State of the Art (S.O.T.A) is a showcase of work created by fine art students completing their final year at the University of Portsmouth. The S.O.T.A artists have worked hard to establish themselves in and around the Portsmouth area and with a successful show and touring exhibition running throughout the summer of 2010 they have cemented their position as a rich source of emerging talent.
Each member of State of the Art has a unique and original approach to their practice which is reflected in the diverse array of work produced. Ranging from painting, sculpture and installation to performance, photography and film, State of the Art 2011 promises to be an exciting and innovative exhibition of contemporary fine art.
In order to make the summer show as stimulating as possible, the S.O.T.A team have been organizing a variety of fund-raising events, with all contributing donations going towards the numerous preparations needed for the upcoming exhibition in June. As well as the prospect of making some cash for the cause, we hope that these events offer an opportunity for State of the Art to establish themselves within the local community, and most of all, by uniting the cultural pleasures of art and music, we can hopefully help to develop a thriving art scene in Portsmouth to be very much proud of.
A great opportunity to have a cuppa and make things. Good to see the new vintage tea rooms ‘Like a Teatray in the Sky’ offering this with Ooh la Lapin.
“Come along this month on Thursday Feb 24th, 6.30 – 8pm to Tea Tray in the Sky on Osbourne Road. If your thing is textiles, sewing, crochet… the list goes on. Or if your just curious and want to meet makers and find out more please join us. You can bring along something your working on to share with.”
Further details - http://oohlalapin.wordpress.com/2011/02/08/tea-and-cloth/
Poster / Artwork by Ashley John.
Badger Press is celebrating the end of great year with a new team in place,
enjoying improved facilities, new print processes and easier access for
artists and designers. Now established as a community interest company, the
Press works not-for-profit to promote printmaking and provide facilities for
artists in the area.
They’re steadily building up a reputation for bright new printmaking, and
have been visited by some talented people, from Southsea’s ilovedust,Peagreen, illustrator
imakethings, and London/LA duo Binary and the Brain.
Courses for 2011 are detailed on the ever expanding website along with listings for
exhibitions, printmaking news and tips. New for 2011 are a series of evening
courses, digital sessions and an exciting “Print and Possibilities” Day
which aims to break the ice for illustrators, designers and artists looking
to explore different printmaking techniques.
With new projects planned, perhaps even a big Strong Island collaboration on
the cards, the future looks bright for Badger Press. “We want people to get
stuck in, no matter what your background, there’s something for everyone at
Badger Press. “
Every year the artist Banksy takes over a shop in the centre of London and invites artists across the UK to take part. Portsmouth’s very own Caravan Gallery were invited this year and images from the private view which took place last Friday can be seen below along with some of their work.
The shop called Marks & Stencils is open at Berwick Street from tomorrow (30th Nov) with their online shop open for business later in the day. Check their website for full details and list of work featured.
Wonderful to see their work included . . go Caravanners go
I recently came across local artist Roo Abrook’s work via a friend of mine. Thoroughly deserves a mention on Strong Island.
“Roo produces ranges of illustrations, collages, drawings, paintings and surface designs. Collages are produced by hand, using vintage papers, old used musical score sheets, vintage books and annuals, as well as leather tooled binders and old, interesting objects such as Victorian lace fans. The collages are mixed with mono, lino and screen prints. Combined with computer skills as a graphic designer, the artwork is then produced into canvases, wall hangings and cushions. Roo has produced artwork for record releases, gallery shows and original commissions for well known musicians homes. ”
See more of her work on her website at : http://www.rooabrook.com/
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An exciting new venture is currently underway and will soon be open for business in the heart of Southsea.
Sam and Nicky Foot from The Kings Street Tavern are about to launch a Vintage Tea Room along with a contemporary store featuring hand-picked items designed by local artists and designers called ‘Like a Tea Tray in The Sky’. It will also feature vintage and contemporary one off pieces of furniture. They plan to open very soon and of course Strong Island will be there to unveil it in all it’s glory.
Alan R T Smith is a local Artist & Designer based in Southsea. He graduated as an Illustrator from Brighton in 1981 and worked in advertising as a Visualiser and Concept Artist in the I.O.W and on the South Coast.
His works include, Terry Pratchett’s ‘Colour of Magic’ (first edition) amongst his book covers as well as corporate identities which included the British Sailing Team. He was an Art and Design lecturer in the 1990′s at several colleges in the Portsmouth area and in South Yorkshire. His paintings and ceramic work are influenced by the southern Jurassic coast and local scenery. When he is not painting or recreating ammonites or fossils in his ceramics, he is busy designing Cardboard Sculptures for others to assemble and as Point of Sale items for commercial customers. Alan’s work also featured at Art On The Pier this weekend just gone.
You can see more of what Alan does and get in touch with him on his Facebook page here.
I took a wander down the pier this Sunday to have a look at Art On The Pier. It was a very varied showcase of art and crafts.
Chantelle Cheshire presented her Twelve Floors Up products including cute soft toys and a gorgeous blanket that was designed with drawings from her daughter. Divine Aesthetic were selling Tricorn and Southsea type inspired prints and tees.
More information on the event will be posted soon.
See the website for artist details and a gallery – http://www.artonthepier.co.uk/
This is a last call for entries for the 6×4 Secret Postcard Exhibition at ArtSpace. Closing date is this Friday 5th November.
For further details - http://www.artspace.co.uk/?page_id=85
There has been an enormous amount of entries so far from across the globe. A wonderful opportunity to buy some incredible art for only £20.
According to Jan Williams (Caravan Gallery who has also organised 6×4) “We’re absolutely knocked out by people’s enthusiasm for this project and the quality of submissions so far. Hope you can make it along to the exhibition at Art Space to see for yourself. Pop in for a glass of wine on Friday 12th November and pick up an original Christmas present or two”.
EVENT DETAILS:
Venue: GASP (Gallery Art Space Portsmouth), 27 Brougham Road, Southsea, Hampshire PO5 4PA. 12th – 14th November 2010 (Opening event Friday 6pm – 9pm / Saturday & Sunday 12pm – 5pm)
Below is a very small thumbnail gallery of some of them. Please go to the Flickr set to view all entries so far.
Garbo’s Hair Salon have turned a wall space in their Albert Road branch into an art gallery. There will be a monthly exhibition of work by BA Fine Art students at The University of Portsmouth. Jimie Russell at Garbo’s said “we have always had a vision to do something with the space and felt that promoting local artists was a great way to do this”. Last year the space was used to promote the Southsea Deck Your Chairs project.
Nick Forbes is now in his final year and has worked with other students to get a rotation of work featured. “This is a great opportunity to get student work viewed around the city”.
The first student featured is Steve Chivalry with a piece of work entitled ‘When You Know You Love Them’. It was made using an old cardboard box. Steve work uses a lot of different materials and he tries to incorporate installation, sculpture and painting.
Jimie pictured above with Steve and Nick.
All artists work featured at Garbo’s will be for sale and you can see the work from today at 11-13 Albert Road, Southsea.
Garbo’s Hair Salon – http://www.garbos-hair.co.uk/
Steve Chivalry can be contacted at stevechiv@hotmail.co.uk and his website can be seen here.
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