Adam Berry | Manx Art Directory

Posted on 3rd April 20172nd April 2017 by Jane — Leave a comment

Isle of Man Art News – 3 April 2017

The News is kindly Supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council.

What fun Friday evening was. I’ve not been to a ‘Wearable Art’ show before and decided to take along my friend Sarah for company. Neither of us had eaten and we were short on time so we called into the Terrace Chippy – a rare treat for me – and ate in the car before heading on in. It’s been ages since I’ve had a picnic in the car. There was a great turnout for the show and it really was very well organised and presented. I’d meant to take along my decent camera but had left it in Ramsey so had to go with my phone. Here’s a little clip for you (I thought the hat was particularly good).

Many of the designs represented something in particular, such as the 10 year anniversary of Rebecca House and one young lady had designed her outfit around Laxey. Another politically minded girl had selected Donald Trump as her theme and yet another design was representative of the rubbish we find on our beaches. In the case of Nicola Dixon, she had upcycled a charity find and painted it with her signature ‘Knoxy Knots’. As mentioned I ended up using my phone for the pics but at least they give you an idea of some of the fab outfits – there were professional photographers there too so no doubt at some point you will be able to see them in all their glory. Click to see the larger pictures in the lightbox gallery.

Unfortunately I didn’t make it to the opening of Alice and Julie Fayle’s show at the Sayle Gallery on Saturday evening but I did call in on Friday lunchtime to see how it was shaping up. Work was in full swing and I was very taken with some of the fabrics displayed in the embroidery hoops. I’ll have to call in this week but I’ve seen a few photographs on Facebook and heard it described as ‘refreshing’ so I’m looking forward to seeing it.

SALT QUARTERLY magazine, a publication due out later this year and the brain child of photographer Phil Kneen, is looking for contributing writers, photographers and graphic artists. This occasional publication will feature quality, contemporary photography, essays and journalism from around Europe, and beyond.

For further details or to pitch any ideas, please email only – mail@philkneen.com.

On the subject of writing, the guest posts I have been publishing seem to be very well received. So far I’ve been lucky enough to be able to publish articles by Eloise White, Jane Jelski, Zoe Guilford, Emma Callin, Hannah Murphy, Rosie Wood and Fiona Helleur. I have a couple in the pipeline but if you would like to contribute an article please do get in touch: jane@graceandhall.com. If you’ve missed any of them and would like to catch up you can follow this link to filter just the Guest Posts:guest-articles.

Friday 7 April is the next #ilovethisbuilding competition deadline to have your image featured in Gallery IOM in May. Send a 1mb photo with 100 words saying why you love that building to isleofarchitecture@gmail.com and stand a chance of winning a weekend in the beautiful Manx National Heritage cottage.

Svetlana Cameron posted up a few photos of her latest commission, Sofia. As you would expect, the quality and attention to detail are stunning.

svetlana-cameron-little-girl_opt — Sofia

I haven’t done a give-away or a survey for a while so, inspired by the National Joint Arts and Culture Strategy hosted by the Arts Council and Culture Vannin recently, here is the link to my new survey: www.surveymonkey.com. Once you’ve completed it, please ‘Like’ the post and put ‘done’ in the comments – in the original post- to be in with a chance of winning some fab new art supplies (Paper, Acrylics and 4 x Paintbrushes).

Responses from young people are of particular interest, so please share the survey with as many people aged 30 and under and their friends as you can. Responses are anonymous.

I’ve had over 40 responses so far and hopefully will get quite a few more. The early indications are interesting and I will share the results after Easter. I’d also just like to say to person who responded to the question ‘How do you hear about what’s going on in the Arts scene’ with the response ‘I receive notifications from Middle Earth, delivered by dragons’ that if they are also the person who said they have never been interested in pursuing a career in the Arts and that Arts doesn’t feature in their life and is irrelevant to how they feel, they might want to have a re-think!

There will be an Isle of Architecture lunchtime event in the Tynwald Chamber on 10 April celebrating 150 years of Manx democracy, with a potted history of the building, re-enactments of extracts from speeches and debates, personal anecdotes and music, all brought to you by historian, broadcaster and author Charles Guard and his talented friends, Caarjyn Cooidjagh, Greg Joughin and Jonathan King.

This free ‘Chamber Concert’ takes place between 1 and 2pm on Monday 10 April and anyone interested in the bits of history which are often overlooked should see www.isleofarchitecture.com/events for details of how to reserve tickets – places are limited and must be booked in advance as it is an all-seated event.

The event was devised by Charles Guard on behalf of Isle of Architecture: “We couldn’t have a celebration of the Island’s built environment without including Tynwald,” says Charles. “The iconic ‘wedding cake’ building is as much part of Douglas as the Tower of Refuge, and is in daily use as the centre of our government. I hope this concert combines the history of the building with the history of 150 years of Manx democracy, in a light hearted, entertaining way with wide appeal.”

Dates for your Diary

On now – From Syria with Love Isle of Man at Noa Bakehouse

On now – The Sayle Gallery – Cut from the same Cloth – Julie and Alice Fayle

On now – Olive Wassall and Karl Garrett at the Hodgson Loom Gallery, Laxey

5 April – Sarah Hendy’s arts show ‘Spotlight’ on Manx Radio, 5.30 – 6.00pm (and every Wednesday)

6 April – REM-EMBERS EMBLAZONED – David Maddrell at Studio 42 (Preview on the 6th – 6.30pm to 8.30pm)

6 April – 7.00pm – 8.00pm – Noa Bakehouse, Contemporary Architecture Talk – Hannah Corlett

8 April – 6.30pm – 10.30pm -Adults Pot Thrown & Hand Built Ceramic Workshop for 2 – The Isle Gallery

8 April – 21 April – Easter Treasure Hunt in the Milntown Gardens, Ramsey – take the kids and Rob Jones’s Drawn Steel Through the Seasons

10 April – 1.00pm – 2.00pm – Isle of Architecture Tynwald Chamber talk

11 April – 2 May – Noa Bakehouse – ‘Around The Mountain’ by Graham Rider

Here’s this week’s round up of images from Social Media.

peter-killey-peel-power-station — Peter Killey – Peel Power Station

bruno-cavellec-in-the-valley — Bruno Cavellec

hannah-yeowell-scooters — Hannah Yeowell

Have a great week!

Jane x

Keep up-to-date by ‘Liking’ the Facebook Page or by ‘Following’ me on Linkedin or Twitter@manxart or Instagram @manxartdirectory or Pinterest. To get in touch please email:jane@graceandhall.com.

Posted on 6th March 20176th March 2017 by Jane — Leave a comment

Isle of Man Art News – 6 March 2017

The News is kindly Supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council.

Did you catch Sarah Hendy’s new show on Manx Radio last Wednesday, ‘Spotlight’? It’s at 5.30 – 6.00pm every Wednesday so a great listen for your drive home from work and a brilliant way to keep up with everything in the Arts that’s going on around the Island. It’s focussing on everything creative from music and visual art to stage performance and artistic hobbies. I was really delighted to be asked to do a regular spot on the show to cover the visual arts and my first contribution will be aired this week. It really feels like there is new and vibrant energy gathering behind our local artists and performers which I hope will continue to build and grow so that the Arts has a more positive impact and plays an integral role in the day-to-day lives of Manx people and visitors to the Island – and indeed reaches those who live in other countries.

Talking about reaching further afield, local artist Stephanie Quayle is doing a fantastic job of raising the profile of the Island with her artistic skills and is again showing her work in Japan, this time at Gallery 38 in Tokyo. I’m hoping to catch up with her in the not too distant future to give you a better insight into the amazing work she is doing. For now, here are one or two pictures from the Tokyo show.

I spotted this video to share with you of Kevin Atherton, posted up by The Sayle Gallery. I think it’s really interesting, and quite fun and thought provoking, that he could have conceived such a piece of work forty years ago and is here using it today. The clip is of a twenty-something Kevin Atherton in conversation with a sixty-something Kevin Atherton in an exclusive performance of his piece ‘In Two Minds’ for UCM art students last week. Kevin is a Manx artist included in the current exhibition ‘Turning Point’ at the Sayle Gallery, where he is showing his work ‘Log 2’, which documents his passage away from the Isle of Man on The Manx Maid. Kevin’s piece ‘In Two Minds’ will soon be shown in The Whitechapel Gallery, London, where Kevin worked as a young man.

Julie Collins has again had three of her beautiful watercolours selected for exhibition by the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours 2017 at the Mall Galleries, showing in London 6th – 22nd April. Congratulations Julie – they’re gorgeous. The Isle Gallery will be hosting an exhibition of Julie’s artwork this Summer. That’s definitely one not to be missed! I’ll keep you posted about dates in due course. Click the pictures to view.

Paul Parker posted up this video of himself at work, however, it would seem that the painting suffered due to his preoccupation with his recording facilities! “Painting is now in the bin! Must do better.” Oh dear, I know what you mean Paul, being a novice at the whole recording thing myself. Fortunately for me though my lack of skill in that arena doesn’t have such disastrous consequences.

Sunday 26th March is Mother’s Day. I’m sure you’ve all got this highlighted in your diaries and calendars but in case you need some inspiration as to what to buy these fantastic ladies, Claire Pearse aka Element.Isle is on the case and has been stocking up with some lovely pieces of her distinctive jewellery made from ethically sourced silver. She’s based at Grenaby Studios, Ballabeg, along with Graham Hall and new residents Rosie Glassey and Graham Rider. Graham Rider moved to the Island last year having previously been based in Norfolk. His wide-ranging arts experience includes teaching and he and has worked for a number of years as a visual artist. Graham has some high-profile customers such as Ernst & Young, Guardian Royal Properties and Railtrack and has had his work exhibited in London and the National Railway Museum in York. Graham is now enjoying our beautiful countryside here on the Island and concentrating on landscape painting. You can see some of his work on the new Grenaby blog which is a lovely arty read: grenabystudios.wordpress.com/2017.

Here are a couple of pictures of Claire’s latest pieces.

Another lady who is geared up for Mother’s Day is Katy Mitchell. Her studio at Lower Bishopscourt Farm, Kirk Michael, will be open on Saturday 25th, 12.00 – 5.00pm where you can purchase her lovely ceramics. You can also buy from her Etsy shop and if you don’t fancy a trip out of town you can pop to the shop at the Manx Museum in Douglas which stocks not only Katy’s work but also several other local artists – in fact it’s a really great place to find a nice gift for whatever the occasion might be.

Dates for your Diary

On now – Rob Jones’s Drawn Steel Through the Seasons – Milntown Gardens, Ramsey

On now – Western Photographic Society Exhibition at the Manx Museum

On now – 11 March Manx Landscapes and Seascapes at The Isle Gallery (Group Show)

On now – 11 March Hodgson Loom – Isle of Man Photographic Society Exhibition

On now – 27 March – Turning Point at The Sayle Gallery

8 March – Sarah Hendy’s new arts show ‘Spotlight’ on Manx Radio, 5.30 – 6.00pm (and every Wednesday)

16 March – 2.00 – 3.00pm Manx Radio – Women Today with me, Christy DeHaven and Beth Espey

16 March 6.00pm – 8.00pm DED Networking and Skills event for creative professionals at Noa Bakehouse

16 March 6.30pm – 10.00pm – Isle of Architecture – PechaKucha 20×20: On Buildings – The Alpine Cafe, Regent Street, Douglas

23 March 7.00pm – 10.00pm SofA filmclub 07 – EAMES the painter + the architect at the Bath & Bottle

25 March – Mother’s Day Shop – Katy Mitchell Ceramics at Lower Bishopscourt Farm, Kirk Michael

27 March – Jimmy Duggan Solo Show at The Isle Gallery

And finally, here’s this week’s round up of images from Social Media.

colleen-corlett-boat1_opt — Colleen Corlett

bruno-cavellec-chicken-rock_opt — Bruno Cavellec

bruce-parkinson-peel_opt — Bruce Parkinson

katy-mitchell-mnh-delivery — Katy Mitchell

Have a great week!

Jane x

Posted on 20th February 201720th February 2017 by Jane — Leave a comment

Isle of Man Art News – 20 February 2017

The News is kindly Supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council.

Thursday night saw the Creative Network’s social evening at The Sayle Gallery and there was a good turnout to hear about the plans for the Isle of Man Art Festival to be held again over the early May bank holiday weekend, 29th April to 1st May. I was greeted with ‘Ah – the ubiquitous Jane Hall’ which made me laugh. I’ve never been described as ‘ubiquitous’ before.

Planning for the Festival is well underway with a number of changes this year including fewer venues in Peel but some new ones, including a couple in the north of the island and another at the Airport. If you haven’t already been in touch with any of the committee about participating please get in touch with Myra Gilbert or Rosie Glassey as soon as possible.

I’m really delighted that Rob Jones now has some of his fabulous sculptural pieces installed at Milntown Gardens, Ramsey. Rob had a really successful exhibition at The Sayle Gallery last year and in the survey I did recently it came out as being one of the best received shows of 2016. Rob says in his Facebook post that it’s been hard work but he’s happy with the results and he thanked Adam Quayle (head gardener) without whose creativity and foresight he said it wouldn’t have happened and he also extended his thanks to Juan Quane and Liam Faragher, Vicky Crellin aand Paul Ogden. His thanks went out as well to the Arts Council who have supported Rob and “recognised the importance of bringing art to the public”.

Rob later added some technical information on the plinths saying that they’re not quite as simple as they look; the base is solid but the top is hollow, lowering the centre of gravity and they weigh around a quarter of a tonne each. They were made by Greg Wright of BPD Jurby and Rob says he did “a grand job on short notice”and that “it’s been a pleasure to work with him”.

Great job all – they look fantastic. These lovely photos have been taken by Simon Park (his details can be found in the Directory section too).

Ice sculptor, Darren Jackson, has been competing in the north of Finland, six hours away from Helsinki, against 11 other teams in the 2017 World Ice Carving Championships. Darren and his team mate, Neil Smith from London, submitted their design for this year’s theme ‘Togetherness’ which ties in with Finland’s celebrations of Independence being held throughout 2017.

Darren and Neil’s creation was around a brown bear which is the national symbol of Finland. Working in temperatures of minus 10 degrees to create the piece it stands at over four meters tall. It’s been constructed from around 30 blocks of ice, each one measuring 50cm by 50cm by 1m – which works out at about 7 tonnes of ice.

Unfortunately they didn’t win the competition, being ‘pipped at the post’ for the sculptor’s choice, but it’s still a pretty amazing piece I’m sure you’ll agree. Darren posted up photographs of the other entries and no doubt you’ll be interested to see them, so here are a few of the photos – click to enlarge and scroll through. The winner was the first picture in the gallery.

I don’t normally comment on political issues, but it looks like Ramsey Courthouse is again a hot topic and is likely to be sold on the open market. I think the old Courthouse would make a fantastic venue for the arts – be it a permanent gallery, art education, mixed use to include performing arts, etc.. Rather than let this building, which is the heart of the town, become another coffee shop or restaurant, I think we should have a bit of diversity and use the building to provide a venue for those in the North of the Island. You can have your say by completing a short survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/courthouse_options

Phil Kneen posted up a tantalising snippet from his Calais article this week which is too good not to share:

‘Christmas Day, 2015 – I’m sitting, cross-legged, in a three-metre square plywood cabin; around me, huddled in a circle, are eight other men, all from Kuwait. The only light comes from a single, inadequate window to my left. A thick, dirty, brown and blue patterned curtain in the doorway blocks any remaining light from the grim outside world. I share with them the beer and wine that I’ve brought; they share their duty-free herbs with me. Everyone in this room is here out of choice; the only difference between us is that I can leave The Jungle at any time, night or day, and go home. These eight Kuwaitis, and about six thousand other people who call this squalid shantytown on the outskirts of Calais home, don’t have that option. Most of the people here are navigating a journey that cannot be reversed…’

“That’s the first paragraph of a two thousand word piece I submitted to The Telegraph just before Christmas last year; I heard back from them to say it was an ‘outstanding piece’, but they never published it.”

Let’s hope he finds an international publisher for it soon as I for one am itching to read the whole thing.

The forthcoming exhibition at the Sayle Gallery in Douglas, “Turning Point”, marks an important stage in the Gallery’s development. It will not only bring in the work of significant artists from the contemporary art world beyond our Island shores but it will also mark a turning point for the gallery as it embarks on new directions and journeys.

The exhibition showcases the work of five artists with international recognition, including Turner Prize winner, Mark Wallinger. This will be the first time a Turner Prize winner has shown work on the Isle of Man. The exhibition brings together works which question what it is to live on an Island; issues of home; rites of passage; isolation; aspiration; boundaries … It explores different relationships that we have with the sea, coastline and Island Culture. Besides Mark Wallinger: Manxman and artist, Kevin Atherton; Keith McIntyre, Head of Art at the University of Northumbria; Susan Collins, Professor of Art at the Slade School of Fine Art, London, and artist Shona Illingworth have contributed artwork to the show.

Helen Fox, Programme Manager for Art, Design and Media at the University College, Isle of Man, in collaboration with the Sayle Gallery has curated the show as part of her research project which looks at what kind of frameworks we need for the visibility of contemporary art practice in an Island context; and questions how artists are affected by the communities they make work in and how that community responds to that work. Sincere thanks go to local companies, T H Colebourn, Osborn Carpets and Typhoon House, for their valued support and also to the Department of Education and Children and Isle of Man Arts Council who have made staging this exhibition possible.

There will be a Panel Discussion held on Saturday 25th February 1 – 4 pm in the gallery, where artists, students, educators and the general public are invited to join Keith McIntyre, Kevin Atherton and Helen Fox in a discussion: ‘Contemporary Art Practice and What it Means in an Island Context’.

The Arts Council is looking for an Artist in Residence to create a piece of Artwork for the new Henry Bloom Noble primary school.

Jeremy Paul attracted quite a crowd for his latest presentation to the Isle of Man Photographic Society at Thie Ellyn, with enthusiasts queuing outside an hour before the start time. I think they’d better book a bigger venue next time! The evening consisted of two presentations, the first covering his visit to Yellowstone National Park in 2015 and the second, his trip to Costa Rica in February 2016. He uses his photographs as references for his fabulous paintings. Here are a couple of his pictures inspired by his travels – the wolves from Yellowstone and the Kingfisher from Costa Rica.