She was with a forum member I think. .

so just my two cents:

I attended the Friday PV and the artist talk without much knowledge of KAWS. I knew who he was obviously but never understood the appeal of his work - or the appeal of toy collecting. I thought this was a good opportunity to learn more about him, his processes and his work.

I was impressed with some aspects of Brian after listening to him. I liked that he wasn't listing the typical platitudes you'd hear from an artist about inspiration finding him and making art for a better world etc etc. He seemed to focus on the fact that he does what he does because it's a challenge to him. I thought it very revealing that he said he doesn't feel much of a connection to his characters - he doesn't have a dialogue with them so to speak. I also thought it interesting that he considered Original Fake just a business rather than a creative outlet. He's clearly a man inspired by the idea of a challenge rather than any specific muse.

He was/is an introvert so I'm not sure if he wasn't able to communicate what he wanted to say or just actually felt this way - but I got the feeling that he almost resents the fact that people associate him with street/urban art. I got the sense he really wants to be considered a sculpture artist - and has put uncountable hours into that process.

As for the sculptures - they were great. I did like them. However walking around Sunday I must say I was much more impressed with some of the other artists. Someone mentioned it earlier - but the James Turrell was absolutely mesmerising. The Gormley was a standout as well. And the Julian Opie - I couldn't look away.

I guess at the end of the day I have more appreciation and understanding for what he does, but I can't say I've become converted to his art. For the prices his work commands - I expected a bit of a better narrative to his career then 'i just do what comes next'. He talked about his painting by numbers with the prints - but he was never able to communicate why he paints/prints what he does. Perhaps that's just down to not being eloquent but there was never that 'ah-ha' moment of understand an artist's inspiration. There didn't seem to be a reason for why he puts 'x' on eyes or creates black and white collages and then adds colour. For someone who went to a great fine arts school, it seemed like he viewed a lot of his work as another art project rather than a grand narrative of work.

Regardless, it was a wonderful weekend and I can't thank burgerman enough for his recommendations. If you're going up, stay at the Heath House, we had a lovely time and certainly hope to be back.

Someone a bit touchy

No embarrassment here mate. When the average question was the level of "do you like Yorkshire"? (That was a genuine question) it's no surprise that a question (albeit lengthy) which tried to illicit comment on the meaning and theory of the artistic process went well above the intelligence of the 'experts' posting comments above. The event and questions were straight out of the 'Michael Parkinson interview handbook' rather than a genuine delve and challenge of his work.

Try going to an artist event at the Royal Academy or Central St. Martins (where incidentally "she" recently did a lecture on design form) then you'll see that it's okay to explore more deeply than the colour of the tote bags.

P.s. Burgerman, next time I'll be booking an Uber, as your rates are good but your reliability is well... sh*te.

I was lucky enough to attend the Preview and the talk and both were great events. Kaws was very accommodating at all times even though it was obvious that having large crowds around him wasn't that comfortable for him. I was very fortunate to get a number of items signed at both events tempted by entering the process for a print but i'll have to see how my ebay sales go in the next 2 days.....

I recognise that light bulb box! It was a pleasure to meet you Andy.

very nice gesture F*X