Image of the Day - Tim Chadsey

Tim Chadsey is a woodworker producing fine contemporary bespoke furniture designed with elegance, simplicity and function in mind.

Tim Chadsey will be exhibiting at the Palace Art and Craft Fair - Fulham Palace in May

DEADLINE - TONIGHT

The Deadline for applications to BRIGHTON ART FAIR, MADELONDON and MADE BRIGHTON is midnight tonight.

Image of the Day - Melanie Bellis

Melanie Bellis draws and makes atmospheric etchings of landmark buildings in and around London, charting the changes sweeping across the skyline of the capital.

National Theatre

Melanie Bellis will be exhibiting at the Palace Art and Craft Fair in Fulham Palace in May

Artist of the Week - Mary Knowland

Mary Knowland is a painter. She will be exhibiting her work with the Arts-Inc Gallery at the Palace Art and Craft Fair.

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

I was fourteen when I knew I wanted to be something to do with art. I ended up spending a year with Robin Welch in his ceramics studio, then a foundation course followed by two years at Harrow School of Art, as it was then, on their Studio Pottery course. I worked for quite a few years as a potter before taking a textiles course with the Open College of the Arts which took me back to my fine art roots, my father having been a painter. I have been painting and drawing ever since and teaching too.

Is being a an artist your only job? I also spend a small amount of time giving massage, Indian head massage and Reiki. Having done a little anatomy and physiology, I found that very informative with portraying the figure.  

If you could be anything else what would you be?

Don’t think I’ve ever thought of being anything other than someone creative with materials or people.

One favourite living artist?

At the moment, Ffiona Lewis. Love her freedom of paint combined with sense of structure and composition. She seems to feel what she paints.

One favourite historical artist?

Piero della Francesca. I love his beginnings of perspective, his composition and humanity in the work. Although his faces are stylised, maybe that’s a reference to our similarities as people over the centuries. Never been so stunned by a painting as standing in front of his ‘Ressurection’. Very Powerful.

Who / what has had most influence on your work?

Probably Picasso’s cubist phase has had the most influence on my work. The themes of space, position, what we know versus what we see and where we are in the world are recurring themes for me.

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

The combination of things I do now are the most interesting to date!

What is your most prized item of art / design / craft?  

I have an unsigned but authenticated Picasso cubist litho print of a bottle of brandy on a Parisian café table. I love it’s simplicity, and the complexities of viewpoint.

What item of design / craft do you covet most?

A large piece of Robin Welch ceramics.

Last book / film that blew your mind?

The last book that blew my mind was ‘The Help’ and the last film ‘Life of Pi’.

What are you listening to?
Currently been listening to my son, DJ Sloth’s, album ‘A Few Household Chemicals’.

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

I only use the internet for things I need to do or find out. Have no interest in wasting time that I could be using to make work.

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

Have no particular desire to live anywhere else, am very lucky. Wouldn’t mind a warmer climate though!

Where and what is your studio? My studio is in Oxfordshire and was a chicken shed on a working farm. We live and work in these ex farm buildings.

Three words that describe your feeling of doing your work?

Energizing, frustrating, fulfilling

Chips or mash?

Good crispy chips because they’re a treat!

 

Pip Dickens - at Palace art and Craft Fair

Pip Dickens is represented at the Palace Art and Craft Fair in Fulham Palace by Renee Pfister in May.

 
"Pip Dickens is a painter concerned with visual perception, in particular, examining and challenging theories and methodologies of light and movement within the second dimension.

Concepts of illusion and double meaning are recurring themes - The notion that we may receive two contrasting visual (or intellectual) responses to a single stimulant. She is interested in playing with ideas of extremes and visual confusion - a kind of "terrible beauty".

Her painting methodology is determined by the subject matter and often juxtaposes conventional painting techniques with innovative methods to create unusual surfaces, layers and textures. Depth and surface contrasts are particularly important in her work.

Her work draws upon many sources from natural phenomena to the darker elements of phantasmagoria, from opacity to transparency, from rhythms within music to pattern structures in nature, from cinematic devices to literary sources.

Although common themes connect individual investigations, she dispels a singular stylistic approach in preference for innovating and testing new methodologies as a direct response to the subject matter."

Image of the Day - Sarah Burnham

Brighton based jeweller Sarah Burnham works from Rose Hill Workshops. Her work in Silver and gold is inspired by natural forms, pebbles, flowers and seedheads.

Thistledown. Oxidised silver pendant with embossed pattern and drop (length 4500mm)

Sarah Burnham will be exhibiting with Rosehill Workshops at the Palace Art and Craft Fair at Fulham Palace in May.

ARTHOUSE Meath at Palace Art and Craft Fair

We're very pleased that the ARTHOUSE Meath will be exhibiting with us at the Palace Art and Craft Fair this May. Brighton Art Fair has had a close relationship with the ARTHOUSE for many years and they has always been one of the most popular exhibitors at the show.

ARTHOUSE Meath celebrates the artistic talents and skills of adults living with severe epilepsy and learning difficulties.

 ARTHOUSE Meath highly regards the talents of the artists whose work and skills may have previously been considered redundant.

ARTHOUSE Meath is a social enterprise creating artworks and products for sale at exhibition, trade and retail. Sessions, run by professional artists, are held daily Monday to Friday offering placements to people with varying needs and abilities. All contributions are valued and everyone is involved. The work is beautiful and the artists offer something new with a refreshing perspective. All images on work sold are created by adults living with severe epilepsy and learning difficulties.

Arthouse Meath’s main aim is to show what can be and is achieved. Offering purpose to individuals is life changing, especially for those who have been told they can’t or have been made to feel redundant in the past.

By working closely together as a team, ARTHOUSE Meath has a huge sense of pride; artists, staff and volunteers are all involved and all achievements are celebrated. The majority of ARTHOUSE Meath artists experience severe epilepsy. To reduce epileptic seizures for those living with epilepsy, it is important that the brain is occupied, enthused and interested.

This is part of the service provided by ARTHOUSE Meath in a caring, sheltered environment in which the artists develop social skills, work ethics, team participation and technical skills.

Other successes ARTHOUSE Meath celebrates include:
Being the trade stationary supplier for Mary Portas concessions stores in House of Fraser,  BBC London news coverage, selling to Galleries and shops across the country, artists solo show at Pallant House Gallery, being part of Brighton Art Fair, trade shows at Olympia and Earls Court. A new shop and Arts Centre on Godalming High Street.

Image of the Day - Michael Ewart

Self taught artist Michael Ewart was born in Northumberland in 1940. His work is inspired by artists such as Sickert, Coldstream and Pasmore and has a romantic and elegaic feel for place - townscapes and marine scenes.

Michael Ewart, Kippford, Sunset

Michael Ewart is exhibiting at the Palace Art and Craft Fair at Fulham Palace in May with Perlin Contemporary Art

Image of the Day - Peter Archer

Peter Archer is a contemporary wood worker and turner he makes one-off pieces in temperate hardwoods. His vessels and bowls are stained, carved and finely finished using oil and wax.

Carved and stained sycamore bowl 40x8cm

Peter Archer will be exhibiting at the Palace Art and Craft Fair at Fulham Palace in May

Image of the Day - Elizabeth Keeley

Elizabeth Keeley is a painter of still lifes.

Elizabeth will be exhibiting at the Palace Art and Craft Fair at Fulham Palace in May

Image of the Day - Tine Bladbjerg

Tine Bladbjerg is a jewellery designer who produces simple and sculptural pieces in silver, gold and platinum often enhanced by gemstones.

 Tine Bladbjerg will be exhibiting at the Palace Art and Craft Fair at Fulham Palace in May.

Artist of the Week - Duckett & Jeffreys

Duckett & Jeffreys produce work influenced and informed by living in or travelling through the landscape. They will be exhibiting at the Palace Art and Craft Fair. Here Stef Mitchell answers our questions.
 

At what age did you know you wanted to become an artist?
I remember making my first print when I was 9, it was of a yellow tortoise and for the first time I felt a tinge of pride in the success of doing something that for me seemed so right to be doing. I initially trained in music but my first degree was one of the few mixed arts degrees started in the 80s where I was able to train as a classical performer, study electronic composition and make films - a great mix. Postgrad studies at Goldsmiths cemented my love of printmaking and more recently I completed a further degree in Fine Art, gaining a 1st at the grand age of 50. I never want to stop learning.

Is being a an artist your only job?
I am an artist, curator & educator. Along with my husband Ian, we run Duckett and Jeffreys Gallery & the Touring Caravan Gallery, a nomadic gallery based in Yorkshire but prepared to reach wherever the call pulls. With print studios at Sledmere & Staithes I offer a range of printmaking workshops and whilst out and about with the Touring Caravan Gallery give demos and 1 to 1 workshops in the tiny 10ft space. I also take people out walking and teach printmaking on the hoof!

If you could be anything else what would you be? A musician, but the hours are very unsociable

One favourite living artist / designer? Ian Mitchell  (my husband) - he is as mad about art and design as I am and encourages and supports and joins me in a totally uncompromised artistic lifestyle

One favourite historical artist / designer? Prunella Clough - so many reasons as artist & educator - she opened the door to me seeing and responding to the landscape in a way far beyond the picturesque.

Who / what has had most influence on your work? Walking & travelling through the landscape
What is the most interesting / fun job you have had?
Curating and traveling around with the Touring Caravan Gallery. Back in 2010 we bought a tiny 1960s vintage Sprite caravan and converted it into a touring gallery space. Taking it to an array of music festivals and other salubrious spaces the aim was to take art to places not normally reached whilst at the same time promoting our newly established gallery Duckett and Jeffreys. The caravan has been such fun and so well received that we have now made Duckett and Jeffreys totally nomadic. This year we have plans to take the caravan across the Alps using it as a studio along the way.

What is your most prized item of art?
A fantastic 'mouth' painting by Sally Taylor that Ian bought me for my 50th birthday. When we opened Duckett and Jeffreys Sally was our first artist. Her work has gone from strength to strength, her work being repeatedly selected for the Jerwood drawing prize and last year been shown at the Venice Biennale. Sally's work is usually quite small but the painting that adorns my wall is huge - much larger than Sally herself. How it was hidden from me I don't know.

What item of design / craft do you covet most? Gosh this is difficult. A huge influence on my work has been Prunella Clough. Her etching 'Off the Tracks' 1977 is one I would love, in the meantime the closest I can get to it is the Tate.

Last book / film that blew your mind?Book - Helen Mirra - Field Recordings 1 - 3
Film - Le Quattro Volte - Michelangelo Frammartino

What are you listening to?   Kevin Coyne - Marjory Razorblade

How many hours do you waste on the internet each day? I spend a lot of time online but I don't see it as wasteful

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
I live where I choose and love it where I am

Where and what is your studio? Here and there. I have a print studio at home and the base of Duckett and Jeffreys along with a painting studio in an old porto cabin in a paddock. We have recently set up a studio base from a tiny retreat in Staithes  - a place by the sea where we can work and where I can offer print workshops and art residencies along with accommodation. I also have a mobile print set up that I can pack into a rucksack and use when I am out walking or in the Touring Caravan Gallery. Currently I am on a AA2A residency at Hull College and have access to a fantastic print studio.
 

Three words that describe your feeling of doing your work? Walk, mark, make

Chips or mash? Mash

Guglielmo Alfarone - Renee Pfister Art & Gallery Consultancy

A lovely short film of Guglielmo Alfarone at work. Guglielmo will be represented by the Renee Pfister Art & Gallery Consultancy at the Palace Art and Craft Fair, Fulham Palace in May.

Image of the day - Brian Smith

Brian Smith is a painter in watercolour and oils who aims to  capture scenes of townscape and industry from life.

Brian will be exhibiting at the Palace Art and Craft Fair at Fulham Palace in May

Image of the Day - Nicola Steel

Nicola Steel is a glass blower and designer producing unique, hand made blown glass.

Nicola's work is inspired by the theme of concealing and hiding movement within the glass, drawing the viewer to take a closer look inside to see into the work. She is very interested in the relationships between colours and the effect certain groupings can have and this is often present- or hidden- in her work.

Nicola Steel will be exhibiting at the Palace Art and Craft Fair at Fulham Palace in May

Image of the Day - Venetia Norris

Venetia Norris is a London-based artist for whom drawing is the most vivid form of expression. It allows her to explore new ideas and experiment with varying methods of mark-making.

Ink Drawing Delphinium, Pen & Ink, 76 x 56cm

 

Venetia Norris will be exhibiting at the Palace Art and Craft Fair in May

Image of the Day - Clara Breen

"What is it made of? Paper? But… what if it rains?”
The ever-present concern of the British public with the (wet) weather is quite endearing to French jewellery designer-maker Clara Breen. Well, actually, unless you plan on taking a bath with your jewellery, you should be fine. In fact, Clara’s paper and silver rings are totally waterproof.

Clara plays with the notion of the contemporary keepsake by using slices of leaflets, train tickets and maps in her paper and silver jewellery. These papers often carry emotional content, and become a treasured possession. Don’t we all have, tucked away somewhere in our lives, a pile of concert tickets/ travel memorabilia?

The resulting pieces combine silver, paper and 9ct gold details, they are at once graphically-pleasing, quirky and evocative.

Specially-commissioned silver and paper jewellery, containing recycled Tate maps and leaflets can be seen at the gift shop in Tate Modern.

Clara Breen will be exhibiting at the Palace Art and Craft Fair in May

Hong Dam Childhood Exhibition

Artist Hong Dam is holding an exhibition at Ahrend - an upmarket furniture showroom in trendy Clerkenwell, depicting her childhood memories.

During the Vietnam war, Hong's family was forced to flee their home. Hong has now been living in the UK for 35 years, during which time she gained a BA (Hons) Degree in Fine Art Sculpture followed by an MA in 3D Computer Visualisation and Animation before going on to work in the Film and Special Effects industry. 

 

After having two children herself she wanted to document her experiences and stories through art - like a visual dairy. Hong is now a part of Studio 106 and concentrates on her art, mainly digital art which is being shown at this exhibition.  Her work guarantees to take you on a journey into her childhood memories with thought provoking colours that blend between the child and adult.

The exhibition runs from 22 March to 18 April and is open Mon - Fri, 9am -5.30pm
Ahrend, 17 Charterhouse Buildings, Clerkenwell Road, London EC1M 7AP

Image of the Day - Sarah Simpson

London based artist Sarah Simpson works in oils, her still life paintings often feature both ceramic and natural forms. She builds layers of paint, playing with form and colour, creating atmospheric qualities in her work.

Sarah Simpson will be exhibiting at the Palace Art and Craft Fair in May

Spring at Fulham Palace

To the Palace to deliver leaflets and posters for Palace Art and Craft Fair. Had a horrible day mostly driving to and round London in heavy traffic so a break at the Palace was a welcome relief - and their coffee and cake in the Georgian drawing room is pretty good!

Daffs on the front lawn.

 Magnolia ready to burst very soon.

Glad to see the gardeners working hard in the walled garden raking and planting so the gardens will look lovely for the Palace Art and Craft Fair.

New vine-house looking lovely.

Palace Art and Craft Fair 17th-19th May - reduced price advance tickets now for sale
Also tickets for the Private View party on Evening of Thursday 16th May available here (glass of wine and live band)

Image of the Day - Penny Warren

Brighton based jeweller Penny Warren works primarily with anodised aluminium combined with silver.

Pre- anodised sheets of aluminium are dyed freehand and the colours diluted to achieve a watercolour effect giving them more depth and subtlety. When the sheet is dry, it is boiled to seal the colour permanently into the surface.

Once done the sheet is ready to be cut up into jewellery. The pieces are milled to add a texture to the surface, shaped, and the edges are polished. The aluminium is then combined with silver either by riveting or using folding techniques.

All the wires and chains are made from sterling silver.

Penny Warren will be exhibiting at the Palace Art Fair with Rosehill Workshop

Artist of the Week - Lisa Ridgers

Lisa Ridgers paints contemporary, atmospheric landscapes on canvas inspired by infinite horizons and spiritual contemplations. She will be exhibiting her work at the Palace Art and Craft Fair.

 

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

I knew I wanted to be an artist at about 12, I would sell and give away graphite drawings to friends and family, mostly portraits and pet portraits. I really didn't think it was possible to make a full time living as a professional artist though.... Very happy I was wrong! And I don't say that often :) 

Is being a an artist your only job?

I have been a full time artist with my partner running the business side of things for the last 8 years or so. While building the business, we had several part time jobs, including being stage crew in Phoenix, Arizona for the large rock and roll concerts. Janet Jackson, U2, Melissa Etheridge, Aerosmith amongst others.

If you could be anything else what would you be?

If I could be anything else I would want to work in the movie industry, but not as an actress (too much direct attention for me)....... I have always loved film and have spent a fair amount of time in Los Angeles, a city that I absolutely love :) 

One favourite living artist?

Sarah Stockstill is a contemporary American artist that I love...... We actually work for the same publisher and recently met at her studio while we were in Los Angeles. She has inspired my work from the beginning of my career 13 years ago. Her use of colour, layers and her loose but confident style draw you in to her work and allow your imagination to drift endlessly.

One favourite historical artist?

J M W Turner is without a doubt my favourite  historical artist. His work, mid 18th century, inspires me the most - his palette and loose abstraction being the biggest influence on my work. The burnt oranges get me every time :)

I think both of the above artists have influenced my work the most and it is very hard to pick one over the other.

 

 

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

My current job is the most interesting and fun job I have ever had....... I absolutely love what I do! I thoroughly enjoy the creativity and freedom that it allows - it is my Prozac :) It is also the longest job (that's a hard word to use as it really is a lifestyle for me) that I have ever had. Second to this, stage crew at the America West Arena working the big rock and roll shows as crew was a lot of fun!!! Watching the free concerts at such a large venue was definitely an added bonus.

What is your most prized item of art?

My most prized piece of art is a painting that my daughter did in my first studio when she was 2 1/2 years old..... It is a vibrant expressive abstract that she titled all by herself -  "Your Date Is Your Fate" - how brilliant and philosophical is that :)

What item of art do you covet most?

I would love to own a large Sarah Stockstill original....... I am sure that I will one day. We actually have plans to paint together at her studio when I next visit Los Angeles, I am sure she won't notice if I sneak out the back door with one ;)

Last book / film that blew your mind?

The last film to "blow my mind" would have to be "Ted" ... It blew my mind because it was shockingly filthy!! Tongue in cheek :) 
My favourite film of all time which blew my mind would have to be "One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest" .... Brilliant!

What are you listening to? 

I am currently listening to Pink' s, "Truth About Love" .......  I LOVE Pink!!! She has never been afraid to speak her mind, be herself and take control of her career. She is a talented business woman and artist, I respect that. My current mission is to get a piece of my art on to her wall.... My agent has a couple of connections, so fingers crossed :)

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

I don't spend too much time on the Internet unless I am researching something or looking at art.... When I do look at art it can be for several hours at a time. Generally speaking though, an hour a day tops..... I would rather be painting!

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

That's easy, I would live in LA :) I love the beach, the Southern California "vibe", the food .... Well, everything about it really! Also, my agent lives there - and Pink ;) so that helps!

Where and what is your studio?

I have two studios... One is at home, in the largest bedroom. I will always have a home studio of some sort as I like to work in my pyjamas at times and paint at some crazy hours when I am on a creative "bender" or getting ready for a show/exhibition. The other is a larger studio just up the road in Rustington where I have more room to do large scale pieces and meet with clients.

hree words that describe your feeling of doing your work?

Meditative, expressive and FUN !

Chips or mash?

Chips with a side of mash of course.... Why make difficult decision when you don't have to ;)

Image of the Day - Sarah Tucker

Sarah Tucker is a wax-resist artist inspired by the landscape, seascape and ever changing light of her native British Isles. Her choice of palette favours subdued tones, earthy colours and cool blues, often contrasting the fluidity of water with the solidity of rock formations.

Winter, Malvern Hills, wax-resist painting, 670 X 760mm

Sarah Tucker will be exhibiting at the Palace Art and Craft Fair in May

Image of the Day - Emily Thatcher

 Emily Thatcher is a jeweller working in East Sussex. She works with precious metals, gemstones and mixed media.

Xylem Collection silver, pink tourmaline & 18ct gold 'floating' ring

Emily Thatcher will be exhibiting at the Palace Art and Craft Fair in May.

image of the Day - Jennie Ing

Jennie Ing produces linoprints of urban environments including these scenes of London.

Jennie Ing will be exhibiting at the Palace Art and Craft Fair in May

Image of the Day - Corrinne Eira-Evans

York based jeweller Corrinne Eira-Evans finds inspiration in many forms - reading, British gardens, hedgerows and botanical prints all deriving from the Victorian era, have inspired her beautifully hand crafted contemporary jewellery, with style and function, which embrace our connection with nature.

 Corrinne Eira-Evans will be exhibiting at the Palace Art and Craft Fair in May.