iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Well I've had a lovely morning catching up with some old friends. 😮 Those who know me well will understand just how exciting this was! Thanks to The Arc in Winchester for sharing with us the artwork of legendary film-maker & animator Ray Harryhausen. #RayHarryhausen #Animation #Jasonandtheargonauts

Talos model from 'Jason and the Argonauts'

Minotaur model from 'Sinbad and the eye of the tiger'

One of the skeleton warriors from the film 'Jason & the Argonauts'

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Well, it’s been a busy few days up at Bridge Learning Campus in Bristol. The kids from Year 4/5/6 have created three large 3D posters promoting teamwork and cooperation. 🙂👍 www.darrellwakelam.com #edusky #UKEd

One of three large-scale pieces created by the Yr 4/5/6 kids from Bridge Learning Campus in Bristol. This is ‘Respect’.

One of three large-scale pieces created by the Yr 4/5/6 kids from Bridge Learning Campus in Bristol. This is ‘Support’.

One of three large-scale pieces created by the Yr 4/5/6 kids from Bridge Learning Campus in Bristol. This is ‘Inclusion’.

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Hotel living this week has its benefits. 🙂 At home I always find ‘other things to do’ but this week I’ve made time for some sketching based on my holiday photos. www.darrellwakelam.com

A sketch based on a Roman statue from the Naples Archaeological Museum.

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

So, today was the first face-to-face project of my 36th academic year of art workshops 😁 I've been helping the KS2 kids at North Cadbury Primary to create this piece inspired by their 'Evacuees' project. www.darrellwakelam.com #edusky #UKEd #sculpture #artworkshop #artistinresidence

Artwork created today with the KS2 children from North Cadbury Primary School in Somerset. Inspired by their current 'evacuees' project the children worked as a team to build this scene, showing two young children on a railway platform. The young boy gets up from sitting on his suitcase and bends to pick up a note or letter, his older sister walks the other way reaching for his hand and holding her doll tightly in the other. Below them, the railway tracks look like repeated army gravestones.

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Naples 2026. For me, if you want to understand the soul of a place, you can do little wrong in immersing yourself in its artwork. "Addio Napoli, hai conservato un pezzetto del mio cuore."

A collection of photos of the art I saw on my trip to Naples last week.

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

On my way home today I went to the San Giorgio Maggiore church to see this. In 2022, while doing restoration work, a secret hidden painting was found behind an existing work. Aniello Falcone’s ‘St. George & the Dragon’ had been hidden for hundreds of years. 😮

The outer painting opens like a book . . .

revealing the earlier work behind it . . .

. . . St. George & the Dragon by Aniello Falcone.

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

So, today I went in search of Caravaggio! ‘The seven works of mercy’ is in-situ, in the Pio Monte della Misericordia. You can also go up a level, to view it from above. ‘The flagellation of Christ’ is in the Capodimonte Museum, and it is breathtaking. 😮 Beautifully displayed.

‘The seven works of mercy’ by Caravaggio on display at the Pio Monte della Misericordia in Naples.

The painting viewed from the upper level.

‘The flagellation of Christ’ by Caravaggio, on display at the Capodimonte Museum in Naples.

The painting is displayed on its own and beautifully lit.

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

One of my favourite unexpected things from this trip so far has been this. In the Ancient Egyptian collection in the basement of the Museo Archeologico in Naples there’s a mummified crocodile! 😮 Incredible. It’s thousands of years old and its teeth look better than mine. 😆

A mummified crocodile (showing the head) from the Museo Archeologico, Naples.

A mummified crocodile (body/detail) from the Museo Archeologico, Naples.

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Well, here’s my controversial take. . . I preferred Herculaneum to Pompeii! 😮 Beautiful preservation, a smaller and more compact site, and even easier to imagine it as it must have been. What a place! ❤️

Skeletons of those who failed to escape, waiting in the boar houses at Herculaneum.

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

One of my favourite photos from here in Naples today. Just a regular little building tucked away in a courtyard. I imagine an elderly vampire seeing out their days here. 🙂

An old courtyard building tucked away in the heart of Naples.

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

The lesson I’ve learned in Pompeii, is there’s too much to see in one day. But I’ve covered some cubits, and seen all the rude bits, so I’m back for an ice cream buffet. 😆👍

A typical fresco from the House of the Vettii.

A view from inside the Stabian Baths in Pompeii.

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

“Ciao miei bellissimi amici!” For once I’m not working, I’m shirking . . . in Naples! 😮😎 I’ve just broken the world record for how many photos you can take in one museum. 😅 #edusky

A photo of me visiting the incredible ‘Archaeological Museum’ in Naples.

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Corrugated Card Seahorse. Sometimes, it’s simply a texture that inspires me. This seahorse looks realistic, but that’s you responding to the texture, so much so that no colour is required. 🙂 Info and images for this project are on the ‘news’ link at www.darrellwakelam.com #edusky #sculpture #art

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

I've spent a couple of hours a day for the last week editing photos, filing stuff and deleting what I don't need. I can now lay my hands on anything, at a moments notice. 😆 Ask me for a photo of artwork on any given theme you choose, and I'll prove it. 😮 www.darrellwakelam.com #edusky #UKEd

A photo of a person literally surrounded by old books and paperwork.

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

I've been sorting through old photos and rediscovered this! During lockdown I got so bored that I wanted to prove I could cut out a perfect circle . . . blindfolded. 😆 Admit it, this is the content you came here for. 😮 www.darrellwakelam.com

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

I'm bowled over by the response to my last few messages on here, wow. So, 'hello' if you've only just found me. Sadly, I'm not usually that interesting or exciting, and so normal service will resume shortly, but thanks anyway. x 😆 www.darrellwakelam.com #edusky #UKEd #art #sculpture #blueskyart

Me, holding a leopard's head made from cardboard tubes

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

I loved how so many posts about Dolly Parton were about the good, kind things she’d done. So, I’ve grabbed a stack of kids’ books I bought for projects and I’m gonna drop them at my local Primary School. It’s not much, but it's something. 🙂 Sharing if anyone wants to do the same. 👍 #edusky #UKEd

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

So, when we were all trapped at home back in 2020 I started doing some online workshops, all over the world. 😮 I've now done over 100, with all ages and abilities. If you're interested, reply here or drop me a message. 👍 www.darrellwakelam.com #edusky #UKEd #art #artworkshop #artprocess

Photos of me sharing my work and explaining how to make 3D sculptures, taken from the many online workshops that I've done in the last 6 years.

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Art doesn't require expensive materials and equipment . . . the most important tool you have is your imagination. 🙂 www.darrellwakelam.com #edusky #UKEd #art #sculpture #recycled

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

There's no AI trickery here . . . just a split-pin figure, a paper plate, and my hands. www.darrellwakelam.com #edusky #UKEd #sculpture #animation #ancientgreek

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

I've spent my life looking for patterns that are hidden in everyday things. Some seem obvious when you see them. 🙂 www.darrellwakelam.com #edusky #UKEd #sculpture #EasterIsland #Moai #Artwork

An Easter Island head (or Moai) made from recycled cardboard tubes.

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Reposted by Darrell Wakelam

Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

During Covid, I wrote a reply to someone online with the phrase "even when we can't get there, our ideas still can". The line stayed with me, it's even in the foreword of my book 'Art Shaped'. Ideas can travel much further than you ever will. 🙂 www.darrellwakelam.com #edusky #UKEd #sculpture

Photos of me with one of my projects (a ship made from a paper plate) and a photo of a group of schoolchildren using the same idea.

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

So, my final Summer workshop at Lyme Regis Museum was a busy one. Once again, we've had over 100 families join in and make themselves some fossil inspired artwork to take home. Here are just a few of their wax-resist ammonites. Look at the detail in some of these. 😮 www.darrellwakelam.com #edusky

Photos of some of the ammonite inspired artwork from my final Summer workshop at Lyme Regis Museum

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

I'm back at the Lyme Regis Museum on Thursday the 20th for my 4th and final art workshop of the Summer holidays 'The Ammonite Graveyard' 😮 If you are around come and join in with some wax-resist painting. Workshops are free with entry ticket. 🙂 www.darrellwakelam.com #edusky #UKEd #artworkshop

Photos from my last ammonite painting workshop at the museum

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

I was 14 when I first thought seriously about going to Art College. The older sister of a friend from school was in her first year and I’d seen some of her work and thought it looked amazing. She was at Bournville Art College in Birmingham, and I set my heart on going there. ⬇️ 1 #edusky

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

. . . I know folks like to see things like this, check out this little six-year-old girl's Dinosaur. She was determined to do one just like my example (top in photo) She had a bit of help cutting from grandad, but the rest is just her. 🙂 Six 😮 www.darrellwakelam.com #edusky #UKEd #sculpture

A little girl painting her version of my Triceratops model using almost identical colours.

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

I'm back at Lyme Regis Museum today (Wednesday 12th) for the third of my Summer art workshops 'Dino-Jaws' 😮😁 Feel free to come along and join in if you are visiting. 👍 * workshops are included in the entrance fee. www.darrellwakelam.com #edusky #UKEd #artworkshop #sculpture

Photos from my last 'Dino-Jaws' making session at the museum. The images show small moveable heads/skulls of dinosaur.

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

It was a lovely little event yesterday in West Bay. About 50 kids took part and made themselves an ammonite to take home. Some old friends appeared, and some new ones too. Thanks to all who joined in. 😁 * photos by permission www.darrellwakelam.com #edusky #UKEd #sculpture

Photos from yesterday workshop of children making ammonites and some of the outcomes

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

I'm over in West Bay (Dorset) today working for the lovely folks from The West Bay Discovery Centre and guess what, we're making ammonites! I've had a little bit of practice. 😉 So, if you're around, we'll be at the Salt House from 11:00 - 3:00. www.darrellwakelam.com #edusky #UKEd #artworkshop

Cardboard ammonites made by me and lots of children.

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

I've been to the Beer Regatta today (the place, not the drink) and it's my 18th year! I always try to make something different with whoever will join in, so today we made this scary looking Plesiosaur. It will be on display shortly at the Beer Visitor Centre. (on the beach) 😁 www.darrellwakelam.com

A photo of the artwork made by visitor to the Beer Regatta today in Devon. We made a sculpture of a Plesiosaur, which is one of the ancient marine reptiles whose bones are found fossilised along this stretch of the Jurassic Coast.

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

Sometimes, I take the simple techniques I use every day with children and I push them as far as I can. It helps me to learn, using the same materials, but taking them to another level. This ship is made entirely from recycled cardboard tubes. 🙂 wwww.darrellwakelam.com #edusky #UKEd #sculpture

A photograph of me with a small, but very detailed ship, constructed entirely from recycled cardboard tubes.

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

I had a great time today robot-making with a select bunch of artists in Dorchester. We had a lot of fun making these and deciding what they did and how they worked. I even had time to make my own . . . 😁 www.darrellwakelam.com #edusky #UKEd #robots #artworkshop #artist #sculpture

Robots from today's Artsreach workshop. (my robot)

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Another very busy, art-filled day at Lyme Regis Museum completed. Is there a 'collective noun' for Plesiosaurs? There should be . . . a 'parade of Plesiosaurs' is my shout, look at these beauties. 😮😁 We've had well over 100 children take part today. www.darrellwakelam.com #edusky #UKEd #art

Plesiosaurs (the ones with the long necks) . . . made from paper plates by children visiting Lyme Regis Museum.

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

A lesson in life . . . from today’s workshop at the museum. 😆😆😆 www.darrellwakelam.com #edusky #UKEd

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Well, I'm back at the glorious Lyme Regis Museum today for another full-on day of Jurassic Art! 😮 We're making 'Paper Plate Plesiosaurs' and I'll be perfecting that tongue twister all day. 😆 If you're around, come and join in. 👍🙂 www.darrellwakelam.com #edusky #UKEd #artworkshop #museum

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

If you're on Instagram, I'm over there too. I think it's easier to scroll through visual posts, so if you want to catch up on some recent projects and ideas, have a look. 🙂 I'm here . . . ➡️ www.instagram.com/darrellwakel...

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

I made little cardboard figures a couple of weeks ago and the kids were convinced that the one I'd made as an example looked just like me. 😂 Oh god, does it? 🤣 Be kind 😏 www.darrellwakelam.com #edusky #UKEd

A little 3D figure I made which the kids were convinced looked like me.

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

"The creative adult is the child who survived." is a favourite quote of mine by Ursula K. Le Guin. If you want creative people in the world, then you have to value & support creative subjects in school. Every career begins with an opportunity. www.darrellwakelam.com #edusky #UKEd

A photo of me making stuff aged 8, and another from this year. (49 years later)

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Another day, another museum, this time, my local @LymeRegisMuseum where we’ll be making ‘fossil fish’ 😮😁 If you are around pop in, feel free to bring ice cream. 😁 #WhatSummerHoilday 😆 #edusky #UKEd

Fossil fish model made from straws and paper plates.

Me, at the museum, with an ammonite fossil! 😮

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

I always get to places early. 🙄 So, I’m sitting outside the museum in the shade, with a hot chocolate 😉 and waiting for a whole day of art to begin. I do appreciate how lucky I am to make a living from just my creativity. Breathing it in. 🙂👍 www.darrellwakelam.com #edusky #UKEd

Photo of me outside the Market Hall Museum in Warwick.

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

I’ve had a very busy day of ‘elephant making’ up at the Market Hall Museum in Warwick, we made about 50 today! Back again tomorrow for round two. 😮 darrellwakelam.com #edusky #UKEd

Just a few of the elephants made today at the Market Hall Museum in Warwick. All made from just one paper plate.

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Well, it's back to work for me tomorrow! I'm up at the Market Hall Museum in Warwick, where one paper plate will become a baby elephant! 😮 If you're around, come and join me for some art alchemy. darrellwakelam.com #edusky #UKEd #artworkshop #art

Me, with an elephant head made from a paper plate. 😁

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

For the first time, I got a reply the other day (about the ship) saying "I'll be very disappointed if this is AI." . . . this is how it begins. There are already highly followed accounts on Instagram sharing similar work that's 'suggested' and created digitally in seconds. #edusky #UKEd

A photo of one of my sculptures, a galleon made from recycled cardboard tubes.

A text 'poster' which says "Am I an artist, or am I A I."

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

Another academic year over, that's 36 years and counting for me! You'll see lots of creative people online, but how many have worked face-to-face with over a quarter of a million children? 😮 Of all the things I love making, a smile still comes top of the list. 🙂 www.darrellwakelam.com #edusky #UKEd

A collection of photos of children making some of my 3D models, plus a picture of me doing the same, what's the connection? We're all smiling.

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

There's no excuse for boredom during the Summer holidays . . . "go and get Darrell's book off the shelf and fetch your scissors." 😆👍 You know it makes sense . . . A R T S H A P E D ➡️ www.amazon.co.uk/Art-Shaped-s... #edusky #UKEd #art #crafts #artbook #craftbook #sculpture

A photo of my book Art Shaped accompanied by photos of me with artwork and children with their fabulous examples.

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Reposted by Darrell Wakelam

Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

So, as the 2025/26 academic year comes to a close, I get to reflect on all of the marvellous projects I've had the pleasure to devise and deliver to schools across the country. You might recognise some of these, last September, none of this work existed . . . www.darrellwakelam.com #edusky #UKEd

Artwork and projects from this academic year.

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

Sometimes, the summer holidays mean that kids can spend even more time doing things that they love. I wonder who this is on the right doing art at their local library. 😁 www.darrellwakelam.com #edusky #UKEd

A photo from a newspaper article about Summer holiday activities. The photo shows an art session at my local library. I'm on the right of the photo making something, there are other kids and the librarian in the photo.

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Darrell Wakelam @darrellwakelam.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

I spent the last two days of this school year in Kingsbridge in Devon, where the kids take part in 'challenge week'. My group used a variety of world-masks as the inspiration for some 3D making, coming up with a really diverse range of outcomes. 🙂 www.darrellwakelam.com #edusky #UKEd

Two of the masks made by the Year 7/8 pupils from Kingsbridge Community College.

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