SACRED CREATURES OF ALBION
An exhibition at Glastonbury’s Galleryeight from 3-22 November 2009 celebrates the mystery and magic of the power animals of our land.
Tamsin Abbott, Wendy Andrew, Araboushi, Phil Holmes, Maggie Stewart, Yve Sturgeon and Hannah Willow follow their successful 2008 Sacred Hare exhibition with ‘Sacred Creatures of Albion’, a new collection of beautiful work.
The seven renowned artists work in a range of media including paint, clay, wood, glass, silver and textiles. They are inspired by these intriguing and beguiling totem animals and have created works that portray the spirit and magic that they evoke.
Unique, art, crafts and jewellery will be available alongside prints and cards. The exhibition promises to take visitors on an exciting, magical and mystical journey that is not to be missed.
Sacred Creatures of Albion takes place from Tuesday 3 November until Sunday 22 November at Galleryeight, 8 Market Place, Glastonbury BA6 9HW.
In addition to Sacred Creatures of Albion, Galleryeight’s ground floor space will be packed with its usual range of original paintings, photographs and crafts by local artists.
For more information, please visit www.galleryeight.com or tel: 01458 833574. ENDS
Artist's biogs
Tamsin Abbott - Glasswork My work is influenced by the countryside around our home, the orchards, the hills, the woods and all the plants, birds and animals that grow and live about. However I am also drawn to the world of myths and fairytales that are part of the invisible tapestry that surrounds our rural history.
Once I have made my design I cut the ready coloured glass to the required shapes before completely covering the surface of the glass with traditional glass paint. Once the paint has dried I put the piece of work on a light box and draw back into the surface of the paint to reveal the original colour of the glass below.
The painted work is then fired in the kiln to about 660 degrees centigrade so that the tiny particles of glass in the paint fuse to the overall surface of the glass. In this way the image becomes as permanent as the piece of glass itself.
Once the pieces of glass have been painted they are finished using traditional lead cames. These are soldered together and then filled with cement to prevent any movement within the panel.
Wendy Andrew – Paintings I live in the beautiful countryside on the Wiltshire-Dorset border. My paintings are inspired by the ancient mysteries that are wrapped in the turning of the seasons and the 'voice' of divinity that whispers through the natural world. The creatures ‘speak’ to us by their presence in our lives, through mythology and in our dreams. If we take time to listen there is much to learn!
I studied fine art at Salisbury and Cheltenham colleges of Art and Design and have been a professional artist for over twenty years. My work has been widely published and is collected internationally. I recently published my first book entitled ’Luna Moon Hare’.
Araboushi - sculpture A self taught artist/sculptor working in a variety of different stones, she draws her inspiration from shamanic dreams, ancient wisdom and folklore, myth and story. She is drawn by the simplicity of the process of stone carving and at the core of her work lays a deep wonder and respect for the earth and the wild and wonderful creatures who roam it. She says her carvings are a humble attempt, a simple human yearning, to keep the soul of the wild, - its Mystery and beauty alive and present at least in her own heart.
“I find in every stone a secret waiting to be born, a silent beauty, a hidden power, or a shard of lost wisdom. Something that perhaps was always there but lain forgotten under the rock of ages slowly reveals itself with quiet dignity. Stone carving is a meditative and spiritual practice for me, it is alchemy… it is my prayer.”
Phil Holmes - Wood I work in a variety of woods and will be displaying a range of items including turned and painted wood with silver inlay.
Maggie Stewart – Textiles I was born in Ireland and learned many craft skills from my mother who was a skilled needlewoman and craftsperson.
Alongside a career in Public Service I built a lifelong interest in textiles and papercraft. Having completed City and Guilds Embroidery and become a member of the International Feltmakers’ Association I extended my interest through teaching children and adult workshops, exhibiting and working to commission. When living in Hertfordshire in the 1990s I was a permanent member of the Pots and Pieces group of artists and craft workers exhibiting in London.
Since moving to Somerset in 2001 I have exhibited in Glastonbury Abbey, Somerset Rural Life Museum and other venues locally. I continue to tutor for the Embroiderer’s Guild, teach specialist feltmaking and papermaking groups and give individual tuition. My work is made from natural materials where possible – wool, silk, cotton, grass and plant fibres. Using felt making and textile techniques.
With additional embellishment of stitch and print I create wall hangings, clothing, and jewellery. In my paperwork I use my own plant fibre papers for books and expressive art pieces.
Inspiration is fired by themes which have an immediate meaning for me … Glastonbury Abbey with its layers of historic, mystical and spiritual memory … the living world of the Somerset levels … animal images … the flight of a bird … sunset over the Tor … movement of grass. My personal grail journey pursues a sense of place or spirit through texture and colour.
Yve Sturgeon – Sculpture/paintings I began my journey at 16 when I gained a place to learn engraving at Sir John Cass School of Art. During my time at 'Cass' I won two college awards and an award from Goldsmiths' Hall. After leaving 'Cass' I worked in Hatton Garden as a Hand Engraver for many years before starting my own engraving business in Surrey.
Engraving added another dimension to drawing. I learned the importance of each individual mark and its relationship to the space between. Although I was happy in my monochrome world, my passion for Art began to mingle with my craft and colour came into my life.
Inspiration comes to me from the far corners of time, through mankind's earliest endeavours of creation - to people and the games we have played and re-played throughout our history to present time. Our capability of great love, balanced with unbelievable destruction.
It eases my soul to be able to release - by paint or creativity - all the words I do not have, to express the way it is.
Hannah Willow – Jewellery/paintings My work is inspired by my love of the English countryside, from the beautiful indigenous trees to the animals and birds living in their natural habitat.
Night sky provides a linking theme to my work as all life co-exists under the influence of the Moon and stars, giving ethereal and hidden aspects to each piece of jewellery. I try to show the inner character and unseen life of the trees and creatures of this land in my jewellery and the addition of high quality crystal cabochons and beads helps bring the jewellery to life.
The landscape of hills, ancient settlements and magical places has always been a great influence in my work.
All pieces made from either sterling or fine silver with some pieces accented with 14 carat gold. Chains are organically designed to complement the central motif, helping to ensure that each piece has it own unique identity. Only a few of each motif are made. All items are hallmarked and individually handcrafted.
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