Trip Out West July Solo Exhibition by Ruth Gray

July sees a new range of work in the gallery by me Ruth Gray, I am also the author of The Friends of Studio 61 Blog  and as such I would like to invite you to come and meet me Tuesday 1st July 10 - 12  at the gallery where I will be able to explain the inspiration and techniques behind my latest pieces shown below. My interview can be read here : http://thestudio61blog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/november-rain-artists-interview-ruth.html 

I have been painting townscapes for about a year but my trip to the summit of Snowdon earlier this year has provided much needed inspiration! 

The exhibition runs throughout the month of July tea and coffee is available to purchase will you browse, and fine art prints of the above can be ordered via Karina at the gallery.

Artist in the Window For June Mel Graham Interview

Junes artist in a window is Mel Graham, her colourful paintings have really injected some summer joy find out what lies behind her work below in her interview:

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Mel Graham.  I paint in oils and acrylics. I paint seascapes, landscapes or semi-abstracts, with lots of colour, movement and emotion.

Why do you do what you do?

Now there’s a question… I paint because it is an outlet for emotion for me.  I have depression, I am pretty poor at expressing my feelings, so I paint how I feel, I paint the places I dream of, and just see what happens to the empty canvas after a blast from the brushes.

How do I work?

I work from the heart.  If I think about what I am going to paint, or I try and copy a photo, I lose the flow.  I simply have to empty my mind of everything, dig deep inside and see what happens… People find it hard to believe I just paint whatever comes off the brushes, but that’s the way it is for me.

What’s your background?

I studied Geography up to Masters level, so have a real feel for and understanding of the world, and have traveled extensively watching the sun set over many isles.  I have written three children’s walking guides for both Countryside Books (Kiddiwalks series), and Sigma Leisure.  Working for others isn't my strong point but I have done it (!) in the pharmaceutical industry for several years, don’t even ask me to explain how I ended up there….  Needless to say, I prefer to work for myself, and am currently an artist and mum, amongst other multi-tasking ventures.

What inspires me?

Colour, the forces of nature, the sky, the sea.

Is the artistic life lonely? What do you do to counteract it?

It’s important for me to spend time alone, to just stop a moment, and step back from the hubbub of life.  Art is time well spent for me, so no, it’s not lonely. How can I be lonely with me for company?!   I don’t talk to myself, yet… I listen to music, or the howling wind, the rain, or the birds for company.  Time out is a great thing!

What do you dislike about the art world?

Pretense.  Competition. Politics.   Art is so subjective.  Artists do what they do because they love it…  From my limited understanding of the Art world, I feel that when pretense, competition and politics get involved, it seems to me that art has lost its way.  I step away from competitive stuff because that isn't what it’s about for me.  My only competition is me and my hope to heal through art.

What do I like about my work?

Most importantly, I like that I have shown my children that whatever they love in life they can do as a job, if they so choose.  Secondly, I love giving my art away for charitable causes or gifts.  Then there’s the people, I really appreciate the really happy bunch of artisans I have met in the art world, from well-known to lesser known, they are all very generous with advice, time and support.  Finally, it’s the art itself, the connection people may get when they see my work is amazing and I don’t think I will ever tire of the “oooos” and “wows”!  That makes it worthwhile, and really enjoyable making someone’s day because they have bought an original or a print that they love.

Favourite or most inspirational place

Outdoors, anywhere and everywhere there is always something inspiring to draw ideas from.

What’s the best piece of advice you've been given.

There were two actually. First was never to compare my work to anyone else’s, have your own style (which I hope I've found).  Second was to get my work out the door and into the galleries, that way I can develop as an artist. I refer to these two golden nuggets more than once a day!

Thank you Mel find out more here: http://www.artbymelgraham.com/   

  

All change for June at Studio 61 Gallery

New Exhibition and Print Room

Derbyshire Open Arts was a great excuse to have a move around in the gallery after the exhibitors left the walls were emptied and rearranged and now there are clearly defined areas within each room of the gallery. The former snug has become the showcase for our exhibitions by guest artists and a place where customers can browse in peace through our vast array of fine art prints and cards and view the framed original works on the walls.

Karinas Working Studio

Karina has now taken over the main area as her work has diversified into oils as well as watercolours, this area is bigger and allows her to continue her tuition and display her work. Karina welcomes visitors to view her working at the easel. Always glad to discuss her works in progress with customers over a coffee.

Quick Cuppa and Textile Jewelry Gift Room

Speaking of coffee! There is a wider range of beverages and snacks available to purchase and a couple of tables inside and outside for customers who may have walked or who are just stopping by for a browse.
And don't forget our famous pot noodles perfect for warming you up if caught out in the rain on a ramble in our beautiful local hillsides!

Junes Artist in a Window Mel Graham

 June sees two artists arrive at the gallery Mel graham has a colourful display in the window see future blogs for her interview. And Georgie Woolridge has some wonderful illustrations displayed in the Exhibition room.

Georgie Woolridge and her Exhibition

The gallery is open 10 -5pm Tuesday to Saturday and all are welcome to visit.

Guest Artist For June Georgie Woolridge

         Our Guest artist for the month of June is Georgie Woolridge read below to find out more:

          Who are you and what do you do?

I am Georgie Woolridge, an artist based in Cheltenham. I aim to produce drawings that evoke the beauty of nature using black fine liner, watercolours and pro marker pens. My passion for art has been sparked by my experiences at Loughborough University and through global travelling. In addition, I love hot ribena, minstrels and sweet and sour chicken!  

 What’s your background?

 I attended Art Foundation at Cheltenham in 2006 where I was able to try out different areas of art including graphics, sculpture and textiles.  At this point I wasn't entirely sure which direction I wanted to go in, but when I started to experiment with my textiles I knew it had to be that. I then went onto Loughborough University to study Woven Textiles in 2007. I absolutely loved the course, as I was able to produce material from scratch. The technical side of setting up a loom was fiddly and it would take weeks to complete a set of samples from the same warp, but the end results were amazing.
 Each project would be different and the end weaves would have to represent the colours, textures and patterns that were present in my drawings and research. I loved the challenge of this and believe it really pushed me to think outside my comfort zone. I was able to hand dye my own yarns too, which was so much fun attempting to end up with the exact colours I wanted. I didn't mix well with science at school so I have to admit I don’t think I did the calculations right at all! But seemed to end up with good results.
 I graduated in 2010 with a 2:1. Although I loved my course, I was still unsure about the direction I wanted to go in job wise. But the opportunity arose to spend 3 months on a design placement in Mumbai, India. It was for an interiors design company. I had nothing to lose so I decided to go through the interview process and amazingly got a place!

 It was one of the most incredible experiences I have had but also one of the toughest! I produced hand drawn designs, in repeat, for drapery, upholstery and embroidery. I found it really challenging as my style tended to be more contemporary, whereas they had a very traditional outlook with their own designs. I remember the first time one of my designs was produced into a piece of fabric. Every designer and the manager had to stand round a large table in silence, while a couple of them held up the fabrics at the front waiting for his comments on whether he liked it or not. Mine was up next and I was terrified what he was going to think! I got through it though and I grew in confidence as the weeks went on. I managed to get some of my designs into their catalogues and for me that was all I wanted… To see my designs in fabric, which would then end up in someone’s home!
 After the 3 months in Mumbai, I then went on to travel around the world. Places included Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. I think this gave me the break I needed to really think about what I wanted to do in the long run. I arrived back in England and I just started to draw…

 What art do you most identify with?

 I most identify with art that is visually beautiful. It doesn't have to have a meaning behind it, but something that captures colour and movement especially. 

  What work do you most enjoying doing?

 I mostly enjoy working with intricate patterns. I can just put on some music and sit there for hours drawing tiny patterns with my favourite black fine liner. Most of the time I don't realise how much time has gone by! I think my Woven Textiles course gave me a great amount of patience as I was dealing with hundreds of yarns at a time. I enjoy seeing my drawings evolve from a few tiny patterns to the finished piece.

 
 What themes do you pursue?

 Most of my work is based around things in nature including flowers, butterflies, animals and especially birds. When I first started drawing on my return from travelling, I mostly drew flowers with patterns mixed in together. I wasn't really drawing anything in particular. I then wanted to translate my patterns into something and started with a hummingbird. This is where my love for drawing birds really started. The shapes of the feathers just seemed to fit with my style of drawing. And the colours I could bring into them too, of course!
 I still have a love for flowers as well, and in some of my recent work I combine paisley patterns with the flowers, inside birds… very tricky! I don’t really want to be conventional with what I do, I prefer to take something and then put my own spin on it. For example, the colours don’t have to be the same, and the sizes of the different flowers don’t have to correlate to how they actually are in nature.
 Furry animals are also something I am getting to grips with. I discovered that my paisley patterns, when used in the right way, emulate fur perfectly. The trickiest part is getting the patterns to move in different directions to create the movement.
 I am always looking for something new to draw. I wonder what it will be next!

  Why art?

 I have never really been good with words, but from a young age I knew that art was something I wanted to do and I could express myself in this way. I was lucky enough to have a great art teacher at school, who really pushed and encouraged me. I wasn’t the most confident person so this really helped me to believe in the ability I had.
 I have mentioned this a lot, but colour just captivates me… I could just sit and stare at something colourful for hours! So what better way to translate this into something I love doing.

What inspires you?

 Birds have become my biggest inspiration. Just all the different colours and shapes really make me want to draw them. India has been a big inspiration to me as well. Just walking through the streets you have all the women in their beautiful saris and even the things they sell in the markets.
 I have recently traveled to Morocco and the souks are an absolute cave of beauty! I am yet to draw on my experience from there, but I am sure in the future I will have a Moroccan style collection!

  Favourite or most inspirational place ?

 My favourite place to be in is Cornwall, on any beach. Although there are certain things physically that inspire me, it’s more a place I can just sit and think. Of course I love a tropical beach with palm trees and coconuts, but Cornwall just seems to relax me. I love watching the waves crash against the rocks. And you can also get the best fried doughnuts with jam and clotted cream…amazing!

 What’s the best piece of advice you've been given?

 The best piece of advice I have been given is to just be myself in everything I do.

  Professionally, what’s your goal?

 Professionally, my goal is to be a well-known artist/designer. I would love to see my collections translated into soft furnishings and other products. For me, the best thing about what I do is knowing that people have my artwork in their homes. I love what I do, and it makes me happy that other people do as well. So my other goal is to reach more homes around the world. 

      Thank you Georgie! 

      The gallery is open 10 -5 Tuesday to Saturday. There has been a few big changes to the layout along with much more art, gifts and jewellery added to the displays. More seating has been allocated for our Quick Cuppa so why not pop over and spend some time viewing the amazing art work as well as viewing gallery owner Karina at work on her new range of oil paintings.

See Louise MacIntosh-Watson's Batiks During Derbyshire Open Arts May Artist in the Window

We are fortunate to have Louise MacIntosh-Watson as one of our artists in the window this month of May, if you are visiting us this Derbyshire Open Arts weekend you will be able to see her colourful work alongside Susan Hill and don't forget we have our guest artist Louise Rawlings wonderful paintings on display inside the gallery.
Artists taking part in Derbyshire Open Arts are:

Karina Goodman
Ruth Gray
Janice Allen
Mandy jayne Alhfors
Ellie Depp
Valerie Dalling
Helen Dolmeo
Helen Rhodes
Dianna Lee 

To find out more about our artists read the three previous blogs, meanwhile we asked Louise what inspires her to produce such fantastic vibrant work:

Who are you and what do you do?

I am Louise MacIntosh-Watson and I am fortunate and privileged to be a full time artist. I use the batik technique of layering hot wax and coloured dyes on paper or fabric to create vibrant, eye-catching pieces. I also love to paint with bold flat colour, usually acrylic on canvas.

What’s your background?

I was born in Liverpool in the 1970s. I have lived in a variety of areas since then, including Middlesbrough and Wakefield, before settling in Derby ten years ago. Following my Interior Architecture degree I spent 17 years as a high school art teacher. There were aspects of teaching that I loved but I found myself becoming increasingly frustrated in wanting to develop my own artwork and not having the time to do it. I was known around school as ‘Miss Mac’ and decided to use this name when I officially started my company ‘missmacdesigns’ in 2012.

What inspires you?

Having worked with the national curriculum for so many years I got into an excellent habit of researching a wide variety of artists, both traditional and contemporary, to create inspirational starting points for my students. As a working artist this practice is invaluable. I am constantly inspired by the art around me and the wealth of emerging artists to be found online. I am currently developing a body of work inspired by one of my all-time favourite artists Niki de Saint Phalle and a more recent discovery, Brazilian pop artist Romero Britto. Both of these artists have a dynamic relationship with colour and have not been afraid to use heavy black outlines to unite the colours.

How do you work?

I primarily work in batik. This is a traditional Indonesian technique of adding decorative images to cloth using wax and natural dyes. I use the technique in a more contemporary way by layering wax and colourful inks on to paper as well as fabric. The wax works as a resist to the inks, creating a barrier against further colour. I use brushes or specialist tools known as tjantings to apply the wax. It can be a tricky technique to work with but once you have mastered the process, it is hugely addictive.
While batik is a thriving industry in its homeland, it is dying out in the UK with less and less people taking up this amazingly addictive art form. Parallel to exhibiting my batiks, I have recently begun to offer workshops to hopefully ignite this flame in others.
I also love to paint. I paint with a fairly graphic style using bold, strong flat colours with sharp, neat outlines. My recent series of paintings focusses on fantasy gardens with big red and white polka dot lollipop toadstools, giant daisies and simple circular flowers. I add to the fantasy feeling with highlights of sparkly glitter textured paints which catch the light beautifully.

What themes do you pursue?

Being only two years in to my new career, my style is still developing and the content of my artwork
tends to flit around a bit. I am drawn to the simplicity of heart and flower shapes but also like to
experiment with abstract mark making. The theme that is always constant is colour. The most
consistent remark from customers and gallery owners is that my work is very bright and cheerful. I
have been interested in Johannes Itten and his colour theories for over 20 years. The relationships
between colours and how they can look different according to the spatial ratio and placement next
to other colours is mind boggling – sorry, my colour geekiness is threatening to take over!

What do you dislike about the art world?

There is so much to love about my new found place within the art world – the sheer liberation of
painting all day long, and bringing genuine joy to people when you deliver a commission, when you
have realised their vision in your own unique style, being just two of them.
The thing I hate most about the art world would have to be the evolving definition and
interpretation of art itself. If I go to an art exhibition I want to learn from it, to be awestruck by the
skill level on show or the quirky, clever idea realised with great technical ability. Instead, I frequently
find myself dumbstruck by a pile of clothes folded in a corner of a room (Tate Liverpool) or a
darkened room lined with black fur (Goldsmiths Degree Show). I don’t appreciate having my time
wasted by such novelty art, a talking point maybe, but a learning point, never.

Professionally, what’s your goal?

My long term goal is to become a world renowned Batik artist! (No point in dreaming small now is
there?!) I am a member of the Batik Guild – an organisation which promotes and celebrates the
work of batik artists in the UK and across the globe. I am currently producing large scale batiks on
fabric for an exhibition with them later in the year. Following this exhibition I will be pursuing further
gallery representation here and overseas.

Derbyshire Open Arts Part 3 at Studio 61 Gallery

This is the third and final blog showcasing the artists taking part in Derbyshire Open Arts this May at Studio 61 Gallery, each year we aim to bring you a variety of styles by emerging and established artists, below are the artists statements and works by three of those taking part this year.

Ruth Gray

Ruth is a town and landscape artist working mainly in Interactive Atelier Acrylic and produces paintings that at first glance could be mistaken for far more glamorous climes when in fact many are local scenes of everyday towns in Derbyshire. Ruth also produces more abstract mixed media work of British landscapes she has visited. Ruth has just finished her Ripley Rattler series which will be shown at DH Lawrence museum in Eastwood during June and July. Currently working to commission with plans for a new series of work that will be displayed in 2016.

Ruth is part of the g2g group that promotes the work of artists that show work at Studio 61 Gallery and Cromford Studio and Gallery as well as help promote the historic surrounding area in between. Ruth is also a co opted member of Derbyshire Open Arts and is assisting running the social media for 2014. Always keen to use her knowledge and network to help out at events and recently was a member of the steering committee for Art in the Round run by Derby College.

New for this year has been demonstrations for small local art groups and workshops for Nottingham arts organisations. Ruth's work has been exhibited in Sydney, London and she has taken part in over 100 shows both in the UK and Australia during the last ten years.

http://ruthgrayimages.net/

‘Artywood’ by Dianna Lee

Dianna's varied work includes murals, illustrations, slate and wood art.

Her oak original paintings and prints from her full range will be on display at Studio 61 this year for Derbyshire Open Arts.

The wood art is painted onto oak panels suitable for internal and external displays.

These paintings use the wood grain to enhance the picture with wood dyes, inks and oils for water, meadows or landscapes.

She paints these oak images from inspiration from the natural habitat, unlike her illustrations which are mainly fictional or inspired by current trends in lifestyle.

Using both oak and slate makes her paintings versatile. The wood paintings can be as large as 4’ x 8’, some of which have been commissioned for displays outside creating the effect of an external mural.

She qualified as a clothing designer and interior designer in 1990 and worked for High Street brands for many years. Her experience in both design areas has provided the flair and knowledge that she has today to produce these pieces of art available from ‘Artywood.’

mail@artywood.co.uk

www.artywood.co.uk

Karina Goodman

Studio 61 is a working art studio and gallery in the Derbyshire Dales featuring the watercolours and oils of Artist Karina Goodman.

My inspiration comes from the varied landscapes and landmarks and a love of the sea and Cornwall, always with the emphasis on colour and atmosphere.

I specialise in watercolours and recently started using oils as I felt I wanted to create more depth of colour and texture. My watercolours are colourful and quirky or atmospheric using different types of salts, squirting lots of water and then waiting to see the results. I am fascinated with ravaged trees and skies and this is reflected in my more atmospheric watercolours.

My passion for walking gives me the opportunity to acquire some amazing photographs and my landscapes are mainly from photos taken whilst out walking or from images floating around in my head...

I would describe my life as happy and hectic! With two teenagers, a busy husband, a dog and running my business, time is of an essence; my days out walking are 'recharging the batteries ‘days.

Derbyshire Open Arts Weekend takes place 24th - 26th May 10 - 5 pm everyone is welcome to join us and refreshments will be available.

Derbyshire Open Arts Part 2 at Studio 61 Gallery

This is the second blog showcasing the artists taking part in Derbyshire Open Arts this May at Studio 61 Gallery, each year we aim to bring you a variety of styles by emerging and established artists, below are the artists statements and works by three of those taking part this year.

Helen Rhodes. 

A love of textiles leads to it always being present in anything I do.  I love of nature has the same result so to combine the two I create needle felted art. I ‘paint’ with pre dyed merino wool that I blend  by traditional combing to create the desired shades and I then use a barbed felting needle to pin the wool to a background fabric. 

www.hwrdesigns.com

Ellie Depp

A self-taught artist from Derbyshire, England. She creates abstract works in acrylic and watercolour, and is particularly known for her striking use of colour.

Depp draws a lot of her inspiration from the Peak District and works of other artists. After dropping out of University and suffering with depression for many years she decided to explore her creative side with painting. It became a great therapy for her mental illnesses and in 2013 she started her own business. She began to explore new techniques using palette knives and ‘pouring’ acrylic paint mixed with mediums to create fluidity and movement in her pieces.

Depp has exhibited in Leeds, York, Sheffield, Derbyshire and London and is now currently working on her next series of paintings and art events. She is hosting The Chesterfield Art and Craft Fair on Saturday 31st May and The Depp Pop Up Shop in Sheffield on 18/19/20th June.
www.artbyelliedepp.com 

Janice Allen

From 5’ painted canvasses, painted glass panels to small glass and silver jewellery pendants and earrings all have a common theme, which is texture.  With the flow of inks on the canvas or the different size pieces of glass which melt in my kiln I never know how a piece will turn out.

I enjoy exploring new techniques whilst working some of my new work will be with me at Derbyshire Open Arts g2g event at Studio 61 Holloway.

If you have seen a piece of artwork on my website you would specifically like to view please send me an email and if I have the piece in my workshop I will bring it along to the event. 

info@janiceallen.co.uk

http://janiceallen.co.uk  

https://facebook.com/janice.allen.3388630   

https://twitter.com/janiceallenTAOT

 Derbyshire Open Arts will take place 24th - 26th of May 10 - 5 pm all are welcome and refreshments will be available.