ART Meet the movers and shakers of the local art world

ART AND SOUL

Artists are in abundance in these parts. No surprise really when you look at the landscape around Exeter. Recent months have seen a burst of creativity, with mesmerising pieces now showing in exhibitions locally. We take a little look... By Harriet Noble

Guilty pleasure admission: fawning over local art/artists on Instagram. There is something very soothing about seeing a picture of an artist in their studio, paintbrush in hand, creating marvellous, colourful visions with their genius brushstrokes. Often in these pics, as well as some pretty compelling pieces of art, there’s a cup of tea in the background and a dog; quite frankly it’s on a par with ake for inducing much-needed feelings of calm. And these artists have been busy, either exhibiting in local galleries, opening up their own homes as private studios (rules permitting) or being part of online exhibitions. If you’re passionate about art – or perhaps it’s something you want to dele into properly or the rst time you couldn’t do better than by supporting a local artist by popping down to one of the local exhibitions. Here’s a taster to whet your appetite…

Liese Webley Tell us a bit about your art… I create semi-abstract colourful original paintings.

What’s your artistic background… I have always loved art, and as far back as I remember I wanted to be an artist. I came to Exeter over 20 years ago to study Fine art painting and loved it here so much I stayed!

Any highlights along the way? I see my career as a journey that has had many highlights along the way, be that my rst ehibition, a sale in a gallery, building a studio, or being formally recognised. For example, being selected for an Emerging Artist Bursary at last year’s Devon Open Studios event. Perhaps most rewarding is being able to bring my work to more people, and the conversations this generates.

What have you got coming up? I have my studio in Exeter which is open all year by appointment. I also show my work in a few Devon galleries, Lantic in Tiverton and Words and Pictures Gallery in Teignmouth. Luckily, these are also two of my favourite spots to view art in Devon.

What are the inspirations for your pieces? My paintings are mostly inspired by living in the South West peninsula and especially the amazing seascapes and landscapes. I love colour and nature and aim to produce work that gives the audience a feeling a joy and immerse them in a world of colour.

Any advice to aspiring artists? Never give up, always stay true to your own vision and, most importantly, keep creating. For more: www.liesewebley.com

LEFT: Maxim Vengerov; BELOW: Nadezhda and her fluffy companion

Nadezhda What can you tell us about your art… I am somewhat obsessed by faces, and the stories and character written in them. Obviously human beauty is very appealing, but I’m more captivated by a person’s character. All of my paintings are about conveying the emotions of the subject and can often be very moving.

What inspires you? In terms of the art I produce, my favourite subject matter is the human male. The depiction of women in art is legendary, but men are equally as beautiful, and just as interesting!

Any highlights along the way? I was delighted when my painting, ‘The Laughing Surgeon’ was used as the leading image by the Devon Open Studios advertising campaign last year. He kept popping up everywhere!

“The depiction of women in art is legendary, but men are equally as beautiful”

Has it been a good time for you creatively? Lockdown gave me the unique opportunity to create a series of large scale portraits of inspiring musicians. All that uninterrupted time enabled me to connect very deeply with my work. For more: www.nadezhda-portraitartist.com

Bespoke Picture Framers & Fine Art Sales

South Gate Gallery is an Independent Art Gallery and Bespoke Picture Framers with over 10 years’ experience in conservation framing.

We are a Family Business owned and run by brothers Stephen and Matthew. We took over ownership of South Gate Gallery on the 10th February 2020 and had a good few weeks of trading before we had to close due to the lockdown.

During lockdown we made good use of the time, Stephen reorganised the framing workshops to better suit our requirements. Matthew created our Facebook page and new website, which has a selection of artwork for sale. We also installed a safety screen and other measures to help protect our customers when they visit the Gallery.

We reopened on the 16th June 2020 and have been busy with framing jobs ever since, seeing lots of new and repeat customers. We are working with some wonderful local artists and pride ourselves on displaying work from artists local to this area.

To find out more about us and our gallery services, please visit our website. We look forward to welcoming you!

ART FROM WHERE YOU ARE… Local places to see, buy and make local work

SOUTHWEST ACADEMY OF FINE AND APPLIED ARTS What’s it all about: This charity is dedicated to advancing the creation and appreciation of art in the local area and, as such, always has exhibitions and events popping up in Devon. What’s coming up: eections is a huge online ehibition which can be viewed on their website between 4 November – 11 December. rtists hae been inited to enter and work that reects their own experience, interpretation and observations of the impact of the pandemic. Guest judges include renowned artists Rosa Sepple PRI, Anthony Frost and Joseph Hillier. www.southwestacademy.org.uk

BROOK GALLERY What’s it all about: “Alongside our gallery exhibits, we show a strong selection of contemporary applied art; studio pots, handmade ewellery rom amaing local names like susi orrison, and handmade kitchenware rom the likes o ustine enner, says director Angela Yarwood. Exhibitions? ur current show tate o eing is reectie o this current time, designed to create a platform for the viewer to consider their surroundings. ur net show, beginning on the oember, oe will ocus on the physical and sporting pursuits which energise and encourage our physical wellbeing. Fore Street, Budleigh Salterton; www.brookgallery.co.uk

LEFT: Kusamo Infinity by Jenni Watters; ABOVE: The Glorious Art House

Self-Portrait in Lockdown by Robert Mountjoy, South West Academy

“Art allows us to remember our humanity beneath the stresses of life”

THE GLORIOUS ART HOUSE GALLERY What’s it all about: ur small art gallery is on the rst oor o our ramshackle th century building, up aboe the buing coffee shop, which was designed to be an art piece in itsel, says owner Rosy Tydeman.

“The idea was not just to have art hanging on the walls of the café but for the walls themselves to be visually stimulating. But having a space or local artists to show their work was also a big part o the vision when we started six years ago. Since then we have hosted a wide range o art up there in many different mediums. s well as numerous wonderful art exhibitions, we have hosted student drama productions, lie music eents and poetry nights oer the years. Exhibitions? Currently showing is their Abstract vs Figurative exhibition, which will be followed by their Children’s exhibition, running rom - ctober. 120 Fore Street, Exeter; www.thegloriousarthouse.com

What have been the positives for artists during the last few months? “For many of our artists, it has provided obvious inspiration and opportunity to produce new and compelling work about our time during lockdown,” Angela Yarwood, director of Brook Gallery

“Having fun and forgetting our day-to-day lives for a bit is, I think, one of the most important benefits of art in the time of a pandemic.

“Art allows us to remember our humanity, beneath the stresses and strains of life, and seeing some beauty perhaps provides some relief to our souls at a time of great uncertainty and anxiety for many.” Rosy Tydeman owner of The Glorious Art House

Elle 6 by Sara Hayward, Brook Gallery

Chrysanthemum Cherries by Niggy Dowler, Hybrid Gallery

HYBRID GALLERY What’s it all about: The eorgian gallery boasts an intimate space or smaller works, with the arden gallery or contemporary space housing larger canases. The gallery has a calm and uncluttered feel where individual works can be appreciated,” says co-owner Tim oolgar. e hae long-standing relationships with many o our artists and hae traelled alongside them through their artistic careers. Exhibitions? The Last Detail, showcasing the work of Rachel Ross, runs until ctober. pect a pop up ehibition rom ichard dams, - oember. High street Honiton; www.hbriddevon.co.uk

THREE HARES GALLERY What’s it all about: Eleanor Ludgate’s gallery celebrates nature, with landscapes, wildlie, birds, owers and butteries eaturing prominently. lso on show are sculptures, ceramics, brones and a mini museum upstairs. leanor describes the gallery as being like a Tardis inside. Exhibitions? ontinuing until hristmas is leanors ehibition o buttery paintings, theyll be on display to celebrate the publishing of her new book The eaut o utteries. 20 The Square, Chagford; www.devonsnatureinart.com

Climbing Chair by Amanda Popham

SOUTH GATE GALLERY What’s it all about: Light, airy gallery space run by brothers Stephen and Matthew Pressey Exhibitions? Currently, their featured artist is Lisa Long; next up will be the photographer Jenny Steer. South Gate Gallery, 64 South Street, Exeter; www.southgategallery.co.uk

STEAM GALLERY/MARINE HOUSE AT BEER What’s it all about: Located in Beer on the World Heritage Jurassic Coast, owners and art collectors Mike and Rosemary Lambert are passionate about spotting artistic talent and run these two galleries. What’s coming up: Lots. Steam Gallery is hosting works from Internationally acclaimed British earthenware sculptor Amanda Popham from 7-20 November. Expect a vibrant collection of 60 pieces which are poignant, challenging, amusing, thought provoking and with a greater colour intensity. Fore Street, Beer, Near Seaton, Devon; www.marinehouseatbeer.co.uk

“The idea was not just to have art hanging on the walls but for the walls themselves to be visually stimulating”

THELMA HULBERT GALLERY What’s it all about: The Honiton-based art space is not just a gallery but an all-around community space offering classes and workshops. This year they have created a creative cabin which they’re taking out and about and provides a fun, creative and safe space to explore art, culture and nature. What else? They’ve got their makers showcase event, 14 November-24 December, which celebrates the best of South West-based craft and design, with glass, wood, paper, textiles, prints, ceramics, furniture and jewellery. Your go-to place to pick up your beautiful Christmas pressies we think. Elmfield House, Dowell Street, Honiton; www.thelmahulbert.com DOUBLE ELEPHANT PRINT WORKSHOP What’s it all about: The artistic bunch here offer courses, resources and support to professional printmakers, artists and beginners alike. They are all about supporting local artists and also the wider community – each year they work with over 3000 children, young people and adults through their outreach programme. They’re always running projects and courses, so a great organisation to get involved with if you’re a budding artist. What courses can I do? Coming up in November are ones in lino-cut, screen print, printmaking and Christmas decorations. www.doubleelephant.org.uk THE SCHOOL OF ART AND WELLBEING What’s it all about: Set in beautiful countryside, a mile outside of Honiton, this art school provides all manner of art classes and courses for those looking to get creative and improve their skills in a relaxed environment. They have accommodation here too for the longer courses. What courses can I do? Fancy making your own wallpaper? Or learning how to paint an abstract expressionist landscape piece? These are just some of the courses they have in the diary over the next few months. Cuckoo Down Lane, Honiton East Devon; www.artandwellbeing.co.uk

MORE GALLERIES TO CHECK OUT AND ART COMMUNITIES TO JOIN EXETER PHOENIX Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

ROYAL ALBERT MEMORIAL MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY Queen Street, Exeter; www.rammuseum.org.uk

DEVON ARTIST NETWORK www.devonartistnetwork.co.uk

TOPSHAM ART GROUP www.topshamartgroup.co.uk