Karen returns with her fourth show

Christmas is coming ….

Stewart Macindoe

I graduated in Sculpture from the Glasgow School of Art in 1977 and in 1994 graduated from Winchester School of Art with an MA in Painting.

I make non-figurative drawings and paintings which reference both natural and artificial structures.

Helen Cass

Helen Cass (b.1974 Ludlow) Studied Fine Art at The Ruskin School of Fine art and Drawing, Oxford University(1993-96) and MA in Fine Art at Aberystwyth, University of Wales (1999-2000). Has worked in Education alongside studio practice since 2000. Currently member of ‘Fold’ Artists’ Collective (Artists working in Rural Environments). Has work exhibited widely, selected exhibitions include at Jaggedart, London, Gallery 57, Arundel and Corners Gallery Ithaca NY. Recently included in ‘Lines of Empathy’ project exhibited at Patrick Heide, London and Close Ltd, Somerset. Awarded the Drawing Prize at the RWA Open in 2023 and exhibited in Paper Works RWA Bristol.

She lives and works in Herefordshire, UK

Statement

I work in a process-based way with line, repetition and surface as my central concerns. The materials and actions I use have some connection to the domestic, agrarian routines and rituals of previous generations of my family as well as to the more universal human need to leave a trace and reveal a truth. I am excited by the minutest variations of material and procedure that produce ‘difference’ through repetition. I live on the same land that was worked by four different generations and while looking at old maps of the farm I began researching changing field shapes, different ploughing methods and became fascinated by the folds and refolding of the maps and how it drew me to the potential of 'surface.’ The seen and the unseen are held in the same surface.

I make work by scoring, folding, stitching, staining and drawing with a fine mapping nib. The line is drawn as close to the line before as possible. A quasi-mechanical activity which is doomed to imperfection, but creates a field of frisson/noise/interference that is specifically autobiographic. Therefore the most systematic procedure is not merely pure process – it is actually producing a drawing that is intimately expressive.

I embody an investigative approach to different media to explore themes of consciousness, the self and the idea of paint as an entity. My paintings are immense abstract conversations between myself and the paint. On the canvas, I let the paint lead me; I draw into the canvas with paint and rotate the surface to generate a new perspective, allowing new compositions to form. The paint expresses itself through me, rendering my experiences and creating a space for reflection and interpretation. Natural imagery bleeds through into my work due to this meditative process.

Central to my practice is the idea of interconnectedness. The painting calls the viewer to question the boundary between oneself and the rest of the world.

Mark returns ….

From her studio in the picturesque Ribble Valley Nicky creates beautiful pastel artworks full of character and charm. Light-hearted and fun, her paintings are instantly recognisable by their lively use of colour, line and texture. The love she has for her animal subjects shines through every artwork. Nicky is represented by galleries in the UK and Ireland and her work has frequently been exhibited at the Mall Galleries, London. In this exhibition Nicky will be showcasing her latest artworks and will be in the gallery most days sketching live in the gallery.  www.nickylitchfield.com 

Nicky will be joined by her partner Ian, a talented draughtsman who works directly from life. He draws inspiration from the natural world as well as the human form. His work is loose and expressive and he has a unique talent for capturing the moment with his fluid and sensitive line. The artworks on show will be mainly pen and ink. 

Ian's constant sketching companion is Max the dog, who will be making occasional guest appearances at the gallery throughout the week. 

An Exhibition of work by the late Maud Bullen (1906-1993)