Being a photographer

Please give us a few words of introduction about yourself

I’m a photographer, dealing mainly with digital manipulation to produce abstract and surreal images

How and when did you start out as a photographer?

I photographed weddings part time years ago (medium format pre-digital) but then moved to London and was too busy to continue. Am now getting back into photography, although taking a different direction.

What training did you have?

No formal training but have experience of weddings and make up the rest as I go along!

What has been your best creative achievement so far?

Learning to master PS and Elements to manipulate my images. Don’t have a favourite image though.

General Questions

What’s your favourite quote?

You are evil and you must be destroyed.

Who is your favourite artist?

Man Ray.

What are you aiming for?

To improve my work and maybe start selling images.

How will you get there?

Hard work and practice!

Is anything holding you back?

Money!

You and photography

What sort of reactions do you get to your work? are you ever surprised?

Positive reactions, although my peers are not artists. I am surprised that reactions are so positive.

From start to finish, how long does it take for you to create your work?

Depends on the image I want to achieve. Anything from 10 minutes to a few hours.

What music do you like to listen to when you work?

My music collection is on my computer set to random, and it’s very random! Anything from The Planets to System of a Down!

What is next in the pipeline for you? Any new directions or shows coming up?

Continue to promote my work and keep an eye open for opportunities to exhibit.

Being inspired by photography

Who (living or dead) inspires you? and why?

Man Ray, I just like the feel of his work.

What feelings, subjects or concepts inspire you as a photographer?

Abstractness, taking an everyday image and turning it into something else.

What is your favourite work that you’ve produced so far and why?

I think my favourite so far is acorns-leaves, it just sums up the autumn.

a photographer’s advice

Have you got any advice for those starting out as a photographer?

Keep at it!

9th-15th February 2012

Free

Cambridge Art Salon

29 Cromwell Road

Cambridge

CB1 1DF

England

The Finsbury Park Deltics present ‘News From The War Against Terror’
- an eclectic mix of cartoons, paintings an’ that.

See one man’s obsession with nostalgic futurism and the Victor Book for
Boys. And maybe buy a few pictures.

Private viewing Friday 10th February (but feel free to turn up for free
food and drink). Closed Monday 13th February.

http://www.thefinsburyparkdeltics.com

—–

Hughes-Lubeck at The Spring Fair NEC

5th to 9th February

£30 but free with invitation

NEC Birmingham

UK

Contact me via my website to apply for a free ticket.

http://www.hughes-lubeck.com

—–

International Collective Exhibition

16/02/12 to 07/03/12

Free

Camden Art Gallery

61 Chalk Farm Road
Camden Town

London

NW1 8AN

England

Cameron Haldane will be exhibiting at Camden Art Gallery London as part
of a collective exhibition of international artists from 16th of February to
7th of March 2012. Nine of his works from 2009, 2010 and 2011 will be on
display.

http://www.camdenartgallery.com/

—–

Nomadic – Not in Transit

Jan 13th – Feb 10th

Willesden Green gallery

Willesden Green
Willesden Library Gallery Bar

London

England

An exhibition of 18 artists from Espacio

http://www.espaciogallery.co.uk

—–

Shore Lines, new works by Marjoke Henrichs

2 february to 25th february

free entry

Frameworkshop and Gallery

22, St Nicholas Street,

Ipswich

IP1 1TJ

UK

opening times
Monday to Saturday 9.00 – 4.30

—–

Under the Sea

25 January – June 2012

FREE

Millennium Gallery

Millennium Gallery
Arundel Gate

Sheffield

S1 2PP

England

For anyone fascinated by things from under the sea, you should go see
this exhibition at The Millennium Gallery, Sheffield. It’s on until June
2012 and there will be various talks/events related to this exhibition. A
bespoke ‘glow in the dark’ box has been made for this, so you can see my
work glowing in full glory!!! (Jenny Llewellyn)

http://www.museums-sheffield.org.uk/museums/millennium-gallery/exhibitions/

—–

Bizart Art Fair

Saturday 11th February 2012

Free!

The Lyttleton Well

Church Street

Malvern

England

New local art fair featuring established and up and coming local artists
an designer makers.

—–

Lost Worlds

18 – 24 February 2012

Free

The Framers Gallery

36 Windmill Street

London

W1T 2JT

UK

An exhibition of five artists work all concerned with figurative,
dreamlike, landscapes.
Hannah Batterhshell, Melissa Launay, Rebecca Merry, Roz Richards and Belinda
Syme
Gallery open 10 – 5.30pm Monday to Friday, 10 – 5pm on Saturday.

http://www.theframersgallery.co.uk

—–

Children’s Weekly After School Art Class

20 February

£6.50

Melrose Primary School,

Melrose
Scottish Borders
Scotland

TD6

Scotland

Classes to run on Monday and Wednesday term-time from 3.15-4.45 p.m.

Being an artist

Please give us a few words of introduction about yourself

I have been described as a multimedia artist

How and when did you start out as an artist?

I feel as though I am just starting out despite having been a creator all my life!

What training did you have?

I am currently a mature student at Hereford College of art. I gained a Foundation Diploma in Art a couple of years ago and recieved a Distinction grade – University of the Arts London.
I also have a B.Sc in Psychology.

What has been your best creative achievement so far?

I recently worked on an multimedia piece in conjunction with Downstairs Gallery Herefordshire. This included an outside installation, photographs and film. The film and photographs ‘Thought in Time’ are currently showing at Apple Store Gallery, Hereford.

General Questions

What’s your favourite quote?

‘Life is a ticket to the greatest show on earth’. Martin H. Fischer

Who is your favourite artist?

Bill Viola

What are you aiming for?

Recognition, validation

How will you get there?

Keep working hard.

Is anything holding you back?

Only myself.

You and art

What sort of reactions do you get to your work? are you ever surprised?

People say my work is mysterious, dreamlike, mystical, strong, and yes, always surprised.

From start to finish, how long does it take for you to create your work?

It depends – a good piece, if I am in the flow might take a few hours. If I am making an installation It can take a week or longer. However I feel that my work unfolds from one idea to another in a seamless fashion, so identifying a timescale for my work seems limitless.

What music do you like to listen to when you work?

I like to work in silence

What is next in the pipeline for you? Any new directions or shows coming up?

I am currently preparing for my final degree show. I also have a group show in the Courtyard, Hereford arranged for early 2013. But after I finish college I intend to build up my portfolio and apply for an MA somewhere.

Being inspired by art

Who (living or dead) inspires you? and why?

Anthony Gormley, Gerhard Richter, Bill Viola, Rothko. They and their work hold a presence which instills a connection with a deep stillness. Something I connect to in an unconscious way. The work of these people digs deep into my bones and makes me want to break through my own boundaries and create on a wilder level.

What feelings, subjects or concepts inspire you as an artist?

Stillness, depth, metaphor, mystery.

What is your favourite work that you’ve produced so far and why?

The installation piece at Downstairs. ‘The thought that cought the thred of light’

an artist’s advice

Have you got any advice for those starting out as an artist?

Just keep working, keep reflecting, keep going.

1. Get Discovered

Last year we covered quite a bit on the process of getting your work out there, and being discovered by as many people as possible. Here’s a round up…

• As you may be aware, Artweb has created a Facebook App to allow syncing between your Artweb account and Facebook page, and also to enable you to promote your work more easily. If you have an artist Facebook page then you can try out the app right now, visit this link!

• Search Engine Optimisation – Using effective keywords in order to expand your online presence and ‘searchability’. Here’s a link to a useful article on this subject.

• Social Networking – Back in October we covered how to effectively use social media to improve traffic to your website. Read it here!

2. Be Inspired!

Sometimes it’s hard to be inspired. Never-ending chores, day jobs, and the mundanity of the everyday, sometimes make us forget, or just completely miss, those inspiring moments in life. Here’s some ideas for how to reinvigorate your creative mind…

• Inspiration lies in experiencing the new, so why not book a plane/train/bus and go to a place you’ve never visited before…. whether that be the other side of the world or a nearby town you haven’t yet explored.

• Take some time out from your routine. Inspiration can’t be forced, but sometimes all it takes is switching off from everything for a few hours, or minutes. Yoga is great for relaxing the mind, as is going for a long and unplanned walk, or even simply closing your eyes and putting some relaxing music on for a few moments. Meditation on a regular basis is something a lot of people swear by, and can be the key to keeping a relaxed and open mind.

• Slow down, be observant of your environment: nature, people, books, cities – they are all teeming with inspiration for you to find, it just takes noticing the world around you!

• Do something out of your comfort zone at least once a week. This is a great way of learning skills you never you knew you had in you!

• Attend a Pecha-Kucha night! Pecha-Kucha nights started in Tokyo, and involve presenting a series of 20 slides on a certain topic, for 20 seconds per slide. The result is a fast-paced and fun presentation on a new subject, each person bringing together completely different themes. Find out more here.

3. Motivation is key!

We all know it can be hard to remain motivated during January and the winter months, but we have a few tips that might help…

• Here’s one great technique for upping your creative output: The One Hour Project. Give yourself one hour to complete a work of art, and not just a sketch of an idea, a fully completed work. If you have only one hour, then there is no time to deliberate or think – it forces you to act, plus it’s such a short time commitment so you should have no trouble fitting it in – perhaps today, perhaps once a week? And as it’s only an hour, you won’t feel precious about the results.

• Decide to enter a competition with an imminent deadline. Artquest has some great opportunities listed by deadline dates, which are updated constantly.

• Make a commitment to updating your website – a monthly update can be a great motivational tactic. Make it so you have to upload at least 1 new art work every month, and stick to it!

• Starting a blog can give you motivation by being a tangible and public record of your progress. Here’s a link to one of our previous articles on the benefits of an artist’s blog.

• Get a new look…for your website! Here are some great new templates from Artweb that will be available very soon:

www.alexbamford.com

www.richardwhadcock.com

www.sarah-young.co.uk

That’s it for now! We hope our New Year’s Resolutions have helped inspire those of you who might be feeling the January Blues this month. We’ll be back with our next newsletter in February, see you then!

Being a photographer

Please give us a few words of introduction about yourself

Hi, I’m Adrian. These are my first tentative steps into the scary world of starting my own photography business. Hopefully this interview may inspire folk to try too.

How and when did you start out as a photographer?

From when I was a nipper I’ve usually had some kind of camera, my parents would take us out into the countryside regularly, so plenty of opportunities to photograph things. Over the past few years I’ve become interested in digital photography and am now starting to aim towards making a living out of it.

What training did you have?

Pretty much like many other photographers I reckon. Just being out in the field using the equipment helps me enormously. I also spend a lot of time talking to other photographers and the other usual suspects such as the internet and books. You can’t beat hands on experience though.

What has been your best creative achievement so far?

I photographed a wedding reception recently (my first one!). It was a challenge due to the low indoor light (and no real room to use a tripod) but the images came out really well and the bride and groom got a dvd that they were proud of.

General Questions

What’s your favourite quote?

‘We’ve gone on holiday by mistake!’- Withnail and I

Who is your favourite artist?

My friend Lesley.

What are you aiming for?

Happy clients, a happy me and a happy bank balance!

How will you get there?

Hard graft. You really have to sell yourself these days, competition is fierce due to the number of folk doing this sort of thing. Get out there, get great images, talk to people and sell yourself! I’m going to find a niche in the market, a challenge but I know I can do it.

Is anything holding you back?

Well, the obvious answer is of course money. Setting up a photography business is not a cheap venture, investing in quality equipment is essential but costly. So yes, money, that and the amount of people doing this kind of thing.

You and photography

What sort of reactions do you get to your work? are you ever surprised?

Being a hyper-critical man of my own work, I’m always surprised by peoples enthusiasm! Reactions are normally very positive thank goodness.

From start to finish, how long does it take for you to create your work?

That depends on so many variables. Some subjects are more complex than others, require more equipment and more image editing. The short answer is that I can’t answer that with any particular accuracy.

What music do you like to listen to when you work?

When I’m editing images I’ll quite often put on a bit of alt-country or English psychedelic-folk; sometimes a bit of heavy rock does the trick though.

What is next in the pipeline for you? Any new directions or shows coming up?

I have a wedding in the Breccon Beacons to photograph in a few months and possibly I’ll be photographing the band Shearwater when they come to play in Brighton in March. Can’t wait to see how things pan out.

Being inspired by photography

Who (living or dead) inspires you? and why?

My father’s photography inspires me, he spent decades travelling round the planet documenting as he went. That certainly did and does inspire me.

What feelings, subjects or concepts inspire you as a photographer?

I’m inspired by the great world window around us. People fascinate me, insects fascinate me and our lovely landscapes fascinate me too.

What is your favourite work that you’ve produced so far and why?

A portrait photograph of a mother’s 5 year old child. I’m just very pleased by the overall composition and the emotion that I’ve captured in his eyes. It’s also a great feeling to know that you’ve captured and documented someone’s life, just for that split second but it can last a lifetime.

a photographer’s advice

Have you got any advice for those starting out as a photographer?

Do your research before buying equipment, it’s easy to spend an awful lot of money but end up with inadequate gear for the job. Join a photography club, get talking to people, do photo shoots for free to get that experience that will get you paid work. Above all, don’t panic!

Being a painter

Please give us a few words of introduction about yourself

I am passionate about the world that we live in, despite what goes on it is a wonderful world and nature is my first inspiration in art. My work tries to reflect how I believe our oceans and coastlines ideally should remain, natural and revered. I try my best to support ocean awareness as much as I can and to promote our beautiful blue planet as the ocean has been so kind to me..

My intention is to capture moments in time that leave a positive memory in the viewer, to create an almost scuba diving experience of beautiful realms beneath the water’s surface. Enabling the viewer to swim amongst clean sea beds and be washed over by the ever moving tide; or brush past sea turtles and be filled with color as they pass through schools of tropical fish. It is hopefully a welcome introduction to a beautiful world deep beneath the surface for those who live nowhere near the coast or who don’t have immediate access to the sea, a world that maybe only a few are blessed to see with their own eyes.

My above water waves and seascapes try to take the viewer to a special natural place…

When did you decide to pursue painting as a career?

I have always painted and wanted to pursue art as a career but really it was around 2005 that I got my first break after being an intermediate level surfer and began painting oceans and marine wildlife for others who suddenly wanted to own one of my paintings.

However, even today I find myself out of work and constantly pursuing the opportunity to go full time and sell lots of paintings.

What training did you have?

I have had no training at all. Much of what I do today comes from painting constantly and working things out for myself. I do sit in natural places, go for walks and take hundreds of photos so that I can work from them.

What has been the high point of your career so far?

Being awarded a place on the prestigious ‘Ocean Artists Society’ by Wyland, Americas Ocean artists and marine wildlife ambassador. Now being one of the worlds top ocean and marine wildlife artists.

General Questions

What’s your favourite quote?

What we do in this life will resonate not just within ourselves but within everything, as all things in life are connected..

Who is your favourite artist?

I have no favourite artist, but I do love the work of Van Gogh, Constable, Waterhouse and as many fantasy artists out there.

What are you aiming for?

I am aiming to one day open my own gallery and send copies of my work and originals all round the world and to work in art full time and earn enough to support myself and as many conservation societies as I can. To promote ocean and marine wildlife awareness around the world.

How will you get there?

I will constantly paint my seascapes and keep entering competitions and apply for galleries in the hope that soon someone will see my work and see some potential within me.

Is anything holding you back?

 
Finance.

You and painting

What feelings or reactions do you hope to arouse in people who view your work? Are you ever surprised by reactions that you get?

I try to send out a real positive influence through my paintings so that people feel happy when they see my work, or think that nature really is beautiful. I attempt this by using bright vivid colours, lots of sunlight, idyllic scenery and of course wildlife. The subliminal message of course is to influence the person to think more about protecting and preserving our planet and caring more about the environment and its inhabitants.

From start to finish, how long does it take for you to create your work?

My work usually takes anything from a week to a maximum of two months.

What music do you like to listen to when you work?

I love listening to natural sounds of the ocean but also Clannad and New Age holistic, meditation, relaxation music.

What are you working on next? Any future plans or projects in the pipeline that we should look out for?

I am now working upon a large 40×40 Inches canvas depicting a US National park with a mountain range, pine trees and bright turquoise clean river running over rocks. This is a commission for a Native American relative of mine who is sending me a lovingly crafted traditional flute in return.

Being inspired by painting

Who (living or dead) inspires you? and why?

I am inspired by the Ocean, by waves, by sunlight, by dolphins and whales. I am mostly inspired by Wyland, David Attenborough, Sylvia Earle and the Cousteau family because of their commitment to our planet and its oceans and also to promote and care for our planet.

What feelings, subjects or concepts inspire you as a painter?

A feeling of well being, inner happiness and peace with everything. Love…

What is your favourite work that you’ve produced so far and why?

My favourite work so far is ‘Rushing In’. When I first began painting this scene I didnt realise how popular it would become, but everywhere it has been displayed, I’ve received hundreds of compliments. The painting or scene is supposed to make the viewer feel as if they are sat upon nearby rocks listening and watching a huge wave crash constantly against rocks and seeing the explosion of foam and colour before their eyes.

a painter’s advice

For those thinking about turning a passion for painting into a career, could you give any advice?

Its hard work but its truly enjoyable and you must enter competitions, get your work online but most of all get it out there to the public.

Any tips on how to get your work seen and get the commissions coming in?

Yes Artweb and other websites help considerably. Only by advertising yourself and getting your work out there will anyone else see it.

Being a crafts maker

Please give us a few words of introduction about yourself

I am a metal sculptor living and working in Brighton.

When did you decide to pursue making crafts as a career?

I have been creating my work professionally for the last 8 years.

What training did you have?

I graduated from Brighton University with a BA Hons in 3D crafts.

What has been the high point of your career so far?

Establishing a collaborative workshop, and getting to Make large pieces of work of my own design has been a real highlight for me in my working practice.

General Questions

What’s your favourite quote?

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those that matter don’t mind, and those that mind don’t matter

Who is your favourite artist?

I love the work of Gaudi, Klimt, H.R Giger, and I’m a big fan of the art nouveau and art deco movement.

What are you aiming for?

I am aiming o make bigger work in more public areas involving more people.

How will you get there?

By pursuing my own sculptural work and getting larger commissions, I feel my work will become more and more relevant to expanding into community and public artwork.

Is anything holding you back?

The only thing currently holding me back is that I am looking for new premises to work from. A good thing to come from this has been meeting some really good people who have a shared interest in the kind of workshop set up I am looking for.

You and making crafts

What feelings or reactions do you hope to arouse in people who view your work? Are you ever surprised by reactions that you get?

I love people to feel the character of the pieces I make. I want to evoke humour, uncertainty, and even fear sometimes.

I once had someone that couldn’t come near Beatrice the Alligator, because they were absolutely petrified. I spoke to them outside the show and told them it was the biggest compliment I have ever had.

From start to finish, how long does it take for you to create your work?

The larger pieces of sculpture I make can take anything from 1 to 3 months to complete. Smaller pieces take between 3 days to 2 weeks. It really depends on the project.

What music do you like to listen to when you work?

I like to listen to a diverse collection of my own music whilst working, and cannot abide radio 1 or stations full of advertising.

What are you working on next? Any future plans or projects in the pipeline that we should look out for?

I am currently working on some smaller detailed sculpture using recycled objects. I am really excited about using new materials, and feel I am currently moving into some new areas with my personal work.

Being inspired by making crafts

Who (living or dead) inspires you? and why?

I think I am more musically inspired by others than I am visually. Nature is my sketchbook, music is my muse.

What feelings, subjects or concepts inspire you as a crafts maker?

The concept of living a creative life is an inspiring concept for me, though it is not without it’s challenges.

What is your favourite work that you’ve produced so far and why?

Beatrice the Alligator is one of my favourite pieces because it sowed me how much life, expression, and attitude you can get from a load of old saw blades and scrap metal.

a crafts maker’s advice

For those thinking about turning a passion for making crafts into a career, could you give any advice?

When turning a passion into money, it still has to be more about the art than the money, or you will lose inspiration. Keep going, and when things change keep going, and when it all falls apart, keep going.

Any tips on how to get your work seen and get the commissions coming in?

Exhibitions and events are a good way to get your name out there and your work seen.

Being an artist

Please give us a few words of introduction about yourself

I am a sculptor of clay with 26 years experience creating sculptures in ceramic.
In October 2010 I decided to move into creating sculptures for bronze in a more contemproary style.

When did you decide to pursue art as a career?

I have always been interested in art. Born in Stoke-on-Trent was an advantage becuase of the wealth of artistic ability in the area. I was introduced to clay at a young age and developed a passion for sculpting in clay.

What training did you have?

I trained at the sir henry doulton school of sculpture under the guidance of Dame Elizabeth Frink.

What has been the high point of your career so far?

Creating the bronze knight award for Intercontinental Hotels Group.

General Questions

What’s your favourite quote?

‘believe it or not, I can actually draw.’ Michelangelo

‘The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without work’ Emile Zola

Who is your favourite artist?

Henry Moore, Michelangelo.

What are you aiming for?

I would like to be know and respected for the quality of my work in sculpture.

How will you get there?

I have been creating a new body of work which I will launch in February at the Spring Fair NEC. I also have a number of show stands in 2012 including Crufts, CLA Game Fair, The Animal Art Show.

Is anything holding you back?

Finance is the biggest stumbling block for a sculptor in bronze, because the moulding and casting costs are so high. It also takes a while to create a new sculpture.

You and art

What feelings or reactions do you hope to arouse in people who view your work? Are you ever surprised by reactions that you get?

People usually enjoy my work. I would like to provoke a reaction that people like to look at my work enough to buy it.

From start to finish, how long does it take for you to create your work?

It can take anything from a week to 8 weeks to create each clay sculpture. It is then moulded, and cast into bronze using the lost wax method, which takes about 6 to 8 weeks.

What music do you like to listen to when you work?

I often listen to Heart FM, because it has a general mix of music and current affairs. I listen to it on didgital, which gives me a radio connection to London too.

What are you working on next? Any future plans or projects in the pipeline that we should look out for?

I am continuing to work on my abstract animal sculptures, and equestrian works. I am currently working on a running horse.
I have big plans for 2012 if my finances hold out, for various shows and exhibitions. I will be entering a number of competitions including the SEA and wildlife artsts. I have also entered Show me the Monet, so I keeping my fingers crossed that all goes well…..its going to be a big year!!!

Being inspired by art

Who (living or dead) inspires you? and why?

I am inspired by anybody with a positive mental attitude. People who are successful dispite setbacks. People who keep their main passion at the forefront of their mind.

What feelings, subjects or concepts inspire you as an artist?

I am inspired at the moment by the frozen planet. The struggles of the animals living in a changing environment, which they have little control over.

What is your favourite work that you’ve produced so far and why?

I really enjoy creating sculpture with movement and a high degree of difficulty. I also enjoy abstract sculptures like Henry Moores work. This is why my recent works are animal based, but with a contemporary edge. My favourite piece is Plight of the Polar bear.

an artist’s advice

For those thinking about turning a passion for art into a career, could you give any advice?

Decide what you want to achieve in your career and focus on it. Set yourself goals and time lines, long term and short term, to achieve this. Stay focussed on your goal and illiminate any negativity which surrounds you.

Any tips on how to get your work seen and get the commissions coming in?

The internet is a global window to your work and you as an artist. There has been no better time to promote yourself than right now.

16 December 2011 -16 Feb 2012

free entry

Innovative Apps

224 Baarsjesweg,
5th floor

Amsterdam

1058 AA

The Netherlands

viewing by appointment,
tel +31(0)626 526 001

http://www.innovative-apps.nl

Undefined

15th January 2012 – 28th January 2012

Free

Pavilion Cafe

Off College Road
Dulwich Park

London

SE21 7BQ

United Kingdom

A small selection of paintings and sketches of nature and snap shots of
memorable places visited.

http://www.rikachandra.co.uk

Exhibition: Kym Haverson

26/1/2012

FREE

The Reading Room Gallery

65-66 Frith Street Soho

London

W1D 3JR

uk

FREE Exhibition!

If you are in Soho on the evening of 26th January 2012, please pop along to
my exhibition at The Reading Room Gallery!
Lots of free wine and art!!
Hope to see you there!

http://www.kymhaverson.co.uk

Richard Lloyd

11th Jan 2012 -21st Feb 2012

Free Entry. Photo prices vary

THE PAVILION in Porthcawl, South Wales

The Grand Pavilion, The Esplanade, Porthcawl, CF36 3YW

Porthcawl, Near Bridgend

CF36 3YW

My name is Richard Lloyd.
Born in Bridgend in 1962, but have lived in Leeds, West Yorkshire since
1998.
I have a stammer but this has never stopped me getting what I want out of
life. The British Stammering Association has been so supportive of me over the
years. I now work for West Yorkshire Police, after caring for the elderly and
those with learning difficulties for most of my adult life.
I am happily married with children and a menagerie of pets.
Photography has been my 1st and only interest since I was a young lad who
tried to photograph ants !! My father lives in Porthcawl and in 2009 I cycle all the way from Leeds to
his house in time for his 70th birthday. This exhibition is dedicated to Jean Lewis, a much missed friend and a lady
who supported me all the way with my interest in photography.

richardlloydphotography.co.uk

Exhibition – Journey of Islamic Miniature Painting

14th December 2011 to 17th January 2012

Museum of Islamic Civilisation Sharjah, UAE

Old Heritage Area, Sharjah, UAE

Sharjah

United Arab Emirates

The Art of Miniatures – Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
17/12/2011 – 17/01/2012
Sharjah Museums Department is pleased to invite you to attend ‘A Journey
through Islamic Miniatures’ exhibition Organized by the Sharjah Museum of
Islamic Civilization in collaboration with Jumaa al Majid Centre for
Heritage and Culture, and the College of Fine Arts and Design, University of
Sharjah on the occasion of the Islamic Arts Festival 2011

The museum also presents a workshop by Artist Fatima Zahraa Hassan entitled
‘the Art of Miniatures’
Time: 10am
Inquiries: +97165655455
Miniatures – Sharjah Art Museum
08/12/2011 – 08/01/2012
Under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr.Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi
Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, The Department of
culture & Information – Government of Sharjah – Directorate of Arts are
very pleased to invite you to attend The Festival of Islamic Arts – the
14th Session “Miniatures”
Inquiries: 065123357 – 065688222

http://www.sharjahmuseums.ae/

ART EROTICA 2012 – Exhibition-

19th – 27th Jan 2012

£10 per person or £15 for two per couple

The Gallery

Cork Street,
28 Cork Street,
London,
W1S 3NG.

ART EROTICA 2012 exhibition is held in support of FPA sexual health
charity, appreciating erotic art for a worthy cause.

FPA wants to see fewer unwanted pregnancies in the UK, lower rates of
sexual infection and wants more parents able to talk to their children about
growing up and relationships.

Both the Association of Erotic Artists and Guild of Erotic Artists firmly
believe that the road to acceptance of the erotic arts as a genre rests
within education, operating good business practice and in no way affiliated
to the exploitation industry.

http://www.arteroticaexhibition.com/

Open Studio Sale

27th & 28th January

Free

LinC Art Studio

69 Station Road,
Brimington

Chesterfield

S43 1lj

United Kingdom

I will be holding an open event at my studio in Chesterfield at the end
of January where I will have a selection of half price and reduced original
works and prints for sale.
This will also be an opportunity to see new works and some of the paintings
from my Blue of the Scillies collection. I will be around to chat about my
work and inspiration.
Come along on either Friday 27th in the evening, 5 – 8.30pm or on the
Saturday 10.30am until 4.30pm.

http://www.linc-art.com

Two Kats and a Cow January Sale!

21/22nd and 28/29th January 2012

Free

Two Kats and a Cow gallery

167 Kings Road Arches
Brighton Beach
BN1 1NB

UK

Original oils by Kathryn Matthews, Katty McMurray and John Marshall,
all with 20% off !

http://www.twokatsandacow.com

Being an illustrator

Please give us a few words of introduction about yourself

I make diorama’s out of paper and other house-hold objects. Each new project is a stimulus to create a style for it. For example; The children’s book set in The cook Islands, I recycled supermarket bags for clothing, used chocolate for houses and maize flour for the sandy beach. I used a bathroom mirror for the sea. I then photographed the sets to make a multi-textural looking book.

When did you decide to pursue illustration as a career?

7 years ago, I started a stall on Brick Lane where I sold New Zealand clothing, jewellery and some of my photographic illustration. The art sold more, and it was a lot lighter to get down to market on a Sunday morning, and then a London Magazine ‘PIMP’ showed interest in my work, which got me feeling confident enough to post my work on the internet. Since then I have been found on the web for exhibitions and a graphic novel.

What training did you have?

After getting a degree in World Religion ,I ran a B&B in Scotland, Sold door-to-door products in New Zealand and worked in fashion shops and drew in fashion shops.

What has been the high point of your career so far?

A Billboard in the London Underground for ArtBelow with a soft message about wearing real fur as being pretty ugly .

General Questions

What’s your favourite quote?

‘You should make something of everything’ (Tanja Stanic)

Who is your favourite artist?

Grayson Perry, and Jeff Koons amongst the famous

What are you aiming for?

drawing, creating writing most days and producing my own books/stories /audio books

How will you get there?

I have a graphic novel coming out in 2012 and have had 3 children’s books published, so the timing seems right to write and illustrate my own graphic book. I am aiming at completing the writing in 2012

Is anything holding you back?

no – not really, I have illustration work on, but I find different art forms feed each other, so it’s good to have a few pots on the stove.

You and illustration

What feelings or reactions do you hope to arouse in people who view your work? Are you ever surprised by reactions that you get?

I am always surprised when people seem enchanted by my work, and all it does, is take me into it’s world and enjoy it, a bit like a child who has re-discovered a secret door in their room.

From start to finish, how long does it take for you to create your work?

My Photographic paper-cut work takes about a day, and my 2d work about half a day for an image.

What music do you like to listen to when you work?

Variety: Jean-Michel Jarre to Radio Four gardeners hour, and I don’t garden…yet

What are you working on next? Any future plans or projects in the pipeline that we should look out for?

Graphic Novel ‘Night of the living Dead’ coming out soon
and my own written and illustrated Graphic Book is currently being written.

Being inspired by illustration

Who (living or dead) inspires you? and why?

Frida Kahlo and Amazing contemporary illustrators (mostly paper art): Edouard Sautai, Taylor Mckimens, Jeremias Böttcher,Matt Furie, Klaus Haapaniemi, Jim Stoten, Seiko Kato,Andy Macgregor, ILka Helmig & Karel Boonzaaijer, Toykyo, Animator/artist: Reuben Sutherland, Sculpture

What feelings, subjects or concepts inspire you as an illustrator?

Theatrical lighting, dimention, re-appropriation of objects, playing with mediums in an unusual way to get the mind thinking

What is your favourite work that you’ve produced so far and why?

The Graphic Novel work, its paper cut-out, but it’s also painterly and dark and atmospheric, and it was quite sacrificial to make it, as it was so intensive, and time consuming .

an illustrator’s advice

For those thinking about turning a passion for illustration into a career, could you give any advice?

1. Have a strong identity, as its very very competitive, its easy to think you should be all things to all people, but my experience has shown me, that it’s best to work on the styles you love the most, as you have to work hard and long to improve each year and to make changes (that are part of many jobs) without it driving you crazy, so you need to love it.
2.Professional attitude, you have to work to deadlines, and it’s good to communicate with your client in a warm manner, as that’s the best way to understand what’s needed. Sometimes the client does not know what they want, until they see what they don’t want (process of elimination) so sometimes you have to be motherly and guide a client, and make it easy for them, you have to remember that art is not easy to communicate about for some people, its hard for people to describe what they want, so like a doctor, you have to be good at working out what is needed, by asking questions, and this should be done from the start. Basically if you make it easy for the client, the job will be easier for you. 3. choose your clients- if someone is good to work with, reduce your rate if nessasary (if they are in a country with lower currency for example) as its well worth it over working with a nightmare client (the ones who are poor at communicating, leave you waiting on feedback, and don’t know what they want, dis-organised) You have to be exceptionally organised and ahead of time and leave a buffer zone to make your journey smooth…after all, its fun to draw if you feel you are on top of things.

Any tips on how to get your work seen and get the commissions coming in?

1.Exposure: Do some freebies at the beginning to get exposure and practice. 2.Repeat Work; Treat your clients exceptionally well, as people like working with people they trust, as clients are under a lot of pressure to meet targets , so if they know they can depend on you, they will work with you again. 3. get out there; web, market stall, exhibitions,socialize. I have found that cold- calling rarely works as well as real contacts, people like working with people they have met.