Mitchells Music Day

Robert Perry Visit

Robert Perry will be here
Sunday 21st June 2015

11am - 4pm

to chat about his exhibition
'Water, Sun, Reflections'
a selling exhibition of Original Paintings
1st June - 31st July

We are showcasing a stunning collection of Robert Perry’s highly collectible new works throughout June and July. Robert has recently made three expeditions in his famous 'mobile studio' to river-estuaries in the areas around Barmouth and Tywyn in mid-North Wales.

Painting on location this March and April, Robert's aim was 'to capture the pure brilliance of the winter sun particularly when reflected on the wind-generated ripples of the water.'  The resulting paintings immediately transport the viewer, evoking perfectly the weather, season and time of day they were painted. Robert always meticulously records the exact time and date he completes each piece.
Prices start at £495.

May Newsletter

Artifex Gallery May Newsletter

BLANDINE ANDERSON
'Extraordinary Journeys'
Original Sculptural Ceramics & Paintings
Exhibition runs throughout May

It is with great pleasure we welcome back renowned sculptural ceramicist and artist Blandine Anderson for a selling exhibition of her latest creations which runs throughout May.

'In this exhibition I wanted to highlight some of the amazing abilities and adaptations of creatures which enable them to travel about in their daily lives, from the local, seasonal ventures to breed and find food, to the ways in which they use their incredible senses (seemingly like special powers) to undertake epic migrations across oceans and continents'.

'Some of my pieces emphasize these abilities and adaptations, whilst other themes are more commonplace and concentrate on the simple paths travelled by familiar creatures as they go about their secret lives in our own back-gardens'.

All of Blandine's works are unique and highly collectible. The paintings are hand-painted in oils on deep-edged stretched canvas. The ceramics are individually hand-built in either porcelain or stoneware.

CRAFT
DEMONSTRATIONS
by Peter Wood, Tom Hare &
Spencer Jenkins

Prepare to be amazed - visitors to Artifex are in for a treat on Saturday 30^th and Sunday 31^st May when they will be able to watch Heritage Craft demonstrations by three eminent craftsmen.
There will also be the opportunity for some hands on sessions.

Peter Wood will be showing traditional pole lathe turning and greenwood chair making skills.
'Working in partnership with the natural world and the people that shape it (both from the past and its future) is how I like to work.'

Tom Hare will be creating willow sculptures.
'The whole process of producing willow sculpture is very grounding. Connecting with people and sharing the process is a fundamental part of my work.'

Spencer Jenkins will be also be working with willow.
‘It's about taking your time and being present to the wood and the moment.’

 

Email us at sales@artifex.co.uk
Call us on 0121 323 3776

'Birmingham Uncovered' Exhibition throughout February & March

BIRMINGHAM UNCOVERED

Original artwork by Wayne Attwood, Carolyn Cameron, David Harban & Paul Hipkiss
selling exhibition runs throughout

February & March

Birmingham has many hidden architectural gems which are revealed when four artists give their very different interpretations on Britain's Second City, using paint, stitch, etching and linocut.

More information can be found at;

www.artifex.co.uk

salesartifex.co.uk

0121 323 3776

January Exhibition

Exhibition showing throughout

 January

Original paintings

by
'THE GANG OF FOUR'

Kevin Haynes, Steve Capper,

Russell Howarth & Peter Stanaway

 A variety of Original paintings for sale by group of Artists, all from the Saddleworth area who have joined together for this exciting exhibition

Christmas Event 22nd November

 

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL EVENT
SATURDAY 22ND NOVEMBER

Join us at Artifex & get festive with mince pies & mulled wine

INCLUDING

JEWELLERY DEMONSTRATIONS

by

Tom Bramwell & Helen Lea

Open 10-5pm Everyday

Artifex Gallery
Mitchell Centre
Weeford Road
Sutton Coldfield
West Midlands
B75 6NA

New Dog Sculpture by Duncan Thurlby

We have a new addition to the gallery in the form of a sitting dog by Duncan Thurlby. 

 Each unique sculpture is individually made by hand by Duncan himself, each with their own character and humour.  

His animals are made from steel and they can be weatherproof coated for outside use.

Val Pitchford

 Val Pitchford

Adventures in Paint

On Wenlock Edge  28x40"  Original Oil on Canvas  £2200  (Prices start from £325)

`Exactitude is not the truth'  Delacroix
These five thought provoking words encapsulate perfectly many of Val Pitchford's thoughts and aspirations as a painter and the forthcoming exhibition of her recent work demonstrates many aspects of her approach to the canvas.

Small jewel like works contrast with abstract and majestic landscapes. She sees each new painting as an adventure, exploring the use of paint and colour within the composition, creating a sense of immediacy and freshness. The ultimate hope is to give pleasure to the viewer, maybe taking them down a previously unknown path.

Val comments: “The new waiting canvas is an adventure. It becomes our fickle guide, promising much, withholding much, and perhaps finally revealing a little.”

Val works full time in her studio in the shadow of the Malvern Hills. Visitors are welcome by appointment. Please enquire for details from Artifex.

This selling exhibition runs from 31st May to the end of July.

Open daily 10am – 5pm.

April Exhibition Roy & Pat Abell

Exhibition April & May 2014

Throughout April and May, Artifex Gallery will be holding a selling exhibition of work by husband and wife Roy and Pat Abell. This is a rare opportunity to view a collection of Roy’s powerful, large scale oil paintings, together with Pat’s decorative Japanese themed ceramics.

Roy studied at The Royal College of Art alongside David Hockney and Peter Blake, before embarking on a successful career as a painter and art teacher, while Pat worked for many years as a graphic designer.

 The shear scale of Roy’s large oil paintings provide the viewer with an amazing sense of place.

He explains:

“What emerged from doing the large scale paintings was that when viewed from an appropriate distance, the picture extended beyond one’s field of vision and allowed the sensation of “being there”, which might for example bring the sounds of wind and water. The abstract qualities and dynamics of the painting would be exploited to suggest these sensations”.

These large works would make a dramatic statement in any living or work area and contrary to popular perception large paintings often enhance rather than diminish the feeling of space in which they are displayed.

Pat’s amazing ceramics would suit both traditional and contemporary interiors with their strong use of pattern and eye-catching colour. 

She says:

“Although my training and career was as a graphic designer I have always loved ceramics and I have concentrated on this during recent years. The designs on these plates reflect my admiration for oriental art and are examples of one of the themes in my work I feel constantly drawn to”.

The exhibition runs from 5^th April throughout April and May and is open daily 10am – 5pm.

Throughout February

Designer Furniture

Workshop Reductions

Throughout the month of February, many of our designer furniture makers are reducing the price of their handmade furniture, by up to 50%.

This is a great opportunity to own a beautiful unique piece by one of the country's leading contemporary British furniture designers.
Why not come along and see what's on offer, many more pieces are available.


'Stumpy Desk'  Native Ash, Oak Burr & Black Walnut 
Was £4300 Now £3600

ARTifex is 20 years old!

COME & JOIN US FOR OUR 

20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION ON

Saturday 16th November, 10am - 5pm

Artifex Gallery, the Midlands’ leading gallery for contemporary British Arts & Crafts, will be celebrating its 20th anniversary on Saturday 16th November.

Karen Van Hoff

There will be the opportunity to win numerous prizes, including an original painting by Robert Perry titled ‘Last Glimmers of Daylight’, worth £680. Robert is one of the Midlands best known artists, and he will be in the gallery to chat about his work. Jeweller, Karen Van Hoff, will be demonstrating her jewellery techniques and customers can win one of her flamboyant necklaces.

Robert Perry

Meet other artists and makers and watch demonstrations, including pot throwing.

Get inspiration for your Christmas gifts & wish list

On the day, Artifex will be supporting ‘Speight of the Art’, a charity set up by artist and BBC ‘SMart’ presenter Mark Speight’s family, following his tragic death in 2007. ‘Speight of the Art’ organises projects and events throughout the UK to bring the benefits of ‘The Arts’, in their many varied forms, to children of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

Keep in touch!

All our invites, offers and competitions are now sent via email.

If you would like to be included please email us with your name, postcode and the words “please add to emailing list”.

Mitchell Centre for Art and Craft

Weedford Road, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands. B75 6NA.

Tel: 0121 323 3776 | Fax: 0121 323 2380 | Email: sales@artifex.co.uk

Bernie Wisniewski, Presents ‘Bright and Bold’

An Exhibition of Original Paintings throughout July in our Birmingham Art Gallery!

The work of Bernie Wisniewski will be filling the gallery with bursts of vibrant colour for the month of July. His inspiration comes from the North East and Scotland, and the exhibition will feature his distinctive paintings of landscapes and still life.

‘Being self taught, I let my paintings come from the soul, working rapidly to convey the emotion generated by a subject in an expressionistic style. My studio is bright and always full of music, excitement and activity.’

Consequently Bernie’s work is loose and dramatic, with bold shapes and textural brushstrokes. Strong, bright colour also characterises his work, reminiscent of the Scottish Colourists and Fauve painters.

‘I’m not influenced by fashion or the current trend – these things are transient. I’ve been working for the last 12 months to create some of my brightest, most colourful work, which I hope will provide impact and interest wherever they may hang.’

New Paintings by Al Saralis

The paintings of Al Saralis reflect the classical beauty of the human figure. The dramatic use of light, coupled with the directness of the pose, results in images that are powerful and sometimes confrontational, while also echoing the fragility and vulnerability of contemporary man.

Al is a professional painter and a teacher of Fine Art. He was born and brought up in South Wales and now lives and works in Hampshire and has exhibited extensively over recent years and has been involved in a number of group and one-man exhibitions. Since his early life drawing sessions at Art College, the human figure has always been Al's main source of inspiration. This fascination of the form, structure and movement of the figure continues to be central to Al’s work.

The paintings usually consist of a single figure which is stripped of any narrative reference. Recent works have included a series of paintings where the figure has been fragmented or left incomplete. These were in part inspired by a trip to Florence where Al saw the unfinished ‘Prigioni’ sculptures of Michelangelo.

British Designer Jewellery - The Perfect Christmas Gift!

This Christmas at Artifex, we’re hoping to dazzle you with some of the best pieces from our British Jewellery Designers and inspire your Christmas gifts & wish list!

Make your gifts truly shine this Christmas with our unique jewellery designs, all lovingly hand crafted in Britain 'by the individual, for the individual'.

Silver Animal Pendant Collection by Helen Lea, from £54

Helen Lea is one of the talented jewellery designers here at Artifex. Inspired by animals and nature, Helen’s pieces consist of miniature hand-modelled solid Silver animals, which she makes into charms or pendants or places into a little scene representing their natural habitat in a stylised way. Helen’s latest Silver Animal Pendant Collection, with it’s typically British quirkiness, is the perfect gift idea for the animal lovers amongst your loved ones.

You won't find these beautiful, high quality designs on the High Street so your loved ones are sure to feel extra special when they find these gems sparkling under the tree on Christmas morning!

Football Nostalgia - Sid Kirkham - Watercolour depictions

Artifex Gallery are holding their first exhibition of Sid Kirkham’s football themed paintings, many inspired by Midland teams, throughout October 2012.

Sales of his nostalgic watercolour depictions of industrial landscapes have “gone through the roof” since his works were described as “Lowryesque” by Nick Owen on BBC Midlands Today.  Inspired by his childhood spent in The Potteries, Sid’s paintings are social commentaries on life as it once was in industrial towns and on the working man’s love of football:

 

“I think it’s the nostalgic, story-telling aspect to my work that people enjoy.  Many people find my work very affectionate and warm, a painting becomes almost like a friend”.

Sid took up painting professionally at the age of 60.  Despite never receiving any formal artistic training, his talent was noticed at school when he was offered an art scholarship.  However, he was unable to take it up due to the need to earn a wage. Now, decades later, Sid paints furiously to keep up with demand and intends to keep painting as long as he can.  Often, he’ll wake up in the night with a flash of inspiration, rush downstairs, reach for the pencil and sketch out his ideas.

“It’s what I enjoy doing and if other people enjoy my work then I’m happy.”

We definitely enjoy Sid’s nostalgic depictions and we know you will too so don't forget to pop in and take a look!

Handmade Designer Jewellery - All Things British!

Artifex Gallery loves all things quaint, personal, handmade and British! With Christmas just around the corner, we thought it would be perfectly apt to inspire your gift choices and or/Christmas wish lists with a little intro to a selection of our talented British Designers, and their stunning jewellery pieces.

Susan Kerr

Susan Kerr creates jewellery which is unashamedly decorative, taking its influences from floral imagery and patterns and expressing a personal interest in the styles and motifs of Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Many pieces in the range recapture the femininity of the time, whilst updating it with a contemporary twist to create a new interpretation. (Prices in the Gallery start from £30)

Caroline Lukehurst

Caroline’s inspiration comes from the modern world in which we live. We all find ourselves bound by commitments and restrictions. In our hearts there is a yearning for independence and liberty. Her work is inspired by this conflict. She uses her stylised bird design in gold, silver and oxidised silver as a symbol of freedom in her rings and charms. (Prices in the Gallery range from £60-£115)

Kate Smith

Kate’s designs are striking and subtle, contemporary yet classical, but above all, unique in its design and execution.

Taking inspiration from the natural surroundings of her countryside home, jewellery is created from abstracted drawings and observations, resulting in many diverse collections of jewellery, all linked together by the signature styles of Kate Smith’s design and craftsmanship. (Prices in the Gallery start from £82)

Charlotte Lowe

Using photo etching techniques Charlotte captures abstract imagery and scenic photographs within the surface of the metal. Many of these images are encapsulated with a selection of silver frames using colour and a mixture of matt and highly polished finishes to add contrast and highlight detail within the image. (Prices in the Gallery start from £108)

Andrew Geoghegan

Andrew’s pieces are Perfectly  designed , displaying aspects of gemstones that are usually hidden, combining elements with contemporary or moving or removable parts to name but a few, coupled with the highest quality metals and diamonds ensuring  timeless pieces of unique jewellery that are both desirable modern day classics and treasures to be passed down through the generations.(Prices in the Gallery start from £1045)

Jo Naden 'Doves'
Bronze edition of nine

Inspired by natural landscape and the memory of its collective past, Jo would describe her bronze cast, carved clay sculpture as being:

“distilled from journeys of exploration and gathering.”

These journeys may begin at any point, be it poem, plant or place, with research being central to her practice.

This way of working is well suited to commissions that respond to a sense of place, as Shining Stone, her sculpture situated in the Black Brook at Shenstone, Lichfield, shows, or to an aspect of the natural world such as the Cocoa plant, responded to in the more recent commission Theobroma, for Cadburys.

Larger scaled sculpture is explored through commissions such as Wish, for Crest Nicholson, standing at just under three metres high and situated in Park Central, Birmingham.  Her moderately sized sculptures work well in interior spaces, whilst the smaller objects – designed to be held in the hand – change our involvement from viewer to participant.

Five of Britain’s leading Jewellery Designers Presents “All Creatures Great & Small”

Artifex are proud to announce that our first animal themed exhibition of innovative Jewellery by Nick Hubbard, Charlotte Lowe, Penny Williams, Linda Macdonald and Helen Lea will be launched the 1st August 2012:

                              Charlotte Lowe 

“Escape to the wild with Charlotte’s animal themed jewellery.”

Charlotte Lowe is a contemporary jewellery designer specializing in photo-etched jewellery. She is inspired by travels to scenic locations and the idea of creating items that hold sentiment. Charlotte’s hand crafted silver jewellery celebrates shared memories and travel; capturing special moments with loved ones and escapes to exotic lands.

Linda Macdonald 

“Linda’s silver and gold pieces inspired by nature have captured the imagination of all jewellery lovers!”

Living near Loch Lomond, Linda’s whimsical award winning silver jewellery captures the essence and romance of the British countryside. With keepsake and timeless qualities, her jewellery offers the perfect excuse to spoil a loved one with a lasting treasure!

Nick Hubbard

"I have continued my love of miniaturization and this is present in my work. I concentrate on figurative themes, sometimes becoming comic allegories, bearing words or a tongue in cheek message. I have many finely detailed items of jewellery such as, brooches, earrings and cufflinks. They are made in oxidised silver, incorporating highlights of gold.”

Nick is a passionate collector and much of his work is inspired by his collection of found or bought objects and small treasures. He also draws inspiration from his love of all creatures “great and small”  especially long, sausage dog shaped ones as well as literature, music, art and film.

Nick’s figurative handmade designer jewellery specialises in oxidised silver pieces with delicate fine gold detail. Each piece is engraved with his famous “Brick and Bean logo”. He devotes a good part of the time to model making, specialising in small intricately sculptured figures.

             Penny Williams

“Ideas for my most recent jewellery have been inspired by my love of animals.  I enjoy taking photographs and drawing them to appreciate their shape and form.  I try to capture the essence of their character. An element of humour is very important!”

There are three main themes in my jewellery….Cats, Dogs and Chickens which are available in many different finishes, including bronze oxide, silver with bright gold plating and a mixture of copper and brass which is acid etched to create pattern and texture. The use of colour and texture helps to enhance the surface patterns and all features of the design.

         Helen Lea

“I like my Jewellery to be cute, fun and quirky. I aim to give each animal their own special character.”

Helen is a Jewellery Designer/Maker based in Birmingham's famous Jewellery Quarter. Her cute and quirky silver jewellery is inspired by animals and nature. She hand models each animal to give each piece its own unique character and she uses a combination of silver and gold elements to create these innovative three dimensional pieces of work.

July art exhibition in Birmingham - John West - Private Passions

Exhibition of original paintings at Artifex Gallery in Birmingham, throughout July 2012. Starts Saturday 30^th June.

All artists probably paint what interests them most. For this exhibition, John has chosen work which represents some of the aspects of his life which he is most passionate about.

“Football has been a passion since my childhood. Cycling likewise. While I now only watch football (much to my wife’s irritation), I still cycle regularly. Cycling in the countryside enables me to enjoy another passion of mine, the English landscape. I greatly enjoy painting out of doors and one of my preferred places, near home, is at the local allotments where there are both gardens and the cityscape.”

John was born in Birmingham in 1935.  After taking a degree at the University of Central England he made a full time commitment to painting and showing his work. He describes his work as evocative rather than literal with colour playing a vital role in his lively compositions.