Artist Profile: Iona Sanders, Summerhouse Gallery

ARTIST PROFILE IONA SANDERS

At the Summerhouse Gallery, Marazion

The Summerhouse Gallery in Marazion is delighted to be hosting Joy, a feature show for artist Iona Sanders, this April. Joy is something we are all craving during these difficult times; this body of work epitomises the joy that art can bring, and invites viewers to absorb themselves in it.

Iona’s painterly signature and boldness of colour and line, paired with a sensitivity of narrative, appeal to many. Mentored by the late Rose Hilton - whose painting style informed her current style of work - Iona has broadened her subject matter to include landscape, still life and figurative form. Although naïve and playful, the work also holds a narrative and the artist leaves the viewer to complete the story.

Iona was born in the far west of Cornwall and has spent most of her life living here. As such, her native land has always been her greatest influence and continues to inspire her work today. Her early days were spent in, on or by the water, combing remote beaches for treasure that would go on to become the subject matter for her drawings.

Working mostly in oil and acrylic, Iona has increasingly explored the use of mixed media, which has defined her signature style: that of a free, fun approach to creating with a naïvety that makes her pieces a true breath of fresh air, perfect for an uplifting Easter show.

“My work is always inspired by colour, and emotion,” she says. “My family life constantly throws ideas my way, and my deep-rooted love of Cornwall provides an endless source of inspiration. I have a genuine emotional connection with every piece, and I hope this is portrayed in my work.”

Iona took “real pleasure” in preparing for this exhibition. “At this time of the year, often with a backdrop of a battleship-grey sky, the colours seem to come out to meet you. Everything looks eager and hopeful, and expectant of the sunny, warm days to come.”

Jayne Elliott, creative director and founder of The Summerhouse Gallery, recalls meeting Iona eight years ago. “When she first came to see the gallery, her work was relatively unknown - but her uplifting paintings, singing with joy, made a perfect match with The Summerhouse,” she says.

“All the team here love working with Iona. Her light and zest for life come through in each and every piece. We have loved showing her paintings over the years, and are delighted to see the high regard for Iona’s work, both in Cornwall and nationally.”

Included in the show are two figurative paintings, Conservatory Figure and Bedroom Figure, both painted from drawings she made of Rose Hilton’s model, Kirsten.

“Iona treasures these times and we feel privileged to be showcasing this special work in ‘Joy’,” says Jayne. “This is an exhibition where the hope of better times to come, and the quiet stillness of the everyday objects painted by Iona with honesty and tenderness, will bring joy to every person who comes to lose themselves for a moment or two.” l

Joy by Iona Sanders runs from April 10 to 24 at The Summerhouse Gallery, Market Place, Marazion TR17 0AR. Open from 10am to 5pm daily (closed Mondays). Tel 01736 711400, www.summerhousegallery.co.uk