that or a kebab!)
Southwark was buzzing with drinkers and people going out for dinner. However, for someone who had been walking for nearly 15 hours I saw the area in a different light. I was tired and wet. Noises and laughter were starting to annoy me and I just wanted it to be over with. The rest of the tour felt rushed. I wasn't happy.
City Tour (Graveyard Shift Part 1) - 23.00pm/04.00am
Oh dear, just writing this sentence is reminding me of the City Tour and how much this stretch of the 24 hours hurt. Alot.
This was never going to be my favourite part of the challenge.
However, I plodded on, walking back to the north of the river over the Wobbly Bridge towards St Paul's Cathedral. This tour was a difficult one, it was dark and cold and I hadn't been able to get dry from the down pour earlier on but yet again it was the group that kept me going. I had people from past tours giving me support plus some old friends. Seeing them all lifted my spirits but it didn't help me remember my route or information.
I had been going for so long that I had forgotten parts of the route and certain stories, plus, I had started slurring my words. I was starting to sound drunk! It was an interesting part of the challenge and I learnt alot about myself. To never give up and enjoy the experience (However mad and crazy it might be).
Westminster Tour (Graveyard Shift Part 2) - 04.00am/08.00am
And so the 24 Hours were nearly over. Just 4 hours to go. Starting at Charing Cross I met my group one by one. My friend had also brought some cereal bars with him which I took full advantage of. This was it, the end tour. That perked me up alot. Knowing it will be over in just 4 hours! I was excited and emotional. That was something else I noticed throughout the whole challenge, how much this meant to me. Every now and then I would get teary, knowing what I was doing would make a difference but also the fact that I had made it happened. I was proud of myself. And never felt that before.
The Westminster Tour is always the most popular of my day tours but at night it had its disadvantages. the usual places I would take people were closed off so the route took a different direction. However, I still talked about my most favourite people, Sir Winston Churchill, Samuel Pepys, Claude Duvall, Nelson, Charles II & Dickens. And of course visiting the places that make London's history, Trafalgar Sq, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey. The Olympics got in our a way slightly, we were unable to make it near Buckingham Palace due to the area being taken up for Beach Volleyball & the Cycling. But I was still able to talk about it from afar.
My favourite moment of this tour happened at sunrise by the side of the Thames.
I decided to make my mark on the challenge by writing down my feelings and details on a piece of paper which I then threw into the Thames. My idea behind this was that whoever finds the bottle will be inspired by the 24 Hour Tour and in turn will do something to make a difference. The bottle at this moment in time has not been found but I'm a big believer in it being found. Whether its next week, next year or 20 years. Someone, somewhere will find it.
While at Big Ben it tolls 7 O'clock and I know its nearly all over. I've never felt so much relief of knowing that I have completed something incredible and challenging. Yet, there's a problem, we have an hour left and we are 15 minutes away from the finish point. I start to panic, this comes across to the group and so I panic some more. I was not going to do just 23 hours and 15 minutes. I was in this for the whole thing. So, I decide to take a Detour, taking the side streets of Whitehall. I even talk about London buses for 20 minutes! Which is not easy! Seriously, try it now, bet you cant do it.
With 3 minutes to go I could see the finish point, right in front of Trafalgar Sq, the official centre of London. I was there. I had done it!
24 hours of a guided walking tour of London, covering 5 boroughs of the Capital with over 60 people.
I was happy. I was tired. I went to bed.
Thank you to all who came on the tour. You made it a special day.
Thank you to all who donated money. You made a difference.
Thank you to all who supported me. You inspired me.
Together we all raised £1,852.00 for The Rob Knox Foundation. But this isn't the end........ It's only just the beginning.
‘Come and join in & be part of the most compelling & creative charity event of 2012’
STREET ART – EAST LONDON – SOUTHWARK – CITY - WESTMINSTER
My name is Joe Morris and I am a London Tour Guide. I am about to embark on the challenge of a lifetime and I want you all to come along to join in.
This Summer on Saturday 25th August I will lead a guided walking tour of London for 24 hours. That’s 24 HOURS! Walking and talking for 24 HOURS!
Some people would say this was crazy, some people would say what's the point. For me, this is a great unique personal achievement that has never been done before. And not only that, its all for charity too! Plus, it could be a World Record! Plus, it's being filmed for a documentary!
All money raised for this fantastic project will go towards The Rob Knox Foundation; the Foundation raises money to help campaign against street violence and knife & gun crime. The Foundation also helps to advance the education in communities (in particular) school children on the subject of Citizenship. This is something I'm a big believer in and it is important for helping our communities grow in a positive way. For more info and to learn more visit www.robknox.co.uk
"I want to show people that we have a London that we can be proud of.
I want to show a London where people live, work and play.
I want to show a London that people love.
If we respect London, we respect our communities and we respect ourselves."
- Joe Morris
So, How Does the tour work?
Don’t worry; you don’t do the 24 Hours, that’s just me!
The 24 hours is split into 5 smaller tours which you can book yourself on to. The smaller tours last between 4.5-5 hours and cost £20.00 per person. Get booked up quickly as there are only 17 spaces on each tour. All money raised goes to The Rob Knox Foundation.
I will be working my way across London from East to West, starting with a Street Art Tour, then East London, a walk over the river to Southwark, followed by The City and then lastly Westminster. Within the tours you will find out everything that London has to offer, from its history, traditions, cultures and people. Also, showcasing the London that we live in today, from small charities & businesses, creativity in communities and local characters with local stories. And the great thing is, depending what tour you book, you see a different side to London, whether it’s the busy lunchtime rush, the lively evening out or the silent sunrise. London is a place for everyone & everything.
Which Tour should I choose?
There are 5 tours to choose from, have a look below for which one sounds right for you.
STREET ART – Meeting Point: Aldgate East Station 08.00am Finish Point: Old St Station 13.00pm
It's an early start, but what a great way to see East London, walking around the creative hub of the Capital looking at famous artwork and watching the city wake up and come alive. Over the past decades London has witnessed a creative revolution. Street Art has hit the Capital with colour and vibrancy, making it a hotbed for artists from all over the globe taking to the walls to express their emotions, feelings and opinions. In turn, making London one of the largest outdoor art galleries in the world. We start at Aldgate East with a quick history lesson in street art and why East London in particular is the cool place to be. We then start the adventure and hit the market areas of Petticoat Lane, Spitalsfield and Brick Lane. Delving into the side streets to seek out the leading Street Artists of Ben Eine, D*Face, Pablo Delgado, Banksy, Pez, ROA, Malarkey and many many more. We get to the heart of what Street Art is all about, looking into the questions of what is street art, is it creative and eye opening or just pointless vandalism?
EAST LONDON – Meeting Point: Old St Station 13.00pm Finish Point: Monument Station 18.00pm
The daytime is spent in East London, exploring the local areas in the hustle & bustle of London's most up and coming district.Through the centuries the area has been riddled with crime, industrial buildings and World War bombings, but now it’s vibrant, trendy and the main hang out for all the cool kids. Be shown the creative area and take in the sights, smells and sounds of East London. We will explore the area of Hoxton and stop for some traditional Pie n Mash before discovering the tales of Jack the Ripper & The Kray Twins. The past few decades East London has been regenerated to a trendy and creative area that boasts famous street art, markets, restaurants, clubs, galleries and people. Community has never been stronger, come and experience what London is really about.
SOUTHWARK – Meeting Point: Monument Station 18.00pm Finish Point: Tate Modern 23.00pm
A great time to hit the 'Entertainment District' of London. With the sun starting to go down, let's delve into the debauchery....
For centuries Southwark has been the seedy entertainment district of London, with gambling dens, brothels and taverns hunched in every dirt ridden corner of the area. However, over the decades, Southwark has been regenerated into an area of business, creativity, community and wealth. Its poverty past is near enough forgotten as it now boasts booming food markets, quirky backstreet artwork and cool fresh businesses. Come and explore the area of Bermondsey to discover glassblowing, climbing walls, arts and crafts, hidden cemeteries and historic pubs with famous links to Shakespeare and Dickens. Plus, a stop at the oldest galleried inn pub in London for a pint, sing song and stories of Victorian life in Victorian pubs!
CITY – Meeting Point: Tate Modern 23.00pm Finish Point: Charing Cross Station 04.00am ...And so into the night and into the City. The oldest part of London it’s sure to excite with its grisly past that hasn’t disappeared, ghost stories galore on this tour. Plus, what an amazing opportunity to see a famous part of London at a time when everyone is in bed. I always believe that you must see London at all different times of the day to watch it breathe... The City Detour delves into the history of the Capital that makes the square mile such an incredible place to be proud of. It is layered with an ever changing history, with Roman Settlements, Great Fires & Plagues, Bombings and modern high-rise buildings that now scatter our skyline. Plus, a stop at Sweeney Todd's Barber Shop!
WESTMINSTER – Meeting Point: Charing Cross Station 04.00am Finish Point: Trafalgar Sq 08.00am The early bird tour of Westminster. It's a time when people are fast asleep, snoring and snoozing, dreaming of nice things. However, this tour is the most popular of the lot! This is when London starts to erupt with action. Experience the quiet before the storm and the blast of activity, from the street cleaners to the hustle and bustle of tourists and visitors. Plus watch the sunrise on Westminster Bridge... With the Westminster Detour we explore the shopping districts of Piccadilly and Covent Garden, indulging in everything London, from a seedy gruesome history to music hangouts. We stroll down the Capital’s most famous postcodes to find a mixture of theatres, street performers, classy west end boutiques and multi cultural communities. Then the Detour takes a twist as we venture on to discover Palaces, Politics and Abbeys. So, if you want to search for the Seven Noses of Soho, stand on the Official Centre of London, walk down London’s Narrowest Alley, find the World’s Smallest Police Station or spot Invader Street Art then this Detour is for you…. And there’s lots more to discover!
Wow! This sounds amazing! How do I Book a Tour? It's easy to book a tour....
Give me an email on info@londondetours.com let me know the following: Your Name What tour you would like Number of spaces you would like booked (Please put in the Subject Box: 24 Hour Tour)
I will get back to you ASAP with more details for the tour. I can’t come on the 24 Hour Tour but would still like to make a donation... Not a problem.
I have set up a Just Giving page. So any donation big or small is welcome. Give the link below a click. Thank You
It’s been a great few months for London Detours. We have had some amazing feedback from our Street Art Detour but more importantly what has been brilliant is meeting such creative and inspirational individuals.
Since the interview with Jedi in our last interview blog we have had such a great response. So, it’s only right I showcase another....... Enjoy.
Anna Caruso recently came on one of my Street Art Detours and while I was talking about Invader & Vhils she pointed to two canvas paintings hanging from the wall. I was honest with her and said I didn’t know who the artist was as they had turned up over night. She knew exactly who the artist was, it was her.......
THE INTERVIEW: Anna Caruso Where do you come from? Whats youre background?
I was born in Italy, near Milan. It’s where I grew up, studied and
where I’ve been living.
I’ve been drawing since I was a kid, but when it came to choose a path
after secondary school, I couldn’t make up my mind between the two
passions that inspired me: the Classic culture and Arts.
While attending the high school specializing in classical studies, I
was taking drawing classes with an Art teacher. After getting a
diploma in classical studies, I attended the l'Accademia di Belle Arti
di Bergamo (specialization in painting and restoration) and in 2004 I
got graduated.
Even though I never thought that getting a degree was essential, I do
believe that getting the chance to learn, experiment and study is
simply priceless when Art becomes the foundation of your life.
My inspiration lead me to many artistic environments, from big events
to the streets where the Street Culture blossoms.
How old were you when you first started painting?
I’ve always felt the primal desire to draw, mould, redefine everything
with my own hands. I think I created my first work of art at the age
of six, when I did not have any knowledge about techniques or theories
of fine arts. I started painting with developed skills during my
studies in High School from the age of sixteen.
What is inspires you to paint?
I’m inspired by what surrounds me: I read, travel and photograph any
striking aspect of the human condition. I’m attracted by men’s
creative power.
I get the utmost from any experience, trying to put it into my work.
For an artist not only Art is communicating one’s vision of the world,
but also one’s inner vision.
What other artists are you influenced by?
From the theoretical and historical point of view my work is inspired
by both Pop Art and Dadaism, because the everyday objects become new
concepts; I also followed surrealist's poetry and Frances Bacon's
poetry, whatching the new features of oneiric ideas and introspective
views without forgetting the global or universal picture of the world
surrounding me. I love Italian Renaissance as much as I love English
Romanticism.I also deeply admire Bansky, an contemporary artist
capable of inspiring artists and everyone lucky enough to catch a
glimpse of one of his works.
Why is art important to you?
Art is my life, what I am and what I want to be.
The creation that can speak through an artistic expression gives me
the chance to play with reality, studying its dynamics and
correspondences. This makes me the protagonist of the life process.
Communicating an idea through colors, brushes and canvas is amazing
and it allows me to live a new experience every time.
You came on one of our famous Street Art Walking Tours, what Street Artist did you like the most? And Why?
London Detours is the best Art tour in London: I have discovered a lot
of artists and artworks that I couldn’t have discovered by myself
otherwise. I appreciated a lot of Roa's work, he’s one of my favorite
Street artists. Through his twitchy lines and color contrasts he
brings disturbing animals to life, who seem capable of whispering
directly to the observer’s soul. I also admire the talent of Jimmy C,
it’s amazing how he manipulates the colors while deconstructing every
brushstroke thus creating marvelous faces. Last but not least there is
Mobstr sharp, satirical but most of all realistic.
While on the Street Art Walking Tour we saw some of your art work hanging up, can you tell us what was the idea behind putting it on the street?
My idea about Street Art is basically founded on two principles: Art
for Everybody, Art of Everybody. Art is, first of all, communication
and dialogue between the artist and the public. I therefore decided to
hang up some of my paintings that could interact with people in the
instant of their creation and in the moment in which they would have
been seen. The trail of pieces leads to the global vision of the
painting and the observer is allowed to take with him or her the bit
that he or she prefers: the action is completely spontaneous and free.
The search around the Londoner zone known as Brick Lane becomes the
progressive discovery of the one and only piece of art that brings the
spectator to the Wonderful World of Alice in Wonderland, that I myself
have reproduced and redefined in a contemporary key.
What have you enjoyed most about being in London?
London is an amazing city with a huge range of activities, it offers
culture, history, amusement, shows and musicals. Arts and
entertainment are in every corner, it's difficult to choose just one
dimension. I loved the people and the multiethnic culture that make
London full of life. The free admission in the museums should be
adopted in every Country: it makes Art accessible at any level, that’s
the actual revolution.
I was particularly impressed by the freedom of the artistic expression
in Brick Lane, I just loved the majesty of Saint Paul or the peaceful
and calm atmosphere of Little Venice
A life time wouldn’t be enough to actually know and love London: every
time I get back there I find a new reason to love it!
Whats next for you?
I'm presently working on the 'Looking for a Green Rabbit' project and
once completed I wish to present it in a personal art exhibition in
Milan. Soon I will be part of an exhibition known as Arte Accessibile
Milano 2012 and other events part of a show called Fuori Salone
Milanese; besides I'm preparing new sketches and paintings that are
going to become part of my personal Street Art performance in London
in June 2012.
If people wanted to find out more about you how can they get in touch?
Everybody can follow me on facebook:
Hello to all my Blogger followers, I hope you all have had a fantastic New Year. London Detours is growing day by day and we have enjoyed some great feedback from both visitors & locals.
Last summer I interviewed a young London Based photographer and the response from bloggers, facebook & tweeters was all positive, so now I have found another young creative Londoner with a great story to tell....
THE INTERVIEW - Jedd Roberts AKA JEDI
I first met Jedi 3 years ago, we were both working at a community festival over a weekend during the summer. We were flung together on the day by the organisers to entertain the crowds, I was compere, while he sorted out the music. When I was told that Jedi was my music man for the day, what I expected was a middle aged Star Wars fan who would be turning up and down the volume while blowing off the dust from CD's that were last heard in the 90's. However, as I walked towards the marquee (Our base camp for the day), I was introduced to a completely different person. Jedi, as I found out from others around me, was well known in the community. This young guy was a singer/songwriter that not only DJ's but also produces & directs his own music videos, (As well as supporting & encouraging young people in the community within local charities). On the day of the festival, I was amazed by this guy's passion to succeed in whatever he persued, from making sure the dancers of Howbury Friends were treated like professionals and to getting up and singing his latest masterpieces of music. This young man is steeped in creativity and ambition, but not only for himself, but others around him.
And so I caught up with London-based Jedi to see what inspires him and whats next for this young man from South East London.
So, Jedi, Where are you based? What's your background?
I am a UK based Rap Artist who is currently living on the border of Kent & London in a place called Slade Green.
I am 21 year of age and have deicated my life to becoming a complete artist & entertainer. I rap, I sing, make my own beats, write my own lyrics, produce, masters, & makes and edits my own videos. I own Wipeout Studios, & I also coach young people in schools & youth centres in the aim of helping these youngsters be positive & build confidence. I am on a mission to become a worldwide performer & producer & understand with hard work , dedication, belief, creativity, fun, vision & the love of music, dreams can come true.
What sort of music are you inluenced by?
I am influenced my various music. I love all genres & types of music & I have a huge appreciation of various types of artists. I do however, seem to spend alot of the time listening to the current pop, hip hop & R n B charts as these are the markets I feel I could have more success in.
Why is music important to you?
Music is important to me as it helps me in my day to day life, its part of me, it allows me to express my opinions, teach others & understand, use, & release my emotions.
Where does the name JEDI come from?
My actual name is Jedd & that was given to me by my father. I was named after a good friend of his who passed away in a motorcycle accident. Ever since I can remember my Dad called me Jedi as my nickname, & when I became an artist I continued with that name.
Who is your music aimed towards?
My music is created for everyone. I believe my music can touch everyone's heart from the young to the old & so far from who I have as fans it seems that this is possible. My music is mainstream, but I believe in my lyrics, my unique style and my positive attitude are relatable to any.
You help & support young people in the community, in particular, Howbury Friends, Tell us more about the charity & how you got involved?
Howbury Friends are a youth charity where we offer various activities for young people. It's a great place where we can give back. I got involved as they were offering music classes. I opted to go & when I arrived & met the youth coach we got on really well. I quickly found myself in the producing chair & next thing I know I was helping my friends & others make music & help their dreams come true.
What other artists would you like to work with?
Wow, amazing question, there's so much talent out there. If I was to give my top 3 current artists I'd have to say Rhianna, Adele & Ed Sheeran. I choose these 3 because I'm an emotional rapper & they really make some fantastic emtional songs.
What's in store for the future?
The next 12 months looks great. I've got new mix tapes, more shows, new songs, videos & working on an album for my fans. So a busy year ahead. Exciting times.
Where can we see you next?
I've got a few shows, festivals & clubs coming up, so the best thing to do is join me on my Facebook & you'll find all the info there.
And finally, London Detours is all about showcasing creativity, talent & community, but where is your favourite place in London & why?
I like going up by the London Eye & watching the Street Performers. They crack me up. Hahahaha.
I think you can agree that Jedi is an inspiration to young people out there. I look forward to working with him again in the future. To find out more about Jedi, have a ganders at the info below.
YouTube: 1mcjedi Facebook: Jedi Jedd Roberts Twitter: @officialjedi
