is coming up soon . . .
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
A new year with a bit of a difference to my routine . . . instead of weekly Portrait and Life classes I am holding 2 Life Drawing/Painting Workshops at the Solihull W I. They will take place on the 12 February and 12 March so if anyone is interested in booking or finding out more details please get in touch by emailing me - mail@jangay.co.uk
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Sustaining the Person Within has moved to another venue . . .
Our recent meeting with the Dean of Birmingham Cathedral has resulted in the opportunity to show our exhbition in the South Aisle of the Cathedral. It all happened rather suddenly which meant that we spent a whole week frantically building and painting display boards to hang paintings on, along with adaptations to some exhibits. We assembled it all yesterday afternoon, phew!
If anyone wants advice about building display boards ask Tom and Martin.
Our recent meeting with the Dean of Birmingham Cathedral has resulted in the opportunity to show our exhbition in the South Aisle of the Cathedral. It all happened rather suddenly which meant that we spent a whole week frantically building and painting display boards to hang paintings on, along with adaptations to some exhibits. We assembled it all yesterday afternoon, phew!
If anyone wants advice about building display boards ask Tom and Martin.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Here are some photos of the StPW Private Views, just in case you couldn't get along.
In addition to lots of our 'students' from residential homes, the Mayor, Joe Tildesley, and also Roo, a chihuahua 'pat the dog' with owner Jane, came along to the afternoon PV. It was a really lovely occasion . . . I think the photos will explain all . . .
We left at about 4.30pm only to return at 6.00pm when our evening PV started. Meanwhile the Mayor had enthusiastically 'tweeted' about his visit!
We were delighted that Jill Fraser from 'Kissing it Better' was able to open the exhibition - her interest in our work, and the links with her own, really made her the perfect person.
So we do hope you enjoy looking at our photos and that they encourage you to visit the gallery sometime too!
In addition to lots of our 'students' from residential homes, the Mayor, Joe Tildesley, and also Roo, a chihuahua 'pat the dog' with owner Jane, came along to the afternoon PV. It was a really lovely occasion . . . I think the photos will explain all . . .
We left at about 4.30pm only to return at 6.00pm when our evening PV started. Meanwhile the Mayor had enthusiastically 'tweeted' about his visit!
We were delighted that Jill Fraser from 'Kissing it Better' was able to open the exhibition - her interest in our work, and the links with her own, really made her the perfect person.
So we do hope you enjoy looking at our photos and that they encourage you to visit the gallery sometime too!
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Sunday, April 28, 2013
'Sustaining the Person Within' has begun to officially advertise its forthcoming exhibition . . .
If you are interested in signing up for one of our workshops which will provide ideas and practical experience of leading creative sessions with the elderly, then please contact us - places will be limited. Dates of workshops and contact details are on the flier below.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
The kiln firing . . .
Finished at about 4.30 yesterday afternoon, around the time of the Grand National! and cooled down slowly overnight. We all wanted to see the opening so had to wait until lunch time - church followed by a trip to Stratford to collect prints that the Barge Gallery were returning (another blog I think!) caused the delay.
The temperature had gone from 1150°c down to 50°c by then. We lifted the lid . . . and found the little figures just as they were, only much redder. The oxide really hadn't done much on the two testers and the white slip was patchy and a bit distracting, so I think we will just leave them in their natural state. But all were in tact-ish! Taking them out we discovered that one arm and a couple of legs had dropped off - and the newspaper dust revealed the shell like structures of several.
Anyway, for anyone who has been following these little updates here are some photos . . .
Finished at about 4.30 yesterday afternoon, around the time of the Grand National! and cooled down slowly overnight. We all wanted to see the opening so had to wait until lunch time - church followed by a trip to Stratford to collect prints that the Barge Gallery were returning (another blog I think!) caused the delay.
The temperature had gone from 1150°c down to 50°c by then. We lifted the lid . . . and found the little figures just as they were, only much redder. The oxide really hadn't done much on the two testers and the white slip was patchy and a bit distracting, so I think we will just leave them in their natural state. But all were in tact-ish! Taking them out we discovered that one arm and a couple of legs had dropped off - and the newspaper dust revealed the shell like structures of several.
Anyway, for anyone who has been following these little updates here are some photos . . .
Friday, April 5, 2013
Filling the kiln . . .
After a rather worrying start when the kiln showed no interest in working and our friendly electrian thought it best not to answer his phone, Martin ventured to use a clever tool of Tom's to test the power. Several moments later, success!
The little figures were placed inside, mainly dangling their legs over the edge of half shelves. Two figures had been used as testers - Grace and I experimented with red iron oxide and slip, so we shall see . . .
This photo is our record, just in case they don't look quite the same when they come out!
After a rather worrying start when the kiln showed no interest in working and our friendly electrian thought it best not to answer his phone, Martin ventured to use a clever tool of Tom's to test the power. Several moments later, success!
The little figures were placed inside, mainly dangling their legs over the edge of half shelves. Two figures had been used as testers - Grace and I experimented with red iron oxide and slip, so we shall see . . .
This photo is our record, just in case they don't look quite the same when they come out!
Monday, April 1, 2013
Solihull Artists' Forum - Artists' Fair in Knowle
SAF's Artists' Fair is to be held in the Village Hall in Knowle on the 26th, 27th and 28th of April.
Last year when SAF held the first of these exhibitions it attracted lots of interest and proved to be a real success, so not surprisingly expectations are high. It was not only a great art event exhibiting a wide range of quality artwork . . . paintings, ceramics, jewellery, textiles and cards . . . but also created a lovely community feel, involving local schools and providing cups of tea with home made cakes, the proceeds of which went to the local hospice.
So make a note in your diary!
SAF's Artists' Fair is to be held in the Village Hall in Knowle on the 26th, 27th and 28th of April.
Last year when SAF held the first of these exhibitions it attracted lots of interest and proved to be a real success, so not surprisingly expectations are high. It was not only a great art event exhibiting a wide range of quality artwork . . . paintings, ceramics, jewellery, textiles and cards . . . but also created a lovely community feel, involving local schools and providing cups of tea with home made cakes, the proceeds of which went to the local hospice.
So make a note in your diary!
Preparing to use oxides and slip . . .
I have one week to go before we fire the kiln! The plan is to experiment with some red iron oxide and white slip on just a couple of figures to see what the results might be. These testers will hopefully help to make my mind up about any finish that I use. I have been given some really useful advice by a sculptor called Nichola Theakstone who I was put in touch with by the clay suppliers. It has been so helpful to discuss things with her - it's a long time since I did any ceramics!
I have one week to go before we fire the kiln! The plan is to experiment with some red iron oxide and white slip on just a couple of figures to see what the results might be. These testers will hopefully help to make my mind up about any finish that I use. I have been given some really useful advice by a sculptor called Nichola Theakstone who I was put in touch with by the clay suppliers. It has been so helpful to discuss things with her - it's a long time since I did any ceramics!
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Our exhibition for Sustaining the Person Within draws near . . .
A meeting last week at Solihull Arts Complex made the thought of our exhibition seem very real. Images and words have been requested for advertising, exhibits decided upon, workshops which we plan to hold for future leaders are being discussed and ideas are buzzing!
Kathryn has a number of exciting projects on the way, involving a few residents at Jobs Close.
Sculpture figures are still developing in my studio - they are up to 8 now. We ventured to look in our kiln today, not having used it for quite a while. I think my figures' legs will have to dangle over the edge of a half shelf - and I do wonder if they will hang on. Needless to say it's always a bit worrying when you fire a kiln!
A meeting last week at Solihull Arts Complex made the thought of our exhibition seem very real. Images and words have been requested for advertising, exhibits decided upon, workshops which we plan to hold for future leaders are being discussed and ideas are buzzing!
Kathryn has a number of exciting projects on the way, involving a few residents at Jobs Close.
Sculpture figures are still developing in my studio - they are up to 8 now. We ventured to look in our kiln today, not having used it for quite a while. I think my figures' legs will have to dangle over the edge of a half shelf - and I do wonder if they will hang on. Needless to say it's always a bit worrying when you fire a kiln!
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Paintings can't be forgotten . . .
Even though sales were good at the Art Barn last October, I still can't overlook the pictures that we had to bring home and which make life a bit congested in my studio!
Artifex Gallery in Sutton Coldfield asked if I would be interested in offering them some work following an exhibition there with the Art Circle in 2012. So I went along in January and took a few for them to look at, which led on to them having five paintings. Hopefully the next stage is for people to buy them!
Approaching galleries is a tricky business. I visited the Affordable Art Fair in London last year and really enjoyed myself! It's a wonderful opportunity to see lots of different galleries under one roof. I contacted a few afterwards having chatted with the owners, but sadly only one responded. That leaves me wondering whether to try again? It probably won't get me anywhere but I think I will . . .
And this week I have entered the David Shepherd Wildlife Exhibition! When artist friend Nat Singleton told me about it, I have to admit I didn't think I had any paintings remotely connected with wildlife - and then I thought of my seagulls! Birds are allowed! Well, we will wait to see.
Even though sales were good at the Art Barn last October, I still can't overlook the pictures that we had to bring home and which make life a bit congested in my studio!
Artifex Gallery in Sutton Coldfield asked if I would be interested in offering them some work following an exhibition there with the Art Circle in 2012. So I went along in January and took a few for them to look at, which led on to them having five paintings. Hopefully the next stage is for people to buy them!
Approaching galleries is a tricky business. I visited the Affordable Art Fair in London last year and really enjoyed myself! It's a wonderful opportunity to see lots of different galleries under one roof. I contacted a few afterwards having chatted with the owners, but sadly only one responded. That leaves me wondering whether to try again? It probably won't get me anywhere but I think I will . . .
A New Year . . . .
Sorry to be so slow in wishing you lots of joy in 2013. I think my New Year resolution must be to write more blogs!
2013 has begun in a different mode. Some of the ideas that I plan to develop this year are sculptural! I recently purchased some paper clay from Scarva Pottery Supplies in Ireland following a chat with sculptor Mark Tilley. My reason for this is to create figures that represent the elderly in care, who so often have little to do. They are not of anyone in particular but hopefully their attitudes indicate an emptiness in life. 'Sustaining the Person Within', our Arts Council funded project, is holding its Exhibition this year. Kathryn Pettitt and I, along with the people who have assisted us during the project, like our photographer Richard Pearce, will be reflecting on the work we have been doing with elderly people in residential care homes and day centres. The exhibition will start at Solihull Arts Complex on 20th May.
Well, my first experience of paper clay was not as creative as I had hoped - I quickly realised that I have little patience for the armature stage and just want to get on with the figure. So I adopted a few short cuts, stuffing parts with newspaper and propping other bits with the occasional metal rod as I went along. Sorry Mark, after your brilliant demo, I'm sure I will regret it in time!
So far I have three figures on the go, and this is one of them . . . . .
I will keep you posted on their progress!
Sorry to be so slow in wishing you lots of joy in 2013. I think my New Year resolution must be to write more blogs!
2013 has begun in a different mode. Some of the ideas that I plan to develop this year are sculptural! I recently purchased some paper clay from Scarva Pottery Supplies in Ireland following a chat with sculptor Mark Tilley. My reason for this is to create figures that represent the elderly in care, who so often have little to do. They are not of anyone in particular but hopefully their attitudes indicate an emptiness in life. 'Sustaining the Person Within', our Arts Council funded project, is holding its Exhibition this year. Kathryn Pettitt and I, along with the people who have assisted us during the project, like our photographer Richard Pearce, will be reflecting on the work we have been doing with elderly people in residential care homes and day centres. The exhibition will start at Solihull Arts Complex on 20th May.
Well, my first experience of paper clay was not as creative as I had hoped - I quickly realised that I have little patience for the armature stage and just want to get on with the figure. So I adopted a few short cuts, stuffing parts with newspaper and propping other bits with the occasional metal rod as I went along. Sorry Mark, after your brilliant demo, I'm sure I will regret it in time!
So far I have three figures on the go, and this is one of them . . . . .
I will keep you posted on their progress!
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
'Canvas & Clay' at the Art Barn, Preston Bagot
Our exhibition is now up and on show until Sunday 28th October. We had a great Preview last Friday. The barn offers a delightfully creative space to display work in, it is not difficult to make an exhibition look inviting. Ceramics and paintings compliment each other extraordinarily well. There were lots of visitors who enjoyed lingering over the exhibits whilst guitarist Cameron Dunbar played and sang, contributing even more of an atmosphere.
If you haven't managed to get along, we are open from 10 until 6 every day. Look forward to seeing you.
Our exhibition is now up and on show until Sunday 28th October. We had a great Preview last Friday. The barn offers a delightfully creative space to display work in, it is not difficult to make an exhibition look inviting. Ceramics and paintings compliment each other extraordinarily well. There were lots of visitors who enjoyed lingering over the exhibits whilst guitarist Cameron Dunbar played and sang, contributing even more of an atmosphere.
If you haven't managed to get along, we are open from 10 until 6 every day. Look forward to seeing you.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Preparing for the Art Barn, Preston Bagot . . . . .
My ambition this summer has been to paint. So once my classes finished at the beginning of July I started to focus on the Art Barn exhibition in October. These things always seem a long way off! I must say it's exciting to have the opportunity to build up a new collection of work and let ideas 'grow'.
Needless to say there have been moments of creativity and many moments of family life and events, but I actually think that times when I can't paint fire me up for when I can! Interruptions can be good because, metaphorically or otherwise, they force you to stand back and see what is really going on.
At the same time, Martin is feeling the pressure in the framing department! He now has a paint sprayer which is much less time consuming than painting by hand. And the framing comes from Rose and Hollis in London - they have supplied us for the last couple of years and are very efficient.
Ceramicist Hilary LaForce who exhibited with me in a group show last year and Rupert B Parkinson will also be exhibiting their work. The exhibition runs from October 20th to October 28th.
My ambition this summer has been to paint. So once my classes finished at the beginning of July I started to focus on the Art Barn exhibition in October. These things always seem a long way off! I must say it's exciting to have the opportunity to build up a new collection of work and let ideas 'grow'.
Needless to say there have been moments of creativity and many moments of family life and events, but I actually think that times when I can't paint fire me up for when I can! Interruptions can be good because, metaphorically or otherwise, they force you to stand back and see what is really going on.
At the same time, Martin is feeling the pressure in the framing department! He now has a paint sprayer which is much less time consuming than painting by hand. And the framing comes from Rose and Hollis in London - they have supplied us for the last couple of years and are very efficient.
Ceramicist Hilary LaForce who exhibited with me in a group show last year and Rupert B Parkinson will also be exhibiting their work. The exhibition runs from October 20th to October 28th.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Artifex Gallery, Sutton Coldfield
The Birmingham Art Circle has an exhibition of their work at the Artifex Gallery in Sutton Coldfield throughout June. If you haven't been over that way before their address is Mitchell Centre, Weeford Road, Sutton Coldfield, B75 6NA. It's open seven days a week from 10am - 5pm and their website address is www.artifex.co.uk
'Sustaining the person within', our Arts Council funded project is reaching a bit of a milestone!
Kathryn Pettitt has almost completed her sessions in 3 residential care homes working with some of the residents on exciting creative projects. The final home has been Jobs Close in Knowle where she is currently organising a morning to exhibit their artwork and enjoy a get together with a cup of coffee on the 25th June.
My 3 residential homes have concluded with Lady Katherine Leveson in Temple Balsall. Our 6 sessions have flown by, concluding with an exhibition of all their artwork on Wednesday 30th May. With much assitance from Damien, the maintenance man and Mary, one of the residents, it came together really well! Lots of people came along to see the exhibition which created a lovely atmosphere and the work was much admired.
We have since been asked to display the exhibition during the Temple Balsall Heritage Weekend in September - how exciting!
Kathryn and I have really valued the amazing support that we have had from Bridget, Nat and Ruth during the last 6 weeks . . . and Richard, our official photographer!
Kathryn Pettitt has almost completed her sessions in 3 residential care homes working with some of the residents on exciting creative projects. The final home has been Jobs Close in Knowle where she is currently organising a morning to exhibit their artwork and enjoy a get together with a cup of coffee on the 25th June.
My 3 residential homes have concluded with Lady Katherine Leveson in Temple Balsall. Our 6 sessions have flown by, concluding with an exhibition of all their artwork on Wednesday 30th May. With much assitance from Damien, the maintenance man and Mary, one of the residents, it came together really well! Lots of people came along to see the exhibition which created a lovely atmosphere and the work was much admired.
We have since been asked to display the exhibition during the Temple Balsall Heritage Weekend in September - how exciting!
Kathryn and I have really valued the amazing support that we have had from Bridget, Nat and Ruth during the last 6 weeks . . . and Richard, our official photographer!
Thursday, May 24, 2012
At last an update! I think if Blogging relied on me it would have gone out of fashion by now.
A couple of weeks ago I took some pictures along to The Gallery Upstairs in Henley in Arden for their Summer Exhibition. It's a lovely gallery - The Torquil Gallery is in front of it, famous for its wonderful pottery, and there is a pretty garden behind with sculpture and ceramics. The Diamond Jubilee will be celebrated on the 4th June with a jazz band etc .... and on the 16th June a stained glass artist, Tamsin Abbott will talk about and demonstrate her work at 11.00 am. The exhibition runs from the 29th May to the 23rd June so do hope you can get along some time.
A couple of weeks ago I took some pictures along to The Gallery Upstairs in Henley in Arden for their Summer Exhibition. It's a lovely gallery - The Torquil Gallery is in front of it, famous for its wonderful pottery, and there is a pretty garden behind with sculpture and ceramics. The Diamond Jubilee will be celebrated on the 4th June with a jazz band etc .... and on the 16th June a stained glass artist, Tamsin Abbott will talk about and demonstrate her work at 11.00 am. The exhibition runs from the 29th May to the 23rd June so do hope you can get along some time.
Friday, March 23, 2012
RBSA Demonstration
A couple of Saturdays ago it was my turn to do a painting demonstration at the RBSA. I decided to take my acrylics - Brian Fletcher had asked me to paint the subject of boats so I chose an image which was quite a grainy photo of 3 boats against a lovely blue sky, discovered recently and a distant memory of a wonderful holiday in Northumberland. Demonstrations are always a bit unpredictable - I'm never sure whether anyone will come or how they will react if they do come, and then there is always the uncertainty of how the picture will develop!
Well, one of my models, Mel and her friends from Nuneaton arrived which was lovely and, along with several other people, the day turned out to be really enjoyable. It's a nice opportunity to share some ideas and in a way it's strangely helpful to discuss what I am doing, or think I should be doing! as a painting develops.
Thanks to Mel we have some photos of the progress. I should also say thank you to Dveirel, a steward on duty at the RBSA that day, who was very enthusiastic and supportive.
I worked on a canvas board which I had prepared with a roughly painted wash of acrylic and I used a large brush to draw in the shapes. The majority of the picture was developed with brush and then someone asked about palette knives - a perfect prompt to sort out some of the angles that were getting a bit woolly. I suppose I spent an hour and a half working on the painting and then I began another subject during the afternoon - an absence of photographers around then, so no record of that one.
Curiously I have begun to work on the boats again today, very tempted to use some oil but I find the dribbly washes I can achieve with acrylic less easy with oil.
Maybe there will be a follow up on its progress in time.
Well, one of my models, Mel and her friends from Nuneaton arrived which was lovely and, along with several other people, the day turned out to be really enjoyable. It's a nice opportunity to share some ideas and in a way it's strangely helpful to discuss what I am doing, or think I should be doing! as a painting develops.
Thanks to Mel we have some photos of the progress. I should also say thank you to Dveirel, a steward on duty at the RBSA that day, who was very enthusiastic and supportive.
I worked on a canvas board which I had prepared with a roughly painted wash of acrylic and I used a large brush to draw in the shapes. The majority of the picture was developed with brush and then someone asked about palette knives - a perfect prompt to sort out some of the angles that were getting a bit woolly. I suppose I spent an hour and a half working on the painting and then I began another subject during the afternoon - an absence of photographers around then, so no record of that one.
Curiously I have begun to work on the boats again today, very tempted to use some oil but I find the dribbly washes I can achieve with acrylic less easy with oil.
Maybe there will be a follow up on its progress in time.
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