SCOTTISH GALLERY GUIDE 2010 by Jennifer McGuigan

SCOTTISHGALLERYGUIDE 2010

Created in association with UPTOWN magazine

JOIN THE CHARLES RENNIE MACKINTOSH SOCIETY TODAY If you’re inspired by the creative genius of Mackintosh, would enjoy special events and wish to support the nation’s spectacular Mackintosh heritage, then apply today at www.glasgowmackintosh.com or phone 0141 946 6600. SPECIAL OFFER FOR SCOTTISH GALLERY GUIDE READERS Join today and you will receive a FREE Mackintosh Trail Ticket, worth £16. Quote SGG2010. Offer ends 30 September 2010. House for an Art Lover and Museum Church School Museum

Kelvingrove Art Gallery Scotland Street

www.glasgowmackintosh.com

SCOTTISHGALLERYGUIDE

SCOTTISHGALLERYGUIDE 2010

PTOWN is a quarterly interiors magazine for Scotland. Overflowing with ideas for your home, each issue features interior case studies, a design diary to keep you up-to-date with the best from contemporary designers and an array of exciting ideas to add those vital finishing touches to your home. In recognition of the popularity of UPTOWN’s Art Diary feature, and the success of our 2008 and 2009 SCOTTISH GALLERY GUIDES, we’d like to introduce the SCOTTISH GALLERY GUIDE 2010. Inside you’ll find information on over 20 galleries, profiles from 3 of Scotland’s finest artists, 3 pages of products available to purchase from the galleries, either as a gift for someone special or maybe just as a treat for yourself, and a directory for a concise guide to the galleries’ contact information.

SCOTTISH GALLERY GUIDE 2010 IS PUBLISHED BY: Business Women Scotland 64 Drymen Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 2RH Tel: 0141 942 5999 ART DIRECTOR:

Jennifer McGuigan jen@greatroom.co.uk

To advertise in future editions of this publication please contact a member of our friendly sales team.

SALES TEAM:

Gilly Wilson gilly@greatroom.co.uk Margaret Kelly margaret@greatroom.co.uk

Cover Images: TOP LEFT: TOP RIGHT: BOTTOM LEFT: BOTTOM RIGHT: Images (left): TOP: MIDDLE: BOTTOM:

www.openstudiosfife.co.uk (page 11) Early Evening Orange by Peter Luti (page 19) Paddy’s Milestone by Davy Brown (page 12) www.openstudiosfife.co.uk (page 11) www.openstudiosfife.co.uk Soulful, sculpture by Martin Evans Carafe & Fish by RGI Convenor Simon Laurie RSW RGI 03

GEORGE DEVLIN 6 - 21 May 2010

PORTLAND GALLERY 8 B E N N E T S T R E E T, L O N D O N , S W 1 A 1 R P TEL: 0207 493 1888 m a r i a @ p o r t l a n d g a l l e r y. c o m

w w w. p o r t l a n d g a l l e r y. c o m

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CONTENTS 06 THE STRATHEARN GALLERY, Crieff 07 JOHN NELSON STUDIO GALLERY, Selkirk

Pink Azalea by John Nelson

JEWELLERY A selection of jewellery that would make the ideal gift... or treat to yourself!

09 CHARLES RENNIE MACKINTOSH SOCIETY 09 DUNDEE CONTEMPORARY ARTS, Dundee 11 OPEN STUDIOS NORTH FIFE, various venues

12 HIGH ST. GALLERY, Kirkcudbright Artist profile: Davy Brown 13 COCKBURN GALLERY, Maybole 14 RAMSHORN THEATRE, Glasgow

Queensferry Marker by Blair Thomson

CERAMIC & GLASS A selection of ceramic and glass designs available from Scottish galleries.

17 EALAIN GALLERY, Drymen 17 LYNNE SCHRODER, East Lothian 18 ART IN THE CITY, Glasgow 18 GALLERIA LUTI, Callander Artist profile: Peter Luti 20

ARTIST PROFILE Q&A with Scottish Painter Blair Thomson

22 THE PICTURE FRAME MAKER, Perth 22 PARK GALLERY, Glasgow Artist profile: Ivor Sexton & Martin Evans

Black and Purple Evening by Peter Luti

SCULPTURE A selection of sculpture - including a Scottish Gallery Guide 2010 exclusive!

25 GLASGOW ART FAIR ‘10, Glasgow 26

DIRECTORY The contact details for all the galleries included in this issue of the Scottish Gallery Guide 2010. 05

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THE STRATHEARN GALLERY ESTABLISHED in 1994, The Strathearn Gallery is a contemporary gallery run by a creative family; Owen, Edith and Fiona Maguire. The gallery aims to assist and encourage professional artists and craftspeople working in Scotland and offers exciting work by up-and-coming artists as well as more established artists. With four large windows, the main gallery is light and airy extending to another two rooms downstairs. The gallery exhibits a wide selection of ceramics, glass, textiles, furniture, wood, jewellery, silversmithing and metalwork, together with paintings, prints and sculpture at a wide range of prices. The regularly changing exhibitions can be viewed from anywhere in the world by looking up the website: www.strathearn-gallery.com. ‘Own Art’ - interest free loans of up to £2,000 are offered to buy contemporary visual art and craft repayable over a 10 month period. THE STRATHEARN GALLERY 32 West High Street, Crieff PH7 4DL Tel: 01764 656 100 www.strathearn-gallery.com 06

Pink Azalea by John Nelson

Returning To Arisaig John Nelson

JOHN NELSON STUDIO GALLERY JOHN Nelson Studio Gallery is in the historical Scottish Borders’ town of Selkirk. Selkirk is where Sir Walter Scott presided over his Sheriff Court, now a museum. The gallery is in West Port in a listed building with a shop on the ground floor - John’s studio and gallery. On the first floor - his living and dining area also serves as a gallery, allowing customers to view paintings in a homely setting. The studio and gallery are open 7 days a week, but do close occasionally when both he and his wife are away. Therefore, it is a good idea to telephone beforehand, which also adds the perk of having a cup of fresh coffee ready for you. There is a constant rotation of paintings within the studio and gallery, as John’s work regularly goes out to galleries throughout the UK. The gallery sells his distinctive colourful paintings plus his beautifully executed pen and ink drawings. The gallery also offers a selection of limited edition signed art prints of John’s work as well as greeting cards. So there should be something for everyone. Subject matter includes landscapes and seascapes based on his love of the north west coast of Scotland as well as the Border area. Recently his concern about the effects of global warming has led to paintings of flora and fauna which could be lost. John says, “I produce paintings which, I hope, encapsulate my natural joie de vivre and love of colour. Always suspicious of the archetypical, I work directly onto the canvas with no preparatory drawing, yet something emerges which I follow and shape intuitively. Ideas for my paintings come from a variety of sources although I am particularly drawn to the natural forms of land and sea.”

JOHN NELSON STUDIO GALLERY West Port, Selkirk, Scottish Borders TD7 4DG Tel: 01750 722341 Mob: 07748 092607 Email: info@nelsonjohnart.com www.nelsonjohnart.com

JOHN NELSON STUDIO GALLERY

‘Moonlight, River Tweed’ by John Nelson

PAINTINGS • PRINTS • CARDS WEST PORT, SELKIRK SCOTTISH BORDERS Open 7 days 10am - 5pm Times may vary - Tel: 01750 722 341 www.nelsonjohnart.com

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JEWELLERY A selection of jewellery available from Scottish galleries - ideal gift ideas... or a treat for yourself!

SECRET HEARTS NECKLACE, £72.50, from the Secret Hearts Collection by Linda MacDonald, www.ealaingallery.co.uk

AMETHYST & SILVER NECKLACE WITH SILVER/18K GOLD PENDANT, £225, by Dianne King from the Sea Stories series, www.dianneking.com

OXIDISED 18CT CHOKER, £650, by Shimara Carlow, www.billcliffegallery.com

MULTI STONE TITANIUM BRACELET, £395, by Alison Evans, www.billcliffegallery.com

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The Mackintosh Furniture Gallery at The Glasgow School of Art

DCA DUNDEE Contemporary Arts is Scotland’s largest centre for contemporary art and culture with an extensive programme of visual art, cinema and education work.

CHARLES RENNIE MACKINTOSH TRAIL MAKE 2010 the year you get into Mackintosh! For only £16, this one-day ticket gives entry to Mackintosh attractions throughout the city as well as unlimited travel on SPT subway and First buses. Discover his spectacular legacy including his architectural masterpiece, The Glasgow School of Art; House for an Art Lover set in tranquil Bellahouston Park; the elegant Mackintosh House at the Hunterian Art Gallery; the hidden gem that is The Mackintosh Church plus Scotland Street School Museum, The Lighthouse, Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum and The Hill House, Helensburgh. You can even enjoy discounts at the Willow Tea Rooms. Tickets are valid for travel for one day and can be purchased from the Visitor Information Centre in George Square, SPT House For An Art Lover Travel Centres and participating Mackintosh attractions. Find out more and buy online at www.glasgowmackintosh.com

DCA works directly with artists selected through the curatorial programme to develop limited edition artworks. Edition prices start at just £75 and offer an opportunity to acquire original artwork by leading contemporary artists, as well as support our programme. The editions are produced directly by commissioned artists in collaboration with DCA Print Studio and are exhibited regularly in the Print Space above DCA Shop along with prints by local artists. To buy editions you can visit DCA Shop or browse all the editions online at www.dca.org.uk. To receive updates on new prints or for more information contact sandra.derycker@dca.org.uk. DCA is a registered charity and all funds received from purchases of DCA Editions contribute directly towards future activity at DCA. DUNDEE CONTEMPORARY ARTS 152 Nethergate, Dundee DD1 4DY Tel: 01382 909 900, www.dca.org.uk

CHARLES RENNIE MACKINTOSH TRAIL www.glasgowmackintosh.com

The Mackintosh House at the Hunterian Art Gallery 09

A fantastic range of work....

OPEN STUDIOS NORTH FIFE LOOKING for an inspiring idea for the May holiday weekend? Why not visit some of the 60 professional artists and designer-makers opening their studios to the public in the north of Fife. Over a relatively compact geographical area stretching from junction 8 on the M90 to the Tay Bridge and surrounding towns and villages you get to see into what are normally private work spaces. From customised garden sheds, quirky spare rooms and purpose built extensions, to shared, rented, professional studios, the variety is as interesting as the work on show. You’ll find clusters of studios within walking distance of each other and single studios in more rural locations worth going to for the views as well as the work on show. There’s something uniquely appealing about seeing artwork in the space in which it was created. You can speak to participants about their methods and sources of inspiration and get some insight into the processes and work involved in producing a diverse range of work in many styles. You might find yourself buying a painting, a print, a piece of sculpture, some jewellery, furniture or photography. Watch a blacksmith or a potter at work, commission a unique piece of glass or choose a beautiful piece of textile art! Be inspired to become creative too… some of the artists run classes. Participants range from those just out of Art College and newly in the business of presenting their work to the public to those who have established careers, supplying galleries here and abroad. 2010 is the 5th year of Open Studios North Fife. Such is it’s popularity, the event has grown from having only 14 participants in its first year, to 60 this year and there is already a waiting list for artists

wanting to join in 2011. Open Studios North Fife - Saturday 1st, Sunday 2nd and Monday 3rd May 2010. Log on to www.openstudiosfife.co.uk for more information or tel: 01337 827087 to be sent a copy of the free published brochure with details of those taking part and directions to the studios. The brochure is a work of art in itself! OPEN STUDIOS NORTH FIFE Tel: 01337 827087, www.openstudiosfife.co.uk

1 weekend in Fife 60 artists 50 studios 2 good to miss! Visit artists, designers and makers; Sat 1st, Sun 2nd and Mon 3rd May 2010

www.openstudiosfife.co.uk or call 01337 827087 for a copy of the free published brochure 11

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Paddy’s Milestone by Davy Brown

Frozen Stream, Galloway by Davy Brown

HIGH ST. GALLERY’S ARTIST PROFILE

Carsphairn Cottages by Davy Brown

DAVY BROWN HIGH St. Gallery’s proprietors, Maureen Briggs and Richard Ross, have had a strong and fruitful relationship with Davy Brown for the past ten years, although their personal ties reach back to their shared time together at Glasgow School of Art some forty years ago. Davy’s work represents perfectly the kind of powerful, substantive painting with which they identify personally and upon which the gallery’s reputation has been built. Davy Brown was born in Kilmarnock in 1950 and studied at Glasgow School of Art between 19681972. He had his first solo exhibition in Glasgow in 1971 at the Citizen’s Theatre. From 1972-73 he studied at Moray House College, Edinburgh. In 1975 he won a scholarship from the Institute of Cultural Affairs, Chicago. When Davy returned from his travels he taught in Kilmarnock and had exhibitions in various galleries in Scotland and in Belgium. In 1988 he became principal teacher of art at Douglas Ewart High School in Newton Stewart until 2002 and continued to have one-man shows in Scotland and England. He gave up teaching in 2002 to paint full-time. Davy’s recent work demonstrates his immense love of landscape. Like the Glasgow Boys and the Scottish Colourists he prefers, whenever possible, to work en plein air, which, he feels, gives him a closer, intuitive 12

understanding of his subject matter. His work has developed over the years from his early works, with their overtones of abstractionism to something, which at first glance, may look more traditional and representational. Inherent in his painting is the same love of the application of paint, the bravura use of expressive brushwork and the forceful use of colour which immediately brings to mind, once again, the Colourists. In his recent paintings we can witness Davy’s delight in the use of vibrant pigmentation with an almost Fauve-like palette of astringent reds, citrus yellows and acidic greens as well as the employment of a broader tonal range than utilised before. He is a painter at the peak of his profession. HIGH ST. GALLERY 84 High Street, Kirkcudbright DG6 4JL Tel: 01557 331 660, www.highstgallery.co.uk

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HIGH ST. GALLERY HIGH st. gallery opened in 2000, and is owned and run by Maureen Briggs D.A. and Richard Ross D.A., both graduates of Glasgow School of Art - which has historic connections with Kirkcudbright reaching back over 100 years. The gallery opened with a remit to exhibit and promote high quality works by contemporary Scottish artists, drawn mainly from Scottish art schools, alongside Scottish Fine Art - including works by the Kirkcudbright artists of the past, decorative arts & collectables, glassware and jewellery. The aim over the past ten years has been to present a vibrant and evolving blend of works by both established and emerging artists, through a programme of one-person and mixed exhibitions. Exhibiting artists include John Bellany, George Birrell, Davy Brown, Hazel Campbell, Pam Carter, Peter Howson, Jolomo and James Macaulay. HIGH ST. GALLERY 84 High Street, Kirkcudbright DG6 4JL Tel: 01557 331 660 Email: contact@highstgallery.co.uk www.highstgallery.co.uk

COCKBURN GALLERY FINE ART & RESTORATION An opportunity to view the highly acclaimed exhibition

AUSCHWITZ REVISITED January - May 2010

The exhibition will also tour throughout Scotland, ultimately to be exhibited in Israel in the coming months.

Also on display and for sale within the gallery - Gordon Cockburnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commendable works of varied subjects, styles and mediums, works by the Scottish Colourists as well as contemporary studies by Howson, Bellany, McFadden, McKean etc.

NEW WEBSITE LIVE FROM APRIL www.cockburngallery.com

Open: Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am - 5pm and Sunday 12 - 4pm. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday Appointments can be arranged outwith these times 41 High Street, Maybole, KA19 7AB Tel: 01655 884 067 | Mob: 07909 518 599 Email: cockburngallery@live.co.uk

COCKBURN GALLERY THE highly successful Cockburn Gallery, now trading for 7yrs, is nestled in the ancient Carrick town of Maybole, Ayrshire. The gallery promotes the work of resident artist Gordon Cockburn (collage of Gordonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work shown) alongside works from the early Scottish Colourists to contemporary exhibits by Howson, Bellany, McFadden. McKean and more. The gallery also supports and encourages up-and-coming artists by providing gallery space for their works. Exhibitions are held throughout the year. Styles, media and subjects are varied with something for the most discerning of tastes. All are welcome to this intimate and exceptional gallery to browse and discuss any aspects of works on display. COCKBURN GALLERY 41 High Street, Maybole, KA19 7AB Tel: 01655 884 067, Mob: 07909 518 599 Email: cockburngallery@live.co.uk www.cockburngallery.com (new from April 2010) 13

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University of Strathclyde Drama Centre 98 Ingram Street, Glasgow G1 1EX

Telephone: 0141 552 3489 www.strath.ac.uk/culture/ramshorn

RAMSHORN THEATRE SET in one of the Merchant City’s iconic landmark historic buildings, the Ramshorn Theatre presents an exciting programme of drama, music and literature. Theatre events range from the classics to Brecht Cabarets and new plays, from companies as diverse as Strathclyde Theatre Group, the community house company, to Tara Arts, a leading UK national touring group. Music events include weekly Tuesday lunchtime concerts. The Ramshorn is part of all major Glasgow Festivals. The theatre’s friendly Foyer Bar is also famous for its stunning stained glass windows. Surrounding the theatre is the peaceful green space of the graveyard: the resting place, amongst others, of Pierre L’Angelier who Blythswood Square murderess Madeleine Smith allegedly poisoned with over 80 grams of arsenic in a cup of cocoa - was this the first case of ‘Death by Chocolate’? The graveyard is open every day; during the summer, guides from the Senior Studies Institute show the church and graveyard on Saturdays. 14

As the University of Strathclyde Drama Centre, the Ramshorn offers training through its Theatre and Film Studio courses. Strathclyde Theatre Group, now celebrating its fortieth birthday, is open for anyone over 16 and interested in theatre to join, and operates as an informal academy of theatre and film arts in the West of Scotland. Famous alumni include Peter Capaldi, Henry Ian Cusick and Dawn Steele. RAMSHORN THEATRE For tickets, further information, to join STG or take a course, contact the Ramshorn: Tel: 0141 552 3489 Email: ramshorn.theatre@strath.ac.uk www.strath.ac.uk/culture/ramshorn

Bullfinch & Berries by Audrey Slorance

Looking for a special gift, or something to brighten up a dull corner? Come to the Aberfeldy Gallery where we show the best in CONTEMPORARY ART, exhibiting over 300 original paintings by a large number of selected Scottish Ar tists. The Gallery is open full-time from April to December, with restricted hours during the rest of the year. Within the Gallery we also show, by Scottish Craft Makers, GLASS, JEWELLERY CERAMICS & WOODWORK We accept payment by installment, sell gift vouchers and can also provide wedding present lists. For links to other attractions in Aberfeldy see the Galleryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website. Free coffee available...

3 & 9 Kenmore Street, Aberfeldy, PH15 2BL Tel: 01887 829129 Email: enquiries@aberfeldygallery.co.uk

www.aberfeldygallery.co.uk Early Snow by Lin Pattullo

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CERAMIC&GLASS A selection of ceramic and glass designs available from Scottish galleries.

ELIE - CERAMIC WALL PLAQUE, £77, by Donal MacIntyre, www.strathearn-gallery.com

GLASS SPIKES, £345 each, by Charlie MacPherson, www.billcliffegallery.com

FLAT RED LAQUERED BOWL, £109, by Rob Mulholland, www.gallerialuti.co.uk

SMALL CHAIR, £40, by Roger Bell, 7” tall x 5” long x 3.5” wide, www.gallerialuti.co.uk

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Bare Baa by Lynne Schroder

EALAIN GALLERY EALAIN Gallery - pronounced ya-lin - is the Gaelic word for art. Find the gallery, which opened its doors in November 2008, at the heart of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, on the eastern edge of Loch Lomond, at 36/42 Main Street, Drymen, Stirlingshire. The Ealain Gallery celebrate and promote the best original Scottish art and whisky Scotland has to offer with changing exhibitions and daily whisky tastings! The gallery features contemporary art, whisky, ceramics, glassware, pottery, designer jewellery and gifts for all ages and occasions. For full details of exhibitions for 2010, please refer to the gallery’s website. EALAIN GALLERY 36/42 Main Street, Drymen, Stirlingshire, G63 0BG Tel: 01360 660996, www.ealainallery.co.uk

GLENEAGLES FOR ART LOVERS in association with Ealain Gallery

Saturday 3rd, Sunday 4th & Monday 5th April, 10am-5pm

LYNNE SCHRODER LYNNE Schroder is an East Lothian Metal Artist who creates quirky copper sculpture, which have been exhibited in Munich and galleries across the United Kingdom. Her love of the outdoors and the coastal environment have inspired her humorous sculptures of birds, animals and people. She is committed to Community Art and makes multifunctional art transferable from home to garden. Lynne will be exhibiting small gifts and large pieces at the 3 Harbours Arts Festival, which runs from the 29th May - 6th June, alongside the now famous Murals of Prestonpans. Lynne created the ‘Highlin Coo’ which was part of the International Cow Parade in Edinburgh and she will be moving to Callander this summer. The move to the Trossachs will no doubt inspire new art. Lynne is expanding into painting, wood and stone carving. She is also exhibiting at the SECC at end of August. COMMISSIONS WELCOME. LYNNE SCHRODER Winfields, East Loan, Prestonpans, East Lothian EH32 9EB, Tel: 01875 810000 www.lynneschroder.co.uk, www.3harbours.co.uk

Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder, Perthshire, PH3 INF Looking for something different to do this Easter weekend, why not visit the world renowned Gleneagles Hotel, for the fourth annual ‘Gleneagles for Art Lovers’

Over 150 original works of art for sale including ceramics, glass and pottery For more information, please contact June at Ealain Gallery Jenny Wren Planter and Twiggy Sculpture by Lynne Schroder 17

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ART IN THE CITY THIS friendly Glasgow city centre gallery (next door to Slaters Menswear) offers a wide range of art, including John Bellany, Graham McKean, Sam Skelton and Joan Somerville - to name just a few. They also offer a broad selection of various designer craft pieces including jewellery, glass work, textiles and ceramics and if you are looking for a larger statement piece, the gallery has various works by sculptor Steven Yeates. Art in the City offers several services – worldwide shipping for paintings; various payment plans; personalised gift vouchers; framing advice; arrange special commissions and happily help source work by a particular artist that you admire. For future exhibitions and to see the breadth and variety of artists we stock please visit the website. The gallery is open 7 days, Monday-Saturday 9am-5.30pm and Sunday 12pm-4.30pm. ART IN THE CITY 157 Howard Street, Glasgow G1 4HF Tel: 0141 552 5017 www.art-in-the-city.co.uk

GALLERIA LUTI GALLERIA Luti, a relaxed and welcoming contemporary art gallery based in the picturesque town of Callander, offers affordable original contemporary artwork, sculpture, ceramics, designer jewellery and design-led gifts in a light, airy and stylish exhibition space. Owners Marsha and Sandie Luti decided to open the gallery through a shared enthusiasm and passion for high quality art work, and as a result, the gallery houses a wide selection of fine Scottish art from some of the country’s most prolific artists. Regular artists exhibiting at the gallery include Peter Luti, Deborah Phillips, Davy Brown, Ian Elliot and Walter Awlson, amongst others. Galleria Luti runs a varied programme of regular, changing and often diverse shows throughout the year, and welcomes all visitors. Open: Mon - Sat 10:30am - 5pm & Sun 1pm - 5pm GALLERIA LUTI 16 Ancaster Square, Callander, Perthshire FK17 8BL Tel: 01877 339577, www.gallerialuti.co.uk

Lovers’ Bench by Sam Skelton

Art in the City 157 Howard Street, Glasgow G1 4HF Tel: 0141 552 5017 Email: artinthecity@hotmail.co.uk

www.art-in-the-city.co.uk

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GALLERIA LUTI’S ARTIST PROFILE

PETER LUTI

ABOVE (L-R): Black and Purple Evening, Early Evening Orange and Cold Water by Peter Luti BELOW: Calm Beach by Peter Luti

AFTER realising his love of art at school, Peter Luti went on to make it his life by studying Ceramics at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, Dundee, and Goldsmiths College, London. He then progressed into lecturing before eventually finishing his teaching career as Head of Expressive Arts at Glasgow University. Influenced by the “landscape around me, especially the diversity of the Scottish terrains as there is always something new to focus on, explore and develop,” Peter is mainly inspired by many fellow contemporary Scottish Artists, “I really like the range of work produced by Ian Elliot, Peter King and Fiona Ross...a lot of their pieces are inspirational.” He describes his work as “simplified, semi-abstract, which doesn’t really fall into a particular artistic style”. But his style of a heavily textured application prior to the addition of colour is a technique that Peter has made his own: “I have developed it over a few years and have yet to see it in other artists’ work. The depth of texture is so important to the final pieces,” and in the future he hopes to “keep developing the application and technique that I use, and strive to improve with each piece.” This process is one of his favourite things about being a full time working artist and his driven approach to his work means that he has no real favourite piece of his own as he sees “each as an individual challenge.”

BELOW: A Day At The Beach by Peter Luti

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SCOTTISH ARTIST: BLAIR THOMSON

ARTIST PROFILE

Blair Thomson EVEN before graduating in 2002 from Glasgow School of Art, Blair Thomson was a committed painter recognised at the Royal Glasgow Institute with double prizes in 2001, and had already exhibited at the likes of the Glasgow Art Fair.

q&a SGG asks...

Where and what did you study? I studied Fine Art: Drawing and Painting at Glasgow School of Art. How did you find the transition from student to much sought-after artist?

With a sell out degree show to help him, his paintings quickly became highly collectable achieving numerous corporate and private commissions in the UK, US and beyond. This was most likely due to the bold colours and painterly style combined with an atmosphere critics have described as mysterious and inspirational with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;an irresistible Zen-like calmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. He paints in his large studio most days, sometimes working on the floor or on tables, from studies of isolated piers in Japanese ink, to oils charting open skies and even the rhythmic structure of telecom towers! Several visits to Japan have shaped his outlook as well as his marks. Last summer he exhibited there with Wakabayashi, a 90-year-old calligrapher, who has been teaching him. In 2008 he was given the honour of becoming the youngest member of the RGI council and selection/hanging team for their large annual exhibition. For more information about please visit, www.blairthomson.com

With hind-sight it should have been dauntingly difficult but just happened somehow as I was so focused on making new work, exhibiting it and roaming coastlines gathering ideas and sketching. How would you describe your painting style? The inkworks use fresh, confident mark making with Fude brushes to simplify and accentuate the essence and impact of a chosen structure or place. Fluidity and painterly movement in contrast with suffused, open areas in the oils create impact and liveliness. Most pieces become semi-abstract. 20

ABOVE: Tokyo Skyline, Ginza RIGHT - TOP: Queensferry Marker RIGHT - BOTTOM: Communicating

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What excites you most about painting and creating artwork? The freedom of expression with a direct response to the world around us. Also just splashing some paint, experimenting and seeing what results! Who or what influences you? Where do you take inspiration from? Most of my inspiration comes not from other painters but from walks, travels and poetry/philosophy, such as haiku master Matsuo Basho and Scottish poet Kenneth White. Also, Photographer Thomas Joshua Cooper and painter John Virtue are both making powerful monochrome work that really connects. Having spent some time in Japan recently, how did this inspire you artistically? I realised when I arrived I didn’t have enough work for the show with 90-year-old calligrapher Wakabayashi so I just had to get outside painting and make things work. This old master told me to carve stamps for myself then for him, so being propelled into this new artistic and social environment was a great inspiration, as were the places journeyed to. Or maybe the greatest was seeing him sign up for his next show in three years time! What have you got planned for the forthcoming year and where can our readers see and buy your work? I’m preparing large oil paintings for an open contemporary exhibition in Uozu, Japan in May which I am invited to. One condition is that I must attend so I’m hoping to learn more calligraphy and make new work whilst there. Currently I have new pieces in several galleries such as John Green Fine Art, scotlandart.com and the Billcliffe Gallery (all in Glasgow), Kilmorack Gallery (Beauly), Morningside Gallery (Edinburgh) and Sophie Montgomery Gallery (London). 21

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THE PICTURE FRAME MAKER THE Picture Frame Maker in Perth, which started as a small, discrete workshop with only a handful of customers, has gone from strength to strength over the years due to excellent craftsmanship, quality service and value for money. The Picture Frame Maker is now a high quality art gallery with a diverse range of original artwork, silk screens, etchings and artist prints from some of the art world’s leading talents. Our comprehensive framing service is tailored to suit each clients’ individual requirements and budget. We also specialise in frame restoration and gilding, where frames with minor or extensive damage can be fully repaired to their former glory. Situated in the town centre, where parking is easily accessible, we guarantee expert craftsmanship. THE PICTURE FRAME MAKER 38 Skinnergate, Perth PH1 5JH Tel: 01738 451 724 www.thepictureframemaker.co.uk

PARK GALLERY LOCATED in Glasgow’s Southside, a stone’s throw away from the city centre, Park Gallery prides itself on having a friendly and relaxed atmosphere to view the art, sculpture and collectable items on display. There is a selection of up-and-coming, well-established and award-winning artists on display that hail from Scotland, the UK and the International arena. Scottish artists include: John Damari, William Dobbie, Iain Faulkner, Mark Getty, Joe Hendry, Douglas Roulston, Robert Ryan, Diana Thomson, Jack Vettriano and Patti Yuill. UK artists include: Julie Coulter, Martin Evans, David Farren, Rob Hefferan, Doug Hyde, Duncan MacGregor, Gillian McDonald, Ivor Sexton and Sarah Jane Szikora. International artists include: Henderson Cisz, Philip Gray, Rolf Harris, Robert Heindel and Fabian Perez. The gallery also offers a range of exciting giftware, greetings cards, personalised gift certificates, wedding/civil partnership lists and a quality bespoke framing service. Join our mailing list for events and promotions by visiting our website www.parkgallery.net PARK GALLERY 697 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, G41 2AB Tel: 0141 424 1415, www.parkgallery.net

FRAMING SERVICE A comprehensive framing service tailored to suit each clients’ individual requirements & budget

ART GALLERY Original artwork, silk screens, etchings & artist prints from some of the art world’s leading talents

Don’t Bring Lulu - hand coloured etching by Sonia Rollo

EXPERT CRAFTSMANSHIP GUARANTEED 38 Skinnergate, Perth PH1 5JH Tel: 01738 451 724

www.thepictureframemaker.co.uk 22

The Messenger by Ivor Sexton

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The Match Girl by Ivor Sexton

Hard Days Night by Martin Evans

PARK GALLERY’S ARTIST PROFILE #1

PARK GALLERY’S ARTIST PROFILE #2

IVOR SEXTON

MARTIN EVANS

IVOR loved to paint and draw as soon as he could hold a brush or pencil. As an illustrative graduate from Portsmouth College of Art, he moved to London to further his career as an illustrator and has worked on projects with French and Saunders, Ruby Wax and Simon Mayo.

MARTIN Evans is a self taught sculptor, having studied Industrial Design at college. Working in the pottery industry for many years, figurative sculpture was undoubtedly his first love and he recently returned to what he started out to do; creating original one-off sculptures.

Now living and working as a full-time artist in Dumfries, Ivor has established an international following with works regularly commissioned by collectors and is now one of Park Gallery’s top selling artists. His source of inspiration is wide and varied, from people, events, music, film and his love of Da Vinci’s work with religious and iconic art influencing his art since he began painting. He creates images that tell a story, leaving clues for the viewer to find and his paintings are often full of symbolism and subtle detail. They have a narrative to them and the viewer can decide what is happening within the frame. Every person who views his work will have a differing perspective of what the ‘sitter’ is feeling, thinking or emoting - this is his intention.

Martin combines form, line and texture with the surface of the clay reflecting the inner emotion of the figure and hopefully creating a harmonious whole. His figures are not meant to be perfect depictions of the human form, they are designed to express and reflect emotions felt by the observer. He is inspired by a fleeting gesture, a look or a half turn in a pose that he wants to capture in the form of a sculpture. He prefers to leave the sculptures unglazed and uncoloured, letting the natural colour of the clay speak for itself and is interested in the patina clay gains over time as the sculpture becomes an entity in its own right and telling its own life story. A recent addition to Park Gallery’s portfolio of artists, his launch collection was specially commissioned by Park Gallery owner, David Johnstone. Enjoy more of Martin’s work on page 24.

PARK GALLERY 697 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, G41 2AB Tel: 0141 424 1415, www.parkgallery.net

PARK GALLERY 697 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, G41 2AB Tel: 0141 424 1415, www.parkgallery.net 23

SCOTTISHGALLERYGUIDE

SCULPTURE A selection of sculptures available from Scottish galleries... including a Scottish Gallery Guide 2010 exclusive!

SGG exclusive...

KIRSTY’S BASQUE, by Walter Awlson, £433 (21” tall, 11” long and 8”wide), www.gallerialuti.co.uk

SOULFUL, by Martin Evans, £495, 16cm x 23cm x 10cm - on a clear perspex base Two pieces of a new collect ion of original sculptures available in male & female form independently commission ed by David Johnstone at Park Gallery, www.parkgallery.net THE ARTIST’S MODEL, by Martin Evans, £495, 23cm x 11cm x 10cm - on a clear perspex base

SMALL MOON JARS, by Adam Buick, from £40 each, www.billcliffegallery.com 24