Tuesday 30 April 2013

"Prints & Pots"

An exhibition of original prints by Walter Hoyle and a selection of ceramics by Denise Hoyle.

Saturday 4th May - Saturday 25th May at the Emma Mason Gallery in Eastbourne.

An exhibition to see if you are down in Sussex in May. All the prints and pottery come directly from the artists’ studio and home. This will be the first time in many years that such a wide selection of Walter Hoyle’s prints have been exhibited The exhibition includes a selection of beautiful pottery made in the 1970s by his wife, Denise.
 


Walter Hoyle (1922-2000) studied at the Royal College of Art where his tutor was Edward Bawden. They became close friends and Walter moved to live near Bawden in Great Bardfield, Essex along with other important artists ofthe day.As well as painting and printmaking, Walter Hoyle designed wallpapers, posters, murals and illustrations for books. He also wrote his own book "To Sicily with Edward Bawden". For many years Walter taught art, first in London at St Martin’s School of Art and Central School of Art and Crafts and later, from 1964 at Cambridge School of Art until he retired. 
 
Denise Hoyle (b.1935) Denise Hoyle was born and grew up in Paris. When working in London as an au pair her English employers, who were keen patrons of the arts, encouraged Denise to see the first exhibition of "Great Bardfield Artists" in 1954. Here, only a few weeks after arriving in England, she met Walter Hoyle who she married a year later. Denise learny about pottery at evening classes and her pots, made during the 1970s are inspired by British pattern and design and by artefacts she saw in the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge. Denise also made collage books for her children, enjoyed painting and was commissioned by the post office to design a number of posters.   All work will be for sale and the exhibition will also be on the web pages at www.emmamason.co.uk


Emma Mason Gallery
3 Cornfield Terrace
Eastbourne
East Sussex  BN21 4NN

Gallery open Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10.00 am ~ 5.00pm (or by appointment).
www.emmamason.co.uk
tel. 01323 727545

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Video - Katharina Klug


Fired Moment from R & A Collaborations on Vimeo.

Lovely Video on the work of ceramicist Katherina Klug by  R & A Collaborations.

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Friday 26 April 2013

Maker of the Week - Debbie McCarty

Debbie McCarty produces one of a kind jewellery pieces inspired by foraging, hand crafted using recycled precious metals and felt/ Debbie will be showing her work at the Palace Art and Craft Fair.


At what age did you know you wanted to become an artist / maker?
I was probably about 5-6 when I told my mum I wanted to be a maker. A maker of what, I don’t think I quite knew at the time. since then I have been devoted to Art and Design and have achieved many qualification in this field. I graduated from the University for the Creative Arts in 2006 with a BA (hons) 3D design metal work and jewellery.

Is being a designer your only job?Being a Jeweller Designer Maker is my only job, and it’s great to be able to work from my home studio as I can fit work around family life and the demands of having a 4 year old boy.

If you could be anything else what would you be?
I would probably like to be, a cake designer and decorator. I have a real passion for designing and decorating cakes and love making friends and family celebration cakes. I’ve been asked to design and make my friend’s wedding cake this year, very exciting.




One favourite living artist / designer?
Lindsey Mann is one of my favour jewellery designers and makers. Her work has a great concept; it’s playful, inventive and technically amazing. I also love basket weaver Lise Bech as she creates beautiful organic baskets using her own grown willow making her craft truly sustainable and solely UK produced which is a concept that interests me greatly.

One favourite historical artist / designer?
I love Scandinavian design and the Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala is one of my favourite post-war designers. His range of work was immense, designing glassware, stoneware, Jewellery, and furniture for mass production, as well as individual sculptures in several media. His knowledge of materials and how they worked together was amazing. His designs were beautiful, simple, contemporary elegant and timeless, a real inspiration. He looked pretty cool too.


 

Who / what has had most influence on your work?
The places I visit have a big influence on my work and I love seeing how places differ in landscape and nature. Living in Finland for a year really made me view nature in a different way as foraging in the local forests became a part of everyday life. It also made me realise just how naturally diverse our own country is.
The college I went to has also influenced my work greatly as it was there I first learnt to felt and took my first jewellery course, it totally sent me on a new path. It also taught me the importance of good sketch book work and even now I really enjoy spending time designing in sketch books. It’s a big part of the creative process. 

What is the most interesting / fun job you have had?I worked for Andy Goldsworthy on his moonlit path at Petworth Park, the work wasn’t that interesting just maintaining the path but it was really exciting being a part of it and being able to meet him as he was one of my favourite artists at the time. I also got my book signed which was great.

What is your most prized item of art / design / craft?
My book signed by Andy Goldsworthy.



What item of design / craft do you covet most?Oh crumbs, I have a list as long as my arm. I would love to own one of Lindsey Mann’s necklaces, Cindy Ashbridge’s beautiful quartz rings and a Grainne Morton vintage flower brooch. I better start saving.

Last book / film that blew your mind?
A French movie called The Science of Sleep staring Gael Garcia Bernal, it’s very surreal. It literally blew my mind.

What are you listening to?
Radio 6 is quite good at the moment.

How many hours do you waste on the internet each day?
I am a total internet addict, I do everything on it, researching, marketing, applying, social networking, shopping, even watching TV, everything. I would happily give up my TV but couldn’t live without my laptop. So as you could probably imagine quite a lot of time wasted on it.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?I have always wanted to live in the West Country either Cornwall or Somerset due to its outstanding natural beauty and this year I feel truly fortunate to be moving to the picturesque village of Winsford which is situated in the Exmoor national park in Somerset.

Where and what is your studio?At the moment my current studio is my shed at the bottom of my garden which just goes to prove that you can create and work in nearly any space. I am soon to move to my new studio which is a converted stable in the little village of Winsford and to be honest I’m really looking forward to having a larger nicer place to work.


Three words that describe your feeling of doing your work?
Excitement, enjoyment and energized

Chips or mash?
Mash as it’s so hard to find a really good fish and chip shop these days. However, I did go to a fantastic fish and chip shop on the isles of Scilly in St Martin. You had to pre book so the owner could go fishing to catch the fish needed for the day, his brother grew the potatoes in a nearby field. Freshly caught fish and freshly dug potatoes, you can’t get much better than that. I highly recommend it.











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Wednesday 24 April 2013

Image of the Day - Elizabeth Jardine

Elizabeth Jardine is a British landscape painter Elizabeth’s work is rooted in nature with a focus on landscape.  Her paintings are frequently unpeopled, meditative, inviting the viewer to drift into the image themselves.

Tangly, 90x80cm, Oil on Canvas, 2012
 Each piece has a tangible starting point, a composition developed from photographs and sketches. Once started, memories, paint, and the activity of painting inform the work.

Making each painting involves a struggle for balance between a still, meditative space, and a place of flickering energy and life.  This gives the working process and the finished pieces themselves both tension and harmony.

Elizabeth Jardine will be exhibiting at the Palace Art and Craft Fair at Fulham Palace 16 - 19 May


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Tuesday 23 April 2013

Image of the Day - Caroline Lingwood

Caroline Lingwood or Boo and the Angel is a artist who creates small scale sculptures from original materials as well as vintage and found objects. All of her pieces are individual and quirky , speaking of a time passed but not forgotten , spiced with a touch of humour ........

Caroline Lingwood (Boo and the Angel) will be exhibiting at the Palace Art and Craft Fair at Fulham Palace 16-19 May 

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Monday 22 April 2013

Image of the Day - Louise Diggle

Louise Diggle is a London based artist who works quickly mostly in pastels on the spot in an effort to capture transient changing light and scenes

Picnic at Chateau Nice 28 x 28cm
Pastel on linen


Louise Diggle will be exhibiting with SURFACE Inspirational Contemporary Art at the Palace Art and Craft Fair at Fulham Palace 16 - 19 May

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Sunday 21 April 2013

Beautiful finds at the Art and Craft Fairs

Looking round my home it occured to me how many beautiful things I and my family have bought over the years visiting the Art Fairs and Craft Fairs in Brighton and London.

Very much looking forward to the art and craft fairs this year, starting with the Palace Art and Craft Fair next month.

Here are some of our purchases! There are not many purchases of pictures as we work with pictures in our day job, so seem to be drawn to other made things, especially ceramics, which we love.
 
First though is my Shaker box, full of my bits and pieces, which sits on my desk. Bought at the last Made Craft Fair in Brighton. www.marcovitchshakerbox.co.uk













and also by my desk is our 2013 hand made limited editon letter press calender by Clare Somerville-Perkins at www.asintended.co.uk

  

I was given this as a present, bought at the Brighton Art Fair, a hand made ceramic of the pulpit at Berwick Church which is near us in East Sussex. Made by www.davidrhysjones.com 

 
and a very special doll which is one of a small number made by Sarah Young. Each is unique and I think our Bird Lady was one of the first Sarah made. Bird Lady stands in her box on the wall of our living room, and occassionally comes out of her box on special occasions!

 
and a favourite which we bought several years ago at Brighton Art Fair; one of Sophie Woodrow's fascinating, strange porcelain creatures. Sophie has gone on since to become a highly collected artist and ceramicist.  www.sophiewoodrow.co.uk
 
 
Always a taking point is our selection of seven delicate porcelain ceramics bought in the first year that Myung Nam An exhibited her work, shortly after finishing at art college.       
 
 
Be interesting to see what others have bought after visiting the fairs. The truth is that there are too many beautiful and unique things at the fairs. They are a great way of seeing a wide variety of work and supporting the many gifted artists and makers who exhibit. I also have some lovely jewellery from the fairs - subject for another blog posting!
 
 
 

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Maker of the Week - James Price


James Price is a designer and maker of contemporary forged metalwork. He will be exhibiting at the Palace Art and Craft Fair.

At what age did you know you wanted to become a maker?  About 16 or 17, drew lots and had a great time, I also worked in Switzerland for a while

Is being a designer your only job?Nope this is my life's work

If you could be anything else what would you be? Gardener, carpenter, heir
 


One favourite living artist / designer?

Richard Sera, the monumental scale

One favourite historical artist / designer?

Gaudi, his expressive use of ironwork

Who / what has had most influence on your work? The process and my material

What is the most interesting / fun job you have had?
This is it, for the sheer variety of creative challenges



What is your most prized item of art / design / craft? Nice vintage Italian espresso maker, makes a fantastic macchiato

What item of design / craft do you covet most?A spectacular forged metal lock and key, probably 3-400 yrs old

Last book / film that blew your mind?Django Unchained

What are you listening to? At the moment 6 Music

How many hours do you waste on the internet each day? More than I should, especially now I have got into Twitter

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why? Somewhere Nordic, I like a nice jumper


Where and what is your studio?A forge down a long windy lane near Lewes. I have a showroom as well where I tend to make a lot of noise.

Three words that describe your feeling of doing your work? Satisfaction, enjoyment and occasional exhaustion

Chips or mash?
Chips every time.


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Image of the Day - Simon Yates

Simon Yates is a woodworker and designer building modern sculptural furniture with an organic tactile feel.

Simon Yates will be exhibiting at the Palace Art and Craft Fair at Fulham Palace 16-19 May

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Saturday 20 April 2013

Image of the Day - Millie McCallum

Millie McCallum paints, draws, and makes striking and flamboyant linocuts.

She'll be exhibiting her printed work at the Palace Art and Craft Fair at Fulham Palace 16-19 May

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Friday 19 April 2013

Artist of the Week - Millie McCallum

Millie McCallum produces striking, flamboyant linocuts, screen prints and paintings. She will be showing her work at the Palace Art and Craft Fair. 

At what age did you know you wanted to become an artist?When I was about 15 I think. I had a great art teacher called Mr Baby. Apart from always painting and drawing on my bedroom walls/bikes/desks/arms I did a foundation course at Chelsea School or Art and Design and studied Fine Art at Newcastle University. Now I take courses, mostly in printing.  


Is being an artist your only job? 
I gave up working part time in an art shop recently to be a full time artist.  

If you could be anything else what would you be? 
I wanted to be a set designer and I still hope to be a surface designer otherwise I’d like to be a midwife!  


One favourite living artist / designer? 
She’s my friend but the artist; The Gurley (aka Kyra) is amazing. She’s the hardest working artist I know and an eternal optimist, very inspiring.   


One favourite historical artist / designer?
Josef Frank’s designs are pretty wonderful. They are still being produced. I’d have a house full of his wallpaper if I could.


Who / what has had most influence on your work? 
I think I’ve learnt most about printing from Edward Bawden. I love design and pattern and his work, apart from showing someone who loved drawing and experimenting, incorporates technical brilliance with eccentric, folksy imagery that inspires me.  I always draw and take photographs from museum specimens so the idea of museum display (drawers full of iridescent insects laid out like a pattern for instance) affects me. Tribal patterns, face paint, carpets, Islamic tiles, murals, origami, Audubon. Birds are a constant fascination and the distinction between art and decoration is always on my mind.  

What is the most interesting / fun job you have had? 
Driving over a six foot gorilla print to see what happens is brilliant. Being allowed into the vaults of a taxidermy museum and finding pre-stuffed, folded flamingos in drawers. It’s not so much the jobs that are fun as the messing around everyday seeing what works.   
 
What is your most prized item of art / design / craft?  
At a car boot sale I found some really interesting prints and drawings, part of someone’s degree show project from 1968. It was raining and I panic bought but I got some amazing experimental screen prints, all part of a sketchbook. I had a couple framed and every time I pass them I think how cool they are and that I got such a bargain. Also it validates my constant traipsing round car boot sales!  


What item of art / design do you covet most? 
I would like a Anna-Wili Highfield paper sculpture. They are so delicate and beautiful. I love the owls particularly.  

Last book / film that blew your mind? 
I really loved the film, ‘A Royal Affair’  

What are you listening to?  
I listen to Desert Island Discs or podcasts.  

How many hours do you waste on the internet each day? 
I spend far too much time on the Internet. I shouldn’t take my computer to the studio.  

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? 
I think I might need a few houses. I’d spend summer here. I live in London now but perhaps I’d have a cottage on the south coast with a big sheltered garden and a conservatory / greenhouse-type studio.  In the winter I’d go to somewhere like Vietnam where the food is amazing and it’s hot. I’d have an apartment in the city and have a beach hut. From there I’d take regular trips around South East Asia, India and Sri Lanka on research trips. Having said all that I am from Yorkshire so I might need a little place up there when I felt home sick!   



Where and what is your studio? 
I share a studio in South West London with a designer friend. It’s an ex pizza delivery company’s kitchen.  

Three words that describe your feeling of doing your work? 
Exciting, fulfilling and infuriating. 

Chips or mash?  
Chips.

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Image of the Day - Terry Macey & Angelika Elsebach

Terry Macey and Angelika Elsebach's clothes are unique, born out of two people's passion for beautiful natural fabrics, a love of traditional and period costume and a desire to create clothing for women not led by fashionable trend.


Their clothes are made using beautiful natural fabrics in their Somerset workshop, where they work closely with a small team of local seamstresses, and pattern cutters.

Terry Macey and Angelila Elsebach will be exhibiting their clothes at the Palace Art and Craft Fair at Fulham Palace 16-19 May

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Thursday 18 April 2013

Image of the Day - Angela Summerfield

Stages of Life Spring The Avenue of Cherry Trees, oil on canvas, 63 x 73cm
Artist and art historian Angela Summerfield will be exhibiting her 'Landscapes of Wonder' at  the Palace Art and Craft Fair at Fulham Palace 16-19 May

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Wednesday 17 April 2013

Image of the day - Consuelo Radclyffe

Brazilian artist Consuelo Radclyffe sculpts figures and scenes.

She says "Childhood memories are my main inspiration.These figures are often described as dark, joyful and weird. Carefully crafted identities which give my work depth, poignancy and glee. My sculptures are made from clay, wire, and clothes designed uniquely for them. Also I often bring found objects to complement the sets.These childish figures with their often mutinous expressions, tell clear stories of the profound childhood. Their imaginary friends are a constant presence. Moments of play mixed with cravings for a sense of ownership and belonging and of the pain of experiencing rejections, exclusions and rivalries. They are arresting characters, with strong, faces, inviting the viewers to a journey of their own."

Consuelo Radclyffe will be exhibiting her ceramic sculptures at Palace Art and Craft Fair at Fulham Palace 16 -19 May

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Monday 15 April 2013

Image of the Day - Terry Whybrow

Terry Whybrow lives and works in the heart of St Ives, Cornwall. Influenced by the abstraction of the postwar St Ives painters he has made the journey towards a more representive art although with a very strong design and sense of form.

Painting 44 by Terry Whybrow. 23cm x 25cm, oil on cotton on board
Terry Whybrow will be exhibiting with 'Eleven and a half' Gallery representing contemporary Cornish Artists at the Palace Art and Craft Fair 16 - 20 May at Fulham Palace.

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Artist of the Week - Simon Tozer

Simon Tozer produces comical but also slightly tragic screen prints of animals. He will be showing his work at the Palace Art and Craft Fair.


At what age did you know you wanted to become an artist?  
I was 12 or 13.  I did a lot of drawing.

Is being a an artist your only job?

As l am a printmaker I sometimes print other peoples things for them.  I teach and run screen print workshops.

If you could be anything else what would you be? A musician.


One favourite living artist / designer?

Grayson Perry, for his pots, and his ideas.  And his sense of humour.

One favourite historical artist / designer?

The painter Peter Brueghel.  I like his dark northern European sensibility.

Who / what has had most influence on your work? My childhood.

What is the most interesting / fun job you have had?

Painting a mural in Nairobi General Hospital.  Going to Africa was unforgettable.


What is your most prized item of art / design / craft? The alphabet mug designed by Eric Ravilious for Wedgewood.  The drawings are beautiful.

What item of design / craft do you covet most?
Maybe a purpose built studio by the sea.

Last book / film that blew your mind? The Black Spider by Jeremias Gotthelf

What are you listening to?
Lambchop

How many hours do you waste on the internet each day?
Possibly any time spent on the internet is wasted. I spend too long on it.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
Japan maybe or India, somewhere culturally different with nice food.



Where and what is your studio? Centrespace in Bristol.  It's a co-operative of makers of all kinds of things.  I share my studio with another screen printer/illustrator.

Three words that describe your feeling of doing your work?
Argh!   Grrr...  Hmm?

Chips or mash?
Chips surely.

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Sunday 14 April 2013

Image of the Day - Oliver Meller

Pennine based Sculptor Oliver Mellor uses his traditional grounding in the techniques and skills of stonecarving to produce stylised but expressive animal and human forms.

Oliver Mellor will be exhibiting at the Palace Art and Craft Fair 16-20 May at Fulham Palace

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Maker of the Week - Rosy Tydeman

Rosy Tydeman is a textile artist who captures the surprises and reminders of everyday extraordinariness and the delight of being alive.

At what age did you know you wanted to become an artist / maker? 

I have been making things since I was a little girl (I even cut up my father's pyjamas when I was 3 because they had a lovely paisley pattern!! ) My training has been sporadic around giving birth to three children - but in brief I have been a shoemaker, gauntlet maker for theatres, as well as a textile artist.


Is being a designer your only job?
I also work in a designer clothes shop - the colours and glamour inspire me!

If you could be anything else what would you be?

A jazz singer - a really sexy husky one singing in smoky bars wearing dark red velvet dresses

One favourite living artist / designer?

Heston Blumenthal - yes I think he IS an artist! - I love the way he pushes his materials to impossible lengths and how he refuses to stop until he's really got the results he was dreaming of.

One favourite historical artist / designer?

Well it has to be Frieda Kahlo for her integrity, intimacy with her audience, her strength and defiant attitude to all that happened to her. And because she was an incredible painter... but there are so many more I wanted to choose.


Who / what has had most influence on your work? Being in love, walking on wild cliffs with seagulls, having a family, strong colours, Chagall, Gauguin, Klimt, Russell Hoban and lots of creative friends

What is the most interesting / fun job you have had?

Being a textile artist is the most exciting job ever! But equal to that is being a mother!


What is your most prized item of art / design / craft? I LOVE my small collection of art work by local Devon and Cornwall artists and by my own children - things made by people I know are highly precious to me - and I'm lucky to know some pretty talented people!

What item of design / craft do you covet most?

Ooooh at the moment I'd like to own a big flower painting by an artist in Cornwall called Penny Macbeth - I saw it in an exhibition in Falmouth and fell immediately in love! There is also a wonderful lady living near me called Sylvette Davide/Lydia Corbett whose works always enthral me - she was Picasso's muse in her late teens/early twenties and he made about 40 pieces about her I believe. She's an amazing lady and her art work is wonderful.

 Last book / film that blew your mind?
Life of Pi - wow!

What are you listening to?

Gypsy music - mainly eastern European

How many hours do you waste on the internet each day?

At least one! But I'm quite disciplined about it because I don't like it much - it's SO useful though and I especially love Skyping my six-month-old grand-daughter who's in Australia for two months - then it comes into its own as a wonderful invention!!

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?

Mexico or Africa for the colours and the light

Where and what is your studio?

My studio is in a fantastic centre for disabled adults - it is a place that enriches their lives with art, music, animals and beautiful grounds and a café called Hannah's at Seale Hayne in Devon.



Three words that describe your feeling of doing your work?
Excited, contented & in-my-own-little-world (does that count as one word?)

Chips or mash?

Chips









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Saturday 13 April 2013

Image of the Day - András Berkes

András Berkes: Bird king, oil on canvas, 95 x 65cm
Hungarian Artist András Berkes will be exhibiting his vibrant paintings full of symbolism and energy with Atelier Gallery at the Palace Art and Craft Fair in May.

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Friday 12 April 2013

Image of the Day - James Price


James Price is a Sussex based blacksmith who combines original contemporary design with ancient blacksmith techniques, working to commission forging high quality bespoke metalwork.
James Price will be exhibiting at the Palace Art and Craft Fair in 16-20 May.

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Thursday 11 April 2013

Image of the Day - Signe Zusevica

Signe Zusevica is a landscape painter who work has characteristic strong colours and bold brush strokes.

Signe will be exhibiting at the Palace Art and Craft Fair with Signet Contemporary Art 16-19 May.

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Wednesday 10 April 2013

Image of the Day - Liz WIllis

 Liz Willis is a jeweller inspired by the colours, contours and textures seen in the environments around her. She uses gold and silver wire and hand stitched silk threads to represent different aspects of the landscapes that she passes through.


Liz Willis will be exhibiting at the Palace Art and Craft Fair 16 - 19 May at Fulham Palace

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Tuesday 9 April 2013

Image of the day - John Whitfield (Renée Pfister Consultancy)

John Whitfield is a successful commercial photographer. Recently he's been pursuing personal projects. His latest project "Beached" was born from his fascination with the Thames estuary.

John Whitfield, Fleetwood, 2010, photograph, limited edition 1/30, 40 x 60 cm
"I would explore the creeks and saltflats looking for likely landscapes to photograph. Occasionally I would  stumble across an abandoned ship's hull,stripped of its planking with only its ribs remaining. I had found my subject. They epitomized the wild, otherworldliness that attracted me to these areas. Object, sky and land became one and I began to search them out. "

John Whitfield will be exhibiting his 'Beached' photographs  at the Palace Art and Craft Fair 16-20th May with Renée Pfister Consultancy

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Monday 8 April 2013

Image of the Day - Melissa Simpson

Melissa Simpson is a maker of functional leather handbags, briefcases and accessories designed and made with a touch of colour.


Melissa gains inspiration from everything around her, ranging from insects to architectural details, magazines to museums.

Ideas form in her head which eventually translates into a 3D model prototype. At this stage, she can see clearly if any tweaking is needed. Once adjustments are made to the patterns, she makes the real thing in leather and uses the bag for a couple of months to see if anything needs to be changed before launching it to the public.

Melissa has always loved working with colour and this shows very strongly in her work, Her subtle use of colour allows the person to carry the colours without screaming colour.

Melissa Simpson will be exhibiting at the Palace Art and Craft Fair 16 -20th May

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