The Shrine to Humanity

Thanks again to all you beautiful people who participated in the show, its looking great. Keep posted to see whats happening next. X

Calling Russia

Hello beautiful people of Russia, I have been confused as to why I get so many hits on my website from your beautiful country, and was hoping somebody might be able to shed some light as I don't know anyone from Russia. I would love to get know some people from Russia and maybe I could send Russia some Art love, so please get in touch if you are Russian and want some Art Love X

Afterwards and before

You wonderful wonderful people, I've finished, Thank you so much for all your gifts, every single one of them has been an absolute joy to my heart, I knew I could rely on you, which is the point of the whole exhibition, Belief in the love of humanity, belief in comedy, belief in happiness and belief in friendship. I will get on the case in sending you back your gifts from me, unless of course you are coming tonight in which case you will recieve them then. I'm sorry I could never return the gesture in as beautiful as way as you have, but I do believe I have in some way given you the gift of art in creating your own piece. Which is apparently my job, and my role as an artist in society. Despite my return gifts have taken me frickin hours, they are merely a small token of appreciation for the love you have shown me and your willingness to get involved. Love you all, and I'll keep you posted on what I want you to do next, for this is merely the beginning of something which is apprently called 'relational aesthetics'!

Exhibtion Speil!

True love only exists if you believe in it.

A Shrine to Humanity

John Albert Young’s work examines the ideal of Love, in both sharing his own experience and sharing the love between humanity.

Young has used non-specific religious artefacts to create a shrine to true values that questions our notions of belief. True values in modern society have become clouded perhaps owing to the general lack of belief in religion. The work is a celebration of true values; love, friendship, happiness, comedy and ambition.  Young questions the role of the Artist within society and believes that the Artist has a responsibility to remind people of the more important non materialistic things in life. Young has reached out to a wide number of followers on the internet and has encouraged people to take part in the show. The participants have created their own art works as an offering to the shrine; the gifts are a testament to the beautiful nature of humankind.

The Shrine to Self Destruction

“There is no such thing as a selfless act” - Confucius

With a particular interest in philosophy pertaining to the notion of free will and fate, Young creates an alternate path and outcome, should Love had not found him. Young allows his audience to enter the dark side of his thoughts. Meant as a polar opposite to the Shrine to Humanity, Young creates an entirely selfish character, a projection of the demon that is perhaps inside all of us. Young’s work questions the notion of free will and existentialism but also how our emotions are so inextricably linked to our philosophical preferences.

“Love is the only sane and satisfactory answer to the problem of human existence.”  - Eric Fromm

The Role of the Artist

I believe that everyone has a role within society and that the role of the artist is to remind people of the other side of life, or to distract them momentarily from reality. It's more of a reminder than a message
Please leave your comments, or  disagree with me entirely. I personally don't believe most of the constant speil that comes out of my mouth, who am I to when a perfectly sensicle person on the other side of the world believes something else?

AMBITION

AMBITION is key to everything, if you have ambition you cannot fail, because if you have so much AMBITION you feel like you can change the world, if you do not change the world, you will have in some way by trying.
* note: remeber some people have changed the world with their ambition, so however mediocre your ambition, its possible!
Please leave your comments they mean a lot to me. (even the negative ones are gretly apprieciated!)

Disclaimer!

Was wondering about the possible assumption of pretentiousness of my work, but although I would not deny I am fairly pretentious, it is the self confidence and self belief that enables us artists to do what we do. (certainly not the money!) Ambition is one of the most important things in the world to believe in, especially in a society in which we a forced into a specific place in line. My work is about believing in true values such as Ambition, Love, Friendship, Comedy and Happiness. The supossedly unessential things in today's materialistic society. And what is our role as artists if not to remind people of the unessential things in life - The Lovely Side!
My work could not exist without my faith in the lovlieness of humanity, my work could not exist without you beautiful people. My intention is that everyone who participates would recieve as much as they give, for giving is recieving. x
Please leave your comments

The Foundation for Human Happiness

I have realised that this project will progress way beyond the exhibition, I intend to share the love of humanity through Art until I have changed the world! Or died (fact!) The most beautiful thing is I know I can rely on you people, because you believe in goodness, and lovliness. Art has the power to allow us to escape the real world. If you would like to get involved please read the info below, but keep in touch and become a follower to be kept up to date on how you can help change the world! X
Please leave your comments

You people you wonderful people give me the confidence to know that what I'm doing is beautiful, beacuase of what you've done already. I just want to use my art to spread a bit of love into the world and I see it as my role as an artist within society, to remind people of the beautiful things in life. So get involved with spreading the love, and lets send a message to world no matter how small that humnatity is beautiful!

LOVE

Hello beautiful people, I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to my exhibition. I do not want to go too much into the details of the show, but basically it is all about Love, Humanity and fortune. The whole project has given me so much faith in the good will of others as so many of you have been so keen to get involved and I would love to share that feeling as part of the show. But I am not asking for your help without compensation. For I am asking you to take part in an exchange, my recent work has all been about fate and the path of life we choose or do not choose. Magz has changed my life in such a positive way that I am dedicating this exhibition to her and as a celebration of our love
So heres the proposition I would like you to make a small piece of art as a present to Magz and I, in return I will post you a piece of my own artwork. Not only will this be something we can keep forever but also a part of the exhibition. It has to be relatively small for my idea but it will be such an amzing statement of the loveliness of friendship and humanity.
As an Art teacher I believe that every single person is capable of creating Art, so please do not think you have to call yourself an artist or have any skills, the beauty is all in the sentiment and making the effort however small, and it can be anything at all, a funny little drawing or a bit of craft, so long as you have made it yourself. I would like it to be a fair exchange and I hope that my art will be able to come a small part of your homes and make you smile.
I believe that I can rely on your loveliness in such a way that I am depending on you.
Remember it is a little present for Magz and I, for those of you who don't know her she is the loveliest person in the world and she has made your friend and author a muh better man, couples are welcome to make a team effort if they wish.
PLease send your lovely Artwork to:
MAGZ AND BERT, 20 REBOW STREET, COLCHESTER, ESSEX, CO1 2DT.
Do not forget to include your postal address so I can return the favour.
Obviously I may have a lot to make so don't delay too long, but I promise you will get your artwork within the next few months depending on demand. However, the exhibition is on the 27th July so would need to be here before then. Thank you so much I love you all and cannot wait to see all your lovely efforts, I do hope that everyone that takes part will enjoy the creation process, and the smallest of efforts will be an absolute joy to my heart.
PS: The whole thing is a secret from Magz so SSSHHHH! x
I do hope you can come along for the private view, but if not the exhibition runs for two weeks so would be great to see you. This is the biggest exhibition of my life so far and I like to believe I've got some good ideas for it and would love your support.
Love always
Bertinto the details of the show, but basically it is all about Love, Humanity and fortune. The whole project has given me so much faith in the good will of others as so many of you have been so keen to get involved and I would love to share that feeling as part of the show. But for not I am asking for your help without compensation. For I am asking you to take part in an exchange, my recent work has also been about fate and the path of life we choose or do not choose. Magz has changed my life in such a positive way that I am dedicating this exhibition to her and as a celebration of our love.
So heres the proposition I would like you to make a small piece of art as a present to Magz and I, in return I will post you a piece of my own artwork. Not only will this be something we can keep forever but also a part of the exhibition. It has to be relatively small for my idea but it will be such an amzing statement of the loveliness of friendship and humanity.
As an Art teacher I believe that every single person is capable of creating Art, so please do not think you have to call yourself an artist or have any skills, the beauty is all in the sentiment and making the effort however small, and it can be anything at all, a funny little drawing or a bit of craft, so long as you have made it yourself. I would like it to be a fair exchange and I hope that my art will be able to come a small part of your homes and make you smile.
I believe that I can rely on your loveliness in such a way that I am depending on you.
Remember it is a little present for Magz and I, for those of you who don't know her she is the loveliest person in the world and she has made your friend and author a muh better man, couples are welcome to make a team effort if they wish.
PLease send your lovely Artwork to:
MAGZ AND BERT, 20 REBOW STREET, COLCHESTER, ESSEX, CO1 2DT.
Do not forget to include your postal address so I can return the favour.
Obviously I may have a lot to make so don't delay too long, but I promise you will get your artwork within the next few months depending on demand. However, the exhibition is on the 27th July so would need to be here before then. Thank you so much I love you all and cannot wait to see all your lovely efforts, I do hope that everyone that takes part will enjoy the creation process, and the smallest of efforts will be an absolute joy to my heart.
PS: The whole thing is a secret from Magz so SSSHHHH! x
I do hope you can come along for the private view, but if not the exhibition runs for two weeks so would be great to see you. This is the biggest exhibition of my life so far and I like to believe I've got some good ideas for it and would love your support.
Love always
Bertinto the details of the show, but basically it is all about Love, Humanity and fortune. The whole project has given me so much faith in the good will of others as so many of you have been so keen to get involved and I would love to share that feeling as part of the show. But for not I am asking for your help without compensation. For I am asking you to take part in an exchange, my recent work has also been about fate and the path of life we choose or do not choose. Magz has changed my life in such a positive way that I am dedicating this exhibition to her and as a celebration of our love.
So heres the proposition I would like you to make a small piece of art as a present to Magz and I, in return I will post you a piece of my own artwork. Not only will this be something we can keep forever but also a part of the exhibition. It has to be relatively small for my idea but it will be such an amzing statement of the loveliness of friendship and humanity.
As an Art teacher I believe that every single person is capable of creating Art, so please do not think you have to call yourself an artist or have any skills, the beauty is all in the sentiment and making the effort however small, and it can be anything at all, a funny little drawing or a bit of craft, so long as you have made it yourself. I would like it to be a fair exchange and I hope that my art will be able to come a small part of your homes and make you smile.
I believe that I can rely on your loveliness in such a way that I am depending on you.
Remember it is a little present for Magz and I, for those of you who don't know her she is the loveliest person in the world and she has made your friend and author a muh better man, couples are welcome to make a team effort if they wish.
PLease send your lovely Artwork to:
MAGZ AND BERT, 20 REBOW STREET, COLCHESTER, ESSEX, CO1 2DT.
Do not forget to include your postal address so I can return the favour.
Obviously I may have a lot to make so don't delay too long, but I promise you will get your artwork within the next few months depending on demand. However, the exhibition is on the 27th July so would need to be here before then. Thank you so much I love you all and cannot wait to see all your lovely efforts, I do hope that everyone that takes part will enjoy the creation process, and the smallest of efforts will be an absolute joy to my heart.
PS: The whole thing is a secret from Magz so SSSHHHH! x
I do hope you can come along for the private view, but if not the exhibition runs for two weeks so would be great to see you. This is the biggest exhibition of my life so far and I like to believe I've got some good ideas for it and would love your support.
Love always
Bertinto the details of the show, but basically it is all about Love, Humanity and fortune. The whole project has given me so much faith in the good will of others as so many of you have been so keen to get involved and I would love to share that feeling as part of the show. But for not I am asking for your help without compensation. For I am asking you to take part in an exchange, my recent work has also been about fate and the path of life we choose or do not choose. Magz has changed my life in such a positive way that I am dedicating this exhibition to her and as a celebration of our love.
So heres the proposition I would like you to make a small piece of art as a present to Magz and I, in return I will post you a piece of my own artwork. Not only will this be something we can keep forever but also a part of the exhibition. It has to be relatively small for my idea but it will be such an amzing statement of the loveliness of friendship and humanity.
As an Art teacher I believe that every single person is capable of creating Art, so please do not think you have to call yourself an artist or have any skills, the beauty is all in the sentiment and making the effort however small, and it can be anything at all, a funny little drawing or a bit of craft, so long as you have made it yourself. I would like it to be a fair exchange and I hope that my art will be able to come a small part of your homes and make you smile.
I believe that I can rely on your loveliness in such a way that I am depending on you.
Remember it is a little present for Magz and I, for those of you who don't know her she is the loveliest person in the world and she has made your friend and author a muh better man, couples are welcome to make a team effort if they wish.
PLease send your lovely Artwork to:
MAGZ AND BERT, 20 REBOW STREET, COLCHESTER, ESSEX, CO1 2DT.
Do not forget to include your postal address so I can return the favour.
Obviously I may have a lot to make so don't delay too long, but I promise you will get your artwork within the next few months depending on demand. However, the exhibition is on the 27th July so would need to be here before then. Thank you so much I love you all and cannot wait to see all your lovely efforts, I do hope that everyone that takes part will enjoy the creation process, and the smallest of efforts will be an absolute joy to my heart.
PS: The whole thing is a secret from Magz so SSSHHHH! x
I do hope you can come along for the private view, but if not the exhibition runs for two weeks so would be great to see you. This is the biggest exhibition of my life so far and I like to believe I've got some good ideas for it and would love your support.
Love always
Bertinto the details of the show, but basically it is all about Love, Humanity and fortune. The whole project has given me so much faith in the good will of others as so many of you have been so keen to get involved and I would love to share that feeling as part of the show. But for not I am asking for your help without compensation. For I am asking you to take part in an exchange, my recent work has also been about fate and the path of life we choose or do not choose. Magz has changed my life in such a positive way that I am dedicating this exhibition to her and as a celebration of our love.
So heres the proposition I would like you to make a small piece of art as a present to Magz and I, in return I will post you a piece of my own artwork. Not only will this be something we can keep forever but also a part of the exhibition. It has to be relatively small for my idea but it will be such an amzing statement of the loveliness of friendship and humanity.
As an Art teacher I believe that every single person is capable of creating Art, so please do not think you have to call yourself an artist or have any skills, the beauty is all in the sentiment and making the effort however small, and it can be anything at all, a funny little drawing or a bit of craft, so long as you have made it yourself. I would like it to be a fair exchange and I hope that my art will be able to come a small part of your homes and make you smile.
I believe that I can rely on your loveliness in such a way that I am depending on you.
Remember it is a little present for Magz and I, for those of you who don't know her she is the loveliest person in the world and she has made your friend and author a muh better man, couples are welcome to make a team effort if they wish.
PLease send your lovely Artwork to:
MAGZ AND BERT, 20 REBOW STREET, COLCHESTER, ESSEX, CO1 2DT.
Do not forget to include your postal address so I can return the favour.
Obviously I may have a lot to make so don't delay too long, but I promise you will get your artwork within the next few months depending on demand. However, the exhibition is on the 27th July so would need to be here before then. Thank you so much I love you all and cannot wait to see all your lovely efforts, I do hope that everyone that takes part will enjoy the creation process, and the smallest of efforts will be an absolute joy to my heart.
PS: The whole thing is a secret from Magz so SSSHHHH! x
I do hope you can come along for the private view, but if not the exhibition runs for two weeks so would be great to see you. This is the biggest exhibition of my life so far and I like to believe I've got some good ideas for it and would love your support., as well as the love of humanity and belief in true values. I have been overwhelmed by how many people have wanted to get involved with previous projects, and as this is the culmination of my last two year project, you will not be surprised to know that I would love you all to get involved.

So here's the proposition I would like you to make a small piece of art as a present to Magz and I, in return I will post you a piece of my own artwork. Not only will this be something we can keep forever but also a part of the exhibition. It has to be relatively small for my idea but it will be such an amzing statement of the loveliness of friendship and humanity.

As an Art teacher I believe that every single person is capable of creating Art, so please do not think you have to call yourself an artist or have any skills, the beauty is all in the sentiment and making the effort however small, and it can be anything at all, a funny little drawing or a bit of craft, so long as you have made it yourself. I would like it to be a fair exchange and I hope that my art will be able to come a small part of your homes and make you smile.

I believe that I can rely on your loveliness in such a way that I am depending on you.

Remember it is a little present for Magz and I, for those of you who don't know her she is the loveliest person in the world and she has made your friend and author a muh better man, couples are welcome to make a team effort if they wish.

PLease send your lovely Artwork to:
MAGZ AND BERT, 20 REBOW STREET, COLCHESTER, ESSEX, CO1 2DT.

Do not forget to include your postal address so I can return the favour. Or you can give it to me in person or bring it along to the show.
THE EXHIBITION RUNS FOR TWO WEEKS FROM 28TH JULY AT THE MINORIES ART GALLERY IN COLCHESTER.

Obviously I may have a lot to make so don't delay too long, but I promise you will get your artwork within the next few months depending on demand. However, the exhibition is on the 27th July so would need to be here before then. Thank you so much I love you all and cannot wait to see all your lovely efforts, I do hope that everyone that takes part will enjoy the creation process, and the smallest of efforts will be an absolute joy to my heart.

PS: The whole thing is a secret from Magz so SSSHHHH! x

The exhibition runs for two weeks so would be great to see you. This is the biggest exhibition of my life so far and I like to believe I've got some good ideas for it and would love your support. Of course you don't have to make anything to be able to come to the show, and if you can't make the show you can still take part in the exchange.

Love always

John Albert Young

After Vietnam

Wow, what an amazing experience! Giving away the tiles proved to be very wonderful experience, I did tend to move away from the idea of just giving them to people who had nothing, as the project was about 'Art for Everyone' and so I gave them to people I met who just seemed lovely and deserved of a tile. I was so happy I had something to give, that I had made, in return for the generousity and warmth of some such wonderful people. So some went to shopkeepers, hoteliers and travellers etc. as well as the people from the street. I had thought about documenting the giving out of the tiles, photographically or in the form of a diary. But the giving of the tiles was the Art and I did not want the document to become the Art. I could share stories of emotional experiences with street children and fellow humans, but again that would then become the Art. Some people seem to think Art has to be documented for it to be Art, but how ridiculous. I knew what I was doing was Art and so enjoyed the idea of the dissapearance of the end product. The Project was essentially about the role of the artist getting in to peoples lives and houses and delivering them a message of humanity. Please share your comments below. x

Ready for off!

Off to Vietnam tommorow, will keep you updated!

47 Little Clay Tiles

I'm off to Vietnam for 2 weeks. It started out how I was thinking how to get my Art into a country across the world but the more I've thought about it the more beautiful I think it is, and the harder I've worked on it. I do think Art is one of the most beautiful gift I can give as an artist. I appreciate that the people are poor, why should Art only be enjoyed by people who aren't poor? I want to give them a possession that they can keep, everyone deserves possessions, they re quite lovely little objects with beautiful words on them. Ok there is a picture of my ugly mug on it, but it's a happy little face. I want to give them a little hope. All art is pretentious and self righteous because you have to be to believe you have something important to say. And I believe Love, friendship, comedy and happiness are the most important things in the world, and so many people forget that. I hope you can understand, it's really not all about making myself feel good about myself it's about sharing something universally beautiful. Please comment I would really appreciate som feedback as I have had quite a few mixed responses to the project. Thanks x

Acid Baby

A painting of myself as a baby being covered in concentrated Sulphuric acid, see how it turns out in the morning!

From Pete

Currently, garden birds are setting out territory aggressively. They will attack anything that looks like a competitor- the Merc wingmirror got attacked & crapped upon in a big way yesterday! Attach one of your paintings beside/next to a mirror, or put a mirror in a panel inside your painting and hang it out in a garden near a bird table- watch it attacked & crapped on!

From Jenny

Here is your painting at 13.59 on Sunday - not yet drowned!

My Project

Just to explain what the project is about. My project is about the journey of life and fate, The paintings are of myself at different stages of my life, from child to old man. Just like how we put ourselves into the world and into different situations we are unsure of how we will end up and what will happen to us. Also I see painting as an incidental process, you never really know what is going to happen when you go in to the studio. The painting and the marks you create are evidence of that time you spent in the studio, it tells the story of what happened. I want to extend the process of creating a painting and hope that my paintings will bare the physical evidence of their lives. Anyway please leave any comments and e-mail me any photos at bertie@rock.com so I can put them up on the site. This project has many metaphors associated, and depending on the good will of others is one of them. Also if you can think of any other exciting processes I can inflict on my paintings please let me know. Many Thanks and best wishes.

Drowning!

Today I decided to see how the tide would affect my paintings. Watch me drown. Please send any photos anyone took to bertie@rock.com so I can put them up, I would be so happy as my camera was rubbish plus its just great to see people getting involved! Thanks people, love you all

I may get hit by a bus in a minute!

1. Paint a painting of yourself in 20 years time
2. Leave it in the middle of the road during rush hour

3. Explain what it has to do with Art

Technical issues

Hey People sorry having technical issues at the moment, please e-mail any images or comments you have to bertie@rock.com and I will upload them for you. Many thanks I cannot tell you how much I would appreciate your images.

Brugges

A nice quiet spot by the river in Brugges.