Featured Artist - Clair Letton

Clair Letton is a painter and illustrator who lives and works in Brighton. She draws inspiration from the landscape around her, and the places she has visited like France, Spain, Italy, India and Morocco. Some of her paintings are produced using a combination of painting and printmaking techniques.

Where did you train?
Brighton University, I studied Fine Art Printmaking as a mature student.

What did training teach you and what do you wish it had taught you?
It taught me to be self motivated and how to use a printing press. I wish I had realised then, that it would be useful to what I do now, to have access to the painting and illustration courses.

When and where did you first want to do what you do?
I have always made things, and I have always wanted to do something creative for a living. I trained as a chef first and then worked with computers. I got fed up of spending Sundays dreading Monday morning and decided things had to change. In my mid 20s I started working part time in order to do a part time foundation course. I discovered printmaking and loved the process so I went on to do a degree.

One favourite living artist?

Very hard to choose just one, this week I have rediscovered a book I had at university on Marlene Dumas, and I have been particularly admiring her beautiful portraits of women.

One favourite historical artist?

I can't choose one, top four at the moment are; Ingres for his luminous figures, rich pattern, colour and detail. Mark Rothko for those huge, intense fields of colour. Frida Khalo for her colour and pattern. Gustav Klimt for incredible attention to detail and intricate pattern.

Where do you get most of your inspiration from?
All around, stories I read to the children, something I hear or see. Sometimes a particular colour will really capture my imagination and I will start from there.

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

This is definitely the most fun job. I get to spend my day playing with paint and creating my little world on canvas. What could be better?

Have you had any interesting work related collaborations?
Not so far, maybe in the future.


At age 16 who most influenced your style?
Art wise I loved Gustav Klimt, Tamara de Lempicka and anything art deco.
Music, I loved Talk Talk, Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell and The Cure.
Style Icons were Audrey Hepburn and my Gran (she was a very stylish lady)!

Last book / film that blew your mind?
Currently very much enjoying Catlin Morans "How to be a Woman".

What music are you currently listening to?
Adele, Southern Tenant Folk Union, Po Girl and Be Good Tanyas.

Who would you say buys your work?
Hard to say, men and women, old and young!

Where and what is your studio?
My Studio is in New England House in Brighton. It is a large shared space. There are 13 of us in the room of various creative disciplines.

Do you have a good work/life balance?
Yes, I think so, I like to do a bit more work but I have 2 children under 5 so they take priority at the moment.

What one word would describe your feeling of doing your work?
Happy!

If you could be doing anything else what would it be?
I'm very happy doing what Im doing, I would like to do more illustration work.

If you could exhibit in any gallery in the world which would it be?
Somewhere warm and exotic!

Any other relevant information?
We have Open House in May and at Christmas as part of the Brighton Festival. I turn the garden in to a cafe and make around 800 cupcakes during May. At Christmas its mulled wine, mince pies, christmas puds and presents. So, if you're looking for something for yourself, or a lovely gift for someone, come and see us at "The Cake House" this Christmas.

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Featured Artist - Jo Louca

Jo Louca's work concentrates on the elemental power of light, atmosphere and the mood of an area, rather than a figurative representation of it. Frequently the initial inspiration for her paintings comes simply from gazing up at a light filled canopy, the magical effect being almost that of stained glass, a cathedral canopy.

Where did you train? What did training teach you and what do you wish it had taught you?
Farnham, I did my BA Hons in Fine Art there, it taught me to be analytical and work autonomously.

When and where did you first want to do what you do?
Always

One favorite living artist?
Hard one, probably Jenny Saville. I love the colour she uses in flesh and the challenging quality of her work.


One favorite historical artist?
Even harder, I think maybe Rothcko, for the all enveloping mood he creates.

Where do you get most of your inspiration from?
Just looking and really seeing.

What is the most interesting / fun job you have had?
Other than painting, I used to be a dancer (a life time ago).

At age 16 who most influenced your style?
I can only just remember that far back, but I think a lot of the 13th & 14th c religious artists for their clear calm sense of moment.

Last book / film that blew your mind?
Melvin Bragg's, Credo

What music are you currently listening to?
Nitin Sawhney


Who would you say buys your work?
Just people who love it.

Where and what is your studio?
An outbuilding in the garden (such a long commute)

Do you have a good work/life balance?
Very, my work is my life

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

If you could be doing anything else what would it be?
Nothing else

If you could exhibit in any gallery in the world which would it be?
Anywhere large and airy.

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Penfold Press comes to Sussex - an exhibition of prints

Starting this Saturday 23rd July is an exhibition of original prints by printmakers who work with The Penfold Press, a private press based in York.

Penfold Press comes to Sussex!

Saturday 23rd July - Saturday 27th August at the Emma Mason Gallery in Eastbourne

This is the first time that The Penfold Press have had an exhibition in the South East and it is a chance to see work by printmakers Mark Hearld, Emily Sutton, Ed Kluz, Jonny Hannah and Michael Kirkman. Many of the prints relate to a project by Penfold Press to create images of pub signs and all have been printed by hand by Daniel Bugg who owns and runs The Penfold Press.

The exhibition is at the Emma Mason Gallery in Eastbourne and opens on Saturday 23rd July and continues until 27th August. All work will be for sale and can also be seen on the exhibitions pages of the Emma Mason Gallery website from the opening Saturday.

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

tel.01323 727545

http://www.emmamason.co.uk/

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Featured Artist - Mark Allin

Mark Allin uses his love of strong graphic styles added with a desire to twist traditional techniques in his artwork. Mark will be exhibiting at the Brighton Art Fair in September.

Where did you train? What did training teach you and what do you wish it had taught you?
I studied graphic design at Loughborough College of Art & Design and later at Northbrook College, Worthing. I went to college just at the crossover between the teaching of traditional graphics and the onset of computer technology. I'm very grateful to have been at college during this period as it is very useful to understand the mechanicals behind print rather than just a button on the screen. In college I would have liked to study moving image but in my career I ended up running an animation company so I covered that off in the end. Two years ago I managed to get my hands dirty and branch out, so I took a course in screenprinting. I really enjoyed it and now have 24 hour studio access at InkSpot Press in Brighton.

When and where did you first want to do what you do?
I knew from around 12 years that I wanted to do something to do with graphic design. It was always a choice between art or music and I never thought I'd make it as a musician. I have always expanded my artistic side whilst at work but it was not until recently that I launched myself as an artist.

One favourite living artist?
It's difficult to name just one, as there are many great artists out there. I get a lot of inspiration from animation and motion graphics design, so therefore I'd say Universal Everything, run under the wise guidance of Matt Pyke.

One favourite historical artist?

Saul Bass. A major influence for me when I was younger and motivated me to get into graphics and moving image.

Where do you get most of your inspiration from?
Having owned an animation company for many years, animation and post production techniques have always been a major steer in my artistic life. I really like learning new techniques and pushing forward my own skillet.

What is the most interesting / fun job you have had?
Aside from the fun of working once in a playdoh factory, I've really got into working out how to create 3D anaglyph images. It's great to see the reaction of people when they put the glasses on and the images leap out of the frame.

Have you had any interesting work related collaborations?
I did a short film recently with a Brighton based photographer and it's been nominated for several awards which is pretty interesting.

At age 16 who most influenced your style?
Seems like a while ago now… but Saul Bass as mentioned above.

Last book / film that blew your mind?
It's not a very recent film but I say Monsters Inc. Having been around animation for so long, the complications & innovation involved in making this movie for me are mind blowing.

What music are you currently listening to?
U.N.K.L.E. I do have a habit of listening to the same album over and over again whilst I'm working on a particular piece of art. Once the piece is done I don't tend to listen to it again.

Who would you say buys your work?
I originally thought it would be someone similar to me, but I have been proved wrong on many occasions, so the answer is anyone who likes it.

Where and what is your studio?
I'm fortunate enough to have a studio dedicated just for my artwork at home. For screenprinting I'm lucky enough to be a keyholder at InkSpot Press which is a great friendly & creative environment to be in.

Do you have a good work/life balance?
I'm happy with my life. I have great friends and family, make pretty pictures and ride motorbikes. What else do I need?

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

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

If you could exhibit in any gallery in the world which would it be?
The Saatchi gallery would be great one day….

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Featured Artist - Rachel Heavens

Rachel Heavens is an artist and illustrator. She questions the relationship between humans, the universe and the subtle voice of the eternal, and this inspires her imagery and drives her creativity. Rachel will be exhibiting and selling her work at the Brighton Art Fair in September.

Where did you train? What did training teach you and what do you wish it had taught you?
I trained at Wimbledon School of Art. It taught me how to use my creativity in a conceptual way and think outside the box. I wish it had taught me about the world outside and how to be a better business woman!

When and where did you first want to do what you do?
I can remember sitting at my Granny's dining table creating a drawing of a street with people in it when I was about 9 years old and I had to keep adding bits of paper on as I was enjoying drawing so much that didn't want it to end! I knew then that i wanted to draw for the rest of my life!

One favourite living artist?

Aya Kakedo. I recently discovered her illustration and I adore it! I love it because she is expressing her vision so clearly and uniquely and obviously living and breathing her work and living a creative life.

One favourite historical artist?
Cecil Collins. For his time he has created images that are so whimsical and yet deeply spiritual with a strong connection to nature and spirit, a theme that fascinates me

Where do you get most of your inspiration from?
Dreams, stories and my daughter

What is the most interesting / fun job you have had?
Its a job I still do. I work for a research/marketing agency as a creative consumer/consultant and its a great way to stimulate my thinking have fun and be daring with my ideas

Have you had any interesting work related collaborations?
Last year I did a group show with my illustration group in Tunbridge Wells, we all chose a theme and picked one out of a hat then made work based on that theme. The theme was the one I had chosen called "Beyond the Clouds" and it inspired me to create some of my favourite work to date. Oh and a few years back when I was working as a theatre designer I worked on a play with Adam Ant, it was very strange and embarrassing as I really fancied him as a teenager!

At age 16 who most influenced your style?
Pre Raphalite artists, Frida Khalo and Arthur Rackham

Last book / film that blew your mind?
Let the Right One In......amazing film with exquisite and vunerable performances from child actors

What music are you currently listening to?
Ganstarr "Step into the Arena" absolutely classic album!

Who would you say buys your work?
Mainly women buy my work but generally people that remember their childhood and are still able to dream

Where and what is your studio?
At the moment my studio is my dining room table!

Do you have a good work/life balance?
Yes I think I do but I always see room for improvement. I have a beautiful 20 month toddler so at the moment I want to work more but Motherhood takes priority!

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

If you could be doing anything else what would it be?
I would be an independent midwife promoting natural childbirth at home

If you could exhibit in any gallery in the world which would it be?
Tate Modern me thinks!

Any other information?
I recently won a business award with Tomorrows People and 1066 Business Enterprise in Hastings which was a huge achievement and a great acknowledgement of what I have to offer creatively and commercially.

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Alexandra Abraham Jewellery Design

Artist and jewellery designer Alexandra Abraham has launched her Distinctive Collection at Made by Hands of Britain . Alexandra's exciting range of dramatic, embellished and distinctive paintings and jewellery is now available on this online boutique which features some of Britain’s finest artists and craftspeople.

Internationally-renowned artist Alexandra Abraham works from her North London studio where she hand crafts exquisite jewellery and paintings from sustainable recyclable materials that include 16th century glass picked up along the Thames Foreshore, ancient china from the forgotten Victorian rubbish tips of Hampstead Heath, pebbles, antique buttons, and Venetian smalti. Her gilded wooden bangles and brooches are encrusted with found objects she has personally sourced from around the world.


“I’m inspired by the origins of my materials and excited by the physical process of turning the lost and the forgotten into something exquisite, glamorous and even wearable,” says Alexandra. “The sense of history and knowledge that people have handled and used my materials many years ago is extremely important to me, and I like to imagine that something of their spirit becomes invested in my work.”

“My works also have the added dimension of sustainability, a value shared by other Made by Hands of Britain artisans.”

“Alexandra’s jewellery and paintings are wonderful creations to adorn the person and home,” says Gillian Montegrande, founder of Made by Hands of Britain. “I am honoured that she has joined us and pleased that our site will be able to further showcase her works of art and make them more accessible to today’s more thoughtful, discerning and environmentally aware consumers."

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Featured Artist - Keith Gretton

In the 1990s, Keith Gretton started making brightly coloured ceramic heads. Then, these developed into mostly monochrome, more expressionistic sculptures. Keith is still interested in making figurative pieces, but is beginning to experiment with colour again on stoneware paperclay. Keith will be showing his figurative ceramic sculptures and related paintings and drawings at the Brighton Art Fair in September.

Where did you train? What did training teach you and what do you wish it had taught you?
Stafford College of Art. How to look. I regret that just because I did not like the tutor I did not do Sculpture as my main subject.

When and where did you first want to do what you do?
I always wanted to make art from my time in primary school, an early memory is of seeing my picture of an escaped barrage ballon knocking the chimney of a neighbours house. But later in the 1990's I knew that for the rest of my time I wished to explore figurative sculpture.

One favourite living artist?
Mimmo Paladino. I find that the ways in which he mixes figuration and abstraction both complex and exciting.

One favourite historical artist?
William Hogarth. His paintings of people have a life force and are alive while at the same time retain retaining the richness of oil paint.

Where do you get most of your inspiration from?
From the materials I work with which is at present stoneware clay I attempt to make the clay come alive.

What is the most interesting / fun job you have had?
Working with students in their final year when I had a great team of very diverse lecturers.

Have you had any interesting work related collaborations?
For 18 months I worked with a client who wanted a chess set that reflected visual art in all the pieces, for example the Knights were based on the Leonardo fighting horses and the Bishops on Bacon's Screaming Pope.

At age 16 who most influenced your style?
My art teacher who painted like Utrillo and with allowed my to help him paint sets for the regular school plays and operettas.

Last book / film that blew your mind?
With my love of fantasy Frankenstein and Harry Potter.

What music are you currently listening to?
Nyman.

Who would you say buys your work?
My buyers range from children in love with the tiny heads to people with a garden or other space they wish to fill with a work that they have fallen in love with, a number are repeat buyers who have built up a small collection over the years.

Where and what is your studio?
The crowded loft of my home.

Do you have a good work/life balance?
Most of the time.

What one word would describe your feeling of doing your work?
It should get easier but it never does. Sorry not one word.

If you could be doing anything else what would it be?
There is nothing else.

If you could exhibit in any gallery in the world which would it be?
A gallery where unlike at an Art Fair I could display my work with space around.

Any other relevant information?
At 76 I hope to be fit enough to go on working for many years and hope that Sothebys will sell more of my work in the future.

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