I am sorry to the current generation of TV chefs, I do not mean to offend but NONE live up to Keith Floyd, they may be good at cooking, they may have some TV something … but Floyd was not only as brilliant a cook as most of them, he was a real and honest enthusiast that is infectious to all of us…Floyd’s cooking was a language, as all art forms are he spoke his language very well indeed and how I agree that a glass of wine SO helps the creative process… Woopee to Floyd!

Enough of that…!

I have had such a fun time in my new studio… credit crunch time is a daft time to build a studio, I guess but by golly has it turned my life around! Space, light, height and an injection of bounce! The fact that things have slowed down a wee bit in the economic world has bounced me into the free use of Plaster of Paris, a medium that I have not really played with much before. I love using plasticine, I use it throughout the world, as a material it is brilliant. I have used it in the high arctic, the himalaya, the vertcal heat of the equator, on the back of an elephant (sculpting tiger)…it is a great and durable material. Clay is fast and immediate… so exciting to use. With clay in half an hour and a bundle of high energy enthusiasm one can produce some exciting sculpture… so long as you can see in your minds eye the finished article. BUT plaster is durable… it sets, it is grindeable, it does not allow the sculptor total control… which is actually very exciting! My last month or two has been plastered… not in the Kieth Floyd sense (always), dust covers the studio, and as the early morning sun rises, the mist and clear skies of September fills me with a buzz that makes me so chuffed I was not born to be a banker (although I could then afford life!) or an accountant when I would be good with numbers and I suspect an easier bet with my bank manager… No I am a very VERY happy sculptor… who sculpts what he sees and uses sculpture as a language.

PS if I have got the flip video down load right my latest attempt should be on Youtube… or utube or what ever it is… look it up!

Very good meeting in the London with WWF… there is a real passion and will to make the Ice Bear speak the message that both WWF and IBP want to pass… we will make a fine team.

Success comes with determination and we certainly do not lack in determination on any aspects of our joint effort.

Onwards and upwards… so join us!

Mark

The Ice Bear Project has a great core team, generous in their time and expertise, beyond the call of duty… as generous are our followers and supporters… to both groups I as the dreamer and sculptor pull my forelock and salute!

Today we had a most satisfying days worth of experimenting with ice and sculpting methods, lighting and refining discussions. The work is very different from any other… and the way that it will behave and develop is frankly as uncertain as are the predictions on our future climate but that is in itself is so much part of the Ice Bear story.

Some how or other we HAVE to find the resources to ensure this wonderful sculptural effort fulfills its potential. Again I plea for help in financing The Ice Bear… please call, email, just contact us and be a part of our team.

With all salaams

Mark

Another wonderful day to think bears while flying high in my wee biplane! Tomorrow is going to be a busy day. I am off to work with the Hamiltons at their ice workshops… We then have a week of critical meetings and sortings!

Do remember to pass this web site around as far as you can… tell your local schools… it is educational.

Please also ensure that any likely sponsors are directed towards Ice Bear, they can call and discuss!

As ever

Mark

Could I ask you please to assist the project by sending the link to this website out as wide as you can either by email, facebook or twitter (I have a twitter account although I am not really sure how to use it yet!)… snow balls grow big when they start to roll… so please net work for the Ice Bear and put 11th – 22nd Dec in your diaries to visit Tafalgar Square.

Remember I hope to take the Ice Bear message around the world so PLEASE all of you beyond the UK do likewise…

With all my thanks

Mark Coreth

Great days sculpting in the studio of the inevitable Polar Bear! I am working in plaster producing maquettes one after the other… the more I do the firmer the bear will sit in my mind, practice practice practice and more practice…! However the air was so clear and beautiful that I abandoned the plaster grabbed my leather helmet, goggles and wooly flying jacket and took to the sky in my wee midlife crisis… a single seat biplane G-BXMX a Currie Wot… and why not!

What a great day… things are moving on the funding front… my tummy tells me… but lets not venture any further there as it is a bit like hanging blue paper in the kiddies bedroom before the birth… it should have been pink!

I visited the Hamiltons in Wimbledon to discuss the freeze of the bear, as a team we then set forth to see the manufacturing of the base and the freeze tank… The skeleton was there and looking great… I have a real feel that this is so much heading in the right direction… we still badly need help with funds so please please join us and press the donate button… help get the bear on the square… please!!! BUT wow sculpturally I am so pleased with progress, well done the team!

Life is exciting and some what on the edge at Ice Bear HQ… The skeleton is now in bronze and looking fantastic, terrifying but WOW!! As the sculptor I am chuffed to bits.. the team has worked hard to achieve it. If you would like to see it … WAIT it will be within the Ice Bear and slowly be revealed as the ice melts!

The scary part of the project is with out doubt the funding… we are still short of funds but not determination… please all consider sponsoring the Ice Bear, become a ‘Founding Friend’ or a ‘Friend’… to know more see the link on the web site…

With salaams

Mark Coreth!

Catch up with the latest news on the Ice Bear Project, with contributions from Mark Coreth and the team.