Mute – Pop Art With Heart.

Movie Characters, Superheroes, Gaming, and even Girls on roller skates, Mute’s form of pop art undeniably stands out from the crowd. Painting about what he loves has proved successful for this Sheffield artist.

Originally a Sheffield Hallam student, Dave Huntley A.K.A. Mute, studied film. He was among the last of Hallam’s students to be based at the now empty Arts Campus on Psalter lane, graduating in 2006. 

Mute has recently hosted exhibitions in the forum, The Sheffield Art in the Gardens shows and Celluloid Screams Film Festival, where his 80’s film inspired works have caught the eye of many. In addition to this; Mute is the in house artist for the Sheffield Steel Roller Girls, and has had several large commissions including a Superheroes Project. Impressive for an artist in his 20’s? Mute explains to SHUlife that it didn’t all start out that way.

Art had always been a hobby of Mute’s, but he never got on with it as a taught subject – unbelievably he actually failed A level art. Instead, film was Mute’s first passion. This is very evident when looking at his portfolio - a large proportion of his art is inspired by film- especially 80’s film characters. He describes his usual target audience as cult film fans, but explains that his work covers a broader audience too with pieces inspired by different topics such as gaming, and also superhero comics.

Mute explains that it was an article in The Sheffield Star about fellow Sheffield artist Pete McKee, which really inspired him to take the jump into the art business. Mute describes McKee as an inspiration. “Pete’s work is designed as a celebration of a memory, almost all his paintings depict a scene from the past, usually something which people can relate to and remember. I like to think that my work does that too. For example, some people might see one of my 80’s film characters, and think; that’s my favourite character! This in a way means I am designing my work for a specific audience; Pete’s work attracts a much broader audience - but like him I’m painting about what I love and remember – and I’ve found that others love the same things. If you’re passionate about the work you’re doing, it shows.”

Mute started out doing Group Shows; but quickly got noticed. He explained that the Sheffield Art Scene is surprisingly easy to get into, and full of really friendly helpful people. He describes his first solo show at the forum last year, as feeling like a test of his art. His art sold well at the show and this created great grounding for Mute; he was commissioned to do the Superheroes Project after being noticed at the Exhibition- and other projects such as Sheffield Steel Roller Girls commission also followed on from there.

Mute is currently planning his next exhibition for this summer, but if you can’t wait till then, see more of his art at www.mute-art.com.

Jessica Wilson 

Christmas Shopping!- Merry Markets

It’s that time of year again. Christmas has crept up on us and its time to pull out that shrunken Christmas jumper that Auntie Bettie got you three years ago. More importantly however, its time to start Christmas shopping; and Where better to get that Christmas buzz then the streets of Sheffield.

Sheffield has always been famous for its amazingly diverse markets. At one time Sheffield had 7.

This year the Christmas market is being held in the city centre from the 18^th of November to the 23^rd of December. The market features over 70 stalls. Including quaint log cabin style stalls in the peace gardens around a picturesque open air ice rink. Wether you’re after some hearty Christmas nosh, or a presents for those hard to buy for relatives – this is the place to be.

Also Worth a mention is the Botanical Gardens Christmas market just out of the city centre held this year between December 9 – 11. This event is held in the evenings due to the magical illuminated gardens. The event includes an enchanted fairy land and traditional rides along side craft and refreshment stalls.

Whatever you’re doing this year; make sure you drop by at the merry markets of Sheffield this Christmas. 

Rude Shipyard Review

My favorite places in Sheff...

Reviews- 

Once Discovered; The Rude Shipyard on Abbeydale Road is sure to be one of your favourite places in Sheffield. A fifteen minute walk or short bus ride out of the city centre; The Rude Shipyard is a hidden gem. Always full of friendly artsy people- it’s a great place to escape to from the busy city streets for a relaxing cuppa and some food.


The little independent cafe on Abbeydale road has such a friendly warm atmosphere that it’s almost like walking into someone’s living room. Everything in the cafe is mix match, from the furniture to the pretty china the gorgeous home-made cakes, food and drinks are served on. 

The food and drink is top notch with something to suit everyone, from tasty bagels and smoothies to cooked English breakfasts and even Mexican inspired dishes. There’s even a wide range of veggie food- and at reasonable prices too so you won’t need to break the student budget- a far cry from a generic overpriced Starbucks.

The best and most interesting thing about the Rude Shipyard however, is that fact that it’s not just your average cafe. It’s packed wall to wall with books, which are for sale and loan. There are also has well attended book groups and writers meets to get involved in. And they even sell the occasional bit of music too- often promoting local musicians. There's always the odd musical instrument lying around in the cafe. They describe themselves to have “A trove of instruments waiting to be played.” There is almost always someone tinkering on a guitar or the piano, which only adds to the welcoming atmosphere.

The Rude Shipyard is a very diverse cafe also hosting regular bistro style nights. Occasionally, upstairs of the cafe is transformed into an art gallery. With live music nights at least once month, the rude shipyard is becoming a happening music venue too, with all kinds of world music events happening on a regular basis. Even Sheffield’s Tramlines Festival used the venue heavily for live music throughout the duration of the festival-hosting DJ sets and bands alike.

The Rude Shipyard welcomes everyone. The little cafe, (which is so much more than just a cafe) is well worth a visit, and it might even pleasantly surprise you.
Don’t miss the ‘Heartbreak Hoedown’ live music & DJ night on Friday 10 February. 



Jessica Wilson

Park Hill Marmite?

Park Hill flats of Sheffield. An iconic landmark known by everyone who has spent time in Sheffield. 

" This amazing concrete landmark, the most ambitious inner- city development of its time was opened in 1961 to replace slum terraces. It was hugely popular place to live, with its 'streets in the sky' and innovative external decks for access"













For the last few years park hill has been an empty and daunting concrete shell. The largest listed building in Europe.
Around two years ago I went round the back of the flats to take photos of the Kid Acne Graffiti, and was amazed by the sheer scale of the place. I was used to seeing the streets in the sky everyday of my life, but from a distance. It  loomed over me with a great atmosphere of sadness and neglect. I couldn't help but imagine the life that the place must have once had.

As a native Sheffielder , who has pride in my city. I find myself drawn to the concrete maze on the horizon of my city. A few weeks ago I looked out my window of the flat I currently live in - at the bottom of London road towards the familiar view of Park Hill in the distance , to see a bright rainbow which appeared to be coming out of the streets in the sky. - call me cheesy but I thought it was a really poignant moment which to me represented the coming of something new to the flats. something  which represented new hope in the old building.

The images of the new renovation that I have seen look amazing - Park Hill is really shaking off its bad reputation due to the fresh ideas and character that has been put into the place . i read a quote somewhere that park hill was an old lady who needed to wash her face and put on a new dress, and she would be ready to hit the town. - This is exactly what the new renovation has done. The brightly coloured panels , shiny
corkscrew stair case and large windows have really made such a huge difference. Even the famous graffiti on one of the bridges which holds the phrase " I love you will u marry me" has been immortalised in neon lights. - And also by Alex Turner who wore the phrase on a T shirt to a gig in LA.

The renovation - which once seemed like a colossal risk , seems to have been accomplished really well by its designers Urban Splash. It's now a new colourfull place full of potential, creativity and hope. Life has been given back to Park Hill, and I really hope that it can be pulled off to the end properly.

Today I found myself on the website , subscribing to their news letter,  following them on twitter - and maybe even dreaming of a future in a brand new flat there. Something i never thought i would do.

So Park Hill -like Marmite- love it or hate it?  Think I'll go with love it.

Kid Acne - Kill Your Darlings

Kill Your Darlings is Kid Acne’s First Solo exhibition hosted at the Millennium Gallery.

One of Sheffield Hallam’s own, Kid Acne Graduated in 2000 with a degree in fine art. He quickly became recognised as one of the biggest and most important graffiti artists in Sheffield. His simple yet dynamic tongue in cheek style is sure to have caught your eye on the streets of our Steel City. Perhaps most memorable are the large scale poetic and inspirational sayings and phrases graffitied on to walls and buildings. Such as “you couldn’t make it up tha knows” around the back of Park Hill flats. Even the ex university arts building on Psalter lane, poignantly hosted the phrase “you’ll miss me when in gone” graffitied on the main entrance by kid acne before its closure.

Kill Your Darlings contains much of Kid Acne’s unmistakable graffiti style work which can be seen all across Sheffield. Kid Acnes talents are multiple however; the exhibition contains variety of mediums trough which his art is expressed from toys and comics to sculpture and even illustrated doors hanging from the ceiling which stretch the full length of the gallery.

Perhaps most interesting however, are his many sketch books and sheets which show the progression of his artistic style as it has developed from fanzine cartoons to large scale street graffiti.

Kid Acne has described graffiti to be like modern day folklore; “artists work under adopted names and stories are circulated by word of mouth, giving the main practitioners an almost mythical status.” Kid Acne’s new installation of work reflects mythical themes which kid acne has developed over the past few years. Blood and sand for example, is an imaginary world and belief system which Kid Acne created for his spiky female characters. These characters can be seen throughout kid acnes work. And were created in a response to the overblown teenage fantasies of graffitied women he had seen on the streets. The result is empowered women warriors with personality.  

 A legend on the Sheffield graffiti scene, Kid Acne’s art has inspired many, and will continue do so for some time to come.

Jessica Wilson 

Get Cultured in Sheffield

Sheffield is a city abundant with all forms of culture and arts. Whether you’re an artsy type, interested in the many galleries Sheffield hosts, or you just fancy getting lost in a good bit of stage drama; Sheffield has much to offer.


Theaters

Sheffield has a strong tradition of theatre. The majority are based in Tudor Square in the heart of the city centre, a short walk from most student accommodation. The Lyceum, a traditional theatre, has a wide variety of theatre performances all year round. As does the Crucible (and studio theatre), which famously plays host to the World Snooker Championships every year. Alternatively the smaller Library theatre underneath Central Libraries is home to smaller performances.


In the summer months, the Botanical Gardens just outside of the city centre, accommodates outdoor Shakespearian theatre performances and the ‘Music in the Gardens’ events.


Sheffield City Hall in Barkers Pool features mostly music performances and a wide variety of comedy shows.


There are also a number of smaller theatres on the outskirts of the city including the Merlin, University Drama Studio and the Abbeydale picture house.






Comedy


The Comedy club, a weekly stand up show with a variety of comedians, is well worth a visit. Attend at either the City Hall, The Lescar (at Sharrowvale) or our own students union The Hubbs (for a much cheaper ticket!)


Grin Up North takes place throughout October attracting many big name TV comedians. This is the biggest comedy tour of the north and features the best in comedy from the UK and around the world. Many of these performances take place at Sheffield City Hall, Lescar and in pubs in the City.







Arts & Museums


Sheffield’s artistic reputation is shown in many galleries across the city including; Site Gallery, S1, The Graves Gallery, and the Millennium Galleries with ever changing exhibitions. Most are free and well worth a visit; as is Weston Park Museum and surrounding park.







Being on a student budget shouldn’t stop you from catching the occasional bit of culture. Most theatres offer student concession tickets and many art exhibitions and museums are also free entry.

Crookes in a Library?

SHUlife caught up with the band on their ‘Library Tour’ at Sheffield’s Central Library. A place rather fitting for four English students turned musicians.


The Crookes, a 4 piece formed in our very own ‘Steel City’. Together, George, Dan, Alex and Russell, create a unique new sound inspired by 50’s and 60’s pop music; telling passionate tales of romance and life; aided by the magic of their melodic guitars and even a ukulele. Their catchy melodies have attracted attention of Sheffield greats such as Richard Hawley, Jarvis Cocker and Jon McClure as well as Liam Gallagher who commented on the quality of The Crookes lyrical skills. BBC Radio 1’s Steve Lamacq even described the band as having "ambition and flare and a singer with a beautiful voice; one of those special, poetic voices which dips and soars above their jangling guitars." The Crookes are a band that’s going somewhere and doing something different; they’re sure to strum their way into your heart. 

You played at Leeds and Reading this year, how was it playing at such a big festival?We were really nervous! But playing at Leeds and Reading was a great experience. During our set at Leeds we said “Hello were The Crookes for Sheffield” and a massive cheer went up, it was a dream reaction from the crowd and great to see all our Sheffield supporters out having a good time.

You also played at Sheffield’s own music festival Tramlines both this year and last; will you be playing again next year? Probably yeah, its up to Penny our manager, but there is 40-50 venues used to host different bands and musicians. It will probably be a bit last minute but yeah we’d love to play again. We’ve done a set on the main stage on Devonshire Green, and played at The Grapes on Tippet Lane both years. 

You all met Studying English in Sheffield, What was the craziest thing you did as students? George – One night I was do drunk I decided that I didn’t want to live in my shared house anymore. I jumped over the railings of the Botanical Gardens and slept on the grass near the pond. It was alright till I was woken up at 6am by some foxes that were doing a bit of love making. Alex – Once I stopped at a girl’s accommodation and in the middle of the night there was a fire alarm. And I couldn’t find my clothes so I put on some of the girls tiny shorts and a vest top. When I finally made it outside there was a fire truck and everyone was stood around talking, it just went silent when I walked out looking like a cross dresser. Everyone stared at me, including the fire men. I’m not going to lie... it was so embarrassing; but I walked out with pride.

As Students where did you go on a night out in Sheff. town?Fast club! It was such a good night out; we went there all the time because it was owned by our manager Penny. I think it’s changed its name to Live Wire now though, it’s not there anymore. 

I’ve noticed Sheffield’s own Richard Hawley in the audience, what’s the link with him? Mostly a love of strong ale, Richard’s like an unofficial mentor to us. The best piece of advice he gave me was don’t bother with dinner just drink Guinness. We first met him because quite a while ago he heard our music and got in touch because he liked what he heard. We actually have a cover of one of Richard’s songs ‘Born Under a Bad Sign’ on our EP. 

How has your album gone so far and what is your plan for the future? Well were doing our library tour at the moment. The albums gone really well and we have had a lot of fun putting it together. Nearly all the songs are fully finished and it’s sounding good. I think our sounds becoming more distinctive; it’s a celebration of our heady and shambolic youth. The albums out in February and you can quote me on the fact that it’s going to be the best album of 2011! 

http://www.myspace.com/thecrookesmusic 
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Crookes/112808954085

Ones to watch - Spiders - (SHUlife)

Spiders are a three piece student band from Rotherham, and are by no means newcomers to Sheffield’s music scene.


Having already supported bands such as Joe Lean And The Jing, Jang, Jong, One Night Only and The Beggars, they’re also record holders at the Leadmill for the highest ticket sales from an unsigned band.


Spiders are sure to catch your attention with their punk roots and oh so catchy hooks – with punchy bass lines and catchy riffs found in songs such as ‘The Romance Of How Tragic This Is’, the boys’ hard work really becomes evident.


They’re not a band to be thrown in the trolley with all other indie bands, Spiders music has versatility, heart and meaning combined with a professional polished sound rarely found amongst new upcoming unsigned bands.


Their Lyrics poetically reflect everyday life in our northern city finding romance in amongst the concrete and sung by a vocalist with a voice somewhat reminiscent of Sheffield’s own Millburn.


Without a doubt, Spiders are heading in a clear direction and that’s right onto your playlist.


Catch their next gig at Plug on the 23rd Of September '11


www.myspace.com/spidersspiders