Oswestry my Exhibition at the Visitor and Exhibition Centre - 3.6.2014

This was my second solo exhibition in Oswestry. The building and atmosphere of the place has a homely feeling, and an added bonus is that I often eat here. I always enjoy the food, how it is prepared and presented.  

Having met Sue Miller last year I was delighted that she wanted me to exhibit my photography as I had viewed many other artists work here when I have visited the Exhibition Centre.

My exhibition was arranged to include architecture, montages (which is also known as joiners) and church window laminates. Sue had suggested the idea of displaying the church window image on laminates. I was excited about this prospect as I haven't seen my work produced in many other formats. 

I find exhibiting my photography exciting, as previously my work would be stored to my external hard drive and wouldn't be seen by many people. Through exhibitions my work has an audience, where they can have an insight into what interests me in our surroundings, and maybe perceive it in a different way.    

Thank you to all mentioned below, for their help and support with this exhibition

Sue Miller

Anthea Landon and her husband

Phil - Eton Framers

Carolyn Argyle 

Basia 

Anthea Landon also exhibited her work

I met Anthea whilst photographing the Wrexham area Helfa Gelf in 2012, as a member of The North Wales Film and Photography Collective.We have remained good friends ever since and continue to help each other within our chosen medias. 

Anthea's display was wire work wall pieces and chinacolle work featured below.

We are both again in Helfa Gelf this year 2014,where more of our work will be on display and available to buy.   

Gresford Library reopening - 21.5.2014

I was invited to attend the Grand Opening of the Gresford and District Community Library, on Saturday 17th May 2014, to photograph the event.

The official opening ceremony was performed at 11am by local author Judy Turner, who writes under the names of Katie Flynn and Judith Saxton. 

The event was also attended by Wrexham MP Ian Lucas and Lesley Griffiths, the Welsh Labour Assembly Member for Wrexham.

Gresford Library closed on Monday 31st March 2014, following a decision by Wrexham County Borough Council. Gresford and District Library Company Ltd, a Social Enterprise Group whose directors are all local residents and will be supported by volunteers, was set up to take over the running and development of library after it closed.

The library have had letters of support from many local businesses, the local MP and AM and Lord Thomas and his wife, who live in Gresford, and the local free magazine, Essentials. The library has a Facebook page under the title “Gresford and District Community Library” and can also be contacted by email at: Gresfordlibrary@hotmail.com 

Library opening hours will initially be Tuesday 2pm to 5pm, Friday 10am to 7pm and Saturday 10am to 1pm. The library are actively looking for more volunteers for various tasks to keep the library running in all sorts of ways and are looking for people with a variety of skills.

The Little red me Exhibition of work by Jian Ai - 11.6.2014

This exhibition was a mixture of paintings and a new installation

 I first saw Hillary's work a few years ago at university in a show of other students work. I was very drawn to it because I felt a personal connection, which is something I look for when appreciating art work. The small red figure in her paintings remind me of what can sometimes be a lonely path in life, the figure representing our own individual journey. 

This is an extract from Jian Ai 's personal statement of her work:

"In my paintings you will probably find little narratives, strong emotions or illustrative poems. I love beautiful scenery, so landscape is my favourite platform from which I can express my feelings.

I like the smooth texture of oil paint, which makes me feel free when I am painting. I also enjoy painting gesturally and loosely; this way I can express emotion boldly and freely.

I met God after coming to the United Kingdom from China. Heaven is the most beautiful shrine in my mind - which is full of joy, passion, and freedom. I paint the way to heaven, seeking God.

The little churches, which feature in some of my paintings, represent a destination far away from earth. The little red figure is myself, on the way with a faithful heart. 

I like using striking contrast to intensify the emotion in painting, like the contrast between the vibrant warm and the dark cold colour. The purpose of this is to encourage and highlight that whatever distressful circumstances you are in, there is always hope and God is always there, helping you and protecting you." - Jian Ai, 2014