Coming up!

One half of Calm Air All Ice is going to be showing her work as part of Here Today, Gone Tomorrow- a show curated by Fiona Cassidy, who took part in 'Fifty Two'.

The other half of Calm Air All Ice has been showing her work as part of 'Knit one, Purl one' at Touchstones gallery in Rochdale.

Sophie Jones

Just popping in to let you know that Sophie Jones, one of our stars from 'fifty-two' has an exhibition on at the moment at the Bath Spa Gallery, in the University Campus of Weston College. The exhibition runs til the end of this week, and you can find more info on the facebook group: Bath Spa Gallery at Weston College

52 - it's all over!

want more pictures?

Claires photos, Camillas photos

We're back! The show was SO much fun - thanks to everyone who turned out for the private view ( and the daytimes following) Installing the show was slightly overwhelming to start - where to begin? It was exciting searching through, hanging, re hanging, and finally stepping back once it was all up - thankfully it all fitted in and (we think) looked wonderful!

Here's some links to a few bits and mentions...my own little post, inky goodness (already posted on the blog by dave bain) a post by kirsty hall who created a piece '52 drawings for claire and camilla' especially for the show and installed it over an epic two days! Susan did some interviews with both me and camilla over on here blog too!

We'll keep updating throughout the week with more pictures and bits from the show!

52 mini interviews: Elin Thomas

Name: Elin Thomas
Location :Bristol
Age: 42

Websites

http://elintm.blogspot.com
http://elintm.bigcartel.com
www.elinart.etsy.com


How would you describe your work?

At the moment I'm into making textile based pieces. I'm an avid crocheter and interested in the possibilities of the technique and using it in a playful way.

What are you currently working on?

Faux moulds....the furry kind. Not as easy as you think to create an organic look.

Where do you find inspiration for our work?

Stumbling about in the woods. Other artists and makers. The macro experts on Flickr.

3 artist/ designers you love.

Joana Vasconcelos. - Thee Queen of crochet. We miss out a lot on great European artists here in the UK.

Lisa Paterson -  Jeweller from. Fresh look

52 mini interviews: Dave Bain

Name: Dave Bain 

Location: Bristol 

Age: 26

Websites: 

http://www.davebain.com 

http://davebainlatest.blogspot.com
 

How would you describe your work?

I try and bring colour and fun to my work as well as a positive and cheerful sense to my paintings and drawings.

 

What are you currently working on?
 

Several projects for some up-and-coming music groups, doing album cover work and installation images.  Also, working on some children's story ideas.
 

Where do you find inspiration for your work?
 

I love looking through reference books, bric-a-brac shops and finding music that creates images in my head.

 

3 artists/designers you love and why!:
 

Saelee Oh I've only recently come across this lady and can't get enough of her beautiful use of shapes and textures.

Russell Cobb His conceptual imagery is simply astonishing.

Temujin Doran Long-term friend, photographer, film-maker and drawer of stunning line images.  Total leg end.
 

3 things that make you smile:
 

1) People's favourite biscuit choices
2) Falling asleep with my hand between the pages of a book.
3) Holding hands

 

Do you have any other upcoming exhibitions/shows etc:
 

DECKED
5th - 29th August 2010
Coningsby Gallery, 30 Tottenham Street, London

INKYGOODNESS 4 "PLAY"
2nd - 12th September 2010
EAST Gallery, Brick Lane, London

Inkygoodness Review of 'Fifty-two'

Calm Air All Ice presents 'Fifty-two'

Calm Air All Ice is a collaborative project between artists Claire Platt and Camilla Stacey and hats off to them, as they've put on a remarkable exhibition fitting 52 illustrators & artists into the smallest gallery of Bristol. Running only until Saturday 3rd April (Noon - 4pm (5.30pm: Sat. only)) the show comprises of up to three pieces each, from the represented image-makers.

Carefully and sensitively hung, the curators lead the viewer on a lively journey around the enclosed space. It's quite the showcase of some of Claire and Camilla's favourite artists, which is reflected in the enthusiasm behind the associated blog, mini-interviews and overall promotion of this exhibit. The windows are adorned with intriguing constructed work, from delicate strung together drawings, to fragile and beautiful 3D sculptural work.

You are then led through a set of pieces all created on unusual surfaces or in unusual ways: dinner trays, odd bits of wood (Amanda Blake's piece caught my eye right away), rounded fabric frames, old photos and woolen sculptures (Claire Platt's own work). Genevieve Dionne has included three of her woodburnt pieces, featuring her twisted versions of creatures - a delight to see in real life.

(Genevieve Dionne)

Bjorn Lie's enormous print starts off the next wall, which continues this snapshot of contemporary illustration. Prints, detailed drawings and semi-abstract art all sit comfortably together, some pieces left open to interpretation, while others, like "Beware Of Yellow Snow" (Dave Bain) are out to amuse.

(Dave Bain)

The final side of 'room 212' is covered with primarily unframed work, ranging from very immediate sketches and photo collage work to the lively colours of Peskimo prints, Debbie Hill's cut-outs, Patrick Gildersleeves oriental based work and Lizzie Stewart's stunning drawings, just to pick out a few.

(Patrick Gildersleeves)

It is remarkable. A brilliant show, with work already selling. If you are in Bristol and have a chance to see it, don't miss out!

(words: Dave Bain on behalf of Inkygoodness)

(Various photos from the opening evening)

We're open!

For those with a little more pocket money may we suggest...

One of Genevieve Dionne's gouache and wood burner plaques for £100.

A delicate embroidered print from Lisa Solomon for £200

Lovely mixed media print from Amy Greenan for £235 (framed)

52 mini interviews: Michal William

Name: Michal William

Location: Bristol

Age:33

Website(s):

www.semi-square.co.uk,

www.localkid.co.uk

How would you describe your work?

 

I work mostly with photocopies, making minimalist collage/photomontage using text and images. For years I made gig posters, slowly realising that they had 'artistic' merit in their own right, and even slowerly realising that I could even make something that didn't even have any 'information' in it! In my posters I would be facinated by the movement I could create by placing the cut-out letters and numbers and shapes in different places, and how each would determine how and where the others would be placed. Various gravitational points would pull figures, characters, in, and spin them out. And it's this play-fight between choas and control that entertains me enough to continue to create my non-poster work.

 

What are you currently working on?

I am currently expoloring the flight of sea gulls and ballerinas and others. It's funny.

 

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

Old films, old buildings and old books.

 

3 artists/designers you love and why! :

Matt Jones (as well as others around him in the Bristol music scene) has greatly influenced not only my artwork, but also has informed my music, temperament and life goals. Before I knew Matt, I was a big fan of the bands he was involved in (Crescent, Movietone, etc), and when I first saw his large white abstract carpentered paintings in 1996, it was some of the first art that I felt I could instantly understand and relate to. And the simple style of his posters for Cafe Mono made me rethink what gig posters could be.

Marianne Brandt is my favourite artist of all time. She is mostly known for her metal design work at the Bauhaus in the 1920's, but at the same time she also produced many photomontages, usually just for herself or her friends. Her photomontages are playful, political and minimalist, and again I felt an instant understanding as soon as I saw them. I have never studied art, and so I can only trust my instincts when making or appreciating it. Marrianne Brandt's artwork stuck out its hand and said 'hello, you and I are the same.'

Charles M. Schulz was suprised himself how a few lines and dashes on paper could invoke so much emotion and human recognition. This is what any form of art means to me - seeing a relationship in it to what you know, belonging to some language that is not part of words (even when words are used).

some sneaky peeks of super affordable work for you

Peskimo have sent over some photos of their work for the show, can you tell what it is yet?

This have been screen printed using the set up that they've built in their own home, how great must it be to have screen printing facilities at home?

 It's a bandit bunny! Just in time to steal all the Easter Eggs! These will be on sale for just £12 so I am pretty sure that they are going to get snapped up quick fast.

And here are three of Fiona Cassidy's 'Units of Habitation' which are just £10 each, or £50 for the set of 7. These little houses are made from hand stitched calico.

Edith Abeyta is sending some of her 'Bats and Rats' bunnies our way- you can take one home for just £20

Susan Schwake has two of these lovely paintings on cedar wood for just £20 each

Venue Magazine says 'Don't Miss Fifty-Two'

So I didn't have time to scan this but if you look closely you can see that our show is one of five that are marked as Don't Miss shows for next week. Pretty sweet if you ask me. Here's an even worse photo of the listing:

I promise i'll get a good scan of it soon.

52 mini interviews: Bjorn Rune Lie

Name: Bjorn Rune Lie
Location: Bristol
Age: 32 1/2

Website(s):  

www.bjornlie.com  

http://bjornrunelie.blogspot.com

How would you describe your work? 

It depends who I'd be describing it to....It often features ordinary people in bizarre circumstances or vice versa; outlandish looking characters in an everyday setting. Playful and warm, rich in detail and texture..Possibly overworked  a lot of the time.

What are you currently working on? 

A picture book for Nobrow Press in London. To be printed in 3 spot colours..Quite exciting, but probably economic suicide.

Where do you find inspiration for your work? 

Everywhere but illustration annuals.

3 artists/designers you love and why! 

Jockum Nordstrom, Gosia Machon and Yokoland. Because they are confident enough to do "loose" work. I can't do that myself..It just doesn't feel finished to me if I haven't worked my ass off. Guess you just gotta do what feels natural. And I love this here blog: http://ajourneyroundmyskull.blogspot.com/

 

3 things that make you smile: 

Scrambled eggs, newspaper, Fresh coffee. 

Do you have any other upcoming exhibitions/shows etc: 

Got this really exciting show called 52! Apart from that, no...Well..Jamaica Street Open Studios in June, of course.

52 mini interviews: Edith Abeyta

Name: Edith Abeyta

Location: Los Angeles, CA
Age: 44

Website(s): 

http://edithabeyta.net

http://www.flickr.com/photos/edithabeyta/

How would you describe your work?

Fiber based installations with 19th century ragpicker sensibilities infused with literature and radical politics.

 

What are you currently working on?

"My Business is Circumference No. 2" an installation for the Bath Spa Gallery and "Me, You, Us" an exchange based installation for the exhibition "Crossbreed: the art of collaboration" at the El Camino College Art Gallery in southern California.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

Much of it comes from reading novels and talking to people.

3 artists/designers you love and why! : 

Porous Walker He has an approach and sensibility like no one else.

Vanessa Renwick The only artist I know who can make black eyes look sexy and the demolition of nuclear reactors beautiful

Yong Sin Her perseverance and dedication to her work is more extreme than anyone I know.

3 things that make you smile:

1. Getting a good night's sleep

2. Being told, "We'll reimburse you for materials."

3.  Homemade Stout

Do you have any other upcoming exhibitions/shows etc:

see answer above

52 mini interviews: Fiona Cassidy

 

Name: Fiona Cassidy

Location:Bath

Website(s): http://www.fionacassidy.com

How would you describe your work?

reversible

What are you currently working on?

working on finding a studio space so I can actually get some work made

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

skips, second-hand furniture shops, neglected urban spaces, building sites

3 artists/designers you love and why! : 

Ceal Floyer: clever clever titles

Richard Long: he’s taken a simple idea and carried it through with integrity

Susan Collis: immaculate execution

3 things that make you smile:

sunshine

cake

nice surprises

Do you have any other upcoming exhibitions/shows etc:

Dispatch Office Residents 09 - April 30 - May 3 - Spike Island Sculpture Shed, Bristol

Wilderness -  May 27 - June  13 - The American Museum, Claverton, Bath

Curator - Here Today, Gone Tomorrow  - May 28 - June 13 - Fringe Arts Bath - Bath

52 mini interviews: Claire Platt (aka the other half of Calm Air All Ice)

hand knitted Heinkel He 111

Name: Claire Platt
Age: 24
Location: London
Website(s):
www.claireplatt.com
blog, flickr, tumblr
and calm air all ice!

How would you describe your work?

an attempt to combine things I love and make them into beautiful objects. or to put it in plain terms (no pun intended) knitted aeroplanes! (mostly)

What are you currently working on?
I'm currently finishing knitting a duck for an upcoming show and planning some new pieces - This summer/autumn marks the 7oth anniversary of the battle of britain so my new pieces will be centred entirely around British planes and those specifically involved in the battle. I'm collecting the new wood cut pieces on Monday! I'm very excited!

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

Airshows, the sky, knitting books, fair isle knitting, aran knitting, magazines, galleries, etc etc

3 artists/designers you love and why! :
Obviously all the wonderful people involved with this show, but outside of that...

Kiki Smith - her drawings are stunning, and her objects even more so
Rachel Denny - because she transforms knitted jumpers into wonderful sculptures
Jeffrey Milstein - his photographs of commercial airliners are the best I've ever seen, in fact I saw a show of his at the photographers gallery long before I was creating my planes. I think it sat in my head inspiring me subconsciously.

3 things that make you smile:
matthew
sunny days
listening to good music

Do you have any other upcoming exhibitions/shows etc:
knit one, purl one:Contemporary Knitting and Crochet at the touchstones gallery, Rochdale May 1st-July 4th 2010

52 mini interviews: Camilla Stacey (aka one half of Calm Air All Ice)

Name: Camilla Stacey
Location: Weston-super-Mare
Age: 36

Website(s):

 http://madebymilla.com

 http://www.flickr.com/photos/camillastacey

http://madebymilla.etsy.com

http://calmairallice.blogspot.com of course!

How would you describe your work? 

Drawing plays a large part in my work, it’s one of the threads that links whatever I do, although I do work across a wide variety of media. I have a fascination with found photos and postcards and a love of nostalgia and the past.  A sense of time and memory is important to my work.
 
What are you currently working on?

I’m working on a series of pieces at the moment that are investigating time, ways of mapping histories and imagined timelines. I am working with found pianola rolls and am enjoying working in a scroll like format- it lends itself well to work about time and I’m starting to investigate making durational work and incorporate the tidal aspect that is ever present in a seaside town like Weston.

Where do you find inspiration for your work? 

Junk shops, old photo albums, found postcards, family histories, old films, ‘treasure’. My house is full of ‘stuff’ and I can’t stop picking up things that inspire me- I’m inspired by pretty much everything I ever see. I love to visit new exhibitions and am a fan of history documentaries.  

3 artists/designers you love and why! :

Amy Santoferraro I saw an exhibition of her work in Cwmbran, Wales completely by chance and I totally loved her use of found objects and ceramics.

Xin one of the artists that sadly couldn’t take part in 52, I love her drawings and paintings, and she also makes amazing comics as well as her Doinky Doodles shop that sells handmade goodies

Maya Bloch: I just love Maya’s drawings and wish I could own one for myself. Her work makes me want to draw more and more and to be true to my own way of drawing.

(Lots of my other favourites are taking part in this show of course!)

3 things that make you smile:

My oldest nephew

My youngest nephew

My niece

(don’t worry I haven’t left anyone out- I only have the three)
 

Do you have any other upcoming exhibitions/shows etc:

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

Fringe Arts Bath

May 28 - June 13  http://www.fringeartsbath.co.uk/

Summer Show

Bath Spa University Gallery

17^th June

I’m also curating shows by Rachael Allen from 15^th-26^th March, Sophie Jones  from 19^th-30^th April and Edith Abeyta from 3^rd-21^st May all at the Bath Spa University Gallery.

52 mini interviews: Cathy Cullis

Name: Cathy Cullis
Location: London / Surrey
Age: 40
Website(s):

http://cathycullis.blogspot.com

http://cathycullis.bigcartel.com

How would you describe your work?

I'm a poet as well as a visual artist, so my mixed media work is about making visual poems. I like to explore word and image, personal experience, line and texture. I'm often working on several different projects at the same time.

What are you currently working on?

Current obsessions are making folding mixed media books and exploring natural dyes on fabric. I'm also working on a new collection of poems, so these ideas are playing together and one thing leads to another.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

I'm inspired by an interest in literature, women's lives, the work of primitive and outsider artists, medieval art, spirituality, Victorian obsessions with ghosts, nature.... I studied both English and Art at university and the work I looked into during that time has continued to inspire. I also enjoy visiting as many current art exhibitions as I can get to.

3 artists/designers you love and why! :

'outsider artist' Madge Gill - I wrote my undergrad dissertation on Madge Gill (along with other outsiders) and her mesmerizing style has certainly impressed me. My own great-grandmother was a spiritualist medium, so I am very interested in Gill's spirit-inspired work.

Nina Bagley is an amazing, supportive friend and artist who has encouraged me greatly. I admire her use of materials in her jewellery making, her subtle use of word, texture and colour.

I really admire Cornelia O'Donovan's illustration and artwork. She is a fab artist and I have several of her prints in my home. Her work makes me smile. I like it's freshness and humour.

3 things that make you smile:

my children - I have two school-age children who are my best critics and tell it like it is!

a good phrase in a poem - you know the kind you wish you wrote yourself!

spring flowers especially auriculas - I collect auriculas, I am a bit of a collector

Do you have any other upcoming exhibitions/shows etc:

Next I'm working on a collaborative book project with a group of other artists - more details on my blog later.

I've got work currently at The Edge Gallery, Lancaster.

Also my work is to be featured in a US magazine this Summer - more details on that to follow also!