Matt Whistler draws in the crowds

Well, the finishing line has arrived and my 2D robot art exhibition AUTONAMAPHOBIA has spilled out onto the streets of Brighton and the beach. A robot’s head has now reached completion and providing there isn’t a distinct lack of gray pebbles, the rest of the body, neck, legs, arms and feet will be added. I shot down there in my plastic bullet C5 and out of 3,700 invites, three people tootled up to bring the beach pebbled robot to life.

This reminded me of the time I tried to set up a National Woolly Jumper day with a radio announcement on the BBC for willing participants to join me at the Meeting Place Café, to unite in our new-found woollyness. Unfortunately, with thick snow and a blizzard only one jolly old lady turned up with a young girl helping her stay propped up.

The old lady rocked up with a red tartan trolley and I thanked her profusely for coming and did she have her woolly jumper in the trolley? Her response was that she didn’t have a clue what I was talking about and proceeded to tell me that she was on her way to have her own BBQ on the beach… in thick snow. In true brave, admirable stoic style, I saw her wade through the snow on the pebbles in the distance, then unfortunately topple over with her feet flying in the air, while her alarmed assistant brought her to her feet. Two minutes later smoke clouds appeared and the BBQ was obviously well underway, impressive stuff. I sort of felt I was having a dream and retired back to my abode still wearing my jumper…

This week’s art exhibition, however, has had an overwhelming response. Come along and grab a complimentary drink with an evening bar. Doors open 7pm at Brighton Media Centre’s Friese Greene Gallery, 15-17 Middle Street, this Friday 28 September.