APF 2010

This weekend saw the annual emotional carnage of St Valentine’s Day, the patron saint of unrealistic expectations, ready-meals for one and nights in with only the cold shoulder of loneliness on which to shed bitter, melancholy tears…

Anyway, back to me: I was at the Alternative Press Fair, celebrating its first birthday, and a jolly event it was too. Not as busy as last year, but I came away with more cash than the previous event, perhaps because I was selling more ‘big ticket’ items. It’s swings and roundabouts with these things I suppose.

It was a sort of pre-launch for the Birdsong/Songbird anthology (available here), which looked very fine and had a lot of interest, and I sold quite a few saucy Valentine’s cards (example above – one lady bought two even though she was single. Bless.), as well as prints and minis. Thanks if you came and bought something and said hello!

I was sat next to the master of ink and wash, Joe Decie and we put the world to rights with the help of a few beers and Al Maceachern later on, even the bits of the world that didn’t necessarily need righting. I also sat next to Will Morris, comics newbie, whose work was getting a lot of interest and who I’m sure is someone to look out for in the future.

Other discoveries: Kristyna Baczynski, who traded prints with me and does some lovely work. Also, the unofficial book of the show, The Static Revolter, by Kevin Ward and Lord Hurk. Beautifully produced – everyone seemed to be carrying a copy.

Congrats to Jimi, Peter and team on another great event – just the right cosy mix of social stuff and art stuff. The perfect antidote to romance.

PS. I’ll be catching up with my 100 days project shortly. Angouleme put a spanner in the works temporarily but I’ll be back on track soon.