Arts for Health Exhibition

Arts for Health Exhibition @ MK Gallery project space

16 October - 15 November 2020

Arts for Health features selected artworks made between March and July 2020 by artists living in Milton Keynes and its surrounding areas through a range of media - including painting, drawing, photography and film - the exhibition aims to create dialogue and awareness around those living and working in social isolation.

Arts for Health also includes work created by Milton Keynes Disability Awareness Day 2020, an annual event which highlights the talents of people with disabilities. Artworks which explore the daily experiences faced by many who live with disability now seem to have more public resonance as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic; from the discovery of joy in simple things to the comforts and discomforts of repetition or disrupted routines. Within this context, Arts for Health invites a reimagining of the way society views physical disability and mental health. 

This exhibition is presented by Arts for Health Milton Keynes, a charity who use the arts and creativity to improve the health and wellbeing of their local community. This exhibition features artworks made by artists working at Milton Keynes University Hospital, as well as art therapists and artists whose work has recently adapted, evolved or had an unexpected resurgence.

(Text above copied from the wall of the exhibition)
 

To view the online exhibition and read more about each artist please visit https://artsforhealthmk.org.uk/Art-Gallery-Online

Headstart Art Group: Forest, Arylic and mixed media on canvas

John Cloake: Lifespans and Sharpened Senses, both watercolour, 

Top: Laura Brown - Self Sanctuary, kiln fired clay,
Bottom: Carol Ashmore - Balanced & Grounded, Mixed Media Sculpture, 

Sarah Gage - Contemplation (2020) Liquid Latex and Ink

Left to Right: Mel Kidd-White - Cardoon Thistle with Bees, acrylic on paper,
Felicity Williams - Self-doubt, watercolour and ink on paper and 
Time, watercolour and ink on paper.

Sarah Gage - Cherub (2020) Liquid Latex

Left to Right: Jan Harrington - Apart Together (2020) Embroidery thread on linen, Steve Musk - Apart Together (2020) Embroidery thread on linen and Lance FEnnel - Two Bridges, oil on board / frame.

Left to Right: Marlene Maybury, Ferenia Kachaka, Annette Holcroft, Anon, Mondy Panter, Naomi Lutman, Sharda Patel, Trevor Jeavons & Lance Fennel.

Laura Gibson and Effie McGuire Ward - Duet: contemporary dance (2020) 

 

Naomi Lutman - Resting Mayfly (2020) digital photograph SOLD

Sarah Trumper - Love it or Hate it, mixed media on paper,

Katrina Norton - giz a smile, reused textiles

Video from MK DAD 2020 zoom event

Beauty vs Mini Beasts mandala

The beauty of nature and the chaos caused to our world by the coronavirus pandemic, is the inspiration for this first piece of artwork in my new collection.

Let me ask; can you spot flower petals, butterflies and other tiny creatures in this painting? 

This piece represents our world’s intricate essence; encompassing all its beauty and the synchronicity of nature’s life cycles, of which the human race are an intrinsic part. 

It is a fact of nature that both our internal and external worlds are in constant change, transformation is all around us. Caterpillars turn in to butterflies, tadpoles turn into frogs...we often take these small creatures for granted. Also highlighted is the structure of a virus and how it replicates and can invade a cell as it mutates.

Step 1: Using a compass to map out the circles
and structure of the mandala.

Step 2: White paint is the initial colour to bring out the patterns 
of the interconnecting circles.

Step 3: Starting to add a little bit of colour.

Step 4: Adding in mini beasts: dragonflies, snakes and beetles

Step 5: Adding blue into the mix

Dragonfly close-up

Centre close-up

Finished painting after changing the tails on the dragonflies.

We Are All Artists Exhibition

Work by MK Gallery Volunteers and Staff
6 - 28 December 2019

A selection of work by volunteers and staff 

A selection of work by volunteers and staff 

Heaven and Hell, Acrylic on Cartridge Paper by Naomi Lutman

My first exhibition submission in the last 3 years, a piece created many moons ago for an illustration project, during the first year of my BA(Hons) Graphic Design degree course.

 

Transformation

Transformation is a contemporary art and textiles exhibition held at The Cornerstone Church, Milton Keynes from 24th September until 30th October 2016. 

My textiles piece 'Butterfly Release' is on display during the exhibition and is a quadriptych showing four butterfly designs that signify the changing seasons through the variety of colours, patterns and textures of fabric. The piece incorporates machine embroidery, reverse applique, foiling and beadwork techniques.

Here are some examples of other work at the exhibition - a beautiful display of colour and texture through a wide variety of techniques - well worth a visit!

 

Spinal Injuries Association - Drop The Attitude Campaign

The Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) launched their drop kerb campaign to celebrate the Paralympics and Natasha Baker as one of their bloggers! 

 

My design was based on an original photograph by Jo Hansford and uses the thick and thin line technique to bring out the image ready to be transposed onto a kerb in chalk. A group of art students then used the design as a guide and this is their finished version - haven't they done a brilliant job!

Visit www.spinal.co.uk and @spinalinjuries on Twitter for more information.

#Rio2016Paralympics 

 

Let's get Whizzy!

 

My latest commission piece, a painting of Whizzy the cat, has now been delivered to her new owner and has pride of place in the lounge amongst a collection of animal paintings by other local artists. 

Whizzy the cat has a beautiful dark brown coat, with occasional flashes of beige, so the blue fleece and the rainbow crochet rug in the background really help to bring this piece to life.

Needle Felting Workshop - 31st July

Had a lovely day with my students last Sunday. During the beginners workshop my ladies made a variety of felted shapes, from blended petals to textured leaves and fuzzy spherical centres. As you can see their finished pieces were fantastic, they should all be very proud!

 

 

     

 

To join the next workshop on Wednesday 9th November, click this link to book your place www.vitreus-art.co.uk/classes/needle-felting.html