New Ashgate Gallery Trust Waggon Yard Farnham GU9 7PS www.newashgate.org.uk gallery@newashgate.org.uk 01252 713208 Registered charity no. 274326 19 October 2012
Tessa Pearson wins in the Surrey Artist of the Year 2012/13 For immediate release
The Surrey Artist of the Year competition celebrates arts in Surrey. The prize is in its fourth year and celebrates the partnership between the New Ashgate Gallery and the Surrey Artists Open Studios. Each year the exhibition showcases a variety of artworks created in the region. This year’s winner, Tessa Pearson, is passionate about colour. Her work is an intuitive response to recollections of moments in time and special places, inspired by pattern and rhythms in space. Her current practice is focused on watercolour painting, mixed media and printmaking, working in series to explore and revisit a theme many times. Tessa’s bold abstract prints are mostly original monotypes using oil etching inks, built up in many layers and richly textured with additional elements of collage, hand painting and individual laser cut woodblock printed imagery. Her original techniques have evolved using vivid colours and bold abstract mark making to express the physical and emotional impact she experiences when immersed in a wonderful exotic garden or dramatic patchwork landscape. Tessa works from her studio at home in Surrey. She has an MA Printed Textiles, Royal College of Art and a BA (Hons) Textile Design, West Surrey College of Art & Design. She exhibits in solo and selected group shows nationwide, and her work is included in many private and corporate collections. Tessa will receive a solo exhibition in the New Ashgate Gallery and a cash prize of £1000 that will support her professional development. She is available for interviews.