Art Works

I have just come across the work of artist Pete McGee. Born and bred in Sheffield [born in 1966 - our World Cup Year] he paints pictures depicting the life of the ordinary working class people around him. Using pots of ordinary Trade Paint! 

But he didn't study at St Martins or anywhere like that, and isn't really on the radar of the formal artworld. 
Growing up in a family of steel workers, Pete was actually working in Tesco, aged 40, when he became very ill and needed a liver transplant [he had an undiagnosed liver complaint since birth]. After that, he quite Tesco, quit drinking and took up art full time. That was 12 years ago.
Now his work is popular across the board, designing posters, tee shirts and more for Oasis, Arctic Monkey, Disney...But he still lives close to his roots. He's really concerned about the way the media has portrayed northern working class people who voted for Brexit  [he voted Remain- but understands their despair, and their reasons for what they did] He is really angry about the increase in the number of Foodbanks in this country [declaring that ONE would be too many!] So last month he came up with an idea...

He gave away artworks. Specifically an empty can - with more than a nod to Andy Warhols's soup - decorated with one of his trademark style pieces, an old lady balancing a tray on her lap, eating supper whilst her dog looks on.
To qualify for the 'free', limited edition, artwork, people had to donate something to the foodbank.
The queue snaked around the block. People did not just bring odd tins- they brought carrier bags full of goods- 3 weeks later, the Foodbank Team are still sorting these donations out! 
Last Saturday, he opened an exhibition "This Class Works" displaying many of his populist pieces.
I quite like his quirky style, and his clever titles. Look at these

Threepenny Bit Opera, 
Muriel, 
It's Coming H..., 
Who Needs a Fancy Holiday Abroad, When You Can Have All This For Nowt On Your Doorstep?
National Hug Service
Let Them Eat Crisps

National Hug Service appeared all round Sheffield recently as part of the NHS70 celebrations - Pete owes his life to the NHS.

I shall be looking out for more of this man's pictures. As well as Sheffield, he has a fondness for Manchester too - I wonder if Gary and Steph have come across his "Great Moments in Manchester Music" collection?
I doubt he will become as world famous as Da Vinci, or even L S Lowry - but I wholeheartedly approve of someone who uses his talents to do good and bless others.