Thursday 24 January 2013

Artful Reading Book One

A Street Cat Named Bob written by James Bowen. I first came across James Bowen and Bob when they were being interviewed on Breakfast TV. The way they interacted then gave me the desire to read more about them.
Reading this book was like entering a whole new world to me.
The journey that they have been on together is heartwarming and inspirational. James is honest about just how low his life had become, sinking into drug use and living on the streets of London. Meeting Bob the street cat gradually changed James's out look on life and gave him something to live for.
Bob is a cat in a million and really does amaze you when you read about him.
On finishing the book I have learnt quite a few new facts of life about a world that I suppose I have been sheltered from.
James chronicles with feeling the life that he and Bob have shared together over the years.
The writing style is more conversational than a work of literature, however, it is a good read and one I would recommend..
My artwork inspired by the book is below:
Page size 7" x 10”
Bob is a ginger cat, therefore, I have used mainly the red/orange colour palette. For the cat itself I have used mixed colours of gold leaf to show what a very special cat Bob is. The man's silhouette has a heart gem to depict James's love for Bob.
Darcy who is running the Artful reading group, will be linking in all the other Artful Readers reviews and artwork on her blog.
Thanks for visiting my blog.

27 comments:

Virginia said...

Oh a fab write up hun, I've seen the book to buy a few times now, might have to invest following your review. Loving the artwork - fantastic, particularly the shining cat and the gem heart - perfect!

Gina said...

This is a fabulous piece of art! Totally gives the feeling of living on the street. Gorgeous colours too :D XXX

Sarah said...

Really glad you enjoyed the book Shirley - I bought it for my stepson a couple of months back, as he's not a great reader and I wanted to encourage him - and he also saw Bob on the telly and was entranced by him and his story. He is enjoying the book, although not finished yet, and I'm going to give it a read myself once he is finished with it. As for your artwork - wow! After a break I thought you might be a bit rusty, but not at all, I LOVE it!! :D especially the gold leafed at and the stencilled title and the colour scheme and the silhouettes, well, everything about it really :D

Jenny said...

Beautiful artwork Shirley... love the different colors of gold leaf... and the book sounds like it was a wonderful read...

Jenny ♥

Å olanje na domu-Waldorf said...

Fabulous art! I would certainly read the book if it had this cover. :) thanks for the review. Sounds like an interesting read.

Janet said...

Love your artwork. Bob is quite rightly a golden cat!

Janet xx

San @ Made in Hem said...

The brick wall and colors definitely put me in the streets right away. Love the cat! ♥
Hm, this might end up on my to read list too! I thought my list would get shorter with all the reading but I guess I was dead wrong! :)

Jez said...

As you say, a world we've been sheltered from,I hadn't heard of the book or the TV interview. It's good to read books with a different writing style. The artwork is marvellous, the lovely oranges and that shiny cat. I find it interesting that the man silhouette with the heart looks like pavement are, so you have captured the spirit of life on the street really well. Enjoyed the review/art.

Gina said...

This book sounds very interesting and while I have not been sheltered from the realities of homelessness and drug/alcohol abuse (family members) it sounds like this book has a positive outcome. Your artwork is beautiful!

cindyw said...

Love your art. I love cat books...may have to look for this one.

Jay said...

love the artwork u made with the book. the arrow looks great

Just Words said...

Another book to add to my "must read list." Enjoyed your artwork and the interpretation.

P.J. said...

This book sounds really interesting. Good review. I think it will go on my "to read list." I like the artwork, too. Nicely done!

Darcy Marshall said...

i have never seen the book, but now I read your review i do recall hearing about the 2 of them. Like others this is going on my list now. i am glad you said what you used on the cat, as I was about to ask.. I love that mottled,shimmery effect against the block colours and silhouette.

Carmen said...

I first came to hear about them on a friends blog when they actually saw them in London I think it was - it's a remarkable story.

Your art work is gorgeous, so much symbolism. I love that gold leafing.

lorig said...

Beautiful artwork. Sounds like a touching story.

Diane said...

Your book review is wonderful and provides exceptional insight into your artwork and creative process. Sounds like a fascinating read. Your art is beautiful with its rich colors and visual depth.

Jen said...

Love your gold leaf cat, perfect for such a special animal. Heartily agree with your review I read this after seeing James on the tv. A good read and an inspiring story, your artwork symbolizes it so well.
Jen x

Dee said...

Really love your art - the gold work is gorgeous. I enjoyed your review also but I always hesitate to read books about animals as I get really upset if they're hurt or if they die (I know, I'm a saddo!).

Leialoha said...

Thank you for the great review on this remarkable story...the oranges, gingers, all beautiful and expressive.

Magaly Guerrero said...

Your piece says mystery spiced up with a bit of danger. I like it, particularly the anonymous cat and the slightly bloody "War Over."

Ali said...

I really like your artwork, particularly Bob! Great review that I think has added yet another book on the to be read list!

Stephanie Jane said...

fab review, my dad bought my mum this from costco after reading an interview with james in the sunday papers, its still waiting to be read.

love your art as well it is amazing

manomij said...

This sounds like a good read, I only wished I had more time. Your art really goes together with your review. ManonX

Maz said...

I'd never heard of this book but it sounds great so will be going on my growing list of books to read. Your artwork is great, I love the colours you've used - so rich looking.

SusieJ said...

Another book I've been wondering about!
After your lovely review I'll be putting it on my Wish List!
What can I say about the artwork?
Stunning!
Hugs xx

Catie Cuddles said...

I've never heard if this book or the story but it sounds fascinating. As for your art it's fantastic and love how you put it together and the choices you made. Brill!