Devon Artist Network and Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG) collaborate on new exhibition supporting Devon's creative communities
'FRESH! Devon Artist Network' brings together key works by leading Devon artists and creatives from Devon Artist Network (DAN).
THG will host this exciting new exhibition at their Honiton-based gallery as part of their Creative Communities initiative in East Devon, understanding the value of individual and collective creative expression, and fresh ideas and perspectives.
The exhibition features an inspiring collection of works selected from an open call including painting, sculpture, pottery, glass work, textile and mark making by both established and emerging artists from Devon Artist Network. All works in the exhibition will be for sale, the works include:
Karen Nicholls' embroidered appliqué is inspired by photographs of her whippets and a passion for fabric. Based in Tavistock, she makes framed freehand machine-embroidered and appliqued original pieces depicting animals, birds and foliage. Karen loves to sew the quirky, beautiful, magical, humorous or touching characters from her photographs and sketches, combining the images with the texture and warmth of fabric and the stitched line.
Martin Staniforth is a sculptor based in the village of Awliscombe. His practice focuses on emergence, regeneration and natural progression, drawing influences from nature. His work experiments with forms falling and rising: pieces from the burnt-out Royal Clarence Hotel, Exeter; microscopic creatures and the human form. He is intrigued by ‘vulnerability’, and how this is masked with statements of certainty and how we express this in the masculine and the feminine.
Nicky Thompson (aka Barton) is a Wet Plate photographer, who uses old photography techniques. Her stunning photography artwork in the exhibition is an example of an ongoing project of Wild Swimmers taken on glass plate using wet collodion, a Victorian photographic process.
Philippa de Burlet creates thrown, hand-painted porcelain which is strong and durable from her studio in Chagford. Her collection in the exhibition comprises exquisite blue and white ceramic candlesticks and bowls are painted with a blue/grey underglaze painting.
Sara Evans' work develops from a variety of sources and engagements with contemporary life. Human psychology, environmental issues, and gender roles are thematic threads. Narrative, metaphor, and humour feature in her pottery pieces; she is intrigued that each viewer brings a different meaning to what they see.
Ella Slade's compelling landscapes capture the essence and vitality of the rugged scenery of Devon and Cornwall, in all of its many shifting moods. Rolling storm swells and phosphorescent briny seas set against the craggy coastlines of the South West continue to inspire Ella. Every day she works in the open air and from her beachside studio in Exmouth.
Gillian Taylor is a paper artist. She has created collections of tiny envelopes using original love letters written during World War Two, reflecting her interest in how we communicate and how that has changed over the years. Her paper flowers are made from letters and old books with delicate gold paper stamens
Ruth Smith is an emerging artist, who has been inspired by local produce during the pandemic. With neighbours dropping round eggs and sharing plants for allotments, she began to think about how local produce brings community together, and how disconnected we are from the people and processes behind many items sold in supermarkets. Ruth explained,
"Since the lockdowns I have been really conscious about how local produce creates connections between people and the land. As it's all fresh veg, grown here in Devon, I thought it would fit perfectly with this celebration of all things wonderfully fresh and inspiring about Devon.”
Throughout the exhibition there will be a programme of workshops for community groups and families led by members of Devon Artist Network, who will be also be holding artist demonstrations at the opening event on 28 May.
Devon Artist Network is an organisation which promotes the visual arts and creates opportunities for all artists and makers in Devon. It initiates a range of projects across the county, including the well established Devon Open Studios event that runs every year in September.
Councillor Nick Hookway (East Devon District Council Portfolio Holder Tourism, Leisure, Sport and Culture) commented, "We are delighted to support local artist communities through this collaboration between THG and Devon Artist Network. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the breadth of work from both established artists and talented emerging artists from across Devon."
FRESH! Devon Artist Network
28 May - 23 July 2022
Opening including artist demonstrations throughout the day: Saturday 28 May, 10 - 5
Open Wednesday - Saturday, 10 - 5.
Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Dowell St, Honiton EX14 1LX
thelmahulbert.com
