Addi is in town and will be appearing on Blue Peter tomorrow, Tuesday 9th March at 4.30.
This is his website; http://www.newballoonart.com/

Did anyone see this? I missed it but will try to get it up on iplayer later.
Just got back from spending the afternoon with Addi in London, had a really nice time as he is someone that is 100% outside the balloon box, the afternoon was very interesting and most enjoyable.
If you do get time have a look at his website and his balloon hat book is simply stunning and a must have, you can click through from his webstie to see some of the pictures and stories from around the globe.

What do you mean Graham?

I'll try and put down what I mean when I have a bit more time but if you look at his website to others, especially his balloonhat site hopefully you will start to see what I mean.
Have a look at his youtube clips playing the balloon base, he looks at balloons differently from the majority, he mainly makes hats, no animals, cartoon creations. Completely different from the majority of people.
That's why the conversation with him this afternoon was very interesting and stimulating.

Excuse me for being thick Graham

I have his book on hats, and have been to his website previously, but still dont understand what you meant lol

My understanding is this. Addi has carved out his own niche in the balloon world. He is a true balloon artist and makes stuff up based on his own principles. He doesn't do an act, he doesn't do recognisable models its all shape and colour based. Hats, decor that is different, wearable stuff, team building and of course his lectures/workshops.

Its worth taking the time to look at his website and really seeing somebody do VERY different stuff to the norm.

Addi was the person who inspired me to carry on balloon twisting, and that it does not have to be animals or cartoon characters, or for children.

{Graham, I'd be interested to hear what Addi had to say. I've sent my stuff off to you know where. We'll see what happens}


Danny

I think Addi does not look at a balloon as material to make models.
He sees balloons the way an artist would look at a pallet of paints. I imagine that he looks at symmerty, balance and colour. Having Addi's hat book I am very taken by the fact that the hat is not the star of the show. He is more interested in the emotional effect the hat has on its wearer. A lot of the photos don't show the whole hat but the whole face. Addi's table top creations are inspiring. He really uses his balloons as an art form.

That is what I think anyway.

very well put Thelma.

danny

Just had another look at his website . . . . . . agree 100% with what has been said. He really does have a style of his own. I think it's time to dig out his hats book and have another look through!!

this is the link to Addi on iplayer may not be able to get this outside the uk. http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00rfpx2/Blue_Peter_09_03_2010/

he is @ about 11 1/2 mins.

I like the bit after Addi as well food sculptures.