Stamp collages were a great talking point

The last two week-ends have been so busy! My studio was part of the Site 10 Open Studios event and people came from far and wide to visit.
There are several studios in the Bisley Road area of Stroud and it makes a great circuit for people to see several artists during the course of one day, and our work is all so different that we're not really in competition with each other, rather providing a great variety of experiences for the public. As the event is over two week-ends it is possible to visit many other studios in other parts of Stroud and surrounding villages too.

This year I have been showing new work which has been produced mainly over the last two years - stamp collages. Subjects include Tulips, an owl, cats, Ships, Peacock and Gaudi mosaic designs. Stamp Collage Union Jacks and the US Flag, Stars and Stripes and the Dove of Peace caused much interest.(Postage stamps are used to create the pictures as opposed to rubber stamps!)Visitors were clearly amazed at the unique use of stamps, and my slight concern about adverse reactions from any philatelists were needless. A lifelong stamp collector, and journalist, all the way from the USA, visited my studio and was fascinated with my work, so much so that he is planning a piece for inclusion in an American Stamp magazine.
I have much enjoyed hearing stories and memories connected with stamps, mainly from adults. However, two very young visitors also enjoyed doing a "Stamp Search" I had devised to help them to look closely at the work. I think their parents had fun with it too!

Art is a lie that tells the truth

This morning I had the pleasure of stewarding the Drawing show in Stroud Subscription rooms. It was a great opportunity for me to spend some time looking at the work of other artists taking part in the Stroud Site 10 Festival. Michelle Ohlson and Kerry Phippen have done a great job in putting together an interesting and though provoking selection of work by local artists. I found the piece by Carlos Ordonez particularly moving and was glad that I was able to watch the slide projection through several times. (It takes just a few minutes). Other visitors to the show were very appreciative of the explanations provided by the artists which are available to view in the sub rooms, and I would encourage others to go along to see this exhibition. It is on until 30th June. Monday - Sat. 10-5 pm and Sunday 20th only 10 - 4.
If visiting on 19th or 20th June, why not visit other Open Studios artists in Stroud and make a great day out? Brochures are available online. www.sva.org.uk

"Dove of Peace" stamp collage canvas print

The dove has become known as a symbol of world peace, and appropriately my stamp collage includes postage stamps from all over the world.

It would be great to think all of these countries could exist in harmony with each other.

"U.S Flag" stamp collage canvas print

This beautiful canvas print is taken from the original stamp collage, using mainly US postage stamps, in the colours of the Stars and Stripes- red, white, and blue.

"Love" Union Jack canvas print

Approx. A3 size, slightly smaller.

Hello!

I'm totally new to this whole blog business, but I've had such a great reaction to my work, which I'm currently exhibiting at site 10 Open Studios Festival, at my studio at my home in Stroud, that I decided to take the plunge and set up my own blog.

I'll be uploading photos of my most recent work. If you see anything that takes your fancy, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Stroud Open Studios is running this weekend, 12th and 13th of June 2010, and also 19th and 20th June.