The Coop Artist Studios located in Bournemouth support local creativity by bringing together a growing collective of artists. Graphic design, illustration, photography, sculpture and sound are just a few of the various mediums the artists work in. The Coop provides a basis for the talent of these artists to be recognised and they maintain their mission which is ‘to offer studio space to those who will make the most of it’.
The Coop runs a selection of events and workshops, a highlight this weekend being the Life Drawing Day on the 4th December. You can pay to join for the whole day or by the hour if you feel like popping in just to do a few quick sketches. Whether you’re the next Van Gogh, or only really a ‘paint by numbers’ kind of person, then the friendly atmosphere and ‘no experience necessary’ motto is bound to draw you in.
Another new workshop – a beginner’s introduction to sewing machines, will be running on the 14th January 2012. The aim of the session is to ‘inspire and give confidence to the nervous novice’. In no time you will be impressing friends and family with your own crafty creations.
The Coop has been operating since December 2010 and has already proven to be a successful spot for creative types and emerging artists, who take the opportunity to use the studio space, attend workshops and go along to the exhibitions and events. Some of the artists' work are currently being displayed in the Christmas Auction at the Art Works Gallery in Poole, which is a great chance for local artists to showcase and sell their work.
For more details on upcoming workshops and things going on at The Coop take a look at their facebook page - facebook.com/thecoopstudos
Students at the Winchester School of Art were recently inspired and entertained by guest lecturer and London based artist and designer, Ryan Todd. The themes of his talk centred around establishing a theory within the process of creative brainstorming and design. He has worked on a diverse range of personal and commercial projects, with a penchant for producing ideas-led images that exercise forms of creative thinking and wit.
His portfolio is a witty, colourful collection of thought, creating illustrations and designs that include instillations and product design. As part of the London Design Festival, Ryan was commissioned by Natuzzi to create an installation which explored his personal perspective of London versus that of Milanese artist, Jacopo Zibar. The display was paired with an exhibition of large-format artwork which was showcased throughout the store and curated by Marialaura Ghidini, founder of or-bits.com. (Work pictured above).
As is the same for most designers, I have struggled to come up with an ingenious and creative response to a brief, but Ryan Todd shared a few tips to help with that creative block! His key points of advice concerning changing the way we view an object were: to add something to an object to make you see in a different way; make an object out of other objects; personify an object; and lastly change the anatomy of an object to behave like something else. This part of the lecture became an interactive drawing session with students shouting out ideas and things for Ryan to draw as he proceeded to put his creative advice to the test. This ‘sketch-along’ was hugely entertaining, and Ryan was the first guest lecturer in a long time to really get us involved and thinking!
Alongside his own work Ryan co-runs an independent publishing collective, Duke Press. This has become a platform for collaboration through creative printmaking and book-binding.
Website: ryantodd.com
The notion of owning an original Tracey Emin piece for a mere £45 may seem ludicrous and rightly so. However, at The Royal College of Art’s annual fundraiser, this was exactly the case. The exhibition saw current and previous students showcase their talent in postcard-sized pieces, in a bid to raise money to fund the College’s bursary scheme. This is undoubtedly a great cause, not just for the charity, but also because it gives students the opportunity to expose their work, including fine art, photography or illustration to the public.
Interwoven in the students’ work were a cloister of hidden gems by the likes of conceptual artist John Baldessari, sculptor Olafur Eliasson, iconic fashion designers; Paul Smith, Manolo Blahnik and Erdem, and Wallace and Gromit animator Nick Park. So, you may ask what is the catch? These near 2500 pieces were exhibited for one week from the 18th-25th November before the sale began. It wasn’t until the artwork was purchased, that the signature of the artist was revealed. Going along to the RCA I was astounded by the magnitude of the exhibition and, on studying the work, the impressive quality was unequivocal. With an eclectic mix of evocative political pieces, quirky graphic art and intricate decorative pieces there was something for even the most pernickety of art buyers. A personal favourite was an evident stab at the current government, combining a Julian Opie-esque face with a Banksy-esque slogan of ‘OCCUPY’.
The exhibition was a roaring success, pulling crowds of potential buyers through the college’s doors for the duration of the event. All that remains to be said is congratulations to all involved in the exhibition and those who purchased the work of up-and-coming and already renowned names in the art world.
Image: rca.ac.uk
Fancy a trip to the seaside and not sure where to go for a drink, a bite to eat, or even a jumble sale?! These are just a few of the things that the quirky venue Sixty Million Postcards in Bournemouth has to offer.
Amongst the relaxed atmosphere, seated in a booth or a comfy sofa under the red haze of a large patterned lampshade, you can sip on a cocktail or tuck into something tasty (the burgers are especially good!). It’s a great venue to chill out at during the day or into the night and there is always something interesting going on.
A popular night out is the Pub Quiz, which runs every Sunday from 8pm and states that there are ‘never any stupidly difficult questions’, and that it is ‘the best quiz in town or possibly the world. Probably town’. Perhaps worth having a go then...
Feeling a bit peckish? Try a ‘Roast to shame your Mother’ - a highlight on the menu! Live music is also a vital part of Sixty Million Postcards, and it regularly presents an array of local talent from the Bournemouth music scene, alongside resident DJs playing tunes to suit all tastes. Some of the latest live performances include 2:54, comprised of London based sisters Collette and Hannah Thurlow. Recently awarded as NME Radars Best Band of 2011, Born Blonde also performed at the venue in November. Other nights include every genre of music from Jazz and Soul to Indie, new and old hip hop and even a night dedicated to ‘Deco Disco’. Without a doubt there is guaranteed something to keep everyone happy.
Sixty Million Postcards frequently hosts Art exhibitions selling the work of local artists and designers which is particularly popular and offers the chance to pick up some affordable art for yourself whilst supporting the work of local people. Additionally ‘Rumble in the Jumble’ is considered a legendary event that takes place at Sixty Million Postcards every second Sunday of the month. Stalls selling anything from clothing to vinyl records to cupcakes are set up alongside a chilled Sunday soundtrack from local DJs.
Sixty Million Postcards is definitely one to be fussed about and if you fancy getting out of Southampton for an evening of live music or are at a loose end at the weekend, then definitely head over to Bournemouth and check this one out.
19 - 21 Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5AF
Website: sixtymillionpostcards.com
Images: facebook.com
This Is Art @ Sixty Millon Postcards. Curated By Thisissomething.co.uk. Photos Jade Eleanor
With the winter chills setting in and the evening darkness creeping up on us nothing beats wrapping up warm with a steaming glass of mulled wine in hand to brush away those winter blues...and where better than in the beautiful and traditional surroundings of Winchester.
Lantern processions, an ice rink and traditional German style market stalls selling a variety of locally made products are just a few of the delights you can expect from the Winchester Christmas Market which kicks off next Thursday 24th November from 6pm. The lantern procession through the cobbled streets of the town is sure to be quite a spectacular sight and will mark the opening of the market. The lanterns have been made by members of the public in a series of workshops throughout November.
Surrounding the ice rink and situated in the shadow of the Cathedral, chalet style market stalls will be displaying a fine selection of goods and festive treats. Although the market is steadily becoming a well regarded attraction it is nice to see that the work of local artists and designers is still being included and projected to the public.
Just a couple of the many local artists featured at the market...
Winchester based artist Josephine Chisholm’s paintings are vibrant and colourful, depicting scenes of life in Winchester as well as landscapes and seascapes of further afield. Chisholm graduated from Bristol College of Art with a degree in Graphic Design in 1974. Since, she has completed several painting courses before settling in Winchester. Her influences include Paul Cezanne for his bold use of colour as well as artists including David Hockney and Mary Fedden. She has frequently exhibited her work across Winchester and the surrounding areas and the Christmas market provides the opportunity to view and buy her work.
Additionally, the perfect presents can be found at Penny Spooner’s ‘Handmade in Hampshire’ stall. Penny Spooner sells a selection of handmade pottery and ceramics glazed in pastel colours. All of her work is produced in her studio in Whitchurch, where she also occasionally runs workshops and open studio sessions for people to get an idea of the process behind her work.
With something on offer for everyone the Winchester Christmas Market is well worth a visit, and is guaranteed to get you into the Christmas spirit with the warm and lively atmosphere and array of activities and festive delights.
The Christmas Market will run from Thursday 24th November to Wednesday 21st December. For more information take a look at winchester-cathedral.org.uk.
Images: Winchester-cathedral.org.uk handmadeinhampshire.co.uk minstergallery.co.uk
Name: Marija Vainilaviciute
Age: 21
Inspiration: Peter Lindbergh, Sarah Moon, Miranda July, Jean-Luc Godard
Marija is a photographer of multiple subjects, from fashion (which we have featured here) to portraits to everyday objects. Asked of her favourite thing to photograph, Marija responded ‘Without a doubt, people. Nothing interests me quite like the human body, a spectrum of emotions you can capture and a variety of personas a person can occupy in a photograph, particularly in a fashion photograph. Marija’s first story from the portfolio ‘Three’, featured above, does just that. Wonder, curiosity, boredom, thoughtfulness, depression, exasperation – Marija captures them all.
Asked on the seeming narratives of all of her photography, Marija revealed that ‘Narratives in my photographs are indefinite, leaving a spectator to figure out what’s happening themselves if they want to, or to simply appreciate the beauty without reading too much into it - it’s their choice. My key intention is to form emotional connections with spectators through these vague visual stories - that’s what really matters to me’. It is this exploration of emotion which really sets her apart, and creates an enchanting and engaging tone throughout all of Marija’s photography.
Drawn to real human emotion, it is hardly surprising that Marija’s finds inspiration in people – ‘A beautiful stranger on the train, a song that happened to be played at the right moment, an evening sunlight cascading on someone’s face, a quote in a book, a scene in a film, my mental dreams, travels... The list goes on. It’s everything that surrounds me from people to events in my life to the trivialities of everyday life’. This is most apparent in Marija’s portfolio, named ‘Things’, a snapshot of which is shown below.
Marija revealed that ‘Things explores the relationship between people and their homeland, using objects as representations of this relationship. I asked participants to choose a personal belonging brought from their homeland they deemed as precious and took pictures of them holding it. Then they wrote captures on photographic prints about what that certain object meant to them in their native languages. It was fascinating realising how much a simple object that means nothing to me or you or anyone else, can mean a world to that one person’.
It is an interesting paradox – photography, as the representation of the outer image versus emotion and the inner self. Yet, Marija manages to combine the two effortlessly. Asked what drew her into the world of photography, Marija replied ‘I was really into photo manipulation as a teenager and at some point I just started taking pictures of myself to use for those photo manipulations. Next thing I knew I was dressing up my younger sister and taking her to the woods near our house to take pictures of her. Everything evolved from there’.
In ten years time, Marija would like to have ‘shot for Vogue, met my man, got my own place, a cat and a dog - a solid 10 year plan!’
Website: marijavainilaviciuite.com
Dazed & Confused, the critically acclaimed style and culture publication is celebrating its twentieth anniversary in style in the Terrace Rooms of Somerset House, London.
From the 4th November the work of some of the creative industry’s top Fashion Designers, Artists, Musicians, Filmmakers and more will be showcased in an exhibition entitled ‘Making it up as we go along’, against the backdrop of an inspiring venue in the heart of London - Somerset House. The exhibition follows the magazine’s development from its establishment in 1991, by Jefferson Hack and distinguished photographer Rankin, to the present day. Curators Jefferson Hack and Emma Reeves will demonstrate the visual transformation of the magazine over the past twenty years across five rooms, the final two rooms exhibiting concepts created by the late Alexander McQueen.
The exhibition features the wide spanning work of Dazed & Confused, from photo shoots with some iconic faces including Kate Moss, to some of the most recognised and symbolic covers to date. In addition special commissions will be exhibited by well renowned names including Sam Taylor-Wood and Damien Hirst.
The magazine is now so widely read and respected, and showcases the work of well regarded Artists, yet it continues to support the work of emerging Artists and those in the creative industries. This is evident from the recent Converse/Dazed Emerging Artists Award 2011 in partnership with the Whitechapel Gallery, which was awarded to London based Artist Richard Parry on October 15th 2011.
Parry’s Avant-Garde style is incredibly current and his conceptual work aims to challenge the expanding commercialisation in the Art world today. Parry stated in an Art Review interview in 2010; "Most of what's passing for information right now is total fiction...I try to turn the lie back in on itself". His work encompasses a playful twist – for example in a recent exhibition he exhibited a room full of yellow inflated lilos, alongside bottles of beer with images of his face in replacement of the label. Examples such as these clearly demonstrate the humorous side of his work, yet within the wider context there are more serious and meaningful undertones to his creations.
The exhibition - which runs from the 4th November- 29th January - is one not to miss, and, even better, entry is free. This is a chance to view the transition and development of one of the most respected culture and style publications and to experience the opportunity to witness some specially commissioned work by some of the big names in the industry, yet also gain an insight into a magazine that has proven to be a pivotal developing base for many of these renowned names.
For more information visit: somersethouse.org.uk
Images: somersethouse.org.uk dazeddigital.com
Jewellery, I find, has gotten a lot more drastic in recent years. Yet with such leaps in designs comes a lot more fascinating and inspiring pieces. For instance, Jewellery designer, and recent graduate, Blue Barkes is by no means an exception. Her pieces are utterly fascinating as she is said to be influenced by architectural forms, which can most certainly be seen incorporated in to her designs, as she is known to create strong, sculptural works which 'highlight the power of body adornment.' Her designs are shown to be not only unique in appearance, but also in terms of the work that goes into creating her pieces. Barkes comments that she uses a variety of mixed media in her work, using 'combinations of paper, steel wire, precious metals and others', all of which enables her to create pieces that not only complement wearers, but also emphasise them, sculpting around their bodies.
Blue's talent in this aspect of fashion is shown to have no bounds, for she is extremely versatile; designing pieces, both large and small, commercial, and also pieces of mere art - all of which are unique, and captivating at the same time - as can be seen in her 'Paper Neck Collar' piece. It's no wonder, then, that Blue has won so many prestigious awards, for she is most certainly, in my opinion, on the up in the fashion world.
Images: artsthread.com
Laura's intricate and delicate designs are reminscent of the Japanese art of origami and paper-cutting. She combines metal with floral, masculine with feminine to create a varied and androgynous aesthetic. A recent graduate from Glasgow School of Art, Laura has combined function with art. Bangles, brooches and earrings are easily and practically worn, while maintaining their artistic license via their intricate and feminine design. Laura hits all the marks, keying in to the latest fashion trend of androgyny, whilst mixing practicality with artistry.
Images: artsthread.com
From the 3 – 6 November 2011, the historic city of York will be taken over by the Aesthetica Short Film Festival (ASFF), a celebration of worldwide independent filmmaking.
This unique and exciting event, organised by the Art and Culture magazine Aesthetica, showcases a vast range of genres including Animation, Art, Comedy, Drama and Documentary. Without a doubt there will be something to suit all tastes and interests. Cherie Federico, Editor of Aesthetica, and Festival Director of ASFF told us that, ‘the ultimate idea behind the festival is to bring film to all corners of a city – not only will visitors enjoy the films, but they also get to explore a wonderful city and learn its heritage and culture. It’s a fantastic way to experience film in a unique setting’.
A collection of 150 films each lasting up to 25 minutes will be screened across the four day festival. In the comedy category Venetia Taylor’s Garbo is one to watch. The two main characters Bill and Barbara represent the total opposite of growing old gracefully. Described as ‘usually too drunk to care, they portray an elegy for the old people we don’t hear about – the ones who deserve to be in nursing homes’.
The festival’s drama category is particularly strong. Elsewhere, a UK film by Mathy Tremewan and Fran Broadhurst, exposes the story of two lovers on the run heading into the middle of nowhere, armed only with a collection of strange trinkets and a silver boombox. The film portrays a journey of love, loss and destruction, all set to a mixtape cassette.
Dance of the Little Old Men: The Heist, by Kulchera Matson tells the interesting tale of a border town cowboy disguised as a traditional Mexican folk dancer, who is unknowingly robbed of his treasure by a travelling band of beautiful banditas dressed as little old men.
A highlight in the documentary category is Frederik Sølberg and Peter Leys’ They Have Sold the Lungs of the World, a portrayal of the dilemma that Amazonian natives are faced with. The viewer is taken on what is depicted as, ‘a kaleidoscopic journey which follows oil throughout the fragmented Peru...a journey which reveals a country on the very periphery of the world economy, and a country of vast cultural, economical and geographical divides’.
In between the screenings there will be an opportunity to enter the mindset of the figures behind the camera. Tickets can be booked to talks and discussions with some of the leading figures in the film industry including Associate Producer of Slumdog Millionaire, Ivana Mackinnon and screenwriter of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, Mark Herman. This programme of talks and networking events allows visitors to engage with filmmakers and industry professionals directly, bringing expertise together in one venue.
The festival is set to be a great success in its first year. Aesthetica have a history of working with film in various forms, and frequently feature interesting and independent films from the likes of Guy Maddin’s My Winnipeg, and Yorgos Lanthimos’ dark comedy Dogtooth. Aesthetica launched a Short Film Competition in 2010 which produced such a response that Editor Cherie Federico states ‘it was only natural to start a festival, not to mention that York, as a canvas for this event, is perfect’. The screenings will take place in 15 public venues across York, and perhaps the Mansion House - the first purpose built residence for a Lord Mayor in the country, is one of the most spectacular.
The ASFF will be a great celebration of all things film on an independent yet worldwide scale and definitely an event not to miss. A fantastic selection of short films and talks with those in the industry screened in an array of iconic and interesting public venues...what’s not to like.
For more information and to purchase festival passes and day tickets for the event head over to aestheticamagazine.com or contact the team on 01904 629 197.
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