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Category: Art

The MA Illustration Final Show at Camberwell College of the Arts promises to delight, amaze and intrigue. On show this year is the work from 48 graduating artists, alongside a selection of pieces by part-time students completing their first year of work.

This year’s show explores a wide variety of contemporary illustration practice, including picture books, comics, and works created for a variety textiles. The show takes place as part of the larger Postgraduate Final Show at Camberwell, featuring work from students in Printmaking, Designer-Maker, Fine Art Digital and Book Arts as well as Illustration. For more information and a preview of some of the work being exhibited, check out the website here. Here is a selection of work from some of the graduating artists:

Fay Huo is a London-based Chinese illustrator and pattern designer. Inspired by her childhood and philosophy, Fay likes to create dreamy and uncanny works which invite the viewers to enjoy the details as well as her wildest imagination. She has worked as a graphic designer and illustrator for companies/ organization in Hong Kong, Bulgaria and United Kingdom. Her illustrations have been selected to show in the MTV Young at Art exhibition and the D&AD New Blood 2013, and her work caught my eye at the graduate shows last year. The concept of her MA project is Trap.

Emily Nash makes work that is primarily narrative based, taking inspiration from fictional stories, folk tales and current affairs. She uses collage and mixed media to create other-worldly characters and settings. Patterns, textures and found ephemera are built upon to create layered and playful imagery.

Jady Ong was born in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, and graduated with an undergraduate degree in Animation from Dong Hua University, Shanghai in 2012. She is currently studying MA Illustration at Camberwell College of Arts.

Marja de Sanctis is a Brazilian visual artist and illustrator. She lived between Brazil and Italy and is now based in London. She is addicted to vibrant colours and enjoys making images using mixed media. Marja’s work is informed by a curiosity for human stories, romantic songs and relationships’ podcasts that she seeks to represent through the use of metaphor and symbolism.

Marina Muun is an illustrator working and living in London, whose work is a delicate synthesis of the digital with more traditional media. She has worked on various projects including editorial, fashion and packaging. Her illustrations was selected for D&AD New Blood 2013 and she has recently been shortlisted for the AOI Awards. Her latest work is centred around perception of external stimuli and the ability to match visions and experiences to a deeper knowledge within. We are lucky enough to have had her contributions on the website.

Augusta Akerman is a freelance Illustrator and surface pattern designer currently living and working in London. After Graduating from the Glasgow School of Art in 2008, she has previously worked as a Set Decorator for film and advertising before studying for an MA in Illustration at Camberwell College of Art in 2013. Her work is primarily narrative based combining a classic illustrative style with a looser abstract sense of design. She has recently begun working with textiles transferring her illustrations to silk and cotton, exploring repeating patterns that also lend themselves to wallpaper design.

Private View: 15th July, 6pm
Opening Times: 10am — 8pm, not open on Sunday

Category: Art

Jerwood Open Forest – Adam James.

Jerwood Open Forest is a new initiative which seeks to contribute to a national conversation; investigating how contemporary visual artists engage with the environment today. The new initiative from Jerwood Visual Arts in partnership with Forestry Commission England, examines the potential found in the exploration of art and the environment. 

Jerwood Open Forest – Juan delGado.

The multi-sensory group exhibition charts the research and development of five selected projects. Juan delGado, Adam James, Amanda Loomes, artist duo Semiconductor (Ruth Jarman and Joe Gerhadt) and Chris Watson collaborating with producer Iain Pate, have each expanded on the concept of their ambitious proposals, to produce diverse and exciting new bodies of work.

Jerwood Open Forest – Semiconductor.

Visitors to the exhibition will be immersed in the soundscape of a Raven roost through, Chris Watson and Iain Pate's surround sound installation. Semiconductor blend art and science with sculptural film installations, inspired by data gathered in and around Forestry Commission England's woodland sites. Amanda Loomes will show four films, which explore the process of forestry, and the people involved. Adam James presents a series of performances, created through Live Action Roleplay (LARP), a continuation of his research and development period in Sherwood Pines Forest. Juan delGado reacts to his personal phenomenological experience of the forest with an audio-sensory film installation. 

Opening times: Monday – Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am-3pm. 
Nearest Tube: Southwark, London Bridge, Borough
Find out more here.

Category: Art

A Marvellous Spread is a pop-up feasting event hosted by the ceramic sculptor Lindsey Mendick at the Sheffield based gallery, S1 Artspace. Mendick’s practice is greatly inspired by the garishly saturated and overzealous 1970s cookbooks of her childhood. Her ceramic work amalgamates a love of popular culture with a deep respect for the nostalgic, exploring themes ranging from the ostentatious decorative recipes of Mary Berry to outlandish 1980s textile design.

Zig a zig ah 2013, Lindsey Mendick.

Still life of lobster 2014, Lindsey Mendick.

For this one off event, Lindsey Mendick will be hosting a truly grandiose banquet, cooking (with the help of her mother) the most extravagant and gaudy recipes from 1970’s cookbooks. Guests will be welcomed on arrival with a Pina Colada reception and sent into the night with a DIY disco. Join the facebook event here.

Heaven's Mouth 2014, Lindsey Mendick.

Todd 2014, Lindsey Mendick.

Category: Art

The New Artist Fair is dedicated to helping artists exhibit their artwork affordably in Central London locations and is entirely non-judgmental about who exhibits. It began in Wilkes Street E1 with 20 artists and at their next event in the Candid Art Galleries behind Angel Tube Station 50 emerging artists from all over the world will exhibit.

Co-founder Oliver explains: 'Numerous artists who have exhibited with us have gone on to hold their own solo shows, been offered gallery representation, sold many paintings and gained the right to call themselves professional artists. We truly believe art should be accessible to all and the New Artist Fair provides that opportunity for emerging artists and art buyers alike so come find your perfect painting!'

It's bound to be a mixed bag but why not visit? It's free and you might just uncover something wonderful. Below is an example of work I think looks promising…

Becky Allen: Becky is a recent graduate from the Royal College of Art. Her work is characterised by intricate line drawings of the things we cannot see. With extreme detail and a fascination of the close-up, she looks beyond that which is visible and presents another way of seeing.

Opening Reception: Friday 28th March: 6pm -9pm
Weekend Hours: Saturday 29th March: 12pm – 6pm & Sunday 30th March: 12pm – 6pm

Category: Music

Fire in the Mountain festival (Tan Yn Y Mynydd in Welsh!) initially came together because a group of friends fell in love with a beautiful old farm in Mid Wales. The owner of the farm kept some horses and a local lad some pigs, and both thought a wonderful way of sharing the farm and getting some more use out of it would be to host a small annual event. Thus, the gathering was born. Now a registered not-for-profit organisation, the Festival is staffed completely voluntarily, and raises money to help maintain and renovate the beautiful farm on which it is set. The landscape sets the tone of the festival – set up as half camp and half festival, it's about spending a weekend in a beautiful part of the country with friends and some good ol' fashioned music and ale.

Now in it's fourth year, Fire in the Mountain has gone all out and booked their favourite band in the world to headline the festival. To those in the know The Foghorn Stringband (Portland, Oregon, USA) are the finest exponents of Appalachian Old Time Music – with a career spanning over 15 years and 10 albums. Their authenticity is a massive inspiration to thousands of musicians across the globe. To the uninitiated – it's simply ass-kicking red-neck hillbilly dance music.

Fire in the Mountain Festival seeks to present a balanced line up of folk, roots and acoustic music – booking funkier artists not always recognised by the mainstream music establishment. You'll find Welsh Language arists, Cajun, Breton, Appalachian, English Folk, Celtic, African Roots Music, and all sorts. Joining the bill this year as headliners are Martha Tilston and the Scientists, John Smith, Mik Artistik (Leeds), Fernhill (Wales), Sheelanagig (Bristol), and even a spot of indie with Gulp.

In addition to music you'll find a host of activities and workshops on offer, including family activities, free music and dance workshops in the Trad Academy Yurt and Healing Field, fresh pizza from handmade Cob Ovens, wood fired saunas and hot tubs… all washed down with lovely local ales and Welsh Mountain Cider.

The campsite is open from 30th May – 1st June, so why not make the most of the beautiful environment and explore the Cambrian Mountains. Find out more at www.fireinthemountain.co.uk, where you can watch a short video showcasing the stunning location.

Category: Earth

Experience a Decadent & Fascinating Chocolate Tour of London! Historical media company Unreal City Audio have teamed up with purveyor of luxury flavoured chocolate Cocoa Hernando to produce this whirlwind tour, which would make a very special alternative Valentines treat. Described by the Guardian as 'fascinating', the 90-minute tour is led by charismatic young London historian Dr Matthew Green, author and presenter of UCA’s critically acclaimed Coffeehouse Tour, and there’ll be a supporting cast of Aztec slaves, Spanish conquistadors, nihilistic dukes and rakish gamblers hidden along the route. Their performances will be set to beautiful violin music from the era.

Dr Green has uncovered some mouthwatering recipes for 17th and 18th-century hot chocolate, the most extravagant of which — Monsieur St Disdier’s Baroque Chocolate (1692) — will be served on the tour, courtesy of Cocoa Hernando. Shot through with a concoction of exotic spices, it will be a mind-blowing cup of hot chocolate.

The next tours will be held on Friday 14th February (18:00pm) & Saturday 15th March (11:30am) & for more information about the event and how to book your ticket head here. Read more about Cocoa Hernando in my interview with founder Paul Tomlinson here.

Category: Art

Must see arts festival Pick Me Up returns for the fifth year running, featuring more late nights and an even wider range of illustration and design, from fashion and architectural drawing to comic books and album covers. Here's a brief taster of what will be happening:

Rastamouse creators Michael de Souza and Genevieve Webster will be leading children’s drawing workshops.

Judith Kerr (creator of the Mog series and The Tiger Who Came To Tea) will be hosting an ‘in conversation’ event with her art director Ian Craig.

Fabulous and much loved cartoonist Gemma Correll will be running a day inspired by her inimitable portrayals of animals.

Skylark, Matt Lyon at Colour Box.

Hot Dog, Steven Wilson at Unlimited.

Woolly Bear, Julia Pott.

Fashion is finally in focus this year! Hurrah!

Meet art director and animator Jo Ratcliffe, who drew and directed the animation in Lady Gaga’s ‘Applause’ video.

Fashion illustrator Daisy de Villeneuve (she of the ubiquitous funky felt-tip illustrations), will be leading a day of drop-in fashion focused fun.

Fashion artist and author Jason Brooks will be running a day of workshops.

Aso Oke, Kitty McCall at Unlimited.

Melons On My Mind, Lynnie Zulu.

New for 2014 is Pick Me Up Radio presented by Comms Bureau, which will stream live from Somerset House. With specially invited DJs, interviews and take-over days, festivalgoers will be able to see the radio broadcasts being put together live and listen online remotely. Furthermore for the first time, Pick Me Up is collaborating with signature skate brand DC Shoes to commission t-shirts from ten artists to be exclusively launched and sold at the festival. The dazzling designers involved include former Pick Me Up Select and professional doodler Hattie Stewart (read our interview here) and Andy Rementer (who we have also interviewed here), whose colourful and vibrant work has been featured through a variety of platforms including MTV, Urban Outfitters and Warner Brothers.

Clogs, Hvass & Hannibal at Outline Artists.

Sundance, Jessica Das at Outline Artists.

Moondance, Jessica Das at Outline Artists.

This, and much much more, including work by Outline Artists illustrators, who will present a jungle-themed showcase of prints, original artwork and wall murals created especially for the fair, including magical forest landscapes by Hvass&Hannibal, psychedelic jungle scenes by Pick Me Up Select Edward Carvalho-Monaghan plus extravagant jungle flora and fauna 3D collages by Kristjana S Williams. All work will be available to buy from just £40.

Lear 10, Kristjana S Williams at Outline Artists.

Kids, Ed Monaghan at Outline Artists.

Opening times: 10.00 – 18.00, late night Thursdays and Fridays until 22.00, Day tickets £10, concessions £8, Festival Pass £17.50. Buy your tickets here. Find out more about the event here.

Read my reviews of the 2013 Pick Me Up here and here to whet your appetite.

Category: Art

Paula MacArthur, Everything I've had but couldn't keep, 140x140cm oil on canvas.

Paula MacArthur’s recent series of large scale canvases focuses on jewels. Enlarged a thousand times these tiny stones transform into celestial entities. These paintings are a personal celebration of love and over time have come to encompass universal desires and obsessions. Working with viscous paint beside pools of barely tinted turps and using exaggerated intense colour the artist pushes the medium towards the extremes of its capabilities. Working quickly and instinctively MacArthur places colour onto the canvas working with wet on wet glazes, merging oily translucent layers with the brush and dropping colour, allowing it to bleed and grow into the surface.

Let me be your eyes, 140x140cm oil on canvas.

From a distance brush marks and the trails of running paint are invisible, the paintings appear cohesive, even photographic, then as the viewer approaches the images disintegrate. The paint becomes as ephemeral as the jewel’s sparkle, the focus moves from the gemstone to the physicality of the paint and echoes the elusive ideals these minute treasures symbolise.

Now & Forever, 3x2m.

There are problems in these times, 140x140cm oil on canvas.

Paula MacArthur lives in Kent and works from her studio in Rye, East Sussex. Trained at the Royal Academy Schools Paula has won several awards, she has exhibited both nationally and internationally and has work in major collections. You can view a biography here. 
 

Tell me love is real, 140x140cm oil on canvas.

Opening times: 8am – 8pm weekdays and weekends
 

Category: Art

The Gentle Author has recently published local photographer Phil Maxwell's thirty year study of ordinary life in the East end's legendary Brick Lane, taking us through social and cultural shifts with intimate shots of the local population at work and at play. The photos are currently on display at the Rich Mix Cultural Centre situated at the top of Brick Lane.

Biography:
Phil was born in 1953 in Coventry, West Midlands. From an early age he was inspired by the people around him and had his first dalliance with photography at the tender age of eleven. He moved to East London and was quickly seduced by its vibrancy and influences from far flung countries. Over the span of 30 years he incessantly photographed and hence documented the lives of those in his own proximity, saying that 'During my life in Whitechapel I have been introduced to a wide variety of cultures and friends, which in turn have inspired me to travel. I have photographed in Bangladesh and other parts of Asia many times, although the centre of gravity in my work has always been the East End of London. My home is a tower block in Whitechapel. Over the years, from my flat on the eleventh floor, I have watched as the skyline of the city resonated with growth and demolition. In the early eighties, Canary Wharf emerged in the East as a solitary foot soldier for Capitalism and then the City of London itself began to expand. Yet whilst the corporate development gathered speed, the lives of people on my side of Brick Lane carried on as usual.'

Phil Maxwell will be giving a talk on Brick Lane at the Bishopsgate Institute on 10th April at 7:30pm and Waterstones Piccadilly on 14th May at 7pm. Both events are free. Find out more here.

Category: Art

If being a full time illustrator is your dream job this series of talks are the perfect way to get ahead in the field.
.. Professional illustrators and Amelia’s Magazine contributors Emma Block and Stacie Swift have begun a series of seminars sharing their experiences and knowledge.

Emma Block is a freelance illustrator with clients including UNIQLO, Orla Kiely, Anthropologie, Harper Collins and Mollie Makes. 

Stacie Swift creates illustrated greeting cards, art prints and paper products stocked throughout the UK and worldwide. Her stockists include SMUG, Paperchase, Urban Outfitters and London Graphic Centre.

Emma Block.

Sessions are small, fun and full of information to help kick start your illustration career.

 Perfect for anyone starting out in the industry or for students who are keen to get a relevant, practical and useful guide to becoming a self-employed illustrator!

 Emma and Stacie will give you a detailed run through of their experiences topics covered will include:
Self-promotion, Portfolio Advice, Licensing and Copyright, Contracts, Pricing, Wholesale Sales, Using Social Media, Finding Suppliers, and Gaining New Clients.

You will also be given feedback on your own website and will take away some information sheets and not forgetting some cake and networking opportunities too!

Stacie Swift.

Dates and times are as follows:



26th March // 18.30 – 20.00

Lois, Peckham

Tickets Here





15th April // 12.15 – 13.45

SMUG, Islington

Tickets Here



15th April // 15.00 – 16.30

SMUG, Islington

Tickets Here

Further dates and times will be scheduled; you can keep up to date with upcoming seminars and workshops here.