South Hams Art Forum Archives

3 May 2021 In Art

South Hams Art Forum: news!

Like many others, Anne and I have found the past year somewhat challenging.

No art classes to attend. No exhibitions. No galleries to visit.

Not to mention the effect of ‘staying at home’ and worries as to how many more lockdowns might be needed.

But, it seems we are now returning to normal, and I’m returning to blogging at long last.

We must look on the bright side?

I’m delighted delighted that Anne and I have both had our two jabs. (We are still wearing our masks though.)
I’m delighted too that members of the South Hams Art Forum (SHAF) have spent the fallow months working on their amazing website.

Let’s celebrate!

SHAF website news

For a number of years, I’ve been a proud member of SHAF. Their website has recently been transformed and you can see works of mine and the many other talented artists there.

SHAF events at Harbour House

I’ve enjoyed taking part in the SHAF exhibitions at Harbour House in Kingsbridge in the past, and there are two events scheduled for Harbour House.

Both will provide opportunities for you to see the fantastic creations of a cross-section of SHAF artists.

SHAF Arts Trail: 16-31 October 2021

I’ve also enjoyed hosting the Arts Trail from my home, Beacon House, in Salcombe.

This year, things will be a bit different. Anne and I have decided we cannot host the Arts Trail (put that down to advanced years and recent health issues!) but we will be supporting SHAF artists all the same.

Watch this space!

However, we will continue to welcome visitors all year round. Contact me if you would like to arrange a time to view, by private appointment, at Beacon House Gallery, within my home in Salcombe. .

SHAF on social media

A new SHAF artist is featured each week on Instagram and Facebook.

Last week, it was Nick Cotter’s turn.

You can also follow SHAF on their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/SouthHamsArtsForum and on Instagram @southhamsartsforum.

Join SHAF!

I can thoroughly recommend that all local artists join South Hams Art Forum (SHAF). Full details here.

8 October 2018 In Art

SHAF Trail 2018: 13-28 October – preview on Friday 12th, 6-8pm

The SHAF Trail is an annual event organised by the South Hams Art Forum – and it starts on Saturday.

Local artists open their homes, allowing visitors to see for themselves how we work, and to talk one-on-one with the artists.

Brochures giving a complete list of all the artists taking part in the SHAF Trail are available at a number of places: Salcombe Information Centre, Bonningtons the newsagents, Spar (Loring Road), Salcombe Yacht Club, …

Guest exhibitor: Michael Hill

I am delighted that Michael Hill will be sharing my gallery space for this year’s SHAF trail. I’ve attended Michael’s classes for a decade or more and much admire his work.

Michael and I are hosting a preview evening on Friday 12 October, 6-8pm. Invitations have been sent by email but if you haven’t received yours and would like to attend, please contact me.

WHEN CAN YOU VISIT BEACON HOUSE GALLERY?

As well as the preview evening, Beacon House Gallery will be open 13-28 October for visitors as follows.

Saturdays and Sundays: 10am-5pm
Mondays, Wednesday, Thursdays, and Fridays: 11am-4pm
Tuesdays: CLOSED

You don’t need to book ahead. Just turn up and you will be made very welcome.

WHERE IS BEACON HOUSE GALLERY?

Beacon House Gallery is within my home – the hall, stairs and landing, no less. It’s not normally open to the public, except by prior arrangement.

DIRECTIONS TO BEACON HOUSE

As you approach Salcombe, there will be yellow posters with arrows pointing the way to Beacon House.

We have wheelchair access and plenty of parking space available on our private drive.

Alternatively, you could park in the park’n’walk at the top of Bonfire Hill and walk down. There might also be parking spaces in Bonfire Hill alongside the allotments.

Please do not park on the shared drive.

We look forward to your visit!

10 September 2018 In Art

This Week at Salcombe Art Club: Elen Claire Williams

As a full member of Salcombe Art Club, I have the option to exhibit in the This Week corner of the Loft Gallery that some of us still call the Little Studio. This year, I had two consecutive weeks: 28 July until 11 August.

The turn of Elen Claire Williams

It’s now the turn of Elen Claire Williams to exhibit her work in the Little Studio.

Fine Artist, Elen Claire Williams MA works in the genre of the British Walking Artists: recording and interpreting her local South Devon landscape, principally between the moor and the sea. She commonly selects popular places at those solitary times where distance from modern life encourages deeper thought, imagination, self-discovery and inner peace.

Through varying visual languages, Elen Claire creates atmospheric, evocative impressions and visual documentations arising from ‘The Art of Slow Walking’. Often the narrative behind the artwork becomes a series of works exploring the deeper aspects of art making. This reaches beyond the decorative aspect of making art, to the key issues of our times e.g. spiritual poverty and environmental issues, becoming essential deeper elements in the artist’s work. Elen Claire seeks to raise the audiences’ awareness of the fragility of all life. An interest in local history, rural traditions and personal faith are reflected in the narrative of specific series of artwork.

Here are just three of Elen Claire’s paintings. Visit the Little Studio in the Salcombe Art Club to see more. Elen Claire’s show ends on Saturday!

Salcombe – Home for Tea: Oil on canvas: 610mmx1220mm

House on the Avon: Mixed media: 455mmx610mm

Safe to Shore: 505mmx760mm

WHERE IS THE LOFT GALLERY?

Williams The Loft Gallery is situated behind the Fortescue Inn, and above a popular shoe shop, on a delightful footpath called Victoria Quay, which overlooks one of the best views in the UK including the mooring berth of the RNLI lifeboat Baltic Exchange III.

See Elen Claire also on the SHAF Arts Trail: at venue 33

Elen Claire is one of over 60 artists opening their studios for the SHAF Arts Trail.

This year, the SHAF Arts Trail runs from October 13th to October 28th. Two whole weeks, including half-term week.

Elen Claire’s studio, ART SPACE: Fine Art Studio is venue 33 and all the details are on page 18 of the SHAF Arts Trail Brochure.

Small group workshops

Elen Claire also runs group workshops led by professional artist tutors at her ART SPACE studio.

For more details, contact Elen Claire at ec.williams@hotmail.co.uk

Also see her website and her Facebook page.

If you have an exhibition coming up, let me know. I’ll tell my readers about it.

11 June 2018 In Art

Exhibition time: SHAF Contemporary Passions 2018

The annual Contemporary Passions exhibition is an opportunity for members of SHAF (South Hams Art Forum) to stage a major summer show of new works in a wide range of mediums and styles, a snapshot of the artists’ current work, interests, and creative passions.

I took part last year, my first experience of such a collaborative event, but decided to have a rest this year.

So I am not one of ten SHAF members exhibiting their work.

However, you really should go and see their work!

One of the artists, I have featured before: Elaine Sibley

23 April 2018 In Art

JANETTE JAGGER – ARTIST DOWN UNDER

In the Bush

Janette Jagger and I are members of SHAF (South Hams Art Forum). We both take part in the annual SHAF Arts Trail. This year, that’s 13-28 October. Put those dates in your diary!

She uses oils, acrylic, pen and wash, and water colour to suit the particular place. Her paintings range from the empty landscapes of the Red Centre of Australia to the crowded beach at Bantham full of holidaymakers enjoying themselves.

What is special about Janette Jagger’s work?

Janette’s style is larger-than-life super-colourful and fun.

Janette has travelled widely in France, Spain, the United Kingdom and Brazil, where the brilliant tropical colours changed her paintings.

She now lives and paints in Devon, a complete contrast to the desert and the tropics, and loves the coastal landscapes of the South Hams.

Near Cober Pedy

Janette also loves Cornwall and Scotland.

Janette says: My aim is to capture the feeling of different places and to convey their joy and beauty in whatever medium suits them.

Why ‘artist down under’?

Janette was born in the mining town of Broken Hill in the Australian desert. The hot earth colours and brilliant blue, cloudless skies of her birthplace in Australia still influence her colour palette.

Janette says: I was born in the Australian desert and I just love the hot colours in Australia and the vast spaces with no sign of humans. It was a real adventure traveling for five months in a small camper van. We did break down 70 kms from mobile reception and few cars on the road. But the sense of vast, empty space is wonderful.

The JANETTE JAGGER – ARTIST DOWN UNDER exhibition

Ulutu

This colourful exhibition is at Harbour House, Kingsbridge: 15-20 Ma

The gallery space is open daily: 10am to 5pm.

Janette says: It’s not all about Australia. I will have local paintings as well as other places.

Free talk at 2.30pm on on Saturday 19 May

There is a free talk on ‘Traveling with the grey nomads’.

In the southern states of Australia, when winter sets in, the retired folks jump in their camper vans or caravans and head north to the warmth of the tropics. Hence the name ‘grey nomads’.

More about Janette

Janette Jagger has painted all her life. She has been accepted by the Association of British Naïve Artists and will exhibit in St. Ives in October 2014.

If you have an exhibition which you’d like me to publicise, please let me know.

I’m very happy to promote fellow artists!

16 April 2018 In Art

Elaine Sibley at The Gallery Project, Noss Mayo

Elaine Sibley has an exhibition at The Gallery Project in Noss Mayo, on now until 10 May.

The gallery is open Saturdays 10am – 4pm but a local artist works at the forge Wednesdays and Thursdays 10am-4pm and you are welcome to pop in.

Where is The Gallery Project, Noss Mayo?

The Forge
Bridgend
Noss Mayo
Plymouth
PL8 1DX

Tel: 01752 873150

map to The Forge

Mothercombe beach 60 x 60

How do I know Elaine Sibley?

Elaine and I are members of SHAF (South Hams Art Forum). We both take part in the annual SHAF Arts Trail. This year, that’s 13-28 October. Put those dates in your diary!

Elaine and I also exhibited together at the Contemporary Passions Exhibition in June of last year and that’s where I first saw some of her work: her beautiful hand forged silver jewellery.

In this exhibition, we meet Elaine, the painter.

Like me, Elaine is passionate about landscape. Unlike me, her style is incredibly adventurous!

What’s special about Elaine Sibley’s work?

Western Beacon from South 60 x 60

Elaine’s contemporary landscapes emerge from natural surroundings; namely Dartmoor and the local coastline.

She is aware of the ever changing weather and conditions on Dartmoor and attempts to capture the effect this has on light and colour in her paintings.

She walks, sketches and takes photographs.

Back in the studio, she is currently enjoying the immediacy of acrylics and uses texture and a variety of tools to try to convey the mood and atmosphere of the place rather than a true representation.

More about Elaine Sibley

Elaine lives and works on the edge of Dartmoor.

Elaine studied at Plymouth College of Art and then the College of St Mark & St John where she gained a PGCE.

Beyond Western Beacon 60 x 60

She taught Design and Technology for 20 years while designing and making silver jewellery which she continues to sell through local galleries and open studios.

Ugborough Beacon 60 x 60

Since retiring from teaching in 2016, Elaine has found time to experiment and expand her work and has developed a passion for painting.

To see more of Elaine’s images, visit her Facebook page.

If you have an exhibition which you’d like me to publicise, please let me know.

I’m very happy to promote fellow artists!

30 May 2017 In Art, Exhibition

CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS PREVIEW: GILLY COTTER

Gilly Cotter and I are both showing at the annual Contemporary Passions exhibition, an opportunity for members of SHAF (South Hams Art Forum) to stage a major summer show of new works in a wide range of mediums and styles.

The exhibition provides a snapshot of the artists’ current work, interests and creative passions.

The featured image above is one of several pieces that Gilly will have on show. It’s called ‘Tidal Road Egret’ and is a Limited Edition Etching 20 x 25 cm.

Here are two more pieces, this time: raku.

Raku Egret

Raku Vase

Gilly Cotter

Gilly is a member of the South Hams Arts Forum, the Pressgang Printers, Salcombe Art Club, and the West Country Potters Association.

Gilly says: I like to represent the world around me by interpreting the shapes, the spaces in between, and the textures. My inspiration comes from the natural world, including wildlife and its relationship with the natural environment. I work in various media including; print-making, oils, and ceramics.

Slapton Ley – Limited Edition Woodcut 38 x 28 cm

Gilly’s work is on sale at Fowey River Gallery, Fowey; The Gallery Project, Avon Mill, Loddiswell; and at Hope Cove Gallery, Hope Cove.

WHERE/WHEN IS THE CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS EXHIBITION?

The Contemporary Passions exhibition will be at Harbour House, The Promenade, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 1JD.

It’s open daily 10 am – 5 pm (closing at 4 pm on the last day): Tuesday 6 June until Sunday 18 June 2017

WANT TO MEET THE ARTISTS?

There will be an opportunity to meet all the artists on Tuesday 6 June, 6-8 pm.

You might also call in when Gilly or I are stewarding.

Gilly will be stewarding all day on Wednesday 7 June and in the afternoon on Saturday 17 June. I will be stewarding all day on Saturday 10 June and on the morning of Saturday 17 June.

Silver Birches – Limited Edition Woodcut 29 x 20 cm

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Admission is free!

23 May 2017 In Art, Exhibition

Contemporary Passions Preview: Nick Cotter’s digisurrealism

Nick Cotter has coined the term digisurrealism to describe the dreamlike qualities and the inclusion of the unexpected in his work.

Nick and I are both showing at the annual Contemporary Passions exhibition, an opportunity for members of SHAF (South Hams Art Forum) to stage a major summer show of new works in a wide range of mediums and styles.

The exhibition provides a snapshot of the artists’ current work, interests and creative passions.

The featured image above is one of several images that Nick will have on show. It’s called ‘Salcombe Boatyard Dreams – If a building could dream’.

Nick Cotter’s digisurrealism

Dreaming of Seasons

Nick says: I am interested in how our mental filters, both conscious and unconscious, influence our perceptions of ‘reality’. What any of us see and feel from a view in the landscape, a journey, or past events, is processed by these filters, of which we are often unaware.

I am inspired by the dream-like scenes that are typical of the surrealist movement.

‘Dreaming of Seasons’ was inspired by four weeks in isolation in hospital, which made the memories of the seasons past and the desires of the seasons Nick was hoping to experience, all too vivid.

How does Nick create his digital images?

Nick’s digital images are built up and layered in a process that is similar to painting on a canvas, using elements from his photographic images as his palette.

Weathered Wood

His limited edition digital prints are archival quality, professionally printed on canvas.

Regarding ‘Weathered Wood’, Nick says: The grain of a weathered piece of wood helps to define a landscape into which it will return to nurture the new woodlands.

In ‘Warm Sky Cold Ground’ (below), the simplification and unnatural colours serve to highlight the complex reality of what is a tree

In ‘Burgh Island SUPing’ (far below), Nick asks: What if one of the most sublime local scenes was corrupted by man’s environmental destruction?

You can see more of his work on Nick’s website.

WHERE/WHEN IS THE CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS EXHIBITION?

Warm Sky Cold Ground

The Contemporary Passions exhibition will be at Harbour House, The Promenade, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 1JD.

It’s open daily 10 am – 5 pm (closing at 4 pm on the last day): Tuesday 6 June until Sunday 18 June 2017

WANT TO MEET THE ARTISTS?

There will be an opportunity to meet all the artists on Tuesday 6 June, 6-8 pm.

You might also call in when Nick or I are stewarding.

Nick will be stewarding all day on Thursday 8 June. I will be stewarding all day on Saturday 10 June and on the morning of Saturday 17 June.

Burgh Island SUPing

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Admission is free!

19 May 2017 In Art, Exhibition

CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS EXHIBITION PREVIEW: Splosh of Frogmore

Splosh of Frogmore is one of several paintings I’ll be showing at the the annual Contemporary Passions exhibition.

My ‘contemporary passion’ for the 2017 Contemporary Passions exhibition is ‘places other than Salcombe’. For the past decade or so, I’ve focused on scenes within easy walking distance of my home in Salcombe, and I’ve painted over 100 of them.

Frogmore is some miles away from Salcombe, beyond Kingsbridge by road. By boat, with the right tide, it is a magical short voyage from Salcombe through beautiful countryside. So, it fits the theme!

Splosh of Frogmore

splosh Splosh is real, tied up near a little bridge. The faded coloured roundels show Splosh has had many years of service in Salcombe Harbour.

The day I was passing by, the egret was fishing in the stream, competing with dancing reflections of Splosh.

You’ll notice that I used my artistic licence to move the egret.

For more information about this painting, read my Sketchbook notes.

What is the Contemporary Passions exhibition?

This is an annual opportunity for members of SHAF (South Hams Art Forum) to stage a major summer show of new works in a wide range of mediums and styles, a snapshot of the artists’ current work, interests and creative passions.

This is the first year I have taken part in this exhibition and am one of ten SHAF members exhibiting their work: Teresa Barlow, Nick Cotter, Gilly Cotter, Sue Farrow-Jones, Jane Mahood, Michele Meyer, Elaine Sibley, Sally Tapsell-Hunt, Val Uglow, and myself.

During the next few weeks, I’ll showcase the many paintings I intend to display, and introduce the other artists too.

WHEN IS THE CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS EXHIBITION?

Tuesday 6 June until Sunday 18 June 2017
Open daily 10 am – 5 pm (closing at 4 pm on the last day)

WHERE IS THE CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS EXHIBITION?

The Contemporary Passions exhibition will be at Harbour House, The Promenade, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 1JD

WANT TO MEET THE ARTISTS?

There will be an opportunity to meet the artists on Tuesday 6 June, 6-8 pm.

I will also be stewarding all day on Saturday 10 June and on the morning of Saturday 17 June.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Admission is free!

16 May 2017 In Art, Exhibition

Contemporary Passions Exhibition Preview: Elaine Sibley

Elaine Sibley and I are both showing our work at the annual Contemporary Passions exhibition, an opportunity for members of SHAF (South Hams Art Forum) to stage a major summer show of new works in a wide range of mediums and styles.

The exhibition provides a snapshot of the artists’ current work, interests and creative passions.

The featured image above is one of several pieces of hand forged silver jewellery that Elaine will have on show.

Elaine Sibley, jewellery designer

Elaine lives and works on the edge of Dartmoor and has been selling jewellery in the West Country since 2006. Her designs are textured and sometimes include recycled gold and the occasional semi-precious bead.

Inspired by geometric shapes and objects and forms seen in everyday life – as illustrated in the featured image above – the ranges include necklaces, bangles, earrings and cuff links.

Elaine is particularly interested in extending the life of her pieces and has recently created a range of necklaces that can be adapted; increasing versatility and introducing a multi-purpose element.

The wearer can bring creativity and personality to the piece by using an extra sprung link to shorten, lengthen, bunch and totally change the look of the piece. The additional link comes in a number of finishes so it can blend in or stand out.

You can see more of Elaine’s work on her Facebook page.

WHEN IS THE CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS EXHIBITION?

Tuesday 6 June until Sunday 18 June 2017
Open daily 10 am – 5 pm (closing at 4 pm on the last day)

WHERE IS THE CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS EXHIBITION?

The Contemporary Passions exhibition will be at Harbour House, The Promenade, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 1JD

WANT TO MEET THE ARTISTS?

There will be an opportunity to meet all the artists on Tuesday 6 June, 6-8 pm.

Elaine will be stewarding on the morning of Sunday 11 June and the afternoon of Wednesday 14 June, and I will be stewarding all day on Saturday 10 June and on the morning of Saturday 17 June.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Admission is free!