In December, Canopy sponsored another much anticipated Artist Talk at The Sanctuary Gallery & Studio in Newnham for the Solstice Exhibition featuring 7 exciting local and international artists showcasing figurative, landscape and abstract paintings alongside ceramics. Exhibiting artists were Jessica Dunn, Sarah Boden, Heidi Nguyen, Sharon Harvey , Gail Altschuler, Pennie Lordan, and Kate Baugh. Canopy’s Chair, Rob Olins attended the event and offered the following review:
I was fortunate enough to to be present at a packed out talk at The Sanctuary Gallery Newnham on Severn on the afternoon of December the 3rd to hear three of the artists in the exhibition, Sharon Harvey, Sarah Boden, Kate Baugh, talk about their work.
On arrival I was pleased to see how busy it was and even more pleased to be offered a delicious pasta lunch along with all the other guests. So rather than diving straight into the talk this gave us all an opportunity to mingle with local people who had in interest in art.
The initial talk was by Sharon Harvey who not only paints but runs the gallery too.
Sharons talk showed us canvasses inspired by the natural world abstracting the subject in various ways giving a sense of place rather than a depiction. Her latest ones, inspired by her current location next to the Severn and beside the Forest of Dean certainly reflect this. What was most interesting to me was the opportunity to see her sketch books that show not only a great handling of paint and line but also allowed us to see how these images ultimately led to her larger scale works.
Kate Baughs ceramics are a delight of colour. Comprising mainly of simple forms these are decorated with a wonderfully exciting palate! Living and working locally she is also influenced by forest environs as can be seen by the lines and shapes. Her talk described her journey in ceramics and made reference to Albert Irving and Miro who have been an inspiration to her as has the Japanese potter Shoji Hamada, which Kates simple but well proportioned pieces allude to.
It was really interesting to hear Sarah Boden talk us through her work and how it related to her life in Switzerland, Australia, and Thailand. We were shown three canvasses depicting different times, places and styles. The common theme however is that her paintings explore the differences and similarities between cultures and landscapes in the east and west, and it was fascinating to be led through how they evolved and see the differences and similarities that are apparent in her of work.
Its great to have a gallery showing such diverse work on our doorstep and I’m looking forward to the next show which will be all about Print.. The show will open on Tuesday 7th February and run for 3 weeks until Saturday 25th.
Next Artist Talk
Friday February 17th
6-8pm
At The Sanctuary Studio & Gallery, High Street, Newnham, GL131BB
PRINT
Come and meet 5 exciting local multidisciplinary printmakers and hear about their various processes and inspiration whilst learning about the endless possibilities of printmaking techniques.
Cheese & Wine provided
To confirm your FREE place please sign up on the link below https://forms.gle/BV4hswcbNU2cYmoz5
Canopy Creative Network 