Image of the Day - Luella Martin

Luella Martin
"My work has a strong personal narrative - the work is of the places that I know well and have visited often.
Recent solar etchings have also contained some iconic landmarks like Battersea Power Station which I was lucky enough to first encounter as a child growing up in London."

Luella Martin - River Walk, Solar etching

Luella Martin will be exhibiting at the Palace Art and Craft Fair with Webbs Fine Art this week

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Artist of the Week - Kyla Tomlinson

Kyla Tomlinson produces figures and portraits, expressed in oil and charcoal along with mixed media illustrations, 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? 
It was something that seemed to come very naturally and it never occurred to me to consider anything else! And I am so grateful that it was a talent that was so strongly supported by my family. Cartoon and animated film soon became a massive interest for me, particularly the old classic Disney movies. I was fascinated by how the artists were able to bring to life “cartoon characters” with believable personalities and behaviours, portrayed with such a realism that took you beyond the belief that what you were watching was just a cartoon. 
The thrill for me was the possibility of being able to bring drawing to life-seemed like the perfect combination. So I set my heart on being a cartoonist, until I understood what the term “animator” meant!
Sketching regularly has been a constant training and I continued to develop this throughout my higher education studying both art studies and the moving image. This fascination with character, observation and animation, has stayed with me throughout my life. I have been lucky enough to combine the two by making a career from both animation and portraiture work.

Is being a an artist your only job?At the moment my full-time employment is as an animator, based in Dublin, working on a Disney production. Any spare time I have, I’ll work on personal projects which will vary between illustration, animation, concept development or commissioned work. I have had a varied career. As a freelancer my work is contract based and I’ve had the great fortune of working on many varied projects throughout different studios as well as teaching within higher and primary education.

If you could be anything else what would you be?An actor, dancer or musician. Although I have managed to somehow incorporate this into any spare time that I do have!

One favourite living artist?
David Shrigley, a brilliant, eclectic artist who has worked within drawing, photography, painting, sculpture, animation and m­usic. Best known for his bizarre, witty, humorous cartoons, I love his interpretation of character and his “unique” representation of life.

One favourite historical artist?There are so many, but in terms of portraiture, I always come back to Lucian Freud, for his artistic skill, technique and how he chooses to portray character. Somehow, he was able to create work that to me, never felt static, but luscious, tactile and full of life.

Who / what has had most influence on your work?
I had a fabulous art department at high school. I was extremely lucky. One tutor in particular introduced me to so many artists that I am still influenced by, Lucian Freud, Peter Howson, Jenny Saville, Egon Schelie, John Singer Sargent. But the tutors also instilled a real belief in who we were and how we were going to progress in an art career. It's mainly from these early influences that give me the drive and motivation to succeed. 
I've also always been inspired by those who I work closest to. I've worked with such a range of talented artists and filmmakers that it's hard not to!

What is the most interesting / fun job you have had?
I've had such a varied career between working in film and TV, exhibiting opportunities and teaching. It’s extremely challenging working as a freelance professional, but the risks that you sometimes have to take, always make it an interesting journey. And I’ve met some incredible people along the way.

What is your most prized item of art / design / craft?
A book I have with doodles that were drawn by my Dad’s mum when she was young, and also some of Dad’s woodwork disasters from school days, they have a certain amount of humour and charm to them. I move around a lot because of work, so unfortunately collecting art pieces just isn’t an option for me at the moment!

What item of design / craft do you covet most?This is more of a structure than an item-low impact housing, better known as “Hobbit Houses”! These are beautiful structures that are crafted from natural materials and built with great consideration to their surroundings. The simplicity in their design, eco-friendly appeal and visual charm make them unique and beautiful pieces of craft.

Last book / film that blew your mind?
The most recent thing I’ve been really excited by, is Derek, a TV sitcom written and directed by Ricky Gervais. Set in a care home, it follows the lives of its residents and their carers. A wonderfully written series which is both intelligent and sensitive, but more excitingly is very honest in its portrayal of character and drama. I find that so refreshing, especially in TV series where so often similar situations could be overly sentimental or clichéd. 

 

 What are you listening to?  I’m listening to a lot of contemporary indie/folk style music at the moment (Laura Marling/Anais Mitchell) as well as a good bit of stuff recorded from local trad sessions that some of my friends are involved in. I’m dabbling in a bit of singing/songwriting at the minute so I find this kind of stuff really inspirational.

How many hours do you waste on the internet each day?
I haven’t had a telly for years so often if I want a bit of non-brain action, I’ll visit the internet for a bit of nonsense watching. But I use it daily for a mix of radio, research, blogging and mailing. I am pretty good at keeping a lid on it though!

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
At the moment I can’t imagine permanently living anywhere, but if I could, I’d visit every country. At one point I did wonder if this was a ridiculous notion until I came across an article randomly, of a 33 year old from Liverpool who has recently returned after a four year adventure, managing to visit all 201 countries, without using a plane. So I’m not ruling it out.
I’d have a hell of a sketchbook by the end of it!

Where and what is your studio?
At the moment, my studio is where ever I am and whatever space I have at the time. As I move frequently because of my animation work, I have to make do, but I always have art materials with me so I can carry on working.

Three words that describe your feeling of doing your work? 
Mental but happy

Chips or mash?As a Scots lass, I much prefer mashed tatties! (But I’d still have a portion of chips on the side)

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Prizes at the Palace Art and Craft Fair

We are delighted to be able to offer the following prizes to our exhibitors later this week at the Palace Art and Craft Fair.

Madebyhandonline are coming along to the fair and will select their 'Best Stand / Best in Show' from the craft section. The winner will receive free membership of madebyhandonline for a year as a selected seller, with marketing on the site and social media, plus mentoring support and full merchant services.

Similarly, Ceramic Review will be joining us and will select a ‘Best In Show’ from the ceramicists exhibiting. Their winner will be featured in the magazine's 'Spin Off' pages in either the Sept/Oct or Nov/Dec issue.

We will be selecting 'Best in Show' from the art section of the fair. Art Review is kindly supporting this prize, and the winning artist will be given a free annual subscription to the magazine.

We would like to thank all our prize sponsors for their generosity.

We also always run a Peer Prize at all of our events. We ask each exhibitor to vote for their favourite exhibitor showing at the fair. We feel this is a very esteemed prize, as to be voted for by fellow artists and designers is highest praise indeed. At the Palace Art and Craft Fair we are asking exhibitors to vote for one favourite artist from the art section and one favourite designer from the craft section.

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Image of the Day - Joy Trpkovic

Joy Trpkovic "My handbuilt ceramic work is inspired by natural forms, marine or land based. Delicate translucent funghi, fossis and shells are catalysts for interpretation. I use the simplest tools - my hands, a wooden stick amd a scalpel to carve and pinch the clay to risky thinness.  Hand painted low fired lustres complete the works which have been high fired to 1260 degrees C in an electric kiln. The colours I use echo my early watercolour paintings.

Recent wall pieces reflect the dynamic of shoals and colonies as I arrange groups of small sculptures, enabling display - either wall hung or free standing. Light can pass through the perspex box frames which enhances the delicacy of the work.  New tall paper thin vessels take very translucent wrapped porcelain to risky narrow height"

Joy Trpkovic will be exhibiting at Palace Art and Craft Fair 16 - 19 May at Fulham Palace (This Week)

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Maker of the Week - Nicola Steel

Nicola Steel produces unique, hand blown glass. She will exhibiting at the Palace Art and Craft Fair starting Friday.

At what age did you know you wanted to become an artist / maker?
I got into glass by accident, I began my degree wanting to do metal work- but as soon as I met glass I was hooked and I knew it was what I wanted to do. Once I finished my degree, I was determined to understand more of the technical side of glass blowing and went on to train and work in a London studio for 2 years. I have been lucky enough to have had the opportunities to work with and learn from some amazing glass makers!

Is being an artist / designer your only jobThis year I am focusing on my work and business, but I have also started teaching glass which is really exciting and something I want to pursue!

If you could be anything else what would you be? If I could be anything other than a glass maker, I think I would love to be a chef!! I did once apply for Masterchef, but didn't get in so iItook it as a sign to stick with art!!

One favourite living artist / designer?
There are so many exciting glass artists around at the moment.. its so hard to pick one.. but I think I would say Jimmy Anderegg- an American artist. His work is amazing- the techniques and scale of the pieces are unbelievable, as well as beautiful! I met him at Pilchuck and watched him master paper thin stem wear in 2 weeks as a complete contrast to his normal style- so talented!

One favourite historical artist / designer?
Umberto Boccioni has always been my favourite artist. I love the futurist movement as a whole- but his work in particular has always stood out to me and been an influence on my work. I like the movement and dynamism in his art, as well as colour use - so important!

Who / what has had most influence on your work?
The material itself - glass has so many properties and qualities that can be used to make such exciting things happen in a piece. As you have direct contact with it in its molten state, the possibilities are endless. Exploring and pushing techniques has the biggest influence on my work at the moment.

What is the most interesting / fun job you have had?
Teaching a weekend course at the glass hub! It was great to work with people who wanted to learn and see them progressing! Had a great time and hope to be doing it more!

What is your most prized item of art / design / craft?
A painting by a Manchester based artist called Superdead- I arranged to buy it in 2005 after seeing it in a exhibition in a bar - but when I walked past one day it was gone. It turned out the manager had sold it to a woman on the spot and not told him- I was so sad, but he painted me a new one which was even bigger. I was so happy then!

What item of design / craft do you covet most?
My own studio!

Last book / film that blew your mind?
There but for the by Ali Smith  - a crazy book!

What are you listening to?
Elliot smith

How much time do you waste on the internet each day?
Maybe about one hour... bit scared of computers!

Where and what is your studio?
At the moment I am doing my masters at Wolverhampton Uni so I work mainly from that studio.

Three words that describe your feeling of doing your work?
Passion, excitement and commitment

Chips or mash?
Chips!

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Image of the Day - Kristjana S Williams

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Kristjana S Williams creates magical landscapes, filled with impossible, exotic creatures by interweaving fragments of Victorian engravings with contemporary illustration and colouring. Icelandic born and a graduate of Central St Martin’s, Williams’ illustration work spans the worlds of fashion, homeware and prints and has gained widespread critical acclaim.

Kristjana will be exhibiting at the Palace Art and Craft Fair at Fulham Palace 17-19 May (This week)

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Government think that Craft is mere manufacturing rather than a creative industry.

The Department for Culture Media and Sport have announced proposals to change the definition of what is a creative industry. Craft apparently is not but is manufacturing. It might seem a minor governmental statistical thing but it could potentially have major implications for funding, esteem and support and feels like a kick in the teeth to what is a huge and undervalued creative sector.

See Guardian article here
See DCMS proposals here

There is an e-petition which in a week has already attracted 12000 signatures showing that people do value Craft as a creative industry whatever the Department believe.

Feel free to sign here

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