Roger Dean in Sydney, Australia - 16 September - 16 November 2003

[BrianD]

Roger Dean will be holding his first Australian exhibition in association with the upcoming Yes tour of Australia. He will be in Australia for the exhibition and will be attending our YESFANZ parties - tickets available at
http://www.eventshop.com.au/yesfanz.htm

The exhibition is being held in the GIG Gallery in association with the Glass Artists' Gallery, 70 Glebe Point Road, Glebe - an inner suburb of Sydney.

Marc Grunseit, a well known Sydney glass artist will also be exhibiting. His early work was inspired by Roger so it is an apt pairing.

There will be a YESFANZ preview on Sunday 21 September from 1-5 pm. On Monday 22nd September from 3-9pm Roger Dean will be signing artworks and memorabilia, while the Official opening with both artists is on Tuesday 233 September from 6-9 pm.

So anybody coming to Australia to see Yes this year should not miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to see Roger.

[deelovesyes]

You must go,
Its so very amazing to see his work upclose.

Not to mention he is a real pleasure to meet.

Dee

[Original_Shifty]

Wow Brian, you guys are going to have quite the blast up there (there is no up or down on this planet really) in Australia. I would love to be there just for the energy that must be flowing right now.

How do you sleep at night? I know I'd be losing sleep.

[BrianD]

What is sleep? We are incredibly busy and excited. Our new YESFANZ t-shirts arrived today - they are brilliant - you can also purchase them thru the same link as our party tickets as mentioned in the opening post.

Apart from that - I am currently writing the August YESFANZ newsletter that should be out by the end of the week (while it is still August!)

[Dances w/PURPLE]

I'm so envious. Dee had those pictures for us which gave but a sampling of his talent. What a great opportunity.

[Thoughtbecontact]

May all of your plans run well, Brian. Every Yes fan in Australia and New Zealand deserves this after not having seen the band for 30 years. What wonderful memories you will soon have.

I'm sure youre new T-shirts look great. The old ones--for the cancelled concerts sure did!

[Yes Oz]

Yes its hard to believe that it is only 22 days before the melbourne show. I can remember starting the count down at something over 150 days. but it has been busy especially for the guys who are working in the cities that Yes are playing, but it has helped to pass the days away till the event takes place. All Yes fans in Oz/NZ owe guys like Brian a huge thank-you for making this event something to remember.

[JJGeers]

Wish I could be there in Sydney... One day I will go to Australia...

Say hello to Roger for me..

Could luck man!

Best,

Jasper Joppe Geers

[BrianD]

Jasper

Now is a great time to come to Sydney - Yes, Roger dean and our very own Sebastian Hardie all on at the same time

And plenty of opportunities to meet Roger, members of Sebastian Hardie (and hopefully Yes as well!)

[BrianD]

Here is a postcard advertising the show

[JJGeers]

The picture sure looks great!

I know, I know...
This would be a great oppertunity... of course. However, I have a beautiful young daughter of 11 months old now, and cannot leave her... I just love her to much to leave her for a week...

Besides, I'm sure we meet eachother one day... don't be afraid...

Best Regards,

Jasper.

[BrianD]

I have just seen the list of originals that Roger is bringing to Australia - a few of my all time favourites - Pathways from Yessongs, Yesterdays - tree and the Yesshows cover plus many more!

Can't wait till next week.

[BrianD]

You casn get more details of the forthcoming Roger Dean Exhibition at this web page - just scroll down.

www.giggallery.com

[Sheerah]

Brian, I am SO envious, and yet, really, really excited for you all!

The glass work that will be exhibit is very beautiful as well.

[BrianD]

Drove past the gallery this evening - the exhibition was installed yesterday and to see some of those Dean works from the street is just amazing.

[upbgirl]

congratulations australian people!!
i am feeling your excitement all the way over here..

it has been a few rough days, and sometimes i can bring myself out of the 'funk' by thinking about all you guys and howe happy you must be!
thanx for THAT!

hey! do you have any of the t shirts left for the dates that got cancelled? i would be interested in buying one because that one show was scheduled on my 45th birthday [and chris's birthday as well.. hehe]
i might just have to get two shirts.. lol!!!
one for the last show [that didnt happen] and one for the new dates..
now tell me i am not current in my fashion statements!! harumph!!;)

[BrianD]

Well here is my first report of the Roger Dean exhibition.

The originals include - Yessongs - pathways - what a magnificent picture, incredible colours.

Yesterdays - tree (without the female legs)

Yesshows - never one of my favourite covers - but the original is incredible

Red Earth - the cover from the 35th anniversary collection - - one of my favourites.

Arches - the cover from Keys to Ascension

Then there was 'Race with the devil', 'Skeleton', 'Budgie' that were all featured in 'Views'

Also present was one of his more recent pieces 'Birdsongs of the Mesozoic' - this is incredible.

I can't remember them all. There were also many silk screen prints - all quite incredible - I bought the Dragonfly chop set - also available were Dragon's garden, Arches, Asia eyes, and the Yes bubble logo for the current tour.

As mentioned on an earlier post, Roger is exhibiting with a local glass artist, Marc Grunseit. The combination is fantastic. Marc's work is quite spectacular ranging from large decorative bowls and vases to plaques and ornaments. All very colourful with a strong use of blues, reds oranges and browns.

Of course both Roger and Marc were at the official opening - and as mentioned on another thread, Rick attended and played piano for 20-30 minutes, and Steve and Chris also were there.

Quite an exciting afternoon.

[JJGeers]

It sure must be a lovely time for you now!

There is one thing I'd like to ask you: The picture of Yessongs that is also mentioned on the site seems like it is a remake. Is this correct? What I learned from the image in his book Views it doesn't have this reflection in the sea?...

And then about those colours... The original appears a lot more blue/turqoise to me...

Hmmm... interesting...

Best Wishes,

Jasper

[BrianD]

I hope to see him again tomorrow - I'll ask him.

As you know, many of the originals from the covers have been repainted at different times so your observation is possible. Another possibility is that it could have been touched up - he does continue to work on some of the pieces. For example, The Ladder has been repainted since the cover.

[JJGeers]

It is very difficult for an artist to decide when a painting is finished. When Roger did Tales for the prints about 2 years ago, he felt he could add a lot more depth in it.
I believe it was a spaceship that had to be removed from the ladder image...

I have the same trouble. When you start painting the image grows under your hands.

It's like raising a baby. Of course there comes a point when the baby is born, but after that you maintain as a parent claying and moulding...

Best regards,

Jasper Joppe Geers

[Dances w/PURPLE]

Jasper this is so true. You can overwork a piece and I simply wish that the process from where something speaks to me on what is to be made, would also speak the words "I'm finished". Some of my friends will hang their pieces in their studios and stare at them on occassion to feel they have arrived.

[upbgirl]

cant wait to see the pics of deans works, guys!

i NEVER EVER say, "if i were rich, i'd.. " blah blah because i wont ever be rich in the monetry way-i can live with that
EXCEPT when i want to fly to Oz and buy something from mr dean..

it must be an absolutely surreal time for you guys!!

i am so happy to read all this stuff from oz yestopia..

[BrianD]

Here is a photo from the opening of the exhibition. Now who is that next to Dragonfly Chops?

Well he played piano for about 30 minutes at the opening....

[Earl Grey]

Originally posted by BrianD
Here is a photo from the opening of the exhibition. Now who is that next to Dragonfly Chops?

Well he played piano for about 30 minutes at the opening....

Rick DIDN'T?! You're kidding?
You MuthaPhu... Congratulations Brian! ;)

:ele: I pledge alliegence!

[BrianD]

Well I can't take any of the congratulations for that - our fearless leader Bob Forbes arranged it. Here is a picture of me in front of Red Earth - the cover of the Ultimate Yes Collection - this is just an amazing painting

[Earl Grey]

What a great painting that is!

Hey Brian: I've been watching Roger Dean VIEWS all weekend, in your honor! LOVE the old Uriah Heep stuff. Wakey has a bit of Eric Idle in his BBC-type delivery! Love it!

Anyway, I've been enjoying the DVD: just got it last week.
I guess that if there's a sixth member of YES, Roger Dean would be it for me!

Hey, a nice thread-idea...
See you in a bit.

:ele:

[JJGeers]

Listen: you should be congratulated as of now you are having the time of your life!

Sure, the pictures from Roger in real are much more amazing!! I believe rick's return to the centre picture is like a wall size isn't it?

Have a very nice time there Brian!!!

Best Wishes,

Jasper Joppe.... etc.

Don't forget to send him my regards ok?!!!

[upbgirl]

Originally posted by BrianD
the cover of the Ultimate Yes Collection - this is just an amazing painting

and just LOOK at that ear-to-ear grin on our brian!! yehaw!!
THAT is every bit as amazing as deans work!!

so happy here..
so happy there..

man!
i feel a verse of kumbaya coming on near a bonfire!!
lol!!!!!!
and those dragonfly shots are beautiful!!

you must be so proud..
and happy
and floating:cheers:

i will never look at a dragon or damsel fly in the same way again, folks!!

[BrianD]

Originally posted by JJGeers
It sure must be a lovely time for you now!

There is one thing I'd like to ask you: The picture of Yessongs that is also mentioned on the site seems like it is a remake. Is this correct? What I learned from the image in his book Views it doesn't have this reflection in the sea?...

And then about those colours... The original appears a lot more blue/turqoise to me...

Hmmm... interesting...

Best Wishes,

Jasper

It is the original painted in 1973 but according to Roger when I asked him tonight it has been touched up several times. Here is my photo of it with a marvellous selection of glass art by Marc Grunseit in front of it.

[JJGeers]

Indeed I should be there... I'm really happy that you asked this on my behalf to Roger, thank you once again!!!

hte glaswork looks great by the way, but tell me, doesn't the work of Roger draw all the attention away from this glass art? I mean, everybody seems to be interested just in Roger's work i guess... ...I hope I'm wrong though!

Best,

Jasper.

[BrianD]

Jasper

They actually complement each other well. Marc is very pleased to be doing the exhibition - he was influenced by Roger Dean in his early days. And I think it hasn't harmed sales at all!

[JJGeers]

What I learned from the picture so far is that his art really contributes the event!!

Please send us more pictures ok??

Best Wishes,

Jasper.

[BrianD]

Here are a few more pictures from the exhibition. This one has the Yesshows cover in the background.

[BrianD]

Here is Steve Howe chatting with Roger - they talked about the new cover Roger has done for Steve's next album

[BrianD]

Arches - from KTA cover

[JJGeers]

Did he bring the original Arches painting as well? At another exhibition he brought space needle with him, a painting done in the same series...

And how about Blue Desert? the ABWH painting... is it still in his possesion or is it sold to someone in the past?...

Am I asking to many question here? Can you ask this, can you ask that...

Sorry for that then, I'm just thrilled every time I see pictures of an exhibition like that...

Greetings from the Netherlands Brian!!

Jasper.

[BrianD]

Blue Desert - I think he said that one was at the San Francisco Art Exchange.

Arches - I'm struggling to remember but I think it was just the print.
Much of his work is currently in New York or San Francisco. He had planned to bring much more than he did but the insurance required and room available in the gallery prevented it.

[upbgirl]

wow!! lovely work
both dean and the glass works!!

i would have to walk very slowly around all that glass!!;)

man o man!!

dreaming i was there-even just to see the exhibit!
[i doubt if roger would ever come to detroit for an exhibit..:crybby: ]

somehow, i just cant see steve 'chatting'..
chatting doesnt seem like something steve would do..
i am glad to hear all had a great time

what a week aye?:cheers:

[BrianD]

Originally posted by upbgirl
wow!! lovely work
both dean and the glass works!!

i would have to walk very slowly around all that glass!!;)

man o man!!

:

Funny you should mention that...I was walking around with a large pack on my back oblivious to the potential disaster until DebbieD warned me!

[ozray]

Just back from Rogers talk at Glebe Town Hall. Generously spent nearly two and half hours chatting to us about his architectural designs, logos and paintings illustrated with computer slides ( although he was having some trouble getting the laptop to co-operate all the time). He also stayed to autograph things. Around 100 in attendance and dare I say mainly Yes fans of course. Very interesting to hear where he draws inspiration from and his philosophy on art. Unfortunately too much was discussed to mention it all here. But if you are ever lucky enough to get the opportunity to hear him speak, make sure you take it.
Thus ends my Yes week, but I will certainly be taking the opportunity to visit the Gig Gallery again before the exhibition closes

[OzzieYes]

How good was that evening. times like this when I wish I lived in Sydney.

I never got to speak to roger at either pre show party but he seemed like a real gentleman with the manner in which he handles people. He never seem dismissive and always kept his full attention on the people who he was speaking with. Can understand why his assocaition with Yes has been so long and productive. They are two of a kind. Generous to the fanz and never take our admiration for granted.

Hasn't it been a great week in the history of Yes and Oz for us all.

[star-x]

I'm currently working on some notes taken during Roger's talk.

Information will go up - with photos - on a new page of the Tour Site.

The Unofficial 2003 Yes Australian Tour Site
http://ozguitar.50megs.com

(lots of recent updates - reports, photos, concert review - with more to come)

[star-x]

It's up:

http://ozguitar.50megs.com/lecture.htm

[Flo]

What a good job you've done Star x. The site is great !

[Andersonic]

Wow Star-X, a real adventure to read the lecture piece, thank you for sharing it with us all...

[JJGeers]

I've been reading your notes carefully and discovered again some new spot lights on Roger's career...

One forget sometimes that Roger's initail pathway was industrial design. Something that can be seen in his early works a lot!

I always found it a pity that he never did the images from the War of the Worlds series himself. He worked together with Tim White and Richard Clifton-Dey on them, and did only sketching and the design of the tripod machines.

It is always great when Roger talks about his work and how he did the images.

Great work star x!!!

Jasper Joppe Geers

[star-x]

Thanks to all - and I'm glad all that work is over. For anyone who read the 'first draft', I have revised the opening sections.

How do you know? - well the references to the 'naked women' wasn't in it before. And Syd Barrett, and a few other bits.

One last (as if) update for the site is due in the next week - just adding a bunch of links about the tour. After that - we'll see.

[BrianD]

Today is the last day of the exhibition so we are going down to have one last look and celebration this afternoon.

[BrianD]

Well we went to help pack up the Roger Dean exhibition on Sunday to be greeted with the fantastic news that the show has been extended until November 16.

If anyone is anywhere near Sydney in the next month - don't miss it as it is a brilliant show with the Marc Grunseit glass art being a perfect complement to Roger's work.

[JJGeers]

I think everyone should take this oppertunity to see his work!

Although I learned from Roger's site that he exhibits his work from October 21st to November 2nd 2003 in Lewes East Sussex.

Does this mean that this exhibition is cancelled??

Hope to have this cleared asap because I've set my arrows on Lewes actually...

Best Wishes,

Jasper Joppe Geers

[BrianD]

I think it is a different exhibition.

[BrianD]

Just to remind all Sydneysiders (and anyone visiting Sydney this week) that Roger Dean's exhibitiob is on for another week until November 16 - its final day coincides with a 'New Music' festival in the neighbourhood so that should be fun!

[Steve Mahoney]

Brian , I found your original post about the Roger Dean exhibition in Glebe.
I joined Yesfans about one month later.
I can here the excitement in your voice from the post here .
Memories , Im so pleased I spent $1000 NZ god for bid on a return air ticket to the Yes shows in 2003.

[Steve Mahoney]

Brians post was nearly 5 years ago.
The shows seem like they were yesterday.

[Lulu Mortice]

Brians post was nearly 5 years ago.
The shows seem like they were yesterday.

Those were the days - the concert at the Entertainment Centre, Rick Wakeman playing the grand piano at Gig Gallery in sweltering heat, meeting the band at the signing at Borders, meeting the Ybuying a small Roger Dean print (Japanese logo and dragonfly), meeting the Sydney Yesfanz, who are still all friends 5 years down the track!

And the week after that we went to Samoa with my sister and her family.

Never ever had a better September.

[BrianD]

That was certainly a remarkable week that I will never forget.


Here are my pictures from the week

http://thumb16.webshots.net/t/53/653/9/18/68/2445918680026712816CGQkAu_th.jpg (http://entertainment.webshots.com/album/97326001wgDWVg)

[Steve Mahoney]

That was certainly a remarkable week that I will never forget.


Here are my pictures from the week

http://thumb16.webshots.net/t/53/653/9/18/68/2445918680026712816CGQkAu_th.jpg (http://entertainment.webshots.com/album/97326001wgDWVg)

Great photos Brian , time goes to fast.
But I can still remember the buzz of the Melbourne and Sydney concerts.
As for going to the Yes meet and greet after the Sydney show,well what can you say. An absolute thrill to say the least.
One of the most special times in my life , for sure.

[True Believer]

It was truly one of the best times .... ever.

[Steve Mahoney]

It was truly one of the best times .... ever.

Hi Anne
You are right , it was truly on of the best times .
It was certainly one of the best times in my life.
Magic times.