Category: Events

REWARD – one of my original artworks (a proper one).

Back in 2008 when I lived in Camden Town and run my business KillerStrawberry, I embarked on an ambitious illustrative project called KillerStrawberry Hell. This was going to be a large puzzle of separate illustrations that all joined together to form one mighty artwork. The first sketch book (KillerStrawberry Hell, level 1) was quite simplistic in style but this would progress, change and be full of revelations in later levels. It was also published by Dom and was the beginning of a graphic novel series at the same time.

On the way home from the market one day we were mugged (2009 I think) and this sketch book was taken from me. My sketch book also contained other works; it was over 2 years of hard work, joy, dedication and memories. It was also the most important part of my illustrative project… it was the beginning. 13 years later I still wonder if it could be out there… does it still exist?

Below are some of the illustrations contained inside the sketch book. If you have ever seen it, or know of it, or maybe seen someone else claiming the rights to it please let me know. Maybe you even own it yourself, please get in touch as it’s time for it to be returned to its owner (me). The project needs quantifiable reactivity!

E-Mail me – alanburdettillustration@hotmail.co.uk

And please feel free to share this post, and pictures on any social media platform.

Some pictures from the sketch book are below. Thank you for your help!

Alan Burdett

It is worth mentioning that these drawings are nothing to do with 9/11, politics or war. Though there are similarities, that was NEVER its purpose! It was a story , just like any other story in a book or on the screen. Thank you

I just this second finished a short run, whilst running I was able to define one of my biggest issues (this is why I love running!) and here it is:

When I feel bad, I feel really bad, completely useless and a waste of space. When I feel good, I feel really good, can do anything and nothing will stop me.  Both of these extremes have exactly the same result and blind me from my TRUE potential.

However I am feeling this time I will remind myself to stay grounded and appreciate and work with what I have. In short DON’T BE LAZY!

Need water!

There were 2 extremely positive days in the midst of my struggles. In 2012 whilst in Brighton I knew I was getting very unhealthy and I quickly and desperately needed an incentive to try and get me motivated. I signed up for a charity position for Mind in the Brighton Marathon about 4 months before, and got a place! I had never run a marathon before and I knew I now had to stop smoking and drinking and start training or otherwise it was going to be yet another failure and humiliation to add to the growing list!

I trained as hard as I could but very quickly run into problems with my ankle and knees. They simply were not use to it so I had to run very carefully in case I caused further injuries. I did cut down on my smoking and drinking but my nights out were just as often as before.

The day of the marathon arrived, it was perfect weather; sunny and reached about 15 degree C. The first 6-7 miles were so much fun, the crowds were amazing and the views stunning and I was feeling strong. Around 9 miles though the course hit a big hill up the coast line. I really started to struggle and still had 17 MILES TO GO!

At about half way I stopped for a wee, lactic acid rushed into my muscles and they froze, solid. It took me about 30 mins to get running properly again, the pain was immense, I hit the wall far too early! The remaining 13 miles were the biggest mentally driven challenge of my life so far. Every step was excruciating and the only way I got through it was to dedicate every step to someone in my life – my granddad, my family, my friends, Liam, Dom, Mike, Ben, Nick, myself… The pain felt as if it was never going to end, I was massively under-prepared but I was NOT GIVING UP. My friends support on the day was amazing and I couldn’t of done it without them. I crossed the finish line at 5 hours and 15 minutes and went straight to the pub. The next 2 days I could not walk but the sense of achievement I felt was different to anything I had done before because it was a physically enduring battle.

2 years later I signed up to the London Marathon for WWF. I knew it was a good way at keeping me fit and keeping my strength up in between all the “partying”. However 2 months before I was a complete mess and there was no way I was running 2 miles let alone 26.2! It was early February and whilst out all night in Vauxhall, London, I met a guy called Tom. He was beautiful, caring and for whatever reason he took me under his wing. The next day I told him I was running the marathon and he supplied me with priceless tips about nutrition, diet, exercise and natural and herbal supplements. He helped me to turn my life around in 2 months. Marathon day arrived, again the weather was sunny and temperatures rose to around 16 degrees C. The support from the crowds was unlike anything I had experienced before. It was very painful but I remembered the pain well and my mum, sister and her girlfriend Zoe were there to cheer me on. I wizzed round in 3 hours and 53 minutes, I could not believe it, I was aiming for 4 hours 30. This was and still is my most enjoyable and rewarding achievement to date and a day I will never forget! However it would never of happened without Tom, and I am so grateful to have met him!