SUMMER UPDATE
SPRING MEETINGS
When does material cease to be home furnishings and clothing and start to become art? Answer: when it is a techno-textile. In March for her talk “Techno Textiles: fashion and art” Sarah Braddock-Clarke brought along some wonderful images of furnishings, haute couture clothes, wall hangings and whole room installations involving the most amazing materials. Sarah had travelled to Japan and Italy, leaders in the field, where they sometimes work in tiny studios and sometimes use computer technology to control jacquard looms and the sort of robots usually involved in car spraying. But images only told half the story. Sarah’s box of samples was a joy. Example: What would you expect of a cloth that was woven from very fine copper wire, coated with transparent plastic, interwoven with fibres made from coagulated and spun milk protein? Answer: it looked and felt like rather stiff pink taffeta or brocade. What about fabric sprayed with a thin layer of stainless steel? It seems that there is no limit to what can be woven, knitted or otherwise assembled to make something beautiful. Want to know more? Sarah has written two books.
In May we didn’t quite know what to expect from Jacqueline Wedlake Hatton either. Her talk “A post-modern approach to art – What is it?” left the question unanswered at the end. We in Truro Art Society are obviously all fairly conventional in our techniques, media and subject matter, but if we let ourselves go we too might achieve some exciting results. Basically, if you choose to call something “art” it is art. It is self-defining. Jacqueline had started off as a photographer and some of her installations involved videos, but she had branched out beyond conventional images. A meticulous portrait of a square of carpet, lipstick kisses on the wall transformed into a thicket of irises, a tower of crockery on a small indoor lawn – these were some of her thought-provoking works. Maybe not items you could take home and hang on the wall. As Malcolm Bradbury would have put it – the other side of cosy. But will we be inspired to do something a bit out of the ordinary for our up-coming exhibitions?
At our final meeting in June we all enjoyed looking at one another’s pictures and listening to David Cheepen’s critique of our (anonymous) work. He was very kind and managed to say something encouraging about each piece, and offered advice where he thought appropriate. There was an impressive range of topics, media and styles. At an informal ballot afterwards the most popular picture was a watercolour of Cotehele, which we then discovered was painted by Bob Humphries.
We have a terrific programme organised for next year, so I hope we will get a good attendance. The first talk, by Steve Taylor is called “Tag’s Quirky Characters”. John Faupel describes him as Beryl Cook with attitude! Sounds like a lot of fun.
He has a web site www.tagoriginals.co.uk
Then, on October 17th, we have something completely different. “Lizard Seascapes and Coastal Scenes” by Paul Williams should appeal to the landscape enthusiasts amongst you. Paul also has a web site www.pauljwilliams.co.uk
COMPETITIONS
We regularly receive mailings about competitions from Parker Harris. Usually these arrive too late to do anything about them. They are quite expensive to enter, and you have to travel miles to hand them in, but they do have cash prizes, including regional prizes. If you are interested keep checking www.parkerharris.co.uk
WORKSHOPS
In May Sara Pound organised two successful workshops with Ges Wilson as the tutor. The Works! Life model, drawing, painting, mono printing, mixed media – plenty of hard work and inspiration for all.
We had hoped to have a workshop with Vincent Rymer in October, but unfortunately he has deserted Cornwall for the sunnier climes of Spain. Sara is busily scouting around for a replacement.
Exhibitions are coming up thick and fast. You should all have had your entry forms by now. If not, contact Elaine Allcock. Meanwhile, GET PAINTING OR SCULPTING!
Those of you who are not planning to exhibit, come along and see us anyway. The SELECTED EXHIBITION is at the Stables, TRELISSICK GARDENS, from 2nd to 23rd September, 10.30am-5.30pm. Members coming to the preview on 1st September (11am-2pm) need to let us know numbers.
The UNSELECTED EXHIBITION will be at CHACEWATER GARDEN CENTRE 6th to 28th October, 10.30am-5.30pm (no preview).
BACK TO OUR BEGINNINGS
Vida Beckton, one of our founder members, was reminiscing with Sonja Faupel the other day and telling her about the origins of Truro Art Society. In the 1940s, soon after the war, a group of painters used to meet to paint in a school in Union Place in Truro. Their tutor suggested forming a society. A row then ensued with Truro Arts Society, who said that another society of artists was not needed. The nascent Truro Art Society almost floundered, but Vida met our current President, Pam Entwistle, and she joined them. Pam’s energy and organisational skills saved TAS from disappearing altogether, for which present day members are duly thankful.
If anyone else has memories of our early days we would love to hear them.
As the Society started with a group of people meeting to paint together, we think that the time has come to restart the practice. Workshops with a tutor are very popular but don’t suit everyone. You may find them too expensive, you may not want to do the particular subject or medium on offer. Similarly, many of you enjoy the monthly talks, but not everyone wants to turn out of their homes in the evening. Some of you (Heaven forbid!) are only using us to exhibit your works. The only time we know you are real people and not just names on the page is when you come to hand in and collect your pictures.
For those of you who feel that the Society could offer more, we hope to be starting in October, on a trial basis initially, regular Saturday painting sessions. Bring your own materials and lunch and share your expertise and inspiration with others. No tutor will be involved, so beginners will learn from those with more experience. These will be self-help workshops! The only charge will be to cover the cost of the venue.
If you are interested please drop Jan Lobb a line (to get some idea of numbers).
****************************************
Do you like painting pictures (from photos) of towns and villages as they looked in the past? Do you want to earn some money?
For more information contact Jeff Lister at
Kelso Arts, Netherside, Villa Road, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 4EY.
e-mail kelsofineart@aol.co.uk
phone 01274 222987
WRITE FOR THE NEWSLETTER
Do you have an opinion about the Society? Do you want to say something about ART in general? We want to start a newsletter section where you have your say. Send Chairman/ Newsletter “editor”, Jan Lobb your items for inclusion in the Autumn Newsletter.
MEMBERSHIP REMINDER
If you know you are not up to date, Membership Secretary, Sonja Faupel, is waiting to hear from you!
When does material cease to be home furnishings and clothing and start to become art? Answer: when it is a techno-textile. In March for her talk “Techno Textiles: fashion and art” Sarah Braddock-Clarke brought along some wonderful images of furnishings, haute couture clothes, wall hangings and whole room installations involving the most amazing materials. Sarah had travelled to Japan and Italy, leaders in the field, where they sometimes work in tiny studios and sometimes use computer technology to control jacquard looms and the sort of robots usually involved in car spraying. But images only told half the story. Sarah’s box of samples was a joy. Example: What would you expect of a cloth that was woven from very fine copper wire, coated with transparent plastic, interwoven with fibres made from coagulated and spun milk protein? Answer: it looked and felt like rather stiff pink taffeta or brocade. What about fabric sprayed with a thin layer of stainless steel? It seems that there is no limit to what can be woven, knitted or otherwise assembled to make something beautiful. Want to know more? Sarah has written two books.
In May we didn’t quite know what to expect from Jacqueline Wedlake Hatton either. Her talk “A post-modern approach to art – What is it?” left the question unanswered at the end. We in Truro Art Society are obviously all fairly conventional in our techniques, media and subject matter, but if we let ourselves go we too might achieve some exciting results. Basically, if you choose to call something “art” it is art. It is self-defining. Jacqueline had started off as a photographer and some of her installations involved videos, but she had branched out beyond conventional images. A meticulous portrait of a square of carpet, lipstick kisses on the wall transformed into a thicket of irises, a tower of crockery on a small indoor lawn – these were some of her thought-provoking works. Maybe not items you could take home and hang on the wall. As Malcolm Bradbury would have put it – the other side of cosy. But will we be inspired to do something a bit out of the ordinary for our up-coming exhibitions?
At our final meeting in June we all enjoyed looking at one another’s pictures and listening to David Cheepen’s critique of our (anonymous) work. He was very kind and managed to say something encouraging about each piece, and offered advice where he thought appropriate. There was an impressive range of topics, media and styles. At an informal ballot afterwards the most popular picture was a watercolour of Cotehele, which we then discovered was painted by Bob Humphries.
We have a terrific programme organised for next year, so I hope we will get a good attendance. The first talk, by Steve Taylor is called “Tag’s Quirky Characters”. John Faupel describes him as Beryl Cook with attitude! Sounds like a lot of fun.
He has a web site www.tagoriginals.co.uk
Then, on October 17th, we have something completely different. “Lizard Seascapes and Coastal Scenes” by Paul Williams should appeal to the landscape enthusiasts amongst you. Paul also has a web site www.pauljwilliams.co.uk
COMPETITIONS
We regularly receive mailings about competitions from Parker Harris. Usually these arrive too late to do anything about them. They are quite expensive to enter, and you have to travel miles to hand them in, but they do have cash prizes, including regional prizes. If you are interested keep checking www.parkerharris.co.uk
WORKSHOPS
In May Sara Pound organised two successful workshops with Ges Wilson as the tutor. The Works! Life model, drawing, painting, mono printing, mixed media – plenty of hard work and inspiration for all.
We had hoped to have a workshop with Vincent Rymer in October, but unfortunately he has deserted Cornwall for the sunnier climes of Spain. Sara is busily scouting around for a replacement.
Exhibitions are coming up thick and fast. You should all have had your entry forms by now. If not, contact Elaine Allcock. Meanwhile, GET PAINTING OR SCULPTING!
Those of you who are not planning to exhibit, come along and see us anyway. The SELECTED EXHIBITION is at the Stables, TRELISSICK GARDENS, from 2nd to 23rd September, 10.30am-5.30pm. Members coming to the preview on 1st September (11am-2pm) need to let us know numbers.
The UNSELECTED EXHIBITION will be at CHACEWATER GARDEN CENTRE 6th to 28th October, 10.30am-5.30pm (no preview).
BACK TO OUR BEGINNINGS
Vida Beckton, one of our founder members, was reminiscing with Sonja Faupel the other day and telling her about the origins of Truro Art Society. In the 1940s, soon after the war, a group of painters used to meet to paint in a school in Union Place in Truro. Their tutor suggested forming a society. A row then ensued with Truro Arts Society, who said that another society of artists was not needed. The nascent Truro Art Society almost floundered, but Vida met our current President, Pam Entwistle, and she joined them. Pam’s energy and organisational skills saved TAS from disappearing altogether, for which present day members are duly thankful.
If anyone else has memories of our early days we would love to hear them.
As the Society started with a group of people meeting to paint together, we think that the time has come to restart the practice. Workshops with a tutor are very popular but don’t suit everyone. You may find them too expensive, you may not want to do the particular subject or medium on offer. Similarly, many of you enjoy the monthly talks, but not everyone wants to turn out of their homes in the evening. Some of you (Heaven forbid!) are only using us to exhibit your works. The only time we know you are real people and not just names on the page is when you come to hand in and collect your pictures.
For those of you who feel that the Society could offer more, we hope to be starting in October, on a trial basis initially, regular Saturday painting sessions. Bring your own materials and lunch and share your expertise and inspiration with others. No tutor will be involved, so beginners will learn from those with more experience. These will be self-help workshops! The only charge will be to cover the cost of the venue.
If you are interested please drop Jan Lobb a line (to get some idea of numbers).
****************************************
Do you like painting pictures (from photos) of towns and villages as they looked in the past? Do you want to earn some money?
For more information contact Jeff Lister at
Kelso Arts, Netherside, Villa Road, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 4EY.
e-mail kelsofineart@aol.co.uk
phone 01274 222987
WRITE FOR THE NEWSLETTER
Do you have an opinion about the Society? Do you want to say something about ART in general? We want to start a newsletter section where you have your say. Send Chairman/ Newsletter “editor”, Jan Lobb your items for inclusion in the Autumn Newsletter.
MEMBERSHIP REMINDER
If you know you are not up to date, Membership Secretary, Sonja Faupel, is waiting to hear from you!
posted by Jan Lobb at 9:49 pm
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