Author Update: Nathan Wyburn

Happy New Year!

Here at Candy Jar we're well in to January now, and the memories of Christmas and New Year's parties are fading fast...  But that doesn't mean it's all stopped now!

Nobody's taking 2016 by storm quite as much as our author Nathan Wyburn; here's what he's been up to so far.

Alongside his trusty partner in crime Wayne Courtney, Nathan hosted the charity concert held by the amazing organisation Prince's Trust Cymru, a great charity which helps to get young people in Wales into education and training. The line-up included great acts including The Voice's Stephanie Webber and Ragsy, X Factor's Helen Fulthorpe.

Wyburn and Wayne are huge supporters of The Prince's Trust Cymru, and they have started their own fundraising initiative for the organisation via JustGiving.

People who donate to their cause will be entered to a prize draw and be in with a chance to win:

• Official Coca Cola Rugby World Cup 2015 rugby ball
• 2 x Tickets to The Prince's Trust Cymru 2016, hosted by Wayne and Nathan in Cardiff
• Bespoke and original mud portrait of a rugby player of your choice, created by renowned artist Nathan Wyburn
• The official signed rugby ball thrown by many Welsh celebrities in the Wyburn & Wayne "Bread of Heaven" video

The competition closes on November 1st 2016, so there's plenty of time for you to donate as much or as little as you are able, and the winner will be chosen at random on that date. Good luck!

Donate here

Following the success of Nathan's Not That Kind of Art book launch at Cameo Club, the venue has commissioned even more of the Welsh artwork. 

Nathan's portraits of Welsh celebrities Tom Jones and Ruth Jones have been a huge hit at the Club's Wellfield Road venue, and there are three more to come in the refurbishment of Cameo Club's Pontcanna location.

The first of trio has been released; an incredibly apt representation of the iconic Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, painted using writing ink on a background of Thomas' Under Milk Wood. 

Look out for the next images, and head down to Cameo Club to check out Nathan's artwork in person*

This week, Nathan has also created a beautiful and fitting tribute to the icon and inspiration David Bowie, who sadly passed away on Monday. 

In typical Wyburn fashion, Nathan has demonstrated the impact of Bowie's legacy of inspiring creativity in others, by recreating the well-known David Bowie image using stage make-up.

Nathan, who began his tribute to the star almost as soon as he heard the tragic news, said: "The work I do lends itself to icons like him, and I felt like as an artist it was my duty to make this."

David Bowie's music and legacy will continue to live on, and will inspire many more people for years to come.

Check back in with the Candy Jar Blog to see what we and our authors have been up to, and follow us on Twitter too!

(Photo credit: @CameoWellfield)

@Candy_Jar
@Jelly_BeanUK

@NathanWyburnArt

@PrincesTrustWal

@CameoCardiff / @CameoWellfield
@CardiffTimes

Keep up with Nathan on Facebook and YouTube, and be sure to read his Cardiff Times column

*Cameo Club, Pontcanna, is currently closed for refurbishment and re-open for business January 25th. Head over then!

Pre-order Nathan Wyburn's Not That Kind of Art NOW!

The wait is nearly over...

For all of those who have long anticipated the arrival of a book featuring celebrity portraiture created from your favourite foods – the time is now!

Candy Jar is proud to announce the upcoming release of the one-and-only Nathan Wyburn's debut book Not That Kind of Art this coming November.

Pre order my book "Not That Kind Of Art" NOW! http://t.co/ud48Eqof1d @Candy_Jar #Art #PopArt #Book #Artist pic.twitter.com/EuXpkx7ZvV

— Nathan Wyburn Artist (@NathanWyburnArt) September 6, 2015

After being catapulted to success following his achievement as a semi-finalist on national favourite Britain’s Got Talent in 2011, Nathan has been busy making global television appearances and working on commissioned pieces for well-known brands such as Sky, Orbit and Hovis, and has now created for your eyes only a collection of his favourite, and most memorable pieces. Ranging from Simon Cowell created from Marmite, to Katie Price painted using fake-tan, and even including a toasty depiction of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s Royal Kiss, Nathan’s book presents his iconic, unique and eye-catching style or art alongside the inspiring story of his journey from the struggles of childhood bullying, to finding comfort and confidence in art.

Nathan said: "I'm really excited about the book! It's like a greatest hits collection of my work over the past four years. So much has happened so quickly it's going to be great to see it all together. I'd never have thought it would be possible so early in my career but thrilled that it is! People may remember little parts of my work but not realise how vast and eclectic the range of artworks actually are, there really is something for everyone. I can't wait for it to be released!"

Hayley Cox, Senior Publishing Coordinator for Candy Jar Books, said: "We are really excited to showcase Nathan's artwork in this new book. He's so talented and the variety of materials he uses is so impressive - it demands a great deal of dedication to create art out of cat food!"

Not That Kind of Art is currently available for pre-order here, and will be released in November. In the meantime, you can keep up with Nathan’s shenanigans on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. 

ROYAL WATCHER ON HIS OWN PUBLIC TOUR!

Colin Edwards, author of the recently released photography book, A Personal Portrait of the Royal Family, is now on his own tour of the country to showcase his book to the public.

Colin Edwards proudly presents his book.

Now at 73, Colin is able to share a passion with others that he has enjoyed for over 50 years. From the very first moment his interest began during the H.M The Queen's coronation in 1953, he has devoted his time to meeting and photographing the Royal Family at a variety of public events and walkabouts.

In doing so, Colin has created a fascinating historical archive that captures the House of Windsor in some of their most endearing moments. Primarily featuring the three most popular Royals of the 20th century, Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and Diana, Princess of Wales, the book is perfect for any budding Royalist, with personal anecdotes providing insightful context into the photographs and their subjects.

As part of the promotional campaign for the book, Colin is now signing copies at a variety of sites. These include:

• Mold Library - Wednesday 30th April
• Wrexham Waterstones - Saturday 3rd May
• Chester Waterstones - Saturday 24th May
• Macclesfield Waterstones - Saturday 7th June
• Rhyl Library - Tuesday 10th June

More confirmed dates are to follow. If you'd like to know more about the book or to purchase a copy, visit us at www.candyjarbooks.co.uk, or at the book's website at www.candy-jar.co.uk/royalfamily.html.