Mashups And Mixtures Of MGate Part 2

Photographs, iPhone Phinger Paintings - my new mixed-media painting, and hanging out in my 'hood on the eve of the Summer Solstice.

Someone left a broken mirror in a rather wonderful silver frame outside my home, for reasons unknown.

I decided, after a few days, that maybe a broken mirror wouldn’t actually be ‘bad luck’ and that the frame could be rescued. It seems that ‘it had my name on it’.

So I wrapped the broken mirror in cardboard and put it the bin.

Then I painted my first MG8 painting on the board that had been behind the mirror over a period of a few days.

The water from the acrylic paint kind-of buckled the painting as I went on, but I think that that adds to the authenticity of the work. I also added mixed media in the form of multi-coloured buttons, sackcloth, torn newspaper scraps and tissue paper.

It’s now in the wonderful silver frame and hanging on a wall in my studio/office.

It’s called ‘Snowflakes In The Forest’.

The original is available to buy here, along with prints, bags, T-shirts and all manner of groovy things.

Ah, I forgot to recommend an audio soundtrack to enhance your multimedia experience herein.

How about some beautiful ambient electronica that I created in my Rancho Deluxe home studio in around 2010? It’s a double album called ‘Bam Boo’. and it’s on Reverbnation. Free to join, quick and easy.

Margate is not only very photogenic, but it’s also very friendly.

I was recently drawn to renowned interior designer Paul Alfred Andrew’s work and his ongoing design and development of his recently purchased portion of The Printworks in Margate’s Old Town, on Instagram.

Being a closet interior designer myself, I loved his style and panache and ‘liked’ and commented on some of his images.

He returned the compliment and suggested we meet for a drink at the stylish Xylo microbrewery and bar on the seafront, adding that he hoped that we’d get a seat outside, as it was a very sunny Friday evening.

He greeted me with a friendly hug, as we arrived simultaneously, and we succeeded in our aim of going al fresco. We bonded immediately, having both lived in London for many years before our destinies drew us to Margate - he’s lived here for around a year, and me for nearly three months.

We had loads to talk about and plenty of stories to regale each other with - then suddenly it was 8 O’clock and time for me to head home for dinner.

Paul suggested that we meet again for drinks on Sunday, and I suggested my fave bar (and second home) Little Swift, where they do ace cocktails. I took a selfie of us outside in the evening sun.

Recently, I released my new EP of vintage soulful, vocal house (and one dubstep track) from 1997, featuring the awesome vocals of Gospel Girl (and me).

It rocks!

Paul and I enjoyed each other’s company, then he kindly showed me his cool top-floor rented flat overlooking the harbour.

Taken from Paul’s living room window in his very cool flat. What a view!

Then we headed for his ongoing conversion of his portion of The Printworks, and he showed me around. Wow. It’s going to be spectacular!

Next, it was a short walk to Northdown Road to show him around my flat and back yard and hang-out, sharing an excellent bottle of red wine.

I should have taken more pics of us perhaps, but we were so engaged, that it didn’t matter.

As I write, we’re officially in a heatwave - and I love it.

Here’s a pic I took of the back yard last night. It’s so magical and peaceful out there.

All the lighting is solar and came from various sources, such as Poundland, B&Q, Temu , Aldi (opposite my flat) and Amazon. Overall cost? No more than £120.

I was just wondering if I’d displayed this before on my Substack? I can’t remember.

Anyway, it’s my first, ever video, aged 21, along with an 11-minute film.

‘Shake Up Your Soul’ and ‘Messages From Heaven’.

The story of how it happened is explained on the Youtube.

Then earlier today, I wandered-up the increasingly interesting and evolving Northdown Road to indulge myself with a Kurdish shave at the excellent (so relaxing and pampering) M025 Barbershop. Best value on the street too. I forgot to take a pic of the lovely barbers there.

My next stop on this balmy, summer afternoon was the funky deli Picnic on Northdown Parade, where I stopped-off for my customary expresso and shot of Amaretto. Checked all the gruesome news in the world in The iPaper, then did the codeword, as usual. Then I suddenly felt inspired to create an iPhonephingerpainting.

It's called ‘Unfinished Symphony, Summer Solstice’.

Then, earlier, I was amazed to see that the first Passion Flower had bloomed in my backyard, climbing up some rusty old honeycomb iron, that I’d found in the old outside loo.

Then just earlier, as the clock struck 00:1, it was time for a late-night, ultimate, double cheese and ting, summer solstice toasty!

Two slices of seeded wholemeal bread, lightly toasted and buttered. The one on the left spread with marmite, the other spread with English Mustard. Mature Cheddar slice and red onions rings added to the Marmite one, Double Gloucester with garlic and herbs and red onion rings added to the mustard one. Then toasted under the proper grill. Served with San Marcos lager. Perfection on a beautiful, Summer Solstice, balmy night.

As I seem to be #1 on the Reverb Nation Singer-songwriter Chart for Margate, I’ll leave you with this sublime house classic ‘Only Love Love Will Win’ from me and the wonderful Bianca Kinane to mark Pride Month all over this mostly currently cruel world.

Fuck you Trump, Zionist Israel, Hungary, Maga, Fascism, Italy, Starmer, Putin and all the billionaires trying to control everything and kill LOVE!

ONLY LOVE WILL WIN!

There’s only one thing missing for me right now…

© Steve Swindells June 2025. All rights reserved.