Jennie Ing - Image of the Day

 

St Paul's Cathedral from Ludgate Hill, a linocut print in an edition of 45.  

The image measures 33cm x 23cm.  

"I consider it ones that I'm most proud of. I was pleased with how it turned out, you're never quite sure through the print process and it's got three main London icons: St Paul's, a bus and a cab!"

Jennie Ing is exhibiting at Brighton Art Fair in September

www.jennieingart.co.uk

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Contemporary Craft Festival - Bovey Tracey Starts Friday

The Contemporary Craft Festival starts this Friday at Mill Marsh Park, Bovey Tracey, Devon.
It is a highlight of the summer and one of the best craft shows in the country, getting bigger and better every year. If you haven't been yet get down there this weekend! The weather's not good enough for the beach but will be ideal for spending time in marquees looking at the work of 200 makers.

Helen Brice

Set in idyllic surrounding at the edge of Dartmoor, The Contemporary Craft Festival is brimming with opportunities to meet and buy work directly from nearly 200 of your favourite or newly-found maker.  Craftspeople from cross Devon and the whole of the UK get together for a celebration of craft and making.

Gareth Neal

One Year On, a brand new feature, is the Contemporary Craft Festival's chance to showcase emerging makers and give these young businesses some support in their early years. Just 20 businesses have been hand picked to be part of this new, exciting development.

Kirsty Elson

The Contemporary Craft Festival will be hosting The Great Windsor Chair Race, a collective of some the UK’s most exciting, award winning furniture designers getting back to basics making Windsor Chairs, featuring Gareth Neal, Chris Eckersley, Carl Clerkin and William Warren. Who can make the most chairs over the weekend? It's a test of speed and skill as only the best will win!


Sally Ann Provan

The Blacksmithing Guild will be at Bovey Tracey for the first time. Completing the line up of Champions of Craft will be demonstrations of ceramics, glass blowing, stone carving, weaving, knitting, spoon carving, blacksmithing, furniture making & calligraphy.

May Selway

The Children’s Craft Tent is inspired by the textile collection at The Royal Albert Museum in Exeter. Children will learn to weave, print, knit & paint on cloth complimented by a variety of workshops for adults.

Emma Purdie

Suet Yi

For full details and how to book a workshop go to  www.craftsatboveytracey.co.uk or phone 01626830612 craftfair@craftsatboveytracey.co.uk

The Contemporary Craft Festival, Mill Marsh Park, Bovey Tracey, Devon, UK
15-17 June 2012
Open 10am-5pm daily
Adult daily ticket £7, concession £6
Adult weekend ticket £12, concessions £10, Accompanied Under 14s FREE

John Luff

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Jake Phipps - Image of the Day

 

Jake Phipps Large sculptural mirror inspired by the reflective qualities of precision cut diamonds.

Jake Phipps will be exhibiting at MADE LONDON in October. 

www.jakephipps.com/

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Yu Ping Lin - Image of the Day

We're starting a new series today which will run everyday until the end of November - IMAGE OF THE DAY. One fantastic image from one fantastic artist or maker exhibiting at one of our fairs - Brighton Art Fair, MADELONDON and MADE12 BRIGHTON - every day.

We're starting the series off with Yu Ping Lin who creates structured origami based jewellery out of fabric, silver and paper. Beautiful and original.

 

"Yu-Ping’s work is process-based and structurally complex. She is never without a sketchbook where her ideas evolve so she is constantly drawing with brush strokes. The inks sometimes bleed into the Chinese rice paper and at other times they develop into more in-depth ideas and detailed images. She also practices paper cutting/folding where the ideas of 3D structures originate.

“I do not set out to be a jewellery or fashion designer but as my portfolio developed and I became interested in both elements and aesthetics.”

Her work focuses on the notion of Origami and Chinese paper art, architectural structures, interaction and seduction of pattern; the original pleasure captured by the structure of organisms inherent in nature."

 
Yu Ping Lin will be exhibiting at Bovey Tracey this weekend and MADELONDON in October
http://yuxiart.com/

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Artist of the Week - Alexander Johnson

Alexander Johnson produces abstract distillations from the figurative world, limited edition silkscreens and vibrant oils on canvas.

Where did you train? What did training teach you and what do you wish it had taught you?
I trained in Worthing at what was then West Sussex College of Design for two years on foundation then went to Cardiff Art College to do my degree. In retrospect the most important things I learnt were all practical, how to make and stretch a canvas, how to make etchings, lithographs and most importantly silkscreen printing. What I wish it had taught me was how to market my finished work - we had one mornings 'talk' towards the end of the three years from a visiting lecturer talking about how to put a portfoilio together, approach galleries, what to say etc. It was pitiful! I have spent the last 30 years gradually learning what could have been taught me over those three years, at times it's been a real struggle.

One favourite living artist?
Ai Wei Wei. For his Bravery, ambition, vision and imagination.

One favourite historical artist?

Obvious as it is, I would have to say Picasso. As a boy of 12 on holiday in the South of France, it was a Picasso sculpture of a bulls head (made from a bicycle saddle and handlebars) that first captured my imagination and made me decide there and then that I wanted to be an artist. He was the first art superstar - before Warhol was even born. Apart from his artistic genius he was also a formidable businessman which is an unusual combination. Whenever I see a piece of work by him that I'm not familiar with, it still gives me a thrill.

If you could collaborate with anyone living or dead, who would it be and what would you do?

I am soon to begin a collabaration with Fraser Taylor, a Scottish artist who lives and works in Chicago. He approached me suggesting we make some work together and I was thrilled as I love his work. The prospect is exciting and daunting at the same time, but I'm really looking forward to it.

At age 16 who most influenced your style?
At 16 I was probably most influenced by punk LP covers by Barney Bubbles (who worked for Elvis Costello and the Damned amongst others), Caroline Coon who designed the Clash's forst LP (which I still adore) and obviously Jamie Reid. It is impossible to explain now, out of its social context, how utterly stunning and 'new' a cover like the one for the Pistols first LP was.

Last book / film that blew your mind?

The last book I read that I loved was Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver, written from the perspective of a young man working for Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera covering the time that Trotsky came to stay and was murdered. He ends up living in McCarthy-era USA. The ambition and attention to detail of the book is astonishing, I don't know how these writers do it. I also love William Boyd. I haven't seen a film that really blew me away for years, but I enjoyed Steve McQueens 'Shame' - tho it was a bit depressing!

What music are you currently listening to?
Mark Stewart's new one, Orbital, Bon Iver, Mogwai, Joy Division (having seen the spectacular performance 'Live-Transmission' at the Dome by the Heritage Orchestra and Scanner commissioned for Brighton Festival). Also some jazz; Sonny Rollins and John Coltane, Miles Ahead by Miles Davis is always amazing. I collect vinyl records so whatever I find in the charity shops of George Street for 99p!

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

I don't really waste time on the internet, but I spend a lot of time tweaking my website, researching potential new galleries and emailing clients etc. I restrict myself to 2-hour sessions a day. Sometimes I browse for vinyl records on E-Bay in the evenings.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
I love the UK now, I have lived in Barcelona and in Holland and was away for five years, but I missed the people, especially their humour. It would be nice to live somewhere that gets really hot, I loved the uninhabited areas of Lanzarote when i visited a few years ago, there was a little town called Haria, it would be nice to have a studio there over the winter months.

Do you have a good work/life balance?
My work is my life really, I work pretty much every day, I don't really need to relax that much (or know how to) - I am quite happy the way things are and feel very lucky to have the life I have and be able to live and work as an artist, as was my dream when I was younger.

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

Concentration.

What would your dream commission be?

I'd love to design abstract stained glass windows for a massive new cathedral. I went to the Modernist cathedral in Rio when I was in Brazil a few years ago, it was overwhelming.

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

Anywhere in Cork Street or New York - I'm doing the Parallax Art Fair in Chelsea, New York in August so I'm getting closer to where I want to be!

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Coldplay at the Emirates Stadium 04.06.12

I'm not one for big gigs. The smaller, the more intimate, the better. The upstairs room of a pub is probably my most favourite venue. So booking tickets for Coldplay, who don't do small, at the vast Emirates Stadium seemed quite scary and alien for me.

I love Coldplay, but know many who don't. They are, I think, the band who people feel they should dislike. Too middle of the road, too precious, too perfect, too Gwyneth! But the truth is they have written so many incredible and diverse pop songs; Fix You, Amsterdam, Everything's not Lost and the more recent Every Teardrop is a Waterfall, just to name a few.

We, and thousands of others, arrive at the Emirates to organised and polite queues, waiting at each entry gate. On entry, we are give a Xyloband, and there on the huge stage, watched over by 5 five vast circular screens - we are given the following instructions. Loosen wristband, place on wrist, tighten wristband, enjoy the show.

We sit through a very poor five song set by Rita Ora and then a very bizarre but entertaining set by Robyn.

Finally at 8.50pm Coldplay burst on to the stage with Hurts Like Heaven. Accompanied by the deafenening cheers of 50,000 people, fireworks, flouresent paper cut confetti - MASSES of it raning down - and our activated wrist bands flashing like crazy! It was spellbinding, exhilirating, mesmerising and most of all laugh inducing! Chris Martin is a ball of energy. His quips, his pacing, dancing, running, playing, cajoling, all whipping us into a frenzy of adoration. An hour and a half later, he's still going strong. Playing a small set at the back of the stadium accompanied by Simon Pegg on harmonica which left Chris Martin giggling uncontrollably into his mike.

Every Coldplay song is sung at full belt by the crowd. The impact this has on the band is palpable, and of course makes them want to perform even more, even better.

The gig finished with a stomping rendition of Every Teardrop.  More fireworks, more flashing wristbands like fireflies dashing around the arena, and an exhausted, super sweaty Chris Martin kissing the stage.

Really an incredible night that brought on two hours of non stop smiling, singing and awe and led my daughter to say 'That is the best thing I have ever done'. Even if you're a non believer, I'd urge you to see Coldplay live. They are amazing musicians, and certainly know how to do 'the greatest show on earth'.

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Artist of the Week - Kym Haverson

Kym Haverson is a British abstract painter based in London.  By laying her canvasses on the floor, Kym layers water and various mediums of paint on top of each other, dispersing them across the canvas, allowing them to fight each other for space, while permitting layers of spray paint to settle on top of others in precise detail.

Kym was a semi-finalist in the Saatchi Showdown Competition, 2012 and will be exhibiting at the Barcelona showcase at Casa Batlló on the 14th July, 2012.

Where did you train?
Leeds Metropolitan University

What did training teach you and what do you wish it had taught you?

It taught me the benefits of experimenting with materials and how to research my chosen subject in-depth but because I studied 3D Design at university I think I have developed a design take on art.  I wished I had learnt about about art history, but there are lots of wonderful books out there.

Is being an artist your only job, or do you have other employment? 
Being an artist is my full time job, however I do a bit of modeling on the side to help pay the bills.

One favourite living artist?
Gerhard Ritcher. I think he is a very unique artist; he has incredible skill with a astounding range of techniques and ideas. Im always mesmerised by his pieces.

One favourite historical artist?
Turner, he influenced my fascination with colour, light an mood. He creates violent yet sublime pictures which just leave me standing in awe. 

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

This one; being an artist!  Before I decided to do art full time, I struggled to hold down a job for longer than 8 months, I would just get bored, or think 'this is not what I want to do, I need try something different.'  

Being an artist allows me to concentrate on the things I am interested in and work at my own pace. I am very disciplined with myself, but to be honest I don’t feel like its work because its doing something I love. I could work from 9am to 11pm, 6 days a week and still feel guilty when I see my friends and they're moaning about how much work they have. 

If you could collaborate with anyone living or dead, who would it be and what would you do?

Tracey Emin, I love how her brain works. Who knows what we would come up with!?

At age 16 who most influenced your style?
Georgia O'keeffe. I loved her use of colour and unique close ups and angles of nature.

Last film that blew your mind?
It would have to be The Divide, directed by Xavier Gens. Its not particularly a nice movie, but the development of seven characters who are trapped in a basement is fascinating whilst also tremendously disturbing. 

What music are you currently listening to?
A friend introduced me to the band Polica and now its on constant repeat on my ipod, especially the song 'Wandering Star.' They are are fairly unknown in the UK but have been receiving lots of success in the States. Definitely one to look out for! 

How many hours do you waste on the internet each day?
Not much, maybe 1 or 2 hours. Daily Mail online is my weakness.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
On a big boat, so I could travel around the world and then finally I would retire in Byron Bay, Australia. 

Where and what is your studio?
A room in my flat in Putney, London.

Do you have a good work/life balance?
Yes I think so, its been a bit of a learning process. If I know I am painting all day I make sure I go out for dinner / drinks in the evening. I also try to have at least one day of the week where I dont talk or think about art but that rarely happens.

What one word would describe your feeling of doing your work?
Adventure. 

 What would your dream commission be?

A huge painting in Kings Cross Station, which may sound a bit odd because its a place where people are normally speed walking towards a train. 

If you could exhibit in any gallery in the world which would it be?
MoMA 

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