Thursday 29 September 2011

Featured Artist - Sam Lock


Sam Lock's paintings are accumulations of materials and decisions; artefacts of thinking and doing, an attempt to locate poetry in the relationships, combinations and interactions between materials and physical elements.

Where do you get most of your inspiration from? My recent paintings feel like keystone pieces that have brought together several ideas that I have been exploring over the last few years; archaeology, ephemera, landscape.  They aim to communicate an aesthetic and psychological experience of time through surfaces that are layered, crumbled, faded, eroded; to evoke memories of the past.


Where and what is your studio?
My studio is in the centre of Brighton, a rundown converted house by the Clocktower with 5 other artists.  I have been there since 2000; it is ideal for me, a bit dilapidated and full of a sense of history.
What music are you currently listening to?
In the studio I like to listen to music that echoes the tone of my paintings.  At the minute, I am obsessed with Bob Dylans album for Sam Peckinpahs film “Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid”; full of sounds and tones that resonate with the themes of the film, time passing, relationships breaking, worlds shifting.  Also listening to Nick Cave soundtracks for “The Proposition” and “The Assassination of Jesse James”.


Last book / film that blew your mind? I find it hard not to read “One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovic” by Alexander Solzhenitsyn and to watch anything other than “The Hustler”, “Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid”, “ Withnail and I” or “Das Boot”.  I like the feeling that the ideas and themes of these films/books becoming increasingly subtle and nuanced each time I watch them and the sense that I have changed in the meantime.


Do you have a good work/life balance? My life is a constant battle to balance the 3 things that are most important to me!  Spending time with my family (a nearly 4 year old and a new baby due before xmas), my job as a College manager running a Foundation course and millions of A Levels, and committing enough critical and creative energy into my own practice as a painter.  Sometimes one dominates the others but on the whole I have a good balance thanks to a supportive family.

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Saturday 24 September 2011

Brighton Art Fair

Brighton Art Fair started on Thursday with a full Private View - big queues to get in and we opened later so everyone could get a good luck round.
Busy but more civilised on Friday and we eventually got a minute towards the end of the day to snap some of the exhibition. Feedback from both artists and exhibitors is "great fair, best selection and variety to date -'love it!'"

Sarah Young's relief and screen prints.

 Sam Lock's paintings

 Dinah Dufton

 Serena Partridge

 Dawn Stacey

Steve Mcpherson

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Wednesday 21 September 2011

Brighton Art Fair - Starts tommorrow





We're building the stands for Brighton Art Fair today with the stressed artists coming in and hanging tomorrow in advance of the Private View in the evening.

So far so good! I'm glad to say some lovely press articles coming out in time for the weekend.

We think the selection this year is red hot and we hope that you think so too. Come and have a look - Friday 11.00 - 7.30. Saturday 10.00 - 6.00 and Sunday 10.00 - 5.00pm
Corn exchange church street Brighton.



-- Post From My Phone

Location:Brighton,United Kingdom

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Tuesday 20 September 2011

Featured Artist - Frances Bloomfield


Frances Bloomfield's work is a combination of model making and photography. She will be exhibiting and selling her work at the Brighton Art Fair this week.

Where did you train? What did training teach you and what do you wish it had taught you?
I studied Fine Art at Ravensbourne College of Art – it was a great time and it taught me to be very self reliant.. (you can read into that what you will!) I wish I had learnt more skills, for example screen printing and lithography.

When and where did you first want to do what you do?
My grandmother worked for the Old Vic in wardrobe and later she started and ran a very successful Amateur Dramatics company (she has a theatre named after her) – she used to get me and my sister to help her with costumes and sets. This was so much more exciting than anything else I did then and I realise now that watching her make models for the sets had an enormous impact on my current work.

One favourite living artist?
Anselm Kiefer - he is outstanding, uncategorisable and continually the scale and ambition of his work makes my jaw drop.

One favourite historical artist?
This is harder.. too many.. probably Giacometti – the drawings and paintings – they are so exquistely sad.
Where do you get most of your inspiration from?
Mainly from buildings that are in process – either from their birth or falling into ruin and from my dreams.

What is the most interesting / fun job you have had?
Not really the most interesting but it stands out! I was a milk person for a while in Kent and that was fun – I was the only female amongst a dairy full of men – which had its pluses and minuses! I loved seeing the sun come up as I rattled back to the dairy for the huge beakfast that awaited me.

Have you had any interesting work related collaborations?
Last year I was commissioned by Marianne Forrest, a watch and clock maker, to do the typographic design for a public art piece to commemorate the steel and coal industries in Ebbw Vale in South Wales. 

At age 16 who most influenced your style?
Braque and Boccioni

Last book / film that blew your mind?
Over your Cities Grass will Grow – a film about Anselm Kiefer directed by Sophie Fiennes
Patti Smith’s autobiography – Just Kids.


What music are you currently listening to?
Imelda May, Regina Spektor and of course Patti Smith

Who would you say buys your work?
People who recognise something of their own dreamworld (or madness) in the work and feel a connection.
Where and what is your studio?
My studio is at the top of our house – the attic was converted last year – it is wonderful – quiet, airy and very light – working up there feels like a huge privilege and I can work on a number of things at once.

Do you have a good work/life balance?
On the whole yes – although the beginning of the academic year is always very stressful. September this year with the new semester and the art fair is going to be a challenge!

What one word would describe your feeling of doing your work?
Engrossed.
If you could be doing anything else what would it be?
Travelling although I wouldn’t really want to leave my family or my studio for very long.

If you could exhibit in any gallery in the world which would it be?
The Guggenheim in Venice

Any other relevant information?
My daughter, Kate Bloomfield, is currently being represented and shown by a gallery in Notting Hill called Debut Contemporary. She is a fantastic photographer and this is a great opportunity.

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Saturday 17 September 2011

Arty Magazine - the Brighton Art Fair issue



Brighton's Arty Magazine have decided to dedicate most of their Autumn Issue to preview the Brighton Art Fair .

In all, the magazine previews 30 artists and galleries exhibiting at the fair, with background information about the artists and sneek peeks at new work to be exhibited at the Fair.


  

Arty Magazine is available to pick up free from various galleries and venues around Brighton and Sussex. Thanks to Alison and Torben Krog for such a great issue.



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Friday 16 September 2011

Tonight at Castor & Pollux




Tonight from 6pm, Castor & Pollux are hosting an exhibition of rare and new print work from artist and illustrator, Lo Cole.
You are welcome to visit Brighton's favourite beach front gallery for a drink, some sunshine, and bold, colourful, graphic artwork.

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Thursday 15 September 2011

Brighton Art Fair - One Week to go

Brighton Art Fair starts next week with the Private View on Thursday. All the leaflets have been distributed, The banners and posters and up across the city and artists are burning the midnight oil finishing and framing their latest creations.

Do come along - we think it could be the best Brighton Art Fair yet - and see for yourself.

We have a private view on the Thursday Evening which is a good opportunity to take your pick of the best pieces of art before the show opens to the public on Friday - A few tickets are available HERE

Brighton Art Fair is open to the public
Friday 11am - 7.30pm
Saturday 10am - 6.00pm
Sunday 10am - 5.00pm
Tickets on the door are £6.00 or £5.00 if bought in advance from the Dome Box Office



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Monday 12 September 2011

Featured Artist - Rose Sanderson

Rose Sanderson lives and works in Bristol. Rose is intrigued and sees beauty in things generally disregarded in the world around, including natural history, entomology, anatomy and strange creatures.

Where did you train? What did training teach you and what do you wish it had taught you?
I did a BA(hons) Illustration degree at the University of the West of England, Bristol. It was a really well structured course and I gained various technical skills with access to many different facilities. Learning about time management and deadlines etc was helpful, but none of it could prepare me for the real world. There is so much more to being an artist than actually creating art. Perhaps business studies would have been useful?! I have learnt much more since then through experience and life in general.


When and where did you first want to do what you do?
Ever since I could pick up a paintbrush I have wanted to do art, I can't imagine life without it. At school I knew I wanted to go to art college but never really thought beyond that career-wise. It is only in the last few years that I have realised I might actually be able to make a living from what I love, and what has always occupied my hands and mind.

One favourite living artist?
I love the work of James Jean, it is simply beautiful.

One favourite historical artist?
It is so hard to pick just one, as well as a favourite living artist, there are so many! Would it be cliché to say Leonado da Vinci? I love drawing, and his anatomical studies are stunning. His skills and interests span a whole lot further than painting too which I find very inspirational.

Where do you get most of your inspiration from?
Nature, life, death, things that I find around each corner; insects, little dead animals, old walls and peeling surfaces, the layers and the process of decay. Colour and texture. I see beauty in so many things, especially those that are generally disregarded by the average eye. I want others to appreciate these wonders. We live in a world that will never run out of things to amaze and inspire me.

What is the most interesting / fun job you have had?
I used to do work in set building for television; paint effects etc which I really enjoyed. My past jobs have been pretty varied, including projectionist, bus driver and furniture restorer (to name a few). However, being an artist is the best one yet. Freedom is a great luxury.

Have you had any interesting work related collaborations?
I have worked alongside other artists in exhibitions and community projects but I haven't really had what you would call a collaboration. That doesn't mean I wouldn't like to though, I just haven't had the opportunity as yet.

At age 16 who most influenced your style?
I can't say I had a 'style' at 16, I find it hard to say that I have one now but I obviously do. I think its important to experiment and try new things, taking influences from all kinds of things, people and places: life would be so boring otherwise.

Last book / film that blew your mind?
I read 'Wonders of a Godless World' by Andrew McGahan, a great one for stirring the imagination and provoking thought. When I get into a good book, I find myself completely absorbed, in my own little bubble (a bit like when I'm painting!)
What music are you currently listening to?
I listen to all kinds of things, my music taste is pretty eclectic, but it is mostly older stuff; ska, reggae, blues, funk, rock, punk; I like a good beat. Depending on my mood or the time of day, what I want to hear varies a fair bit. The radio is on a lot in my studio, usually Six music, or Four if we fancy a bit of intellect.

Who would you say buys your work?
Most of the time I don't know as it goes through the galleries. However, from the odd private sale or commission, I think it really varies; young/ old, male/female... I like to think that all sorts of people are captivated by my work.

Where and what is your studio?
I am based in Bristol at Jamaica Street Studios. I have a small mezzanine space up a ladder on the first floor of our building. It is pretty tight for me and all my work, but on the plus side it has a great view, is affordable, and is all mine. I am part of a great place with a lovely inspiring bunch of people (roughly 45 artists altogether), and I couldn't ask for anything more (except maybe more space, heating in the winter and air con in the summer!)


Do you have a good work/life balance?
I feel at the moment that it is more work-based, with hours that are all over the place, especially with a lot of shows in the pipeline. I find it hard to switch off, and my life does revolve around my art; if I'm not doing it then I am thinking about it. That said, I do find time to catch up with friends and family, and have been getting away most weekends. I enjoy my work too, most of the time, so I can't complain!

What one word would describe your feeling of doing your work?
Alive

If you could be doing anything else what would it be?
Travelling, exploring the world. If I hadn't chosen the art route, I think I'd be doing something science based; entomology or zoology perhaps.

If you could exhibit in any gallery in the world which would it be?
Well, if I'm aiming high, I've always fancied the Guggenheim! I studied it in Art History years ago and the building itself is amazing. I've never been there but I fancy a trip to New York, and it would be an amazing place to have my work.

Any other relevant information?
I am looking forward to a couple of exciting shows that I'm involved in the next few months...
'WUNDERKAMMER: memories of a forgotten past', Small group show with The Bo-lee Gallery @The Octagon Chapel, Bath (September 2011).
'WILD LIFE', Selected Group show with Stolen Space Gallery, Brick Lane, London (December 2011)

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Friday 9 September 2011

Featured Artist - Rebecca Westguard

Rebecca Westguard produces figurative paintings and drawings. She finds the simple difference in appearance from one human to another captivating and a subject which she endeavours to portray in her current long term painting series of male and female sitters. Rebecca will be showing her work at the Brighton Art Fair.


Where did you train? What did training teach you and what do you wish it had taught you?
Gray's School of Art in Aberdeen which is part of the Robert Gordon University. Training taught me appreciation, patience, anatomy! good friendships and a wondeful overall creative lesson and; experience. If anything, I wish it had taught me confidence at an earlier stage.

When and where did you first want to do what you do?
By the later years of primary school, I became aware that drawing was the most notable thing I could do. I remember a visiting art teacher, she came every week to the village school, and after asking me to bring in something I'd like to work from, she took me to one side, by the classroom window, to paint a china clown in watercolours. She had stretched paper on a board and did an example of the face on the corner of the page, which I was most impressed with. I was pleased with the result and saved it to give to my Dad. I also received subtle encouragement from my Nan who I didn't see very often but on noting my interest, encouraged my practice.

One favourite living artist?
Lucian Freud - when your traditionally figurative, you find yourself with limited fellow artists to emulate in discipline. Freud is simply looking to the top. (I wrote this days ago and hadn't got round to sending it. Having only just found out he's passed away, I'm truly saddened.


One favourite historical artist?
Can I have two? - Helen Chadwick - I admire the speculative approach she had, her drive and passion. Joan Eardley - deserving of far greater recognition, Eardley inspires me in a North East Scotland kind of way! I admire a number of female artist that have carved a niche for themselves and made their mark.

Where do you get most of your inspiration from?
The human form captivates me to no end.


What is the most interesting / fun job you have had?
With out a doubt, my current job; working at Hospitalfield House in Arbroath. It's the most inspirational, wonderous, exciting, challenging and fullfilling place I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing. I also love teaching drawing at Gray's School of Art.

Have you had any interesting work related collaborations?
Nothing specific comes to mind, but my residential stays at Hospitalfield House in Arbroath (Scotlands first art school) have involved working along side and building some wonderful relationships with a variety of very interesting artists.

At age 16 who most influenced your style?
A combination of influential artists and family. Both my Great Grandfather on my mothers side and my Grandmother on my fathers side were/are talented and able to draw with admirable analytical detail.

Last book / film that blew your mind?
La Vie en Rose - it's flawless

What music are you currently listening to?
All sorts, Joni Mitchell, Ocean Colour Scene, Coldplay, Ray Lamontagne, Van Morisson


Who would you say buys your work?
People who fall in love with the thought and the moment.

Where and what is your studio?
I'm currently working for the summer in the Patrick Allan-Fraser Master Studio at Hospitalfield. It's a truly beautiful studio.

Do you have a good work/life balance?
Yes. It varies throughout the year and for the last two years I have been very satisfied. Everything I do is about what I love, I couldn't ask more than that.

What one word would describe your feeling of doing your work?
Intimate

If you could be doing anything else what would it be?
Flying and I'd be a bird! or maybe a bat, I've helped 17 this week who have flown the wrong way and got trapped. Common Pipistrelle's - they are very cute.

If you could exhibit in any gallery in the world which would it be?
One highly recommended by Freud.

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Thursday 8 September 2011

Nature Matters Exhibition - Ditchling

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Monday 5 September 2011

Featured Artist - Delia Tournay-Godfrey


Delia Tournay-Godfrey is a British figurative painter. She paints in oils as she love their painterly qualities and the diverse colour range achieved with a limited palette.  

Where did you train? What did training teach you and what do you wish it had taught you?
I did my degree in Art & Design as a mature student at Suffolk College (UEA). It was a modular degree offering a diverse range of subjects to study; Applied Arts, Illustration, Graphic Design, Photography, a bit of everything really. I wanted to study Fine Art and Painting in particular, so I made a general nuisance of myself and along with three other like minded students we started a Painting module. Luckily we had the wonderful Ken Back as our tutor, he had trained at the Royal Academy Schools and knew everything there was to know about painting. His real skill was in helping his students find their own direction. Half way through my degree Ken left for personal reasons. I was completely lost but struggled on. In retrospect my degree was a fantastic experience, preparing me for the world of work as a professional artist. After I graduated I continued my study with Ken, visiting him once a fortnight for six years for an individual tutorial until he sadly died. We would talk for hours about painting and the history of art and he would look at and crit my work. So when I am asked where did I train I always say with Ken Back. I owe him a great debt.

When and where did you first want to do what you do?
When I was a small child as I was happiest whilst drawing, painting or making things. However I really knew when I was at home with two small daughters and a couple of part time jobs feeling I just had to go back to college and study Art!

One favourite living artist?
There are a few, but I recently discovered the figurative painter Saied Dai, his work embodies all that I respond to in a great painting; it's firmly rooted in drawing and beautifully composed with an underlying abstract design, his use of colour and tone is stunning and the paintings have the most interesting surface texture and application of paint. Very atmospheric and moody, yummy really!


One favourite historical artist?
There are lots, but I will say Piero Della Francesca, for much the same reasons as the last question. His work is a mixture of reality and abstraction, full of glowing colours and a spiritual light; they are calm, contemplative and monumental. Also because my interest in him has taken me to the most amazing places in northern Italy in search of his work.

Where do you get most of your inspiration from?
Firstly, out on location in the landscape as I like to work directly from the subject. I paint figures in the landscape and there are always people walking or sitting around that catch my eye. My paintings aren't invented, they are out there, It's just finding them and translating them into my painterly language. Aldeburgh is a favourite place to work in, it's a small seaside town on the Suffolk coast near where I live. The adjacent hamlet of Slaughden with the river on one side and the sea on the other, and a huge cathedral like sky that continuously changes in all weathers, is heaven for me.
Secondly, I am always visiting galleries and exhibitions, looking at paintings 'in the flesh', finding out what it is I respond to in other artists work.


What is the most interesting / fun job you have had?
My husband and I run a small framing business, we started off framing my own work and then found we were framing for lots of artist friends of ours. We then began to frame for a gallery in East Anglia. The gallery deals in international artists and we have framed work by Sandra Blow, Terry Frost, Henry Moore and John Piper etc. Another friend has five Alfred Wallis paintings which were to be exhibited in Japan. He wanted them simply framed, just as if they had been framed when Wallis' work had first started being collected and exhibited. We spent a lovely day doing the research for this job at Kettle's Yard in Cambridge where there is a major collection of Wallis' work.

Have you had any interesting work related collaborations?
Painting is such a solitary activity, so the best work related collaborations are always with the exhibiting part of being a painter. We artists do like to exhibit together, it's lots of hard work but always great fun. I am looking forward to Brighton Art Fair 2011 meeting the other artists and working together with them.


Last book / film that blew your mind?
The book Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates, written in 1956, a novel about ordinary people in a failing marriage, struggling with being human; as relevant to our times now as when it was written. Not 'mind blowing' but beautifully and simply written, very real and moving, sometimes its what a writer (or painter) doesn't say or reveal that makes a work as powerful as it is.
An extraordinary film released in 2010 Never Let Me Go, directed by Mark Romenek and based on Kazuo Ishiguro's 2005 novel of the same name. Eerie, beautiful and well acted, I thought about it for days and weeks afterward.

Who would you say buys your work?
All sorts of people, friends, collectors, often other painters. Interestingly a few of my collectors are architects, they just seem to get it. My work is in numerous galleries and keeps selling which is always a compliment. I don't know who is buying most of the time. The work is simplified, painterly, atmospheric, strong on composition, it's not really about anything in particular but can also be about anything, it's what the viewer brings to it, lots of people seem to respond to it which is nice.


Where and what is your studio?
A variety of studios! My own at the bottom of the garden; here I prepare surfaces, paint frames and larger work is produced from smaller paintings and drawings. I also have access to a studio in a lookout tower high up in the clouds overlooking Aldeburgh beach. It's a great vantage point for observing people relaxing on the beach and the sea wall or walking, sitting and standing beside the sea. I also paint in my car which is my travelling studio offering a variety of places to work whilst keeping me warm, dry and away from prying eyes!

Do you have a good work/life balance?
It's all centred around Art which I love so yes I do.

What one word would describe your feeling of doing your work?
Totally absorbing, sorry that's two words!


If you could be doing anything else what would it be?
Studying for an MA in Art History.

If you could exhibit in any gallery in the world which would it be?
I think in the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche housed in the Palazzo Ducale in Urbino, Italy. It is the most beautiful small palace, perfectly proportioned, unadorned and simply furnished, and contains some amazing works of art including Piero Della Francesca's paintings The Madonna di Senigallia and The Flagellation of Christ. It would be nice to hang my work in one of the rooms near Piero's paintings and have that spiritual link to his time and work, and to feel that not much changes really, we painters are only trying to communicate to other human beings whichever type of painting we do.

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