Interview: Mark Woods-Nunn On The Inspiration Behind ‘Discs’

Posted on by

Tell us what inspired Discs: A Theme Tune To Life.

The show includes people who are from wealthy or low income backgrounds, those that are/have been homeless, those whom have or are struggling with addiction. People with a history of abuse, mental health issues. All sorts really. Many of these issues span people from all walks of life and are most definitely not limited to those from poorer or broken homes. Unless an individual specifically said so, I did not mention people’s backgrounds.

I am closet listener of Radio 4’s “Desert Island Discs”. Last year, listeners of the program submitted their own choices, which were aired and commented upon by a panel of presenters. A throw away comment suggested that some genres of music were under represented due to make up of the program’s audience. This sparked off the idea. A pet peeve of mine is hearing people pigeon hole musical genres or the arts in general, to particular “types” of people. In fact, I pretty much dislike stereo-types in general, but we all make them, largely down to perception or lack of knowledge. So I wanted to quietly challenge this by bringing people together from varying walks of life and backgrounds.

The idea was to over lap / mix the shoot times so people perhaps interacted with others they would not ordinarily meet. Each individual’s music choice was then used as a vehicle to tell their stories and thus create their own life’s theme tune.

I love music, and I love listening to people’s life stories. Like music, people are so diverse, yet we all share common themes (as with music), bit of a paradox really. I wanted to explore that further in some way. The exhibition is largely about the people. The images are therefore quite simple and as least “busy” as possible.

I want to raise the awareness of the great work that organisations like FLACK Cambridge are doing and hopefully raise some funds for them too.

Tell us more about your work as a professional photographer.

I first became serious about photography when I did some aid work in the West Indies. My girlfriend at the time (now my wife) was very supportive and encouraged me to take it further. So I did the training and it went from there.

Beside the artistic projects, I mainly shoot advertising, portraiture and events, as well as teaching photography. I am so blessed, I love it. I get to meet interesting people, watch exciting performances and get paid for it! So clichéd, but having had a break from photography and music for a few years; it felt like part of me was dying. Creativity is such an intrinsic part of who we are. I believe we have one life, so we best make the most of it.

I am available for hire as a photographer, for commercial work, arts projects or teaching. You can find out more at www.markwoodsnunn.co.uk or email me at info@markwoodsnunn.co.uk.

What about the other artists involved – how has that worked?

It has worked well! I love fusion and collaboration. Whilst I am creative, I most definitely lack the skills in areas that I wished I possessed! I tend to have loads of ideas, but often need others to help me implement them, besides, I wanted a mix. It also reduces the risk is becoming too self indulgent. Ultimately, the piece should be about the people involved, not me. I just get a few ideas, listen to the participants, and take a few pictures

The really exciting thing is that people have been able to shine in what they are good at. No one said “I can’t do that”. In fact a couple of the pictures we have used in the documentary accompanying the exhibition were taken by students Liam & Phoebe who’d never done studio work before, I just handed them a camera and they had a go.

What’s been surprising for you about this project?

How much people shared about themselves. Being a portrait photographer is such a privilege and comes with responsibility; some participants used the whole process as a form of therapy! Ultimately, I talk to people to form a connection; to help them relax in front of the camera. So we have a chat and at the end we have some pictures.

I was also surprised to hear stories from people who on the face of it, you’d never imagine would have such experiences. It was amazing the number of people who wanted to give up their time to take part, whether in front of the camera or contributing in some other way. If I had more time and a bigger budget, I have loved to have taken it much further.

Why did you decide to show at the Art Salon?

Great space, professional and reasonably priced too! Besides which, with out wanting to sound too smulchy, the Art Salon stands for many of my own principles, i.e. lets get the arts out to the community and encourage those that perhaps would not consider it their bag, to have a go. SO many people think they are not creative. It’s such a lie. Everyone is, they just may not have discovered it yet! Anyway, creativity is not simply limited to what we traditionally refer to as the “arts”. Read “The Element” by Sir Ken Robinson.

What’s next for you?

I have a couple of community projects on the cards, and the usual teaching / photography work. I don’t want to give too much away, but my next exhibition (to be launched next year) is a mix of sounds from often “unusual” sources and photographs / video included from non-trained artists. It is a modern twist on “The Carnival of the Animals”, by Camille Saint-Saëns, entitled “Dr Doolittle’s World of the Strange”…

All photo portraits purchased and ordered are in aid of FLACK Magazine http://www.flackcambridge.org.uk/FLACKmagazine/home.html

www.markwoodsnunn.co.uk

Discs: A Theme Tune To Life, Opens Friday 24th August – 5th September

Posted on by

This unique take on Desert Island Discs is a photography exhibition celebrating the way music has influenced and inspired people’s lives. Also incorporating film, painting, poetry, music, and dance, “Discs” blends participants musical choices used to create their own life’s theme tune.

There will be work by Mark Woods-Nunn on sale as well as a music inspired mixed media piece by Art Salon creative director Ruthie Collins.

Launch event, Friday 24th August 6-9pm:

On the night you will find live performances, poetry, dance & DJ-ing as well as some music inspired drinks tasting!

RSVP here: http://www.facebook.com/events/427931063917894/

An interview with Matt JOnes aka Lunartik

Posted on by

Where are you now?

Good question, I’m in Berlin of all places, living the artist dream!

It’s got a lot of good things going for it as a whole, it’s a vibrant city, full of art, culture and especially exciting is the food. It’s a place similar to London, but not as crammed or nor as busy, and it’s nice to have a bit of time to think and chill for a change. It’s also a good place to work from as there’s less distractions over here and this keeps me more focused in artistic and in my private life is better for it.

Where did your inspiration for the Lunartik Mini Tea Tour come from?

Well, I’ve always been involved with exhibitions and I do like the traveling around.

So I needed to combine these to get out of the studio and meet people, so I begun the Mini-Tea Tour back in 2011 to help promote my Mini Tea series of vinyl figures and also to collaborate with other artists.

You’ve worked with the likes of Mr Scruff as an artist – tell us a bit about that.

It’s good fun, I like to work with all types of artists, from large “Celebes” like Mr. Scruff and “Pete Fowler” to newbie’s on the Vinyl scene. With this tour in mind, I found myself trailing the internet to find the best eclectic artists across the scene to make for a very interesting show.

What is so compelling to people about the vinyl art scene?

Toys and collecting art and meeting up with artists. Artoys make the unaffordable art affordably obtainable.

Most of the artists I’ve met are super fun and they love to sign and draw for people at signings. I think all artists buzz at signings and the fans really appreciate it.

How long have you been practicing as an artist?

Well, in the toy scene, I’ve been around since 2004, and before that I came from a product design background. I call my self as a designer/artist and I guess I’ve been practicing since I was old enough to hold a pen.

What really helped you get to where you are now?

Money. Oh no, that’s not correct, it was the lack of money that drove me to where I am now. I strive for good design and I have a passion for art, so all these things keep me going. Money is a by product of doing lots and lots of self directed work and making stuff people enjoy – and in-turn making stuff and design makes me a happier person.
And this is where I am right now.

Lastly – fave type of tea to drink?

Well, not being a tea snob or nothing, so I like a good old mug Yorkshire or PG.

Invasion – Lunartik’s Mini Tea Tour 2012 – Private View 3rd August! Guest List Only.

Posted on by

INVASION!!! is proud to present ‘Lunartik’s Mini-Tea Tour 2012’ featuring 70+ custom works of art. All brewed to perfection by artists from around the world including: Chauskoskis, Phil Corbett, Steve Talkowski, Ronzo, Doktor A, Sichi, Uamou, Un-plugged, Matt JOnes, Bwana Spoons Triclops Studio, Itokin Park, Betso, Voltaire, Pete Fowler, Felt Mistress + many more!

This touring collection of vinyl art that has passed through Vienna, Berlin and London makes a special appearance at the Cambridge Art Salon alongside the best of Cambridge’s comic artists, urban vinyl, illustrators, graffiti artists and tattooists.

*Opening Party* Friday 3rd August 7pm.
Guest List only – please rsvp – info@cambridgeartsalon.org.uk

Studio Exhibition @ Cambridge Art Salon

Posted on by

A Month of Art @Cambridge Art Salon

7th July to 29th July 2012

Members of the Cambridge Art Salon will be showcasing their finest work throughout July. The Studio Exhibition will bring together works of different local artists.

The Cambridge Art Salon is located at 29 Cromwell Road. The gallery will be open on Thursdays from 5pm to 7pm and from Friday to Sunday from 10am – 5.30pm. The artists will be present on the weekends. Further information: info@penelopehayes.co.uk

 

 

 

During the period from 7th to 15th of July, Giulia Portuese-Williams, sculptor, Susan Windeatt, painter, Henry Sheperd, photographer and film maker and Ruth Schmid, designer and bag maker will be presenting their latest works.

Giulia Portuese-Williams                                Susan Windeatt

Ruth Schmid                                                  Henry Sheperd

They will be followed from 20th to 29th by the works of Karen Lewis, hat maker, Rob Wilson, illustrator, Diana Probst, painter and Penelope Sackett Hayes, ceramicist and textile artist. This is a unique opportunity to engage with the artists, see them work within the gallery space and purchase original art works.

Karen Lewis                                                     Rob Wilson

Diana Probst                                                   Penelope Sackett Hayes

The LittleBiggs Show – Thursday, 14th June – 27th June

Posted on by

The first exhibition of work by the collaborative LittleBiggs (Ceri Littlechild and Dan Biggs), opens on Thursday 14th June from 7.00pm.

A range of works will be on show, including solo work by Biggs, solo work by Little and some of their joint work.

Biggs: Inspired by street culture – the weathered surfaces and images of the city landscape as well as vintage and retro type. Images of the Neon Boneyard combine large lettering and weathered metals that form the foundation of this work.

Little: Inspired by people and the nuances in facial features – the slight difference in a line or shadow that make up our external image and how it relates to identity. Largely inspired by working closely with Biggs, recent portraiture has moved from a traditional method to more expressive and experimental works.

LittleBiggs is the collaborative name of artists Ceri Ann Littlechild and Daniel Biggs. Their work together is inspired by artists like Conor Harrington who unites realism with more urban elements. This is their first exhibition as a collaborative.

It is a show not to be missed.

Ancestors – Exhibtion by Maureen B. Cintract

Posted on by

“Ancestors” by Maureen B. Cintract @ Cambridge Art Salon from the 2nd of June to the 5th of June

Maureen B. Cintract’s paintings depict her ancestor’s journey from Africa where the earth is rich in the precious metal gold and its people became liquid gold. Some of these people became Jamaicans; they used spirituality as the fire to light their way into the 21st century.

2012 makes the 50th anniversary of the Independence of Jamaica. Maureen will turn  some of her paintings into designs for T-shirts celebrating this historic landmark.

Maureen was born in Jamaica and brought up in the West Midlands. Whilst visiting the USA, she seized the opportunity to study at Kean College of Art as my parents objected to an Art education in Birmingham.  The visits to New York with its amazing architecture led to an Interior Architecture qualification then into a B.A. in Theatre Design at Central St. Martin’s School of Art and Design London. With her qualification’s in hand, Paris was her next stop, where designs of stage sets, film settings, exhibitions and interior as well as costume design projects were the highlights.

An invitation to live in Cambridge came up. So with new adventures on  the sky line, Maureen and her family crossed the  Channel and here she was back home again – to finish what she had  started.

Playing with the Masters

Posted on by

Catherine Lalevee is interviewing Deanna Tyson – discussing teaching art and the upcoming exhibition “Exploring…isms” by Ateljé Fulbourn at the Cambridge Art Salon.

Deanna and I finally get to speak about the exhibition via phone on a Saturday afternoon. She is very busy producing new work – mainly working in her studio at the back of her garden.

I begin by asking her about Ateljé Fulbourn. “It is a very unusual name!” I wonder if she is smiling at my silly comment or simply shaking her head,  Deanna explains that it is the name her group of students.  The group has have shown their work previously in Brookfields Hospital, twice in Fulbourn and the Geldart Pub on Ainsworth Street in Cambridge.

When asking about the inspiration for the exhibition, Deanna goes on to explains that the idea for the show first came from an exercise she practiced with her class. She says: “The aim of the original exercise was to research and explore three different art movements from 18th century to the modern day. The task was to grouped them into three time-related sections from Impressionism through Cubism to Conceptualism…to study styles and discover underlying philosophies.”

Deanna explained that she choose these modern art movements as some of her students hadn’t heard of them previously. “Just to create a new challenge!” The students had to learn about what differentiates the paintings and get a better understanding of the styles through composition and colour. “The aim was to aid the students to understand and read paintings within the context of an exhibition or their own work.”

As the exercise progressed, the pieces started to show real qualities as work in progress rather than finished pieces, she adds proudly.  The next step seemed to be quite obvious: “I decided to make the exercise an even bigger challenge by extending the decision making to mounting and presentation.” Deanna wanted her group of students to face the challenges of exhibiting a show and to learn to work together towards creating something unique. The students had to learn about marketing, publicity and curating an exhibition. The group was able to use skills from previous professions to help them do this. “All of their shows had previously been curated and organized by me”, says Deanna, but she never had much involvement with the hanging or marketing of this event, as she wanted her class to experience both sides of putting on an exhibition.

So, what will be next for Deanna? She says that there will not be another exhibition planned for the Ateljé yet. “This show is truly a unique opportunity to see these works.” However, Deanna explains that she is also a member of part of a “STRAY”, a collaboration of Cambridge artists, which are interested in the way their different practices work alongside each other, as well as creating a sense of rhythm, line and colour to create a relationship between their work. “STRAY” will be exhibiting at The Gallery on Red Church Street  in London from the 5th to the 10th of June.

“Exploring…isms” by Ateljé Fulbourn will open on Friday, the 25th of May at the Cambridge Art Salon.

Written by Catherine Lalevee and Anika Zschiesche.

Exploring…isms or Playing with the Masters

Posted on by

Exploring…isms or Playing with the Masters @ Cambridge Art Salon Thursday, the May 24th – Tuesday, the May 29th

A Group Exhibition of Deanna Tyson and her students

Deanna explains:  “Exploring ……isms began as a group exercise but has grown into a show where the actual mounting of the exhibition has become an integral part of the exercise. The aim of the original exercise was to research and explore different art movements, to study styles and discover underlying philosophies. The task was for each student to find a masterpiece to which they could relate, which intrigued and inspired them,then to interpret it in three different styles. The fourth would represent their own take on the original now probably influenced by their studies. I took art movements from 18c to the modern day and grouped them into three, time -related sections from Impressionism, through Cubism to Conceptualism. From each group students selected one movement to interpret within a 20x20cm square. They were then going to cut these images into four and play with them further. However, at this point, I realized how interesting their work was and decided to make the exercise an even bigger challenge by extending the decision making to mounting and presentation. In mounting this exhibition, unaided for the first time, they have done a brilliant job.”

The CONTINUOUS CONCERTINA BOOKS are an on going project, inspired by Deanna’s visit to Kettle’s Yard last year to view a wonderful exhibition by Andrew Lanyon entitled VON RIBBENTROP IN ST. IVES and capture daily thoughts, associations and ideas, taking the mind and the line for a walk.
Each member of the group was also asked to put in a piece of work of special significance to them that did not have to relate to any of the work we do in the studio groups in Fulbourn.

DEANNA TYSON

Cambridge Art Salon Supporter Survey

Posted on by

Tell us what you think!

We’d love to get your feedback
As support and subscriber to our newsletter, we would love to know what you think at the Cambridge Art Salon. Please help us to improve or continue doing what you think we are doing well. There are only 10 questions, so it should not take you longer than 5mins to complete the survey. Thank you for your time.

Your Cambridge Art Salon x

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world’s leading questionnaire tool.

‘A Piece of Magic …… is a Hat’

Posted on by

A feast for the eyes awaits visitors to the ‘Cambridge Art Salon’ where the works of three bespoke milliners is being exhibited between 3rd May – 15th May – offering an exclusive preview of their 2012 couture collections.

‘A Piece of Magic ….. is a Hat’ celebrates the creative flair of Karen Lewis, Sandra Belgrave and Daniel Pilecki – presenting an exquisite display of designs ranging from beautifully fashioned fascinators, elegantly sculpted headpieces, – and eye-popping statement hats.

The exhibition promises a dazzling array of couture creations from Cambridge Milliners – Karen Lewis and Daniel Pilecki – the former, drawing on her extensive experience of working with luxurious textiles – to produce sublime ‘jewel-like’ highly coveted hats, while Pilecki evokes the glamour of Hollywood with a series of show-stopping sculpted designs – proving imagination holds no bounds.

Joined by London based designer – Sandra Belgrave with a range of city slick, cutting edge – Ladies and Men’s Hats – with her signature twist, the exhibition will have hats for every occasion – many of which will be for sale.

Ladies need look no further if seeking inspiration for a head-start in this summer’s fashion stakes.

Magic indeed!

Karen Lewis

After studying fashion and then textiles at Cumbria College of Art, Karen went on to create her own work, culminating in amillinery course at Kensington and Chelsea College under the guidance of Noel Stewart. Her collections have been inspired by many different themes such as fossil drawings by Ernst Haeckel, natural floral forms and garden architecture. Karen specialises in manipulating fabric and creating unusual textures to form her headpieces. She uses traditional materials such as sinamay, crin and felt, and also source silks, ribbons, buttons, feathers and anything of interest from vintage shops and markets in London and Paris.

On Karen’s well-established millinery blog, the reader can discover what inspires her work.

http://www.designsbykarenlewis.com/

http://designsbykarenlewis.blogspot.co.uk/

Sandra Belgrave

Sandra Belgrave is a designer who creates high quality bespoke hats and couture headpieces. For years, she has worked as a designer in Digital Design, jewellery and theatre design, as well as a photographic retoucher for fashion photographers and the animation industry. She then moved into the world of millinery, after studying and qualifying at Hortensia College in Chelsea under the guidance of internationally famous milliner Noel Stewart.

Sandra specialises in contemporary hat designs to suit the elegant, sophisticated and stylish woman. Her unique creations are hand-made, using an extensive colour palette of rich felt, feathers, materials and zips sourced from around London. Every beautiful hat or headpiece is a celebration of exceptional craftsmanship and outstanding quality.

Daniel Pilecki

After studying Drama, working as a TV Researcher and Location Director in London and Paris for a Japanese Fashion TV programme and making performance art ‘props’, Daniel decided to turn his passion for millinery into his profession. He went on to study at Kensington and Chelsea College under the tutelage of Noel Stewart.

When working on his unique creations, Daniel uses peachbloom felts, straws and sinamay, luxurious silks and satins, sumptuous velvets, leather and metal, antique lace and veiling, feathers and quills, beading and semi-precious stones. Some of his work features oriental pleating and folding techniques; an eye-catching fusion of East and West. Every piece of headwear is an individual, hand sewn work of art, to be loved and admired, worn and enjoyed. An unshakeable belief that women should look beautiful in his pieces underpins each of his creations.

http://www.titfertatdesigns.co.uk/index.html

Postcards From Santiago

Posted on by

mOOaRT > Unique and Original Art by Susan Windeatt

27 April to 1 May

Ever wanted to give up your job, leave your home, bills and clean clothes behind and walk hundreds of miles toward the sunset? Well CAS resident artist Susan Windeatt did just that – Come along and check out her artwork in April.

“Postcards from the Camino” features art and photography inspired by travels along the legendary European pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela and the Galician Coast of Spain. Including unqiue watercolour and ink sketches created en-route through France, Spain and Portugal.

Now based in Cambridge, Susan works in a variety of media. She originally trained in architecture and computer animation and has produced art for the computer games industry as well as graphics and illustration. Finding herself increasingly drawn to working with traditional media her intricate drawings and watercolour sketches portray a three dimensional and organic view of the landscape and architecture that surrounds her.


For more information on Susan’s work please see her website and facebook page:

http://www.mooart.com/
http://www.mooart.com/artist.php
http://www.facebook.com/mooart