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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Coming up - Paul Catherall at Castor & Pollux

In addition to the many delights Brighton's art festival has to offer, Castor & Pollux are showing Paul Catherall as their festival exhibition this year.


Catherall’s architectural prints draw from 20th Century poster design and focus on structures that are part of the urban environment with a clean and sharp palette inspired by commercial art of the 1950’s and 1960’s Catherall depicts various well-known landmarks from London, New York and Brighton.



Catherall identifies the established and continually developing skylines of his locations, treated equally in measure. Catherall displays an expert eye for composition and colour; and great draughtsmanship, achieving ultimately a delicate balance between classic commercial design and contemporary urban landscape. His linocuts have become synonymous with Transport for London and Tate Modern.

The private view takes place this Friday from 6-9 pm. You can see more information at www.castorandpollux.co.uk including the Brighton Print Paul has done especially for the exhibition.

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Julie Doucet prints at Castor and Pollux

Along side Mike's pot party, down on the seafront we are getting ready to hang Julie Doucet's lino print illustrations.

Opening on the 23 April, this small, but perfectly formed group of prints were made as illustrations for ‘Chroniques de New York’ by Jean-Francois Jouanne.

Born in 1965 in Montréal, Julie Doucet was educated at a girl Catholic school. Then she began Fine Arts studies, first at the CÉGEP du Vieux Montréal (the equivalent of junior college), later at the Université du Québec à Montréal, where she completed a degree in printing arts. During her studies Julie Doucet took interest into drawing comics, and eventually devoted herself completely to that funny art form. Her comic book, Dirty Plotte began life as a photocopied fanzine. In it Doucet would document in french and in english her day to day life, her dreams, angsts, fantasies. The series was first published in 1991 by Drawn & Quarterly, in the comic book form. Shortly afterwards she won the prestigious Harvey Award for Best New Talent. She left for New York city, where she spent a year related in ’My New York Diary’ In the 1990s, she abandoned the medium of comic books and went back to printing. Woodcuts, linocuts, silkscreen printing, followed by an abundant production of artist’s books. She took part in many group exhibitions and, finally, in 2006 she had her own solo exhibition of her print work at the galerie B-312. Julie Doucet now writes and makes collages. Mostly.

You can see the prints that will be on show here.
http://www.castorandpollux.co.uk/2010/03/print-exhibition-julie-doucet-23-april/

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Paul Davis at Castor and Pollux

A ’snippetist’ He says he is fascinated by everything, all of the time, and produces at least 300 drawings a month. ‘I am interested in the construction of images but that part of picture making isn’t as important as the message. Not in my work, anyway.’
Based in London, working as an illustrator for clients which include Creative Review, Time out and Dazed and confused, Paul Davis is showing a selection of his algorithm drawings on sketchbook and found paper, two of which are being produced as 4 colour limited edition screenprints.



To celebrate the opening of the exhibition of Paul Davis drawings Castor and Pollux have published a pair of limited edition four colour silkscreen prints, which will be available from Friday. Limited to 50 of each, they will be signed and numbered by Paul. Each print is 297 x 420mm. They will be available at a very special Brighton Festival price of £120 a pair or singly at £70). (The regular published price from 25th May will be £180 a pair, £95 each.) Prices include VAT. Contact april@castorandpollux.co.uk or come down to the gallery.

They will be available in the gallery from 22 May until 20 June, and online in the very near future!
The private view is this Friday (22nd) so contact april@castorandpollux.co.uk or 01273 773776 if you would like to come along.

www.castorandpollux.co.uk
http://www.copyrightdavis.com/

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Brighton Art & Design Guide - Castor and Pollux

Castor and Pollux
Brighton Art and Design Map


Our favourite shop/gallery in Brighton opened in December 2002 in a small section of a more or less damp and derelict left luggage office on Brighton Beach, halfway between the two piers. The cavernous gallery now occupies three arches running under the promenade and Kings Road from the beach, and has an art & design bookstore, two gallery spaces for exhibitions and a gallery shop which shows jewellery, ceramics and textiles. At the back of the gallery is a framing workshop and pottery studio, where much of the stock is produced.


Mike Levy, the gallery director, says that the location is the key to Castor and Pollux - he scoured the South Coast for ten years before finding the right spot.


A huge amount of effort and time went into transforming these damp dark arches into a light, clean space. The initial transformation took 6 months and improvements are ongoing each winter.


Mike is a pottery designer and understands the gallery business from both sides, looking after and encouraging artists and presenting a gallery that encourages visitors to stop, linger and buy.


Castor and Pollux has an interesting, changing and varied selection of products and artists including - Michael Anchin, Anita Klein, Jonny Hannah, Mike Levy, Angie Lewin, Becky Blair, Rob Ryan, Paul Catherall, Chris Corr, Riley Burnett, Andrew Mockett, Suzanne Potter and Sarah Young.


Exhibitions this year.

Andrew Mockett, wood cut prints and handmade books
Becky Blair, new paintings
Paul Davis, drawings and prints
Derek Yaniger, prints
Sarah Young, new prints
Mike Levy, new pottery
Andy Lovell. screen prints (Not exhaustive and not necessarily in that order)

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Opening on Friday- Andrew Mockett at Castor and Pollux

Local to Brighton, Andrew Mockett is an artist who has worked as a printmaker and textile designer for many international clients including Givenchy and Paul Smith.

In addition to his prints, we will also have handmade books,
silk scarves, cards, card sculptures and wrapping paper.

Friday 27th March, 6 - 8pm.
Cocktails will be served. Please email april@castorandpollux.co.uk for more information.

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Valentines show at Castor and Pollux

Al heighton joined us last year as one of our print makers. Al's work sits between a child's and and an adults world, often with mixed messages peppered with wit, and a little bit of romance.
His blog makes an interesting read too. http://alheighton.blogspot.com/http://www.alanheighton.co.uk/images/about_txt.png

See all of Al's prints here http://www.castorandpollux.co.uk/category/artists/al-heighton/

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Artist of the Week - RHODA K BAKER

Rhoda K. Baker

PAPERSCAPES

I describe my work as 'Paperscapes'. I create 2 dimensional low relief paper structures out of thick textured paper; often in multiple layers based on repeated motifs and complex patterns. I have a fascination with repetition, hidden messages, codes, ciphers and visual trickery.
I am enthralled by the way unexpected patterns reveal themselves depending on the arrangement of shapes and the prevailing light conditions. Shadows create new visual tricks and alternative views....endless possibilities constantly emerge demanding exploration.
Once I have decided what to do, I become absolutely consumed by the processes of measuring, cutting, gluing, perforating, embossing, scoring and piercing paper. The simplicity of my raw materials belies the intricate and sophisticated results that are achievable. The versatility of the medium and its endless exciting possibilities never cease to thrill and entice me!

My work is predominantly white on white, but more recently colour is creeping in, it is interesting how colour changes the whole way a piece is perceived, much of the subtly is lost but new things emerge.

There is a distinct link in all this to my textile education particularly weaving, which I did at the Royal College of Art in London, I left in 1980.

I am constantly experimenting with other media, though the problem I've got is there is never enough time to explore all ideas, they come too thick and fast to keep up with! Should probably spend less time on the answer to the next question!

Money spent on socialising is never wasted?
Because I really like meeting people and drinking. Having lived and worked rurally in the back of beyond for sometime, I have a lot of catching up to do! Also being an artist can be a very isolating business and I can easily not see anyone for days on end when I am totally immersed in my work. (bit like living rurally come to think of it!)

One favourite living artist?
I adore Peter Blake. He was one of the first artists I encountered when I saw his 'Toy Shop' in the Tate in London. Love his eclecticism, his interest in ordinary everyday objects, pop culture, paper ephemera and lettering. He is obsessed with collecting things and I really hope his personal collections of objects and ephemera can be made available to view by us mere mortals. Saved for the nation perhaps... fantastic job cataloguing it all!

One favourite historical artist?
I am very interested in Ben Nicholson. I particularly like his white on white carved reliefs that he created in the 1930's. They revel in the subtle play of light and shadow, using simple yet intricate forms. The clever balance of shapes, negative and positive, and total lack of colour entice me in.

When and where did you first want to do what you do?
My dad recognising my creative urges gave me a truly brilliant book when I was 12 years old, about making all sorts of things with paper; mobiles, Matisse like papercuts, theatrical outfits, paper engineering,sculptural objects and much more. It is an American resource book for teachers, complex and clever (not like most craft type books published now.) It went a bit over my head at the time, but started my life long fascination with the versatility of paper. It has been invaluable ever since and is always a source of inspiration .

What was the last art/craft/design thing you purchased?
Not sure if this qualifies but I got a couple of huge fab polish film posters produced in 2006, during Brighton Festival. Unfortunately later spotted then on internet for about half the price! Anyway great quirky strong graphics by Bogna Otto-Wegrzyn.

Last best read?
James Boswell's London Journal 1762-1763. Flowery language sometimes but very personal and engaging.. He talks about picking up prostitutes, getting the clap and the unpleasant cure, and admiring the expanse of fields on the south side of the Thames! My copy has a marvellous map of London with the places he mentions marked on it, some still very familiar. Not so the 'cockpit' near Downing Street!

What do you have on your pinboard?
A really whopping great wish list of tools and materials to experiment with, and some info about artists studios to let which the council has just developed on Brighton seafront.

Where and what is your studio?
I work in the converted loft of my Victorian terrace house in Brighton. Its a truly brilliant space and the first time in my life I have had a proper dedicated studio where I have space to leave work in progress around. Its very hot in the summer though, bit worried about all my paints and glue drying up!
I have been addicted to BBC radio 4 since I was about 16, now I fit their demographic perfectly! I am a recent convert to 'La Fip' a French channel; really eclectic mix of sounds and very danceable if you're in late on a Saturday night!




Surprising activity?
I am totally addicted to rooting around charity shops, flea markets, boot fairs and second hand book shops.. Love vintage clothes and Victorian underwear! Do a lot of retail therapy on the cheap.

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

Most underrated artist/maker?
Billy Childish. Hugely productive and creative individual, musician, painter,etc. etc. I think he is underrated because he can't be easily compartmentalised... he simply does too much in multiple fields.
A real original character with diverse interests and skills who seems to do exactly what he wants to, and doesn't give two hoots about the 'market place' and the art establishment.... He dresses rather well too, looks like a 1940's chap!

Most overrated artist/maker?
Funny wouldn't have answered this but having just been to the Royal Academy Summer Show and seen her curated room I thought I would. - TRACY EMIN - Just don't like her work...or her taste.....not very analytical I know! ( I'm not trying to suck up to B.C. honest)

If you could exhibit in any gallery which would it be?
Well, what a question! I suppose Tate Modern wouldn't be bad. But failing that
I do really like Castor and Pollux on Brighton seafront, but I don't think my work is colourful enough for them! Its a fantastically accessible gallery/shop, with a graphics/printmaking bent.

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Rob Ryan - Private view - Free limited edition laser cut for first 50 guests

To celebrate his exhibition
at Castor & Pollux

has produced this limited edition lasercut picture.

It will be for sale as part of the exhibition for £20, but we have fifty to give away to our favourite customers (you!).

This is on a strictly 'first come first served' basis and there is only one per customer, so come and pick your picture up at the private view on
Friday 12th (6-9pm).

You can also order your free picture framed in a wood box frame for £25.

Contact us by calling April or Mike on 01273 773776 or email april@castorandpollux.co.uk.


The lasercut measures 145x180mm and is in an edition of 500.


The Rob Ryan show runs from 13th September - 20th October, daily 10-5
and features papercuts from Rob's recent book and limited edition prints.

Castor & Pollux is on the beach, halfway between the piers Opposite the bottom of Middle St

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Rob Ryan at Castor and Pollux- Private view 12th September

Papercuts and prints by



Please join us for drinks and a preview of our September exhibition, featuring limited edition prints and large papercuts by Mister Rob Ryan.
*Friday 12th September, 6-9pm*

and showing from 13th September - 20th October, daily 10-5



Swirling, intricate bells, birds, trees and stars fill the prints and paper cuts of silhouetted lovers surrounded by floating poetry. Rob Ryan shares his romantic thoughts with us at Castor and Pollux with an exhibition of screen prints, printed tiles and paper cuts. 'My work operates on an openly emotional level, and it's quite sentimental, which I don't think is a bad thing.'
You may not have visited Ryantown before, but you may recognise the work of Mister Rob through his many creative collaborations with Vogue, Paul Smith and Liberty.

Here are tales and poems to rival the darkest of Grimm's fairy-tales 'The actual germ of an idea is just a moment of thinking, maybe that's how things are, or how they should be, or how I want them to be.'

Rob Ryan's world is filled with dark as well as light, where love, hate, loss, pain, fear and death are to be found. All of which are very beautiful.



The simple and straightforward subjects of Robert Ryan's work are in marked contrast to the deceptively sophisticated manner in which they are made; painstakingly hand-cut with the smallest scalpels from the most delicate of papers.



Castor & Pollux is on the beach, halfway between the piers Opposite the bottom of Middle St
165 King's Road Arches, Lower Prom, Brighton Tel: 01273 773776
www.castorandpollux.co.uk

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Fish and Stitiches - Kate Jenkins at Castor and Pollux

Kate Jenkins has been designing and making knitwear with her company Cardigan Ltd for over twelve years.
In addition to a collection of wearable wool, is an exciting and surprising range of Comfort Food.
Plates lovingly hand made of lambswool are adorned with bangers and mash, pizza, eggs and bacon, and fish and chips!



Fish and Stitches at Castor and Pollux coincides with Brighton and Hove's annual Food and Drink Festival, the organisers of which, not surprisingly, chose to use Kate's fish and chips for their publicity around the country.



You can see all these fish and chip dishes at the beach front gallery from the 30th August. Contact april@castorandpollux.co.uk for an invitation to the private view on the 29th.

http://www.brightonfoodfestival.co.uk/index.php
http://www.cardigan.ltd.uk/index.php?s1=1
http://www.castorandpollux.co.uk/

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Love is the drug- Pinky at Ink_d

8 AUGUST 2008 — 30 AUGUST 2008

I first met Mr. Pinks when he took part in Variety Store at Castor and Pollux last Summer. Since then, I have seen him pop up all over the place, from various events in London, Berlin, Brighton and on projects for all sorts including Dior, Justin Timberlake, Maharishi, Darth Vadar and the BBC.


What is great to se is an extensive use of the space available in a small gallery, Pinky paints all over the walls to compliment his paintings and paper cuts.
At the Private view there was a real feeling that he made the event and the space his own. More than a few people had coloured ribbons in their hair, and although he references graffiti, psychedelic art, the 80s and Pink Floyd, his work is too celebratory to be looking back and is all about bringing the love.


To see pictures, check out these websites
http://www.ink-d.co.uk/home
http://www.pinkyvision.com/category/art/shows/

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Jeremyville at Castor and Pollux from Friday

After some trouble getting an image up I have succeeded! Go to www.castorandpollux.co.uk for an idea of what else will be in the show!!



Jeremyville is an artist, product designer, animator and human. He wrote and produced the first book in the world on designer toys called Vinyl Will Kill, published by IdN, interviewing people like Fafi, Sarah from Colette, Baseman, Biskup, Pete Fowler, Jason Siu, Kinsey and Kozik.

His latest book is called 'Jeremyville Sessions', featuring collaborations with Geoff McFetridge, Miss Van, Devilrobots, STRANGEco, Lego, Converse, MTV and Adidas. His art has been published in design books by IdN, Die Gestalten Verlag, All Rights Reserved, Victionary, MTV, Magma Books, Kidrobot, Faesthetic, Laurence King, Taschen and Pictoplasma.

Jeremyville has worked with clients such as Converse, Rossignol, Colette, Coca Cola, MTV, Kidrobot, Refill, Graniph in Japan, Adio Shoes, STRANGEco, Wooster Collective, Super Rad Toys, Play Imaginative, sketchel, Adidas, Tiger Beer and Tiger Translate, Artoyz in Paris, Domestic Vinyl in Paris, Corbis, Thunderdog, Red Bull, Pop Cling, 55DSL and Beck.

He has appeared in magazines such as Swindle, Vapors, xlr8r, Wallpaper, Dazed and Confused, Nylon, Monster Children, Oyster, Computer Arts UK, Fused UK, Yen, IdN, Territory, Juxtapoz, The Drama, Beautiful Decay, 119, Xfuns, T World Journal, and Faesthetic.

Jeremyville splits his time between studios in Sydney Australia and New York City. He collects rare t-shirts, sneakers, toys and denim, and has a Converse x Jeremyville shoe released in late 2008.

The exciting news for us at Caspo is that we are have published a Brighton inspired print by Jeremy and the 50 signed editions are on sale with us from Friday along with other goodies all the way from Australia.

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Brighton Fringe festival Show at Castor and Pollux

Not so much a blog post as a blog plug.
Castor and Pollux begins its season of art exhibitions this Friday with a private view. (6- 9pm)

First this year is a print retrospective with Artizan Editions accompanied by beautiful glass from New York glass blower, Michael Anchin.
We have a show, or two, every month from now until Christmas, so check out our website www.castorandpollux.co.uk or watch this space for further information.

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Alexander Girard

Just a couple of items, available in Brighton, that are great!



Girard dolls from the original 1963 collection for his own home at Lollipop Shop £79 each
44 Trafalgar Street



Girard alphabet blocks from House Industries at Castor and Pollux £75

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Abigail Brown

Abigail brought her birds down from London today and installed them in the gallery at Castor + Pollux.

They decorate the 'Christmas tree' and look very festive

Her intricate little beasties are machine and handstitched using new and recycled materials. Each have an amazing amount of character. Tiny birds occupy vintage matchboxes, some form pictures on canvas whilst others eye you, perched from above.

Prices start at £22.

www.abigail-brown.co.uk
www.castorandpollux.co.uk

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Roman Klonek Exhibition

We've been having a unaccustomed sociable/artistic time recently going to multiple private views. Mike and Robert from Castor and Pollux on Brighton Seafront invited us for bloody mary's and bagels - a brunch Private View for Roman Klonex's large, graphic, humourous and enchanting cartoonish woodcuts. He seemed to have sold quite a few whilst hanging the exhibition and a few more went whilst we were there, we even bought one (that what happens when you are given Bloody Mary's at tenthirty in the morning!) but it has to be sent from Dusseldorf so we have a few days to decide where to put it.


I already have a draw full of prints waiting to frame but Roman doesn't like the glass coming between the picture and the viewer and so glues the prints to simple box frames. So that one can go straight up.

The simplicity and strength of the images and the use of the texture of the wood in the printing gives the prints a lovely feel. Roman uses the 'suicide method printing all the colours from a single - (ever cutaway) block. This makes registration easy but must take planning and certainty in what the artist wants to do as mistakes can't be rectified nor colours changed if they don't totally work. They seem to work though. It seems from Mr Klonek's website that he is an illustrator and animator - there seems to be something in the air at the moment that prints, animation and illustration are becoming a little hipper and more accepted in the art world. - It is Ok to have fun.

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