I am very proud to have been voted the public’s favourite artist at the recent St Austell Society of Artists (SASA) exhibition. It was a joy to be exhibiting alongside so many wonderful fellow artists, and I thank everyone who came along to see our show.
The standard of this exhibition was extremely high. We had everything from abstracts to representational local scenes, textile art to mixed media, collage and oil paintings, wildlife art and studies of light in the landscape. I spent two full days invigilating and watching vistors enjoy the show. I can honestly say that every artist’s work appealed to someone, and a great many pieces found new homes with delighted art collectors.
Finding a place for portraiture
In a coastal county like Cornwall, seascapes can understandably dominate the local art scene, so I have always found it challenging to find a place for my portraiture here. I know that technically I am highly skilled, and that my art has a wide appeal, though everything is subjective and no one is going to be to everyone’s taste. I always say that I draw first and foremost for myself as it brings me great joy. I would draw even if no one ever saw what I create. That said, knowing that my work appeals to others is a huge compliment and very exciting for me.
I hope to be able to inspire a new way of looking at ourselves and the world around us. And also to showcase what is possible with pencil and pastel – two mediums that do not get as much recognition in the art world as oil painting for example.
The point of my art
This montage of my art is all of the original and limited edition prints that I exhibited in this show. It shows my love of all things portraiture; be it human or animal, colour or monochrome, drawn in pencil, coloured pencil or pastel.
I am passionate about creating realistic artworks as I find all the creatures of the world fascinating. I feel very strongly that the messaging about aesthetics we receive from the media and society distracts us from what is most important. In my art I aim to show that if we just slow down and really look, every one of us is incredible and beautiful in so many ways.
Four of the portraits I was exhibiting feature very old people, with incredible wrinkles and so much life and experience etched into their skin. These drawings A Thirst for Life, Blessed, A Handful of Faith, and A Handful of Lotus Seeds are all based on the remarkable work by Rehahn Photography.
The art of conversation
One of the elements of exhibiting and spending time at the show that I enjoyed the most, was meeting the people who came to see what we do. I had wonderful conversations with visitors about drawing, pencil, pastel, and about what my art evoked for them. Prompted by these four pieces, I enjoyed meaningful conversations about the privilege that is aging. The connections that we have with ourselves and our ever changing bodies, and the connections with our elders, grandparents and those who we have loved and lost. It was a beautiful thing and really meant so much to me, as surely connections are what life is all about.
St Austell Society of Artists
SASA is my local art society here in St Austell. It has a long history of promoting visual arts here on the South cost of Cornwall. This year is our 50th anniversary, and what is even more exciting is to have been exhibiting alongside Roy Steadman, one of SASA’s founding members. Roy is a superb artist wth remarkable draftmanship, and he is an inspiration to us all.
I have been a member of SASA on and off for most of my adult life. The society is made up of a wonderful variety of artists ranging from the professional to the enthusiastic amateurs, and everyone is equally encouraged, supported and welcome. We have an annual exhibition, and in recent years have secured an excellent venue just around the corner from where we meet, coinciding with the annual celebrations of Charlestown’s Regatta Week. This gives us the opportunity to display our work professionally, and reach the greatest number of visitors also.
Our 2025 exhibition will be held from the 2nd August, so make a note in your diary and come and see us next summer – it is sure to be an amazing show. We will be delighted to talk art with you, and show you what a wealth of local talent we have here.
Become a member of St Austell Society of Artists
Alongside promoting our wonderfully talented members, we also aim to encourage new and experienced artists alike. We enjoy a varied calendar of activities from workshop evenings, demonstrations by visiting artists, competition nights, life drawing, en plein air sketching sessions and lots more.
New members are always welcome to join our group. If you would like to know more then either visit our Facebook page or contact me and I will gladly tell you more.
