Professor Pigment - Revealed!

As I said in an earlier post - I was invited to the premier of Pro Pig's documentary film: Trail and Error. It was held on Monday night (6th June) at the Film Theatre at Staffordshire University in Stoke.



We were on the list :-)

I was excited to have had an invitation from the artist himself - after I tweeted him a photo of one of his works which had suddenly appeared in Wolstanton. I'd never been to a premier before and Nathan and I weren't sure what the dress code would be. As Pro Pig was only ever seen secreted under  hoodies - we figured that casual - but smart - would be okay.

Nello

It was a sunny and sweltering evening and we got there around 7pm to be greeted with free drinks and nibbles. Many people were milling around in the foyer and we spotted Nello, Lou Macari and  The Hairy Potter  who had the back of his house turned into the Britannia Stadium by Pro Pig himself. Then the Mayor and Mayoress arrived and everyone was ushered into the hot theatre to see the film.






It was introduced by Mark Garner, art course leader at Staffs Uni who said that Trail and Error had been 22 years in the making. The lights dimmed and we all watched the story of Professor Pigment and his quest to spread positive messages around Stoke through his street art. I was really pleased to hear the story of the piece that is up the road from me.



Tattooed Lady

It turns out that Dain Maginnis  - the owner of Ink R Nation - had contacted Pro Pig to tell him the story of one of his customers. It was an older lady who'd had a scar all down her arm for most of her life. She'd never been able to wear short sleeved dresses because she always felt that she had to cover it up. Dain tattooed flowers over the scar - and a few weeks later she sent him a photo of herself, at the Chelsea Flower Show proudly wearing a short-sleeved dress showing her arms covered in flowers, among the flowers.

Such a lovely story, and Pro Pig must have thought so too because one morning as Dain arrived at work he saw this picture on his shop wall.

The film showed footage of a hooded figure (and accomplice) stencilling and spray painting this at 3am one night. It seems his is the preferred time for PP to do his art.

Pro Pig aka Andy Evans

The film was received with much applause and cheering - Pro Pig's art and very positive message and pride in Stoke-on-Trent has made him very popular with a wide range of local people. Mark Garner got up to address the audience once more, saying that Pro Pig had recorded a very special message just for us.

His voice was disguised and he was under the hoodie as he thanked us for supporting and encouraging him.

He also told us that this Trail and Error was the last thing he would be doing as Professor Pig as he was going to have a break, then change his name to Doddz (Defy the Odds) and spread his message further afield.

Then, his voice went back to normal and he took off his hood as the light came on. He then jumped up from a seat in the front row to reveal himself as Andy Evans, a 21 year old student, dressed in a vintage Stoke City shirt.

He said he'd be around for a little while to answer questions, but was mobbed by the press and the VIP guests. However, we thanks him for giving Stoke some of its pride back and for highlighting all that is good and fun about the place. We wish him well in the future - whatever he decides to do!

If you want to see the film yourself click TRAIL AND ERROR
To see the moment of the reveal - click this video from RADIO STOKE