Faves
random enthusings
Some local artists
Talking Birds - creators of delightful transformations
Barbara Jones - visual arts and brilliant with early-years
Joe O'Donnell - astonishing Celtic Rock fiddle player & good egg
Shaun Tan
Shaun Tan is an illustrator and author I go on about to all my friends. His recent work includes The Rabbits (written by John Marsden), The Lost Thing and The Red Tree. All three do things with the children's picture book format that seem impossible. All are moving, profound, amusing and improbably beautiful. The Red Tree has the clearest visual analogies for human emotions.
Hazel O’Connor
I sort of missed Hazel O Connor when I was growing up, despite living in the same city. She went quiet for a number of years and has been slowly re-asserting her place in the collections of people who like good music. Live, she often tours with Cormac De Barra – who makes classics like Giggolo danceable on solo Irish Harp. She's often on tour and well worth a visit.
Astral Gypsy
Al Davison is a top notch comic artist who can excite anyone to the delights of the graphic novel form. They have things you'd expect – Manga and assorted superheroes – but if that isn't your taste (like me) then Al and Maggie can point to wonders for children, political graphic novels, and many beautiful things. I don't think their website really does justice to the chamber of delights that is their shop, in Coventry's canal basin. Al also does classes.
I've fallen for a series called "Y – the last man" (free download of 1st instalment), and "Strangers in Paradise"
Kites
I am not so much into kites as I used to be, but if you ever want to buy a kite – even a cheap one – go to a specialist (eg The Highwaymen in Hinkley). For the same money you'll get something much better with advice and support if you hit problems.
http://www.kitecalendar.co.uk/
I adore Tim Benson's kites http://www.bensonkites.com