Tag: Farnham

Angela A’Court: Objects of Contemplation

Angela’s artwork explores the simple beauty of nature and the potential of everyday objects, focusing on the dynamic relationship between objects and the hidden memories they hold. Her creative process is guided by tactile observation and the unique materiality of pastel, combining the direct observation of objects with the memories they evoke.

When painting flowers, Angela physically holds the stem, allowing her to rotate it and create a fluid interaction between the object and the medium. This hands-on approach results in a more dynamic and active rendering, capturing the essence of each subject.

Each painting reveals the intricate universe within petals, leaves, and flower stems, showcasing subtle colour variations and delicate vein striations that define structure and form. Her work reflects a fascination with the intimate details of nature, transforming random plants on a friend’s windowsill, the curling roots of a cutting in an old jam jar, or flower stems in a vase into captivating compositions.

Angela’s paintings are visual narratives of ‘worlds within worlds,’ blending observation with abstraction. They represent an ongoing dialogue between the integrity of nature and the contemplation of objects, inviting viewers to appreciate the beauty in the everyday.

Angela is a contemporary artist whose work has been exhibited in numerous galleries, earning recognition for her detailed pastel compositions inspired by nature.

What Is Precious? – Work from the Artists at Design-Nation

The idea for the exhibition What Is Precious? emerged from discussions within Design-Nation’s Sustainability & Ethical Practice group, a dedicated hub formed in 2021. This platform enables Design-Nation members to exchange ideas, gain insights from peers, and draw inspiration from exemplary sustainable practices.

The exhibition explores the concept of ‘precious’ in a world of mass consumption and waste. It questions material value in a throwaway society, celebrates the use of found, recycled, and repurposed materials, and highlights the impact of climate change on the natural world. It also showcases innovative making techniques that tell compelling stories and spark conversation.

What Is Precious? launched as a showcase with eight exhibitors at the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair in Autumn 2024. The newly expanded exhibition now features 19 artists and designer-makers working across a range of disciplines, including ceramics, textiles, jewellery, paper, and mixed media. The featured artists include Bridget Bailey, Balanced-Earth, Caroline Brogden, Emily Smith, Jade Mellor, Jane Bevan, Joanne Lamb, Julie Massie, Kate Kato, Kirsty Adams, Lindsey Mann, Liz Stovell, Nerissa Cargill Thompson, Nicki Jarvis, Rachel Morley, Rosalind Stoddart, Sarah Burton, Su France, and Suzy Agar.

The exhibition is a partnership between Design-Nation and the New Ashgate Gallery.

Flowers for Susie & Ken Eardley: A Mid-Century Love Affair

We are delighted to present the works of Charlotte Simmonds of Flowers for Susie and Ken Eardley, both celebrated for their handcrafted designs that draw inspiration from mid-century aesthetics and nature.

Charlotte Simmonds creates handmade lampshades and textiles in her Dorset studio. Each piece begins as a lino print, evolving into bold patterns on sustainably produced fabrics. Her work reflects a love for mid-century colour and print, aiming to evoke a warm sense of nostalgia in modern homes. A portion of sales from Charlotte’s work supports the Michael House homeless hostel through creative workshops and donations.

Ken Eardley, based in Brighton, crafts distinctive hand-built ceramics adorned with retro patterns reminiscent of Scandinavian folk art. His range includes mugs, jugs, vases, plates, and bowls, all handmade glazed earthenware crafted using press-moulds with hand-cut stencil decoration. Each piece is fired three times, resulting in vibrant, durable ceramics that are both practical and visually striking.