Seriously, how bloody great is ‘Stranger Things’?! Anything that is set within the 80’s has half a chance of cult status and I just had to take this on! It was always a question of timing, as for the majority of the occasions when I was asked at gallery events if I would consider doing it, I hadn’t managed to even watch the damned thing and I would never create a piece of art that was hollow to me and done with a piggy eye on the coffers. After all I have to practice what I preach with that being how greed breeds monsters.For reasons mentioned in my ‘Breaking Bad’ narrative, (uh oh, is that a cross selling tactic? – oh god I’m changing… no chance!) there were so many factors that stopped me getting involved with this beast of a story. I was always aware of it, but I just thought it was a quirky retro inspired homage to the 80’s. How wrong could I be?! How could a world of BMX bikes and ‘Eggo’ waffles also be terrorised by Demodogs and Spider Monsters?! I struggled with the Daleks from Doctor Who as a kid, but my mind has gone a little darker since then so yeah bring the mutating freaks on!Back in 2016 and my first ‘Lost in Hollywood’ collection there was an E.T piece called ‘I’ll Be Right Here’ that featured a number of iconic bikes within a forest. A good number of people thought it was based on ‘Stranger Things’, and now I can see why. So, being a kid who was lucky enough to grow up in the 80’s, it is these vivid memories that are more important than ever and which I can draw comfort, inspiration and strength from. Step back to jump forward.Anyway, to the actual piece! Set within a smashed up ‘Starcourt’ mall, I have created a scene that is designed to keep you guessing. With the exception of the bad guys, no characters are visible. Yet instead, I have set the composition in a way that you really get the feeling that you are stood there and bang in trouble! The aim was to create a sense of abandonment and time passing, a trait that I have embraced since my 2015 ‘Storyteller’ works. However, the silence is broken and all of a sudden, you’re not alone. Do you run? Do you stand and fight, taking on your demons head on? I guess that’s down to how your waffles are buttered.I hope the fans of ‘Stranger Things’ really connect with this piece and get the same enjoyment from it albeit for many a different reason. I love that, I really do. Memories of trying to record the UK top 40 using my brothers’ radio to my tape deck come to life when I hear Madonna’s ‘Material Girl’ that is featured in Season 3. Playing ‘Cops and Robbers’ on my Raleigh Grifter are why I’m so drawn to these iconic bikes. I may not have shoplifted a box of waffles but my affiliation to this incredible era is one that I will keep making stronger and stronger, primarily, for my own gains that then benefits others, mind over money, pride not profit.The brightest memories will always remain, oh shit, have I done it again?!
