Wow, it is now February. I have been laid low by a cold for weeks now; it really does seem my immune system is worn down. I need a break to recharge.
I plan to get some sun in March; in fact, I could be spending not much time in London this summer and spring. I plan to be in Japan at some point to visit my brother and see some friends. I have a project to work on but I don't have to be in London to do it; I just need a laptop and a decent internet connection.
I am building a computer game as an art piece. I am working for hire for a fantastic artist by the name of Paul Noble. Paul has had exhibitions in New York and London. We met by chance at a gallery in East London last July. But really, I got the gig through Paul's girlfriend Georgina who is also a filmmaker and artist.
It all happened last summer in late June 2006. It was a lovely evening and I went to this showing with "mio fratello" Angelo. We were standing outside and chatting with people. Angelo was chatting with Paul as it goes and I struck up a conversation with Georgina and another fellow (sorry dude, I forget your name). 'George' was telling me about a film project of hers; where she was going to re-create scenes from old black and white movies and many of these movies did not exist anymore. I thought what a great idea and gave Geroge a business card and asked her to let me know when the film would be screened. She asked what did I do and I replied "well, I make computer games and stuff. "
A few days later, I get a call from Paul. He was telling me how he has had this idea for a computer game that he been wanting to make for years. We met up a few times and discussed and then it all kicked off.
Now, I have not been doing much work on the game for the last few months; I have been working freelance on a few interactive TV projects which has kept me quite busy. I can only do so much. That is one of the reason I left my job at Sky Digital where I worked for 3 years previously. Quitting my job last year, was a calculated risk and I am glad to say it has paid off.
I shan't give away to much about the game just yet but here is a sample of some artwork.
Stay tuned for more updates on the game project through the next few months. It is going to be my main activity this year starting in a few weeks. I am getting to the end of my current freelance job. I am really happy about this project; for one thing, I get to use some of my experience and knowledge and it is a bit of a new direction for me as I get to wear a few different hats on this project. I am not just being a 'code monkey' sitting in the corner tapping on a keyboard. To make a computer game you need artwork and I have been finding artists to assist Paul and I on the game; we have one guy doing the main in game artwork; his name is Dave F. of Paradise Games fame. the image of the dog was based on a pastel by Paul. And it looks like we will be getting another digital artist to assist.
Lastly, Geroge had a screening of her film "Theda" last November. It was great. It may be coming to art house cinema near you.
Paul Noble at the Whitechapel Art gallery