City mural drawn up on a giant scale

Aug 5 2008 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

THE artists-in-residence of one of Liverpool’s newest – and largest – creative art spaces have been busy putting their stamp on the place.

Among the groups who have set up at the Novas Contemporary Urban Centre, in Greenland Street, Carl Fletcher and Ken Bullock are now based at their own shared studio producing their own art and work for the centre.

Carl is acclaimed for his powerful pop art, often made from recycled materials, with strong political and social themes.

Ken, a professional signwriter who turned to art full-time after a period of ill health, has used his expertise to decorate the public spaces of the CUC, and both artists will be helping create the set of the forthcoming production, 30 Days in Walton. They are also helping other artists at the centre to develop skills and techniques.

Before that, they are helping to brighten up the street outside the venue with a giant mural.

The mural, which will take up the length of the disused building opposite the CUC, is based on both artists’ deep interest in space, and will be emblazoned with the quote from Alan Ginsberg about Liverpool as the creative centre of the universe.

Carl said: “I’m very interested in the cosmos, because religion can’t interfere with it and man hasn’t got any control over it either.”

The pair have enjoyed a close relationship since setting up their communal studio at the CUC at the start of the year.

“It’s not often artists work together and share their ideas and different things, but me and Ken get on like a house on fire,” Carl said.

“I’ve been involved in art in one way or another all my life, and it seems perfectly natural I’ve ended up here. I’ve been waiting for a place like this for 20 years, and my work has come on in leaps and bounds.

“There’s a whole ethos to this place, what they can offer you and how you can pay in kind, like we’ll be doing the set for the play.

“I just like coming here and get so much inspiration just talking to the people – there’s a real feel of a family unit.”

The centre is open to the public every day until 8pm. Current exhibitions include Fir 2008, featuring the work of 12 Irish artists, and Go Pink in support of Breast Cancer awareness.

vickyanderson@dailypost.co.uk