I often see Taplin look-alikes which, I guess, is a form of flattery. The mistake that these 'admirers' always seem to make is to take the finish too far. For me, the secret of Guy's work is his instinct in knowing when to stop. His sculpture is never over-worked. Like its maker, it has the characteristics of an uncut diamond -- wonderful quality while maintaining a certain "roughness round the edges".

I'm so pleased to see the return of a few owls in this show. Twenty years ago, there were owls in every Taplin show and I mentioned this to Guy after the last one in 2010. It's funny how one can lose track of an idea because one gets immersed in the moment. This return after years away brings with it a new vitality and these owls are rather special.

There are also three different boat panels including a panel which, at eight feet long, is the largest Guy has ever produced. While size isn't everything, this is a hugely imposing piece of work ready to grace a large hallway or dining room wall.
"Sweet Sixteen" breaks new ground and also re-visits the past. Every piece is part of the story of a lifetime's journey. Savour it.

Ian Courcoux
Feb 2012

JUST ANOTHER DAY IN THE LIFE OF ....................

"I must lie down where all the ladders start in the foul rag and bone shop of the heart"

Robina says I always drag her down the drains, for me this is where the good stuff is to be found.

I've sawn up a boat in the mud at Brightlingsea and rest the side of it against the wall of the Anchor pub and go in for a swallow. This is where I meet Billy The Fish wearing a pair of cowboy six-guns and a string vest (I now have it) and tattooed like De Niro in Cape Fear. I'm covered in mud so don't look much better.

The first words he says are "Them that dies will be the lucky ones". I buy him a pint, this starts a long friendship. He brought to my door many artefacts in exchange for vegetables and beer. He died while chopping down a tree in someone's garden. There were two and he chopped down the wrong one.

Years later I'm walking along the sea wall past Batemans Cafe in Brightlingsea. I've found a small piece of boat and stop to talk to a bloke who I find has had a stall in London's Roman Road, as I did. I comment on his nose (broken eight times) and cauliflower ears, saying was he a boxer, myself having been an Army featherweight champion while on National Service. He says in the ring and on the cobbles, it turns out he fought Reggie Kray. As I walk away he calls out "You know what they say?". "What?" says I, "Box on" he says.

As I get older this has a strong resonance.

There is not a piece in this show that has not a story to tell.

BOX ON!

Guy Taplin
Feb 2012

Go to 'Current' page