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Local Legacy a Success
Written by Gaynor Evelyn Sweeney.
Images (c) Aritsts.
11 December 2007.

Art by George Lund.

Artists Jo Derbyshire, Rob Davies and George Lund, associate members to Transvoyeur, have took part in the ‘Local Legacy’ exhibition curated by Peter Worthington. This is currently held at Liverpool Centre of Arts Development in association with the South Bohemia Gallery, which Worthington is the Founder, Director and Curator.

The exhibition opened on 14 November 2007 with the private on the 15 November. The collection of art displayed included a selection of diverse talent from the local arts community in the city of Liverpool and surrounding regions. This has been an ultimate success with artists selling their art to private and public collectors, including Lund and Derbyshire.

Derbyshire’s unique abstract expressionism was bought by the Liverpool Centre of Arts Development itself for their permanent collection.

Davies contributed to the exhibition his take on the iconic of American western cinemagraphics transformed into paint on canvas.

Lund’s vibrant naïve renditions in figurative and abstraction were purchased by Prof. Peter Roberts OBE, part of the Academy for Sustainable Communities, to be displayed in their organisation premises.

Lund has further been commissioned by Liverpool Centre of Arts Development for a series of murals. These are scheduled to commence early 2008 and to tie in the run up to Liverpool European Capital of Culture 2008. These will be to the external of the company premises and to advocate art in the urban space.

The exhibition continues through to February 2008.

For further information on the artists and organisations:

Artists:
Jo Derbyshire: www.joderbyshire.co.uk
George Lund: www.lundart.co.uk
Rob Davies: www.robertdandavies.com

Peter Worthington: www.freewebs.com/southbag
In association with Liverpool Centre for Arts Development: www.cadt.co.uk

Artists in affiliation to Transvoyeur: www.transvoyeur.com

The Hero, the Chicken and Lundart.
Written by Gaynor Evelyn Sweeney.
Photographs by Tony Knox and Artist.
10 October 2007.

George Lund, independent artist and one of the founding members to Transvoyeur, has been pro-active across the local and national spectrum of artist and culture. He has been professional involved in a myriad of art projects.

He has mediated in the Northwest of England, particularly the city of Liverpool, to encourage artists to contribute to the Oxfam Art Auction. Lund himself has donated a unique and vibrant piece synonymous with his distinct naïve style. A passionate artist whose work is inspired by the utopian ideals for modern society, is further practiced in his beliefs to contribute to help others and society. Part of this philosophy and his interest in humanity, as reflected in his art, is explored in written texts and live art of the infamous Funkadelic that has earned him a place in popular culture in the city of Liverpool.

As someone from Liverpool, he adores the place and the people, who quite often feature in his art work, from the iconic architecture of the waterfront, cathedrals and more, to the famous faces of the Beatles through to contemporary characters in the city. His personal and professional interest has been focused of recent in providing support as a researcher to the L8 Programme and in conjunction with other associates and outlets in the Dingle to produce an online chronology of the people and history of the Liverpool 8 area. Part of this initiative has been run in conjunction with seminars at the Tate Liverpool and field research in many community centres to meet the people of the place face to face with interviews, photographs and more brought together online. He was recently interviewed by the BBC Radio Merseyside about the project, his independent practice and the infamous Funkadelic Chicken.

Another project he has been involved with is the Campaign for the Chavasse Statue. This has been ran by the principle organisers Linda and Dave Darnell, pat of the British Legion Charity, to have a statue installed in Liverpool of the heroic figure Noel Chavasse. Lund is researching a new piece art to donate for an auction to raise funds and awareness of this campaign.

Lund explains more the buzz of cultural activities he is involved with Gaynor Evelyn Sweeney from Transvoyeur.

Sweeney: How did you become involved in the project for the Oxfam Auction?

Lund: I became involved in the Oxfam Project through research on opportunities and came across the Oxfam Art Auction and think it is a worthwhile cause.

Sweeney: What is the purpose for the Oxfam Auction and who is involved?

Lund: The objective of the Oxfam Art Auction is to raise money for their international causes they cover in deprived areas and more. It is also an opportunity for networking and profiling events for artists, so as well helping a good cause, it offers a professional opportunity as an artist to raise ones profile.

Sweeney: When and where will the auction be held?
Lund: The Oxfam Art Auction will be held on 26 October 2007 at the Empire on Foundry Lane in Leicester, England.

Sweeney: What art work are you submitting and why?

Lund: I am submitting a piece of multi-media canvas entitled, ‘Save the World’, because I think it is appropriate to the objectives and activities of Oxfam.

Sweeney: What is your philosophy to your art work? Does this tally in with the ideologies of philanthropy and donation?

Lund: My philosophy ties in with philanthropy, because as the theme is ‘Save the World’ and considers the broader implications of humanity. Significantly that of the utopian to aim for a better world and respect for each other. Examples of work and theme are with the starving in African and Asia, disease, poverty and more. I believe in the pro-active initiatives run by Oxfam of enabling the people in these difficult areas, where projects for water irrigation are immensely worthwhile and made possible through the charity work of Oxfam.

Sweeney: What other future projects of a similar nature will you be involved in?

Lund: The Chavasse Sculpture Auction Charity organised by the British Legion. This is a local interest, but every cause is as important as the next. So, I take an interest not only the international scale charitable work done by Oxfam, but to local concerns too.

Sweeney: What do you plan for your other future art projects, independently and/or collaboratively?

Lund: The future art projects will be the Animal Utopia Project depending on funding. Animal Utopia is a combined arts project derived from the philosophies of my written text and the visions embodied in my paintings and live art. It is taking those elements that form Animal Utopia and expanding it to a broader programme of a proposed large live art piece. This is currently being researched with proposed collaboration from staff and students at Liverpool Community College. This is in preparation for 2008 and hopefully will be launched around the time of the Liverpool Biennial 2008.

Sweeney: Who is Chavasse?

Lund: Noel Chavasse was a Medical Officer and son of the Bishop of Liverpool. He became a local World War I hero, as he was awarded the Victoria Cross for his heroic acts. He saved many severely wounded soldiers under fire and then himself died of his wounds.

Sweeney: Can you explain the historical significance to the city of Liverpool?

Lund: The historic significance is that Liverpool as any other city needs it’s heroes. Especially, those who sacrificed themselves for others without firing a shot back in anger. The Chavasse Park in honour was completely filled for the Paradise Street Shopping Complex. Nothing was planned to put in place. Until the Noel Chavasse Memorial Association chaired by William Sergeant registered the charity run by the British Legion.

Sweeney: What is your involvement with the Chavasse project?

Lund: Through friends Linda and Dave Darnell part of the British Legion Charity I am producing a heroic painting for an auction depicting Noel Chavasse saving soldiers in no-mans Land under fire. Although this would be impossible to envisage the extremity of what happened, I intend to approach this with as much research, creative and archival, to gain an insight to this man and historical importance of the heroism. The scene Chavasse experienced would have been hell on earth and such reminders captured through act as a significator to remember these important figures to remember those lost and to try and not repeat history. He never attempted to save his own life only the others and under intense fire was mortally wounded. My painting will only in some small way depict this and to try and capture an element of the truism to this important character. The charitable connection to producing this painting is as equally important too to raise awareness.

Sweeney: Why are you as an artist inspired to create the art and what will it be used for?

Lund: I am not sure if I am inspired for creating this painting for this great cause, as I am not inspired to by the concept of war, but more the human element within and extraordinary individuals, such as Chavasse sacrifice themselves for the greater. During my research, I come to realise more things to why things happen and the incompetent Generals sitting in their luxurious bunkers removed from the reality of what the soldiers in the bunkers and front line were experiencing. More a game of toy soldiers to them than the pain and suffering, lives lost of those in direct combat. It is more a case to contribute something that embodies the hero and their memory.

Sweeney: How do the ideologies of historical figure Chavasse tally into your creative philosophies in your practice?

Lund: Very much so, to celebrate the figures in history, such as Chavasse, who did something extraordinary. For something of not only historical importance, but contemporary too. Instead of shopping complex with designer clothes, to show the young public this memorial sculpture not of a footballer kicking aball around for millions of pounds or pop star earning millions, but the implicitness of the hero and something important to all, not isolated in history. A man, Chavasse, who by his heroism earned the right to be remembered by his sacrifice.

Sweeney: When and where will the event with your art donated be shown?

Lund: There will the art auction to raise funds and awareness for the Noel Chavasse Memorial Association by William Sergeant and associates in the lead up for the proposed public sculpture. The art auction is yet to be announced, so keep an eye out for this. The outcome from the auction will be funds that go towards a public sculpture being installed into Paradise Street shopping complex where the Chavasse Park used to be.

Sweeney: Your other involvement with local interest has been the L8 programme. What have your contributions involved with this?

Lund: I was interviewed recently by Louise McWatt, Broadcast Journalist for the BBC Bus. More information on this is available at www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool. The interview was about Dingle Life and where I had been brought up in the area. My large family, seven of us, living in a two bed flat. We kept chickens as pets and suppose there is set the initial inspiration to how the alter ego of the Funkadelic Chicken evolved to my live art now. I only lived in the Dingle area up until four years old and then my family moved to Huyton, a suburb area of Liverpool. Later in the sixties and seventies though I spent a lot of time in my latter youth of the dance culture in the area. Another significant element to the actions of the live art of the Funkadelic Chicken. Definitely a hybrid of cultural influences form this location of the city by my experiences there. This is covered too by www.liv-it.net, a community website covering art, culture, history and more. This interview will be screened soon on line and there is discussion to further produce an animation of the character the Funkadelic Chicken. Looking forward to this as it should be quite interesting to see how from live art and performance this translate to digital animation and cyber space.

For further information on the independent activities of Lund go to:

E-mail: chic_geo@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.lundart.co.uk

For his affiliation to Transvoyeur go to:

E-mail: transvoyeuruk@hotmail.co.uk
Website: www.transvoyeur.com

George Lund, Visual and Performance Artist
11 September 2007.
Written by Arts Hub.
Photographs c/o of George Lund and Tony Knox.

George Lund is a visual artist based in Liverpool. But he also works as a performer. Yellow and Feathers was a live art piece conceived and performed by George Lund via webcam live across the world as part of the Transvoyeur Live Art Webcam Platform 2007. Curated by Gaynor Evelyn Sweeney, it formed part of the international events of I Love 39. Arts Hub asked George about his work.

What is your job title?
Visual artist/performer / voluntary / support worker.

Who do you work for?
Myself and an incapacitated person.

What do you do all day?
Voluntary work in IT Drop-In- Centre and Cancer Centre. Paint and draw pictures.

What are you doing today?
IT Assistant at Computer Centre. Working on a historic and cultural project named L8 not 08. Supporting disabled person.

What's the best thing about your job?
The variation being able to create and help others. Without anything in return.

And the worst thing?
Not enough hours in a day and time goes quickly.

How did you get into it?
I was creative since childhood. Then graduated to a BA Hons in Art and Design.

Who's been the biggest influence on you, career-wise?
Myself.

Your work is very diverse – from painting, to the chicken suit, to educational work – is there an aspect you enjoy more than others?
Helping others. Being able to be unique, creative and not repetitive, egotistical.

What's been your biggest achievement in your career so far?
Having my artwork part of the Liverpool 1207-2007. Representing 2007 on the Roadshow Bus, in The Heritage Calendar, libraries, Tourist/Travel Centres and in the Liverpool Royal Hospital as a permanent exhibition. Also in the Bradford Infirmary and Children's Hospitals and donating artwork for charitable projects.

Who is your favourite artist?
Hundertwasswer.

What’s your favourite artwork?
Van Goth Room At Arles.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the arts in the UK at the moment?
Addressing more of the creative for young people with multi activities centres.

Where would you like to go from here, career-wise?
To become productive. To encourage others through my artwork to be brave, adventurous, non conformist, individual.

If you could have a complete career change and do something else, what would you go for?
To teach English in Asia.

See some of George’s videos at youtube.com/TransvoyeurUK or watch some of his clips below.

More art by Lund can be viewed at www.lundart.co.uk

Review ... When the City Speaks: The City is a Stage - Liverpool Exhibition at the South Bohemia Gallery, Liverpool, England, Curated by Jo Derbyshire.
Written by Tony Knox.
Photographs by Tony Knox.
11 August 2007

‘Due to the alternative nature of the space explored and removed from the conventional concepts of a studio or gallery, the spontaneous nature of urban space with a fusion of activities all on the go, the project becomes more one of the concept and experience rather than the end piece produced by each artist. Similar, the art becomes a residue itself and an annotation of the artists experience in this research project of urban space’.

This was the introduction by Jo Derbyshire, the Curator, on the current exhibition at the South Bohemia Gallery on Smithdown Road, Liverpool, England.

There was presented an array of art in eclectic explosion across the walls of the gallery. Each work merged with next forming one large installation. It reminded me of sketch book work and conveyed the experiences of each individual artist through their visual dialogue on art in the urban space. The amalgamation of art moving into the next communicated the journey of the flaneur to have the viewer engaged and explores and dissect each piece of art.

On the night of the private view, Friday 10 August 2007, George Lund provoked an impromptu performance and adopted only his yellow feathery mask, which usually belongs to the rest of Funkadelic suit. He enticed co-artist, Gaynor Evelyn Sweeney, to spontaneously join him in a dance to the sounds of Bolero by Bizet. They came together to waltz and then moved to gesture to the art on the walls, turning to each other again spun out of the gallery entrance and took the performance into the streets. Eccentric, bewildering, enticing and fun, the onlookers laughed bemused and confounded to the antics of the two artists.

The exhibition has work from many different creative practictioners, such as writers, visual artists, musicians and more. The artists who contributed to this research project were Colin Binns, Claudia Brookes, Sarah Brookes, Peter Carr, David Chalkey, Ingrid Christie, Sarah Cox, Jo Derbyshire, Kate Eggleston-Wirtz, Kofi Fosu, June Rose H, Tony Knox, George Lund, Eddie Lyons, Gaby Malcolm, Steve McKay, Karen McLeod, Elaine Stapleton, Natalie Russell, Lucia Andrea Sweeney, Gaynor Evelyn Sweeney, Andrew Taylor and Peter Worthington.

This exhibition will run from 10th - 22nd August 2007.

Jo Derbyshire
(Curator of When the City Speaks Programme and Resident Curator of South Bohemia Gallery)
Email: APRILSKIES1204@aol.com

The South Bohemia Art Gallery
196 Smithdown Road
Liverpool
Merseyside
L15 5JT
UK
Peter Worthington
(Director of South Bohemia Art Gallery)
Mobile: +44(0)7791145190

Further information on the When the City Speaks Programme is available at:

www.joderbyshire.co.uk

Associate exhibitions programme:
www.freewebs.com/southbag

Affiliate to Transvoyeur.
www.transvoyeur.com

Review George Lund 'Summer in the City' Exhibition - A Retrospective at South Bohemia Art centre/Café, Liverpool, England.
Written by June Rose Hobson and Jo Derbyshire.
Photographs by Tony Knox.
09 July 2007.

To say the 'Summer in the City' of George Lunds art at South Bohemia Art centre/Café on Friday 6th July was interesting and well attended would be a serious understatement. There were artists, poets, musicians, writers, all there for Lund's retrospective. The whole evening was a happening in the true sense of the word, with Lunds work as the backdrop to the performance, a key player in the performance, it seemed to physically participate.

Lunds highly colourful work, included three large canvasses, in bright Fluorescent colours, are fresh and unique. Packed full of energy, which repayed close scrutiny, subjects included people, places, animals, rivers, trees, all packed together, requiring the viewer to search the paintings. There were also silk screens, and landscapes, highlighting Lunds versatility of style. There is a serious side to the work, Lund is concerned about the urbanisation encroaching on the natural world, and this is addressed in the larger works.

Most people loved the energy and the humour in the artwork, and marvelled at the intricacy of the detail. The whole evening was a visual feast, and the assembled company were treated to Lunds very funny portrayal of his alta ego the 'Funkadelic Chicken' a performance which has to be seen to be appreciated.

There was live music by 'Jingo', and Poetry, and song. Representatives of the North End Writers Group were present, they have a forthcoming event on 20th July, and who knows, the Funkadelic Chicken may be immortalised in prose.

South Bohemia plays a central role as an art venue, having recently hosted a popular MA Exhibition, and is due to host the forthcoming 'When The City Speaks' Exhibition, see details on the website.

During the opening, I had the opportunity to interview Lund. He explains more indepth on the subject of his art:

'My artwork is about non conformity to conventions and technologies. A representation of truth, honesty, and similar to Lowry's humbleness. I never try to look at other art when I paint or think about techniques, processes, or profit. Just to keep a pureness, individuality about the artwork. I do create work in black and white that comes easy to me. But vivid colour, refreshing with energy, movement reaches out to the spirit. I also like challenge and change'.

'I believe in the Chinese culture of red being a positive, happy glorious colour. I do when I a paint my abstract work leave the imagery to the imagination rather than waffle on about it myself. The observer can be free to interpret the artwork without references to titles'.

'Some of the visitors did have their own versions of what my artwork is about. Sometimes I don't know myself. To have this individualism is to show up and coming artists not to be afraid to break conventions to free up their work with more imagination. To use their spirit in the work'.

'My artwork I feel will be acknowledged when the funky chicken falls of its perch. This will be enough for me. There are references to ecology, culture, humour, music, politics, and history in all of my artwork. Asian, Latin, African, Indian symbols, signs in the abstract artwork'.

The exhibition runs until 18 July 2007 with an array of other exhibitions to follow at the South Bohemia Gallery, Liverpool, England.

Further information on the work of the artist can be viewed at:

www.lundart.co.uk

and other assocaite websites (below).

Curated by Jo Derbyshire.
E-mail: aprilskies1204@aol.com
Mobile: +44(0)7946353251

The South Bohemia Art Gallery
196 Smithdown Road
Liverpool
Merseyside
L15 5JT
UK
Tel No.: +44(0)151 733 5120
Peter Worthington
(Director/Curator of South Bohemia Art Gallery)
Website: www.freewebs.com/southbag

Curators: Laura Baxter, Natalie Bennett, Michelle Campbell and Jo Derbyshire.
More information on art of Lund can be viewed at: www.lundart.co.uk

This is the first in a series of exhibition to follow.

Associated to:
www.transvoyeur.com.

George Lund at South Boheman Gallery, Solo Exhibition and Artist in Residency Programme.

'Summer in the City' Solo Exhibition
Exhibition Dates: 6th July 2007 - 18th July 2007.
Opening: Friday 6th July 2007, 7.00 pm.
Including performance by George Lund of the Funkadelic Chicken, 7.30 pm.
Come along to the opening to view the solo exhibition of this extraordinary artist, George Lund, renowned for his exhuberant art, vivid palette and euphoric abstract compositions. Witness and experience the idiosyncratic live art of the Funkadelic Chicken!

Artist in Residence Programme
The artist George Lund will be available to discuss his art:
Saturday 7th July 2007, 1.00 p, - 4.00pm.
Saturday 14th July 2007, 1.00 pn - 4.00 pm.
Why not come along during Lund's residency and find out what inspires him to produce his creative visions. You could even get a one-and-only Lund portraiture done at a reduced price.

Curated by Jo Derbyshire.
E-mail: aprilskies1204@aol.com
Mobile: +44(0)7946353251

The South Bohemia Art Gallery
196 Smithdown Road
Liverpool
Merseyside
L15 5JT
UK
Tel No.: +44(0)151 733 5120
Peter Worthington
(Director/Curator of South Bohemia Art Gallery)

Curators: Laura Baxter, Natalie Bennett, Michelle Campbell and Jo Derbyshire.
More information on art of Lund can be viewed at: www.lundart.co.uk

This is the first in a series of exhibition to follow.

Associated to:
www.transvoyeur.co.uk

George Lund: Research Project - Art, Culture and Heritage
14 April 2007
Written by Gaynor Evelyn Sweeney.
Photographs by Tony Knox.

George Lund is currently researching the concept of heritage and migration in a new series of art he is developing for 2007.

Photograph Tony Knox 2006.

This is structured on the constructs and concepts of cultural geography and visual dialogue and ideologies inherited. It will look at ideas of time and place, memories and residues through to art and artefact of lineage and society. This is founded on three principle areas of his own heritage, as the subjects of visual analysis.

Powys, Wales.
Part of Lund’s heritage stems back to Powys in Wales. Through archival research and socio-cultural and environmental references Lund will encapsulate a series of art.

Liverpool, England.
Re-address of his own practice in the city of Liverpool and comparative analysis to contemporary arts, culture and society in the urban space. To contrast his own lineage and mode expression to his position as an artist in time and place of the city of Liverpool.

Phoenix Arizona and Las Vegas (US).
Part of Lund’s extended family have emigrated to the United States. Lund will go to meet with his relations and explore life in a different socio-cultural context.

Lund is an artist who is renowned for his niave abstractions set on Animal Utopia as a social commentary of the urban space and further embodied in his Funkadelic Chicken live art.

This new work takes on board the concepts of more than three generations and how cultural annotations are formulated through history and different modes of creative expression. The new collection of art from this research will be presented in an exhibition to be announced.

For more information on the art of Lund go to:
www.lundart.co.uk

Further professional activities of Lund will be with Transvoyeur, which he is a founding member of the Management Team and collaborating artist (www.transvoyeur.co.uk)

Interview with George Lund: Art - Utopian Ideals
Written by Gaynor Evelyn Sweeney.
Photograph © Artist George Lund and Tony Knox 2007.
Friday 16 March 2007

George Lund, who is one of the founding members to Transvoyeur, discusses his art and philosophies that shape and influence his work. He is renowned for his naive abstract paintings of an exuberant palette and moreover his performance work as the 'Funkadelic Chicken'. Lund describes his practice with Gaynor Evelyn Sweeney in an interview.

Sweeney: When did you first become interest art and recognise yourself as an artist?

Lund: I became interested in art from early childhood. I would draw subject matter from the black and white TV. If Magnet the detective series was on, I would sketch the American cars and the figures on book covers or any other found scraps of paper. In addition, when my father had on TV the BBC Orchestra playing I would from plastercine (acquired from school) create an orchestra of musicians.

Sweeney: Can you explain your art work?

Lund: My artwork is comprised of a naive colourist style. With references to ecology, culture, history, humour, local iconic scenes, political issues. A critic once said my figurative artwork was a naive version of a Pre-Raphaelite and Lowery colourist. There is also an abstract style to my artwork with relationships to surface pattern.

Sweeney: Your work has a strong interest in the practice of drawings and paintings. How do your drawings relate to the paintings?

Lund: Mainly the iconic scenes of Liverpool ink sketches relate to the paintings. The in situ sketches are adapted for paintings and post cards. Also, have some still life sketches that I have transformed into paintings. The drawings being the subject matter.

Sweeney: You write and do performance work? Can you please describe this and the relationship across your art practice of the live art element and writing to your fine art practice?

Lund: The ideas for my Animal Utopia story stemmed from my teen hood years of dancing (Funky Chicken etc) and interest in animal characteristics/instincts. During my Bachelors, I studied Afro American dance and music and created a Funky Chicken costume to perform in the presentation. I then was called upon to perform in the Bradford College Fashion Show and Bradford Festival 1993. 5 years later ideas manifested from my artistic background and interest in an Animal Utopian world of peace, love, harmony, trust. Without money, greed, etc. Non violent/polluting society. Inventive and innovative. I have always a painted hybrid characters and this I transcribed into my animal characters.

Sweeney: What artists have inspired you and why?

Lund: There are so many artists I like but I am inspired by life by surviving and living. I like Marc Chagall's poetic allegoric artwork. Van Goth's passion and sacrifice. Hunderwasser's natural/organic colourisation. Matisse's vibrant Fauvist style

Sweeney: What subjects shape and influence your work and how?

Lund: Again, there are many subjects some discovered some not yet. People, natural, objects, architecture, animals, life, dreams.

Sweeney: What motivates you to create through painting?

Lund: There was twelve members s in my family and it was a miracle that we all survived. From the post war struggle. I am motivated that I am still alive and given the chance that I can achieve goals. That my artwork is for those who were not given the chance.

Sweeney: Do you use any other media as research source or in production of your art?

Lund: I some times use the internet for research on world matters. Also the world out there.

Sweeney: What do you plan for the future as an artist in your professional practice?

Lund: I plan to have my story published to create new works on the Animal Utopia World.

Sweeney: What are the positive and negative experiences of being an artist?

Lund: The positive ones are being able to create and generate new ideas from a whole world of subject matter. To have come thus far and even further to go. The negatives are being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Finding that niche for my art be it Timbuktu or Siberia. Missed opportunities in the past.

Sweeney: What do you want to be remembered for?

Lund: That my artwork opens up a whole new prospective of creating and breaking down the barriers of conformity and repetition. Individuality, honesty, modesty, bravado. Paving the way for up and coming artists to create with more individuality, more experimental, innovative and spirituality.

Further information on Lund's work can be viewed at:

E-mail: chic_geo@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.lundart.co.uk

For future events Lund is involved with Transvoyeur:

E-mail: transvoyeuruk@hotmail.co.uk
Website: www.transvoyeur.co.uk

Commissioned Art of George Lund and the Liverpool Culture Company 08 Road Show Bus, 21 March 2007.

(Note: The above art by Lund is similar to the commissioned art by Liverpool Culture Company).

George Lund (www.lundart.co.uk) was commissioned by the Liverpool Culture Company in 2006 for a series of his art to be used on official merchandise of Liverpool European Capital of Culture 2008. Further to this, in 2007 his art is to be featured on the 08 Road Show Bus.

The 08 Road Show Bus is an initiative and programme where art will be taken around the city from March 2007. There will be an array of art from other professionals and groups on board.

Also, workshops and projects promoted with the Artist Donna Berry (www.donnaberry.com) where members of the public engage in creativity.

For further information on the Liverpool Culture Company 08 Road Show Bus go to:

http://www.liverpool08.com/08Roadshow/index.asp

and to view more art by Lund:

www.lundart.co.uk

All Art Sold at Liverpool Hope University 2007 Graduating Fine Art and Design Students Auction ... Art Donated by Transvoyeur Artists and other Professional Artists.

Art Donated by Transvoyeur Artist ...

George Lund
Chagall Inspired,
(Mixed Media on Canvas), 2006.

Other Transvoyeur artists donated to auction: Jo Derbyshire, Tony Knox and Gaynor Evelyn Sweeney.

Liverpool Hope University 2007 Graduating Fine Art and Design Students.

An Art Auction on Thursday 15th March 2007.

The event was to assist our new graduating artists produce a final year exhibition catalogue for May 2007.

Work auctioned is by Liverpool Hope Students and staff, including:
Peter Dover, Steve Gatley, Tony Smith, Michelle Jones-Hughes, Jason Jones and Natalie Bennett, together with donated works by Gaynor Evelyn Sweeney, Jo Derbyshire, Tony Knox, George Lundt and Alison Carling.

Guest auctioneer Paul O'Keefe.

Location: The Great Hall, Cornerstone Building (behind the Cornerstone Gallery)

Sponsored by The Cornerstone Gallery.

Liverpool Hope University, 1 Haigh Street, Liverpool, L3 8QB.
Tel: 0151 291 3997
E-mail: thecornerstonegallery@hope.ac.uk

For directions of how to get to the gallery please visit:
www.hope.ac.uk/gettingtohope/hopeateverton.htm
For further information please contact the Gallery.

Interview with George Lund: Art - Utopian Ideals
Written by Gaynor Evelyn Sweeney.
Photograph © Artist George Lund and Tony Knox 2007.
Friday 16 March 2007

George Lund, who is one of the founding members to Transvoyeur, discusses his art and philosophies that shape and influence his work. He is renowned for his naive abstract paintings of an exuberant palette and moreover his performance work as the 'Funkadelic Chicken'. Lund describes his practice with Gaynor Evelyn Sweeney in an interview.

Sweeney: When did you first become interest art and recognise yourself as an artist?

Lund: I became interested in art from early childhood. I would draw subject matter from the black and white TV. If Magnet the detective series was on, I would sketch the American cars and the figures on book covers or any other found scraps of paper. In addition, when my father had on TV the BBC Orchestra playing I would from plastercine (acquired from school) create an orchestra of musicians.

Sweeney: Can you explain your art work?

Lund: My artwork is comprised of a naive colourist style. With references to ecology, culture, history, humour, local iconic scenes, political issues. A critic once said my figurative artwork was a naive version of a Pre-Raphaelite and Lowery colourist. There is also an abstract style to my artwork with relationships to surface pattern.

Sweeney: Your work has a strong interest in the practice of drawings and paintings. How do your drawings relate to the paintings?

Lund: Mainly the iconic scenes of Liverpool ink sketches relate to the paintings. The in situ sketches are adapted for paintings and post cards. Also, have some still life sketches that I have transformed into paintings. The drawings being the subject matter.

Sweeney: You write and do performance work? Can you please describe this and the relationship across your art practice of the live art element and writing to your fine art practice?

Lund: The ideas for my Animal Utopia story stemmed from my teen hood years of dancing (Funky Chicken etc) and interest in animal characteristics/instincts. During my Bachelors, I studied Afro American dance and music and created a Funky Chicken costume to perform in the presentation. I then was called upon to perform in the Bradford College Fashion Show and Bradford Festival 1993. 5 years later ideas manifested from my artistic background and interest in an Animal Utopian world of peace, love, harmony, trust. Without money, greed, etc. Non violent/polluting society. Inventive and innovative. I have always a painted hybrid characters and this I transcribed into my animal characters.

Sweeney: What artists have inspired you and why?

Sweeney: What subjects shape and influence your work and how?

Lund: Again, there are many subjects some discovered some not yet. People, natural, objects, architecture, animals, life, dreams.

Sweeney: What motivates you to create through painting?

Lund: There was twelve members s in my family and it was a miracle that we all survived. From the post war struggle. I am motivated that I am still alive and given the chance that I can achieve goals. That my artwork is for those who were not given the chance.

Sweeney: Do you use any other media as research source or in production of your art?

Lund: I some times use the internet for research on world matters. Also the world out there.

Sweeney: What do you plan for the future as an artist in your professional practice?

Lund: I plan to have my story published to create new works on the Animal Utopia World.

Sweeney: What are the positive and negative experiences of being an artist?

Lund: The positive ones are being able to create and generate new ideas from a whole world of subject matter. To have come thus far and even further to go. The negatives are being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Finding that niche for my art be it Timbuktu or Siberia. Missed opportunities in the past.

Sweeney: What do you want to be remembered for?

Lund: That my artwork opens up a whole new prospective of creating and breaking down the barriers of conformity and repetition. Individuality, honesty, modesty, bravado. Paving the way for up and coming artists to create with more individuality, more experimental, innovative and spirituality.

Further information on Lund's work can be viewed at:

E-mail: chic_geo@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.lundart.co.uk

For future events Lund is involved with Transvoyeur:

E-mail: transvoyeuruk@hotmail.co.uk
Website: www.transvoyeur.co.uk

Review of Transvoyeur Webcam Performance Art Platform, Part of 39 Art Day.
Written by Jean-Paul DeBuffet and Lucia Andrea Sweeney (Edited by Gaynor Evelyn Sweeney).
Photographs by Tony Knox and Gaynor Evelyn Sweeney.
Wednesday 14 March 2007.

On Friday 9th March 2007, part of the ‘I Love 39 Thank You Arts Day’, a performance art platform was conceived by Gaynor Evelyn Sweeney to present a series of live art by artists from Transvoyeur via MSN Messenger and webcam. This included work from Agata Alcaniz, Jo Derbyshire, Tony Knox, George Lund, Gaynor Evelyn Sweeney and Andrew Taylor.

The objective of this alternative and innovative platform was to enable an international audience via the internet and to coincide with the initiative by a Germany-based Japanese artist, Yoshiaki Kaihatsu (www.yoshiakikaihatsu.com).

In Japanese, 'thank you' rhymes with 3/9 (san-kyuu), because there is no 'th' sound in Japanese and the Japanese people tend to pronounce 'th' as 's'. Thus, the Day of 39 Art on March 9. Kaihatsu conceived this idea to encourage people in the arts and culture to say 'thank you' through a process of cultural appreciation. 39 Art Day (Thank You Art Day) is a special day to appreciate, promote, and otherwise positively engage ourselves in contemporary art worldwide.

The activities throughout Liverpool, Merseyside and surrounding areas have been supported through the media platform of Art in Liverpool with Ian Jackson and Mina Jackson.

The process of the live art was one were the viewer via messenger and a webcam were presented with an exclusive performance. Each performance was presented to only one viewer making the relationship one more intimate. This personalized approach adopted by the artists was to denote the principles of sincerity when expressing notions of appreciation, which relate back to the theme of the ‘I Love 39’.

The nature adopted by the performance platform was to re-address the parameters of the temporal and spatial concepts of live art and how this is experienced. How the words are redefined by cultural linguistics and meaning, so too is sensory experiences by the audience removed and determined by the intervention of technology and the internet. Moreover, by adapting the function of MSN Messenger, which in itself is designed for communication, but re-applied for creative expression.

The performances were varied and the audience international with viewers logging in from across the globe to receive a performance only for their eyes. The live art was diverse and extensive over a four-hour period between 1.00pm to 4.00pm the viewers could log in. The process of selection was ‘first come first served’. Each performance was mediated by ‘The Administrator’ who introduced and guided the viewer through each performance.

Lund did several renditions and variations of his alter ego the Funkadelic Chicken. He danced live for the pleasures of the viewer, hyper-style, followed by satire of slapstick comedy. Knox posed as Moth Man, the Hero, to other creative explorations of the categorization of the artist ‘boxed’, as a commentary on the canonization of art and the artist. The performance by Sweeney ranged from encapsulating herself in tape to manifestation of cable television ‘Chat to Girls’, but the only conversation was to advise on web links for a shopping list. Prostitution Belgium style in the window of the webcam, but the solicitation of a web directory to explicate links for what was wanted to be purchased by the viewer.

Sweeney, Lund and Knox performed further performances conceived and directed by Alcaniz, Derbyshire and Taylor. Sweeney in the mode of a catwalk model paraded the couture of waste, while the viewer receive images via the net of text from 'Will Limits of Earth's Resources Control Human Numbers', an icon image of ‘No More Babies’ (art image by Alcaniz and the music of Charles Ives 'Universe Symphony' played in the background. Lund orated the poetry of Taylor, which evolved into an explosion of expression. During this, an image of birds in the blue sky by Taylor was shown by Sweeney, who tore into strips and cascaded over Lund’s head, as he read aloud. The monologue written by Derbyshire was read by Sweeney, while images of the Derbyshire’s photographic urban and cultural research rotated on the viewers screen. To be absorbed in the visualizations of the artists and share in the experiences of Derbyshire 'When the City Speaks'.

During the window of the four-hour slot on MSN Messenger, these performances were repeated with changes influenced by the recipients’ response and modes of intervention by the webcam. On the close of each performance, the role of ‘The Administrator’ would return and enquire "Did you enjoy ‘your’ performance?" and added "As an expression of our gratitude, we, Transvoyeur, present you with a ‘Certificate of Appreciation’?" (download 'Certificate of Appreciation'). A word document was then sent via MSN Messenger, which the viewer could download and add their name to.

The live art platform via this method was fascinating and captivated the recipients who were audience. Even for the artists this changed the relationship of what live art means in it actually terminology and creative experience.

For further events of Transvoyeur artists go to www.transvoyeur.co.uk.

To view some of the performance select below:

>> Addicted to Adhesive Noir (Brown Not the New Black)
Concept and Direction by Gaynor Evelyn Sweeney
Performance by Gaynor Evelyn Sweeney

>> Environmental Performance Meets No More Babies
Concept and Direction by Agata Alcaniz
Performance by Gaynor Evelyn Sweeney

>> Funky Chicken (Yellow and Feathers)
Concept and Direction by George Lund
Performance by George Lund

>> Knox in a Box
Concept and Direction by Tony Knox
Performance by Tony Knox

>> Moth in a Box
Concept and Direction by Tony Knox
Performance by Tony Knox

>> Renditions of Taylor
Concept and Direction by Andrew Taylor
Performance by George Lund and Gaynor Evelyn Sweeney

>> Shopping List (Internet Solicitation)
Concept and Direction by Gaynor Evelyn Sweeney
Performance by Gaynor Evelyn Sweeney

>> When the City Speaks
Concept and Direction by Jo Derbyshire
Performance by Gaynor Evelyn Sweeney

>> Yellow Incubation
Concept and Direction by George Lund
Performance by George Lund

Lund and 2007

Lund is currently in programming the events and projects he will be involved in 2007. Refer back to this page for updates coming soon.

Funkadelic Chicken Donned at Oxford but Nearly Skinned and Plucked
Thursday 21 December 2006
Written by George Lund (on his Alter Ego of the Funkadelic Chicken)

Fifty staff (Directors, managers etc) from the Innovation Factory, Jet Jobs Employment Training Centre, Yanwath Community Centre, andother communinty organisations held a Christmas Party at the Oxford on Wednesday 20 December 2006.

The Funkadekic Chicken was invited to perform and gave a chicken lip smacking, grease lightening floor cabaret act. The party poops mainly women were stunned by the Chickens capers. The Funkadelic Chicken had it's cheeks felt and pinched. The chickens' trews' fell down and a Full Monty Chicken nearly evolved and had a standing ovation (metaphorically of course!)

The Funkadelic Chicken said: 'I my beak was bent and have bruisers on my bottom and legs to prove it from the frenzy of the dance (CLUCK!). I have been asked by many of the women (CLUCK!) when and where I will perform again (CLUCK! CLUCK!). I will consider taking the Chico-gram up next year!"

The Funkadelic Chicken Roocked the Oxford, but escapes with life from attention of hored of women, now avid fans. Stuffing fell out everwhere and some ladies were trying to stuff it back in. He added: "I was telling them to get stuffed (CLUCK!)".

To learn more of the Funkadelic Chickens moves ...

Chicken Dance's of Life.
Funky Chicken: Peace Happiness Love, Tranquillity.
Beak Dancing.
Communication, Language, Dialogue, Diplomacy.
Mooning Walk.
Cheekiness, Cosmic (full moon,half moon) Comfort Posture.
Straw Dance.
Sleep, Harvest,.Warmth, Food.
Chicken Salsa.
Culture, passion. rhythm, hotness, Latin.
Chicken Vin DE Loo.
Curry favours, Hotness, healthy food.
Chicken Robo.t
Technology, Innovation, Futuristic.
Chicken Lake.
Classical, Culture, Ballet.

More information can be found at www.lundart.co.uk.

Grizedale Salon Exhibition 2006, A Foundation, Liverpool, England, Independents Biennial 2006, November 2006.

Lund presented a large scale colourful painting to the Grizedale Salon Exhibition at the A Foundation in Liverpool, England. This was an exhibition showing the art of Liverpool and Grizedale artists. The painting by Lund was an earlier piece researched and developed between Liverpool and New York and he titled 'Transvoyeur'.

Transvoyeur Programme 2006, September - November 2006, Independents Liverpool Biennial 2006.

Lund is one of the founding members of Transvoyeur and in the Independents Liverpool Biennial 2006 this year is one of the artists in the Liverpool/New York exhibitions and also part of the performance Transvoyeur Performance Programme. The performances and exhibition are at the View Two Gallery, Mathew Street, Liverpool, England (>> Go to Transvoyeur website for events of progamme).

Transvoyeur Programme 2006
September - November 2006

(Click on the icons above to go to Transvoyeur).

For Lunds art work and review in the Liverpool and New York exhibition at the View Two Gallery ...

For Lund's Peformances and review at the View Two Gallery ...