Artists Biographies
JAN MNICH MA: Watercolours, prints & cardsJan has been working as an artist for the last 30 years. Her paintings are all watercolours a medium which Jan finds most appropriate for the qualities she tries to achieve.
In 2000 Jan exhibited 'Purple Flower' at The Royal Watercolour Society, London. Since then she has shown her work in various galleries and exhibitions throughout the south of England, and also regularly exhibits in her own open house, Mnich's Mix, during the Brighton Festival.
Colour atmosphere is probably the most significant challenge with the environments she tries to evoke.
Travelling, landscape and architecture are great inspirations for her. Recent work has been influenced by the light in the mediterranean, Turkey, Egypt and Morocco. Jan's other inspirations are water, in particular it's changing quality and the way it reflects its surroundings.
Prints and cards are available of many of the images at very reasonable prices.
You can see more of Jan's work at www.janmnichart.co.uk
HARRIET APPLEBY: Feltmaker
Feather-light felt belies normal expectations of traditional felt. Contemporary felt wraparounds embrace the body and echo the landscape from which its hues and tones are drawn.
Smaller pieces are used as neckpieces, sashes and scarves. Hand and bottle bags are made from tougher Jacob and Norwegian wool fibres.
DAVID BAKER: Wooden boxes
David Baker has been working in wood for 25 years. After training at Wimbledon and Brighton he made one-off furniture in London for several years before returning to Sussex.
He now makes mainly small pieces, jewellery boxes and small cabinets. Where possible reclaimed timber is used as well as local hardwoods and small amounts of selected veneers and inlays.
Sculpture and architecture are sources for interesting shapes and forms which often include curves and use of contrasting materials.
Commissions and special projects undertaken.
PAULINE CROOK: Cushions
Seagulls being seagulls on Brighton seafront. Grasses admired along the river bank at Lewes. The wonder of simple things. Pauline's work seeks to highlight just how lovely, amid the complexities of life, the world is.
This year, for the Brighton Festival, she has produced a collection of colourful, contemporary (and sometimes comical) cushions, prints and cards.
PIERRE DIAMANTOPOULO ARBS: Sculpture
Pierre Diamantopoulo is a prolific artist working in many different media and varying scale. As an Associate Member of the Royal British Society of Sculptors, Pierre has had several solo shows in London and the provinces and was included in the 21st Century British Sculpture Exhibition at the Guggenheim in Venice in 2002. He has been included in The Cass Sculpture Foundation’s New Concept Gallery for Monumental Art since 2001. His art is in international collections and he has been awarded a commission through The Arts Council England, North East, to fabricate a monumental steel sculpture for a futuristic regeneration programme in the UK.
Much of his work is focussed on the art of movement - an exercise in perfect but seemingly improbable balance. The figurative style of his monumental work is often set against strongly convergent lines, shapes and forms.
Pierre's sculptures are one-offs. His gallery work often showcases original maquettes for full-scale sculptures designed for the public realm.
He makes original figurative pieces and installations, engaging in sculpture that likes to poke fun at gravity. In his animalier work he focuses on the physical articulation of creatures, whilst his figures are also allegorical. His work may be commissioned in bronze.
Pierre’s work is also collected as pencil drawings, charcoals, oil pastels and oil painting.
JOHN EVANS: Raku ceramics
John's unique ceramic forms have their roots in processes used by early civilisations but take pride of place in many modern homes. The decorative effects are created using the 'naked raku' process – 'Painting with Smoke'.
This 'clay-art' work is burnished by hand to give a smooth, marble-like finish and is not suitable for functional or outdoor use.
MICHELE FINDLAY: Ceramic sculpture
My work comes from inside me, the images that populate my mind are reflections of the emotions and desires of a woman. Over the years I have been driven to understand woman's spirituality as a way of understanding myself and to use my creativity to portray it in my art.
What I want is for women to understand their power and for men to acknowledge it. Through my exploration of the spirituality and identity of female deities I create pieces which embrace both the light and the dark sides of femaleness. Strength, vulnerability, intuition, shrewdness, tenacity, conciliation and love are all ambivalent attributes of women, only some women do not acknowledge all of these. I want my work to reflect the complexity of women and to make other people question their own spirituality, gender, role and path in this time and place.
There is a ritualistic element in creation which people often recognise in my work, likening individual pieces to reliquaries, standing stones and sacred icons. I have always needed ritual but found it rather shallow when not part of a creative process. And so I discovered a ritual in my own making process, a kind of symbiotic affinity with my material, a switching off of rational thinking and to a certain extent critical sight, a trusting to instincts which take me to a place where things begin to happen.
Exploration, experimentation and risk taking are fundamental to my work. The process can be uncomfortable at times, but is a necessary part of my journey. I like to use clay in a spontaneous way and have always been interested in collage techniques so that each piece is unique, in spite of the fact that some of my work in made in moulds. I also like to add other materials to my clay pieces, once they have been fired, a kind of assemblage of bits and pieces which reverberate with my psyche. I have developed all my own glazes, though a process of adjustment of already existing glaze recipes and through experimentation; my palette is subdued and inspired by the colours of our Earth from which the oxides I use are drawn.
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LORRAINE GIBBY: Jewellery
Lorraine uses various methods, such as lino-block and screen printing, to build up layers of colour and pattern on anodized aluminium.
She then combines pieces of the printed material with more traditional materials, including precious metals, stones and textiles, to produce bold jewellery that is full of colour and texture.
FLEUR GRENIER: Pewtersmith
Fleur’s work is predominantly made in Lead-free pewter, but now also incorporates some wood and slate, as these materials have a tactile quality that compliments my designs.
She produces sculptural, functional pieces such as tableware, clocks, a variety of individual giftware items and unique one-off sculptures.
JESSICA JORDAN: Ceramics
From school I went on to do a foundation in Art and Design, then progressed to complete a 3D Design Higher National Diploma both taken at Northbrook College, Worthing, West Sussex.
These courses both enabled me to play with many different materials, but I was drawn black to ceramics every time as it can be so versatile. Upon completing the 3D HND I moved onto my BA Hons Degree at The Surrey Institute of Art and Design University College, Farnham, Surrey (now known at the University College for The Creative Arts) this was were my work took a complete turn around and I discovered a real interest in natural forms, found objects, texture, pattern and the natural erosion of surfaces.
My work was very box like as I was interested with the idea of space inside a form and containment; I began looking at the human condition of hiding feelings away ‘the dark space within’. The colours and corroded surfaces with holes and rips that I used represented the fake front or persona that we or I put on when we hide emotions away.
From my degree I went on to do my MA in Contemporary Crafts at The Surrey Institute of Art and Design University College, this gave me the time to push my work to next level. I had the opportunity to go to Japan for three weeks where I took part in the International Ceramics Exchange this was an unforgettable experience. I drew a lot of experience and influences from the cultures, the nature and the other artists work. My work began to transform using these new influences and started to take the form of vessels; some pieces were closed off at the top or half way down again playing with the idea of dark spaces and the unexpected.
During my MA I was also able to meet two of my heroes Gordon Baldwin and Robin Welch and spend a day with each of them. This was when I decided I wanted to work for myself, selling my work and taking part in exhibitions and shows. Unfortunately it’s never as easy as you think it is going to be.
After University I continued to develop my work and set up a very small studio at the bottom of my parents garden with a very small kiln that had been donated to me from a school. I took part in small exhibitions showing in Worthing, Chichester, London, Leeds, Cranleigh and Brighton.
My current work is always developing in its shape and surface; it’s very natural in form and in keeping with the tradition of hand building. I strive to push the boundaries of what I think is art and what is craft, I believe that the two are one and should not be categorised. I am always asked where do I see my work; is it art or is it craft? I feel it’s between the two, it is hand crafted, textured and a 3D form then I use are coloured slips and/or oxides like a painter applies paint to a canvas.
SARAH JOYCE: Glassmaker
Sarah creates colourful, vibrant and unique fused and slumped glass work. Likened to a cross between contemporary stained glass and pieces of coral, each piece is signed by the artist.
CHRIS MITTON: Sculpture
Chris was born in London in 1963 and left a career as a mac operator/designer and worked for six years as assistant to sculptor Giles Penny. This was followed by a period of study in the stone-carving studio of Andrea Schulewitz. Since 1999 he has worked full-time as a sculptor.
Each sculpture begins with the visualisation of an idea. Through the creation of clay and plaster maquettes, form, proportion and detail are distilled to the point where the essence of the form is revealed. At this point work on the finished piece can begin. All sculpture is carved by hand in his studio in West Sussex.
JANE STIRZAKER-EVANS: Jewellery
Jane first studied ceramics in Sweden and so her love story with porcelain began, as did her appreciation of the style and
simplicity of Scandinavian fashions. The clean, uncomplicated lines influence her work to this day…, with simple touches of colour, allowing the beauty of the porcelain its own expression.
Nature is another source of inspiration. Living by the sea, the influences of the moon and tides are reflected, particularly in the glazing. The curves of the human form fascinate and the challenge is to produce pieces which adorn and enhance them, particularly the neckline and ankle.
A range of porcelains, including Limoges, Audrey Blackman and Royale are used to achieve differing hues, translucent, white, ivory and cream, compatible with differing skin tones of wearers. Having had a colour analysis, and experienced the revelation that some colours can drain the face, this knowledge has been used to develop different glazes, and bodystains, also to complement different skin tones.
Always fascinated by emotions and communication….Jane believes that individuals` personal fashion statements express, non-verbally, some of their thoughts and feelings. Choice of jewellery is very much part of this. The uniqueness of each individual is valued greatly and shown in the commitment not to replicate any piece, so the owner can be confident that her/his jewel is also unique. Pieces have been commissioned for private collections, and work is sold in galleries and at ceramic exhibitions.
An old dance theme, space, and the way porcelain moves through and surrounds it, is continually being explored. The use of body stains, to weave colour into the porcelain, is one recent development in Jane`s work, producing intriguing effects. Another is the mastering of a difficult technique , the decoration of porcelain pieces with Art Clay Silver, which hardens on firing in the kiln, and is more pure than sterling silver. Stringing materials are researched thoroughly and chosen to lovingly display each carefully crafted piece to its full advantage.
Creating jewellery for weddings is another recent development in Jane`s work. The different porcelains work well in complementing ivory, and white, wedding dresses and the pieces are designed to be wearable long after the special day. That 'something blue' for the bride, presents for the bridesmaids, and cufflinks for the groom, something special to complement special outfits for the day, are all designed individually.
In 2006, Jane retired from her full-time post as Quality and Development Officer for the London Borough of Richmond`s Learning Disability Services and moved back to Worthing. Currently she works as a Quality and Management Consultant, independent Chairman of Worthing Council`s Standard`s Committee, as well as a professional ceramic artist!
One of the joys of wearing porcelain is that it warms on the skin, and this interaction makes the relationship, between wearer and artwork, very personal. All pieces are unique and signed by the artist.
Jane is a member of the London Potters and the Southern Ceramic Group.
LOUISE TURNER: Handbags & accessories
My handbags are a celebration of my love of colour, design, drama and texture. Each is individually designed and crafted in my studio.
Intrigued and fascinated by flowers and their structure, I have been inspired to create my Sensational Flowers range, where bold designs and strong colours are intricately embellished with machine embroidery and beadwork.
Historical costumes are also a source of inspiration – where ruffles, puffs and ruching are amongst the techniques I use.
My textile art has evolved from my academic study of art, craft, design and a tradition of making.
I also love the things that I make to have a use, but within that realm my designs are sensuous, tactile, exciting, surprising and vibrant with colour
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DAVID GODNY: Photography
David Godny is a professional photographer with nearly 20 years experience in capturing dramatic wildlife and rugged landscapes, particularly in Africa, but also in the wilder parts of Israel, America and Britain.
His interest and passion for nature ignited in the 1990’s when he visited Africa for the first time. David says “Africa is a magical and enigmatic continent that continues to excite and captivate me to the present day”. “The overwhelming abundance and variety of wildlife, the spectacle of life and death, and the unique changing light that occurs throughout the long African day are exhilarating and inspirational”. The addiction was so strong that he returned time after time throughout the decade, spending months in the African bush witnessing and capturing many wonderful scenes – sometimes brutal, sometimes tender, always about the harsh struggle for survival.
David Godny’s images are published regularly, both in the UK and internationally, in newspapers and magazines and his work is shown annually at his open-house gallery in London. For the first time a collection of his work will be shown in Ovingdean as part of the 2009 Brighton Festival. Limited edition prints can also be ordered online at www.davidgodny.com.
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Tessa Clegg: containers and abstracts
Tessa Clegg never calls herself an artist. She says she is a maker, defining herself as working in one material only, and positioning herself within the ‘European modernist craft tradition’. Unexpectedly perhaps, she cites ceramicists like Martin Smith or Hans Coper for comparison.
Clegg came to glass relatively late. A Londoner, she left school in the early 1960s and travelled to San Francisco, returned to London and then went to India. Returning to England she lived for 10 years in the northern county of Yorkshire, still largely at a loss as to where her life should be heading. She earned a living at secretarial work while trying wood-turning and ceramics. Then she saw a small piece of glass that, finally, set her off in the right direction; she studied glass-making between 1979-1982 at Stourbridge School of Art. She began by making vessels and she still does. She makes containers that she calls ‘abstracts’. All of her work has an interior, but now all of it is enclosed by a lid or an insert.
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CAROL EDWARDS: Painter
carol edwards studied painting at Brighton and lives near Fiveways with her partner, a Newhaven fisherman.'
PAUL WINDER; Painter in pastels and oils
I was born in 1952 and I've lived in Brighton pretty much all my life. My familly also hail from Brighton and surrounding area which means I feel very "connected" to this part of the world. I'm married, have four sons and live in Woodingdean (which is close to Rottingdean) on the outskirts of Brighton city. I am an ex-civil servant and I turned professional artist in 1997. I am a self-taught artist, developing such skills as I have through years of drawing and painting from life models at the Sussex County Arts Club. I paint with both oils and soft pastels and enjoy using both but for completely different painting experiences. I paint in my garden studio and exhibit most regularly at the studio as part of the Brighton Festival’s Artist Open Houses, which is one of the most important showcases for creative talent in the South East of England. I paint many subjects, including animals, seascapes and landscapes.(www.paintingsbypaulwinder.co.uk)