Metz Cathedral, Metz by Shirley Accini

I love travelling, particularly making plans for what I want to see on my trips. But often it's the unexpected that takes your breath away, just like Jacques Villon's stained glass windows at Metz Cathedral. I went to the cathedral having heard that it was noted for its windows, but I just didn't expect to be so impressed. I've briefly thought about working with stained glass, but never taken it further, but seeing the colours radiating in such a dark interior was just inspirational. I was lucky to be there while the organist was playing - an overwhelming joyous experience.

Metz Cathedral - Jacques Villon

Metz Cathedral - Jacques Villon

Ernesto Neto at Centre Pompidou-Metz, 2017 by Shirley Accini

Brazilian artist Ernesto Neto is one of the inspirations behind my Ways of Seeing 'Textiles/logistics' exercise, and shown at The Castle pop-up. For me, tension is the key attraction of his work: the tautness of the stretched fabric, weighed down by its bulbous contents, and pulled and arranged in ways that seem organic and otherworldly. Infinite Garden, Centre Pompidou-Metz.

Ernesto Neto's 'Flower Crystal Power', as part of 'Infinite Garden From Giverny to Amazonia', at Centre Pompidou-Metz, 2017

Ernesto Neto's 'Flower Crystal Power', as part of 'Infinite Garden From Giverny to Amazonia', at Centre Pompidou-Metz, 2017

Cornelia Parker PV, Frith Street Gallery by Shirley Accini

They say never meet your heroes. I went along to the private view of Cornelia Parker's American Gothic at Frith Street Gallery, Golden Square, with no hope other than to see her latest works without being jostled by other admirers. To my delight, she was in attendance and only too happy to tell me the context behind the video installation 'American Gothic' and the installation 'PsychoBarn' at the New York MOMA. She also told me that she'd been named 2017 official election artist. Go Cornelia! http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-39768131

Cornelia Parker PV of 'American Gothic' at Frith Street Gallery, Golden Square

Cornelia Parker PV of 'American Gothic' at Frith Street Gallery, Golden Square

Easter Bunny, The Cass by Shirley Accini

A chance for the public to browse around The Cass's fine art studios at Commercial Road (opposite Aldgate East station). Works on display include my 'Fit in, fall out' (background) and Sami Melskari's balloon sculptures.

Easter Bunny: The Cass Open Studios
Tonight, 4-8pm

Me and Sami