154 Portraits

I have just completed a series of portraits of children from Barnsley and Newham which will form part of the 154 Exhibition beginning on the 2nd June at the Cooper Gallery, Barnsley. Each portrait was captured on the iPhone and processed on the iPad. The children from both Boroughs were fantastic and I had great fun capturing these images. They are all printed and waiting to be exhibited in two weeks time. For more information and updates on the 154 Collective please visit the 154 blog.

Last Chance To See...

This weekend is the last chance to see a selection of my work in the Small Works and Just In Case Exhibitions at The Water Street Gallery, Todmorden. The exhibition has been a great a success, so don't miss your chance to view and buy work from a selection of local artists. Works I exhibited included Limited Edition Photographic Montage and Composite Works and Original Hand Drawn Ink Works, some of which you can see below:

Close up of "Huddersfield Town" - Limited Edition Photographic Montage

"Embark" - Limited Edition Photographic Composite

"Lock 19" - Limited Edition Composite iPhone Print

"Still Seaweed? - Original Ink Works

Ink based work in progress...at the LBT

Here are some of my ink based pieces that I am currently developing as part of my residency at the Lawrence Batley Theatre. I am about to begin my short animated film of the theatre so more photography and short clips of work in progress to come soon...

Ink works inspired by floral shapes

The beginnings of a new series of felt pen sketches

Felt pen sketch

"Lighting Rig" from my sketchook

A glimpse of part of my desk at the LBT

A Taste of Host – the final days!

Just over a week remaining!

The Taste of HOST Exhibition will close on Sunday 18^th September at the end of the HOST Open Studio Trail. As promised here are the full size images of the four pieces I have in the exhibition. If you have not already visited the exhibition at The Lawrence Batley Theatre it’s not too late…

Embark: A Composite Photographic Limited Edition Print, framed, with Non Reflective Glass (NR glass)

Five images photographed on the Isle of Arran, Scotland, creatively overlayed to form a new image depicting an essence of 'journey' on both an emotional and physical level, with powerful overtones of departure, movement, survival, flight, travel and escapism. One image was taken at the summit of Goat Fell (2866 feet high), two at Brodick Harbour and two at Lochranza. Individually they are powerful images, yet together they tell a new story.

Still Seaweed? Fine liner, water, posca and inks, framed, with Non Reflective Glass (NR glass)

This piece began as a sketch on Holy Island when I was captivated by the interlocking forms of lengths of seaweed which draped themselves across the shore. As the seaweed layed on the ground, waiting for the tide to come back in, it seemed lifeless. Yet it's stillness evoked dramatic movement within the curves and twists of its motionless form, suggesting the gentle sways that would awaken its body once surrounded by the incoming tide.

Wrap: Fine liner, water, posca and inks, framed, with Non Reflective Glass (NR glass)

Inspiration for this piece came from observing seaweed at rest. It wrapped itself amongst the rocks in a tender fashion, almost embracing the rocks, as if seeking and offering protection and comfort, all at the same time.

At Peace: Fine liner, water, posca and inks, framed, with Non Reflective Glass (NR glass)

Inspired by the tranquility I experienced at Lochranza this image reflects upon the peacefulness of solitude at day break. With the grasses gently blowing in the calming breeze and the first rays of sunlight breaking through the open sky, there is a sense of peace that envelops the natural environment and spreads rapidly throughout the open countryside.

 

Hidden Flowers - New Series

Handmade Cards
I am currently working on a new series of handmade cards. "Hidden Flowers" explodes details and patterns found on petals, leaves and stems beyond the flower itself creating an intricate and striking pattern, using purely black and white for added emphasis. Here are some examples....

Wrap (Close Up)

Inks, fine liner, posca and water
As promised, this is a close up preview of one of my four pieces currently exhibited at the Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield as part of the A Taste of Host Exhibition. Feel free to visit the exhibition between now and the 18th September. I will upload a close up of the fourth piece soon.....so keep checking back!

"Still Seaweed?" (Close Up)

Inks, fine liner, posca and water
This is a close up preview of one of my four pieces currently exhibited at the Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield as part of the A Taste of Host Exhibition. Feel free to visit the exhibition between now and the 18th September. I will upload all four pieces as the exhibition progresses.......so keep checking back!

Rock Flow

Posca
An abstract interpretation of the rock formations found along the coastline on Holy Island

Shell, Thistle and Seaweed

Posca
An abstract interpretation of plantlife and shells found at Lochranza, Isle of Arran

Thistle Weed

Posca
An abstract interpration of plantlife found at Lochranza, Isle of Arran

Seaweed

Posca
An pattern based abstract drawing inspired by the flowing shapes, slimy textures and interlaced patterns of seaweed bunches

Bows

Fine liner and water
Interpretative drawing of seaweed huddles found along the coastline on Holy Island

Seashore

Fine liner and water
An interpretive observational drawing of the shoreline on Holy Island

Rock

Fine liners and water
Observational drawing of a large rock on Holy Island

Textures

Fine liners and water
Observational drawing of rock textures

Boats

Fine liner and water
A quick sketch of boats at Lamlash on the Isle of Arran, Scotland

Lighthouse

Fine liner and water
An interpretation of the old lighthouse at Ardrossan, drawn in the baking sunshine whilst waiting for the ferry to Brodick.

Little Mo

Fine liner and water
A 5 minute sketch of Little Mo reading the Map on the way to Arran.

Mechanics

Posca
A design based on the shapes and shadows of the Newcomen Beam Engine at Elsecar Heritage Centre. Produced whilst visiting Fabric Lenny during Inventions Week.

Beam Engine

Posca
A design inspired by the Newcomen Beam Engine at Elsecar Heritage Centre. Produced whilst visiting Fabric Lenny during Inventions Week.