Small Works of Art
Raku bowl
£120
Concern
£695
Compassion
£695
Emma
£395
The Gift of Life
£424
Bud & Husk
£250
Sea Girl
£120
Small Fishy Lamp
£45
Idealistic Moment
£400
Limited Collections
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Editorial
pg 3
Who among us has never attempted to make a snowman, a sandcastle,
photographed a ripple in a puddle or a wave in the sea? The fact is that
without even realising it we have all used the elements to create or inspire,
or at the very least amuse ourselves for a moment.
Small Works of Art realised that the idea of using the ‘Elements’ as a theme
for art is quite literally as old as the hills, and as a concept at least as old as
the ancient Greeks.
Those wise Greeks again recognised that everything around us was
composed of just four elements: Earth, Air, Water and Fire. In fact those
categories form the basic scientific premise that all matter is divided into
solids, gases, liquid and plasma.
Our featured artist this month Neil Glendinning knows all about working
with Earth, Air, Water and Fire In his work as a Raku artist. Some of you may
have watched the process of Raku on BBC’s ‘Great British throw down’. Learn
more about the unpredictable and difficult nature of this type of ceramic as
Neil talks about his work on the pages ahead.
Thank you to all who took the time to come and visit us as we took Small
Works of Art to BOB North, Best of Britannia exhibition in Preston. We
received a warm northern welcome and met so many unique and creative
people. We hope to bring you more events throughout the year to come.
An added bonus for us was for Simon O’Rourke’s ‘Compassion’, one of the
artworks taking centre stage at Preston and on pg. 12, to be featured in the
ITV programme ‘Coast and Country’ which aired recently. Remember, if you
purchase the work at an event you won’t have to pay postage and you may
even get to meet the artist.
Please enjoy this month’s edition and our growing collection.
Editorial by: Lucy E. Jones
All the Small Works of Art that you see in this brochure are for sale. All
purchases carry our 30 day, full money-back, guarantee.
Contact us:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 (0)7427 687 944
pg 4
Acknowledgements
Staff Members
Graham Care: Finance
Malcolm Stewart: Proof Reader
Michael Reynolds: Graphics
Kristine Szulik: Editor
Lucy E. Jones: Co-Editor
Contact Us
Cover: Elements
[email protected]
Poem by Jenny Ryrie
(+44) 7427687944
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oak in the wind
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Neil Glendinning: Artist
Lucy E. Jones : Photographer
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Contents
pg 5
Cover Page… 1
Small Works of Art… 2
Editorial… 3
Acknowledgements… 4
Contents… 5
Special Feature… 6
Elements… 6-7
Artist Showcase… 8
Neil Glendinning… 8-9
Cheshire Cat… 10
Previous Works of Art… 11
Simon O’Rourke 12-14
Debbie Nairn… 15
Anne Clements… 16
Lucy E Jones… 17
Sonja Moss-Dolega… 18
WWI Centenary 19
Exhibition… 20-21
Coming Soon… 21
Contact us:
Elements
Neil Glendinning:
Artist
Click To Buy
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 (0)7427 687 944
pg 6
Special Feature
Elements
Elements
Some well known Artists particularly embody this
theme:
Earth: Andy Goldsworthy has a lot in common with
Richard Long in sculpting the earth, employing a
twisting and manipulation of nature. This type of
temporary art form often relies upon stunning
photography to provide any evidence of it’s
existence.
Air: Nothing could illustrate this element better than
Eduardo Chillida’s ‘Wind Combs’. Uncompromising
steel structures installed in frequently stormy sea in
La Concha Bay, San Sebastian, Northern Spain.
Described as a ‘eulogy to the sky’ this work is a
rebellion against gravity and encapsulates issues
that concern many sculptors such as weight and
weightlessness.
Neil Glendinning
at work
Water: Known as ‘the painter of light’ William Turner spent his life mastering
the medium of watercolour and oil paint using both to paint seascapes with
unsurpassed translucency. It’s not surprising that so many of our British
artists feel compelled to paint this country’s wild and beautiful coastline. The
prolific work of the Cornish ‘Newlyn School’ bears testament to this.
Which brings me to Fire: For the longest time people have expressed
themselves through fire, from pagan festivals burning willow structures to
early pottery firings in primitive kilns. Again modern artists have used the
medium of photography like Yves Klein and Anthony Gormley to capture
the fleeting nature of fire.
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Elements
Special Feature
pg 7
Eduardo Chillada’s Haizeen
orrazia (The comb of the wind)
installed in 1977 San Sebastián.
He said of it ‘The place is the
origin of the work’
If you are collecting experiences
as well as art this one is well worth
the trek.
Contact us:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 (0)7427 687 944
pg 8
Artist Showcase
Neil Glendinning
Neil Glendinning
‘Growing up in Edinburgh, I’ve had a keen
interest in drawing since a young age and
exhibited several times at The Scotsman Steps
Art Exhibition during the Edinburgh Festival
Fringe.
Following a degree in ceramics at Manchester
School of Art, I set up a workshop in Chester to
try and pursue a career working in clay. I had
just a limited experience of firing raku whilst at
Manchester and was keen to explore the
possibilities of this technique. I built a raku kiln
and began experimenting with slips and
glazes.’
Neil has exhibited extensively across the UK including at London Olympia
and Earl’s Court. He has also taken part in many exhibitions across Europe.
Parallel to exhibiting, Neil pursues his aim of Inspiring young people to enjoy
working with clay. He commits himself to this through leading a wide range
of projects with schools and youth organisations.
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Neil Glendinning
Artist Showcase
pg 9
Elements
By Neil Glendinning
Raku bowl
Raku, Ceramic
Dimensions: 17.5cm x 9.5cm
Weight: 315g
Edition: Unlimited
Price: £120 (excl. p&p)
Click to buy
This work was inspired by a visit to the water
gardens at Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire.
A remarkable landscape of simple, graceful
lines and surprise features, created in the
eighteenth century.
Beginning with a simple wheel thrown bowl,
slabs of clay were cut for the rims, and the
piece assembled. After biscuit firing, the piece
was glazed and raku fired.
“I love how the angles and curves change as
you turn the piece in your palm, or move
around it; also the play off between glazed and
unglazed surfaces.”
Raku, and the Elements
[Each piece is a handmade
work of art and may vary]
The Japanese work Raku originates from that country’s historical tea
ceremony, and describes a technique developed for the production of tea
bowls. It’s a fast firing process, where pots are taken out of a red hot kiln
(instead of the usual practice of allowing them to cool first).
Neil enjoys the immediacy that the technique demands, together with the
variety of results that can be achieved.
In raku, all the Elements play a part. Removing the pot (earth) with tongs
from the kiln, Neil lets it air cool for several seconds. It allows him to balance
the subtle effects of oxidising (air) on the glaze surface – and reduction (no
air) when the pot (still red hot) is placed in a container of wood shavings. The
resulting fire is smothered by replacing the lid of the container; the
smouldering contents left for around an hour to cure. Finally, the piece is
quenched in water.
Contact us:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 (0)7427 687 944
pg 10
The Cattery
Black Cat
[Each piece is a handmade work of art and may vary]
Ceramic
Dimensions: 12cm x 2cm
Weight: 0.02kg
Edition: Unlimited
Price: £18 (excl. p&p)
Click to buy
Here at Small Works of
Art, the Team had a
problem that needed
solving. What could we do
that would help you, our customers instantly
know where we are based geographically?
One bright spark realised that our home county of Cheshire is
famous for its cats, thanks to Lewis Caroll’s novel Alice’s Adventures in
Wonderland. Having the link between Cheshire and Cats we asked
all our Artists to create a signature Cheshire Cat, et violà
ourCollectors Series of Cheshire Cats was born.
One member of our Team, Linda, was particularly happy with our choice of
the Cat as our signature Collectors Series, because she has recently adopted
a rescued tom-cat, called Duke, from the RSPCA .
With Duke in mind all of us here at Small Works of Art decided that we
would like to donate 10% of the sale of our Cheshire Cat series to various
nominated Cat Charities.
The Black Cat is the first in our Small Works of Art Cheshire Cat series.
They are adorable, full of character and the purrrfect way to start your cat
collection.
Each cat is individually and lovingly made by Sonja Moss-Dolega so that each
one you buy will be just that little bit different.
Every time you buy a Black Cat we
will donate 10% to the RSPCA
Limited Collections
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Previous Works of Art
pg 11
Previous Works of Art
The Gift of Life
£424
Compassion
£695
Black Cat
£18
Bud & Husk
£250
Small Fishy Lamp
£45
Idealistic Moment
£400
Sea Girl
£120
Single Poppy
£40
Poppies
£20
Contact us:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 (0)7427 687 944
pg 12
Artist Showcase
Simon O’Rourke
[Each piece is a handmade work of art and may vary]
Compassion
Western red cedar
Dimensions: 40cm x 7cm
Weight: 0.65kg
Edition: Unlimited
Price: £695 (excl. p&p)
Click to buy
This was an exciting piece to create, with the adrenaline rush of pulling the tool
away as I nearly punctured the form, leaving a thin layer of wood. It is best
viewed in a strong directional light to capture the textured surface.
The piece was created using two different chainsaws, one with a specialist
attachment that has a belt driven wheel with gouges on it. This gives the unique
texture and feel to the work.
It is dominated by its rough texture created by the spinning blades of the power
gouge. Behind it’s rough, almost angry texture lies a face of contentment. The
direction of the texture sweeps along the contours of the face, hinting at
weathered features. I love this tool and the feeling of excitement at removing
large quantities of material at a fast pace. The trick is to not dig too deep, letting
the tool do the work, and not puncturing the surface. I hollowed out the back of
this face to give a lightness to the form. The form tapers toward the edges,
becoming ragged and torn as it approaches the back and top.
I love its simplicity and lightness. It has the contrast of rough textures against
the peacefulness of the face.
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Artist Showcase
pg 13
Simon O’Rourke
[Each piece is a handmade work of art and may vary]
Concern
Redwood
Dimensions: 45cm x 38cm
Weight: 5-10kg
Edition: Unlimited
Price: £695 (excl. p&p)
Click to buy
This piece, made from Redwood, is a snapshot of a facial expression. The
subtle yet striking expression is one of mild concern. One of Simon’s favourite
subjects is the human face. He finds the infinite expressions found in the face
can be changed dramatically by the tiniest of movements. These are difficult
enough to capture with pencil and paper, let alone a chainsaw. It is obvious that
his experience as an illustrator holds him in good stead in achieving this.
The Initial tool used is a chainsaw, used to create the rough shapes and round
off the forms. Then Simon uses a combination of sanding tools, an angle
grinder and a power file to smooth the surface.
It is important that a certain amount of texture remains therefore not
rendering the surface featureless. As well as telling the story of the piece, the
tool marks give the piece movement and also a sense of direction.
The most enjoyable aspect of production for Simon is the process of
development from a raw log to the discovery of the expression inside the
wood.
As Seen on itv news
Contact us:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 (0)7427 687 944
pg 14
Artist Showcase
Simon O’Rourke
[Each piece is a handmade work of art and may vary]
Emma
Scorched Ash
Dimensions: 90cm x 30cm
Weight: 2-5kg
Edition: Unlimited
Price: £395 (excl. p&p)
Click to buy
The inspiration behind this piece was the artist’s niece Emma and her
aspirations in the world of ballet. Her chin held high, perfect posture and a
poised expression give the image the feeling of a moment captured.
The lighting is enhanced by the grain of the wood, giving an undulating texture
and movement to the composition. The upper hand, barely visible in the
shadowy umbra sweeps over her head. While the lower hand, made large by the
foreshortening of the image, cradles the torso.
The defined grain of the timber contrasts with the softness of the subject matter
creating a balance of light and shade in the piece.
Simon loves the process of creating this work using what he describes as harsh
and unforgiving tools. Often needing to work with speed yet at the same time
use the lightest of touches with the sanders to retain control and create very
subtle highlights.
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Artist Showcase
pg 15
Debbie Nairn
Bud & Husk [Birth 005]
Ceramic, Copper, Wood
Dimension: 13cm x 9cm
Weight: 0.33kg
Edition: Original 1/1
Price: £250 (excl. p&p)
Click to buy
For life to succeed there is usually a process of nurturing. On searching into
ways of nurturing the question of which came first, “the chicken or the egg?”
came to mind, and I then chose the egg/seed to broadly represent the
symbol of birth as I looked at how nature protects what is born.
The ceramic bud has been slip-cast using porcelain slip with copper wire
added on the second firing. The supporting husk is of carved and oiled wood.
The Bud & Husk is one of a series of sculptures that is being created to
interpret ones journey through life, and has been fashioned purely for the
adornment of the home. It is essentially a small work of art to be observed
and enjoyed and is of no practical use.
I love observing nature as it tries to keep our contrasting world in balance. I
am constantly amazed at the diversity of our flora and fauna. I am roused by
the changing colours of autumn across a beautiful landscape and enthralled
when I come face-to-face with danger in all its spectacularly beautiful forms
as I take a summer dive beneath the waves.
I am an artist that only creates in 3D. I combine metal and ceramics, and
place them on, or surround them with, the natural beauty of wood.
Contact us:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 (0)7427 687 944
pg 16
Artist Showcase
Anne Clements
[Each piece is a handmade work of art and may vary]
Small Fishy Lamp
Porcelain Paper Clay
Dimension: 11cm x 9cm
Weight: 0.2kg
Edition: Unlimited
Price: £45 (excl p&p)
Click to buy
I love the fluidity of my Small Fishy Lamp; it reminds me of the seaside with
its sandcastle shape, fish, and seashells, all of which are subliminally
associated with happy childhood memories.
The Small Fishy Lamp is made from paper-thin porcelain clay, that is
stretched almost to the point of tearing so that it will allow light to shine out
through the structure. The fishy imaginary species are brought into existence
at the point where I form them out of the clay. I then place them obliquely
within the structure to not only add emphasis to the natural flowing shape of
fish but also to give the lamp that spiralling effect that occurs when fish swim
in shoals in deep water.
Because I always work in-the-moment with the porcelain paper clay no two
small works of art will ever be identical.
My career as a potter really started to take shape when my husband’s job
took us to Tennessee for two years. As I was unable to get a work permit, I
went to the local Arts Centre where I met and worked with an inspirational
teacher, Jackie Mirzadeh. By the time I returned to Chester (UK), I was ready
to set up my studio with a wheel for throwing pots and a kiln for firing them,
using glazes I have developed myself.
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Artist Showcase
pg 17
Lucy E. Jones
Idealistic Moment
Acrylic Laminated Panel
Image Size: 30cm x 30cm x 1cm
Frame Size: 40cm x 40cm x 3.5cm
Weight: 1.3kgs
Edition: Original – 1/1
Price: £400 image (excl. p&p)
Price: £440 framed (excl. p&p)
Click to buy
What I like most in this acrylic laminated panel, which I have called Idealistic
Moment, is that the wrecking ball and heavy chain are not special to any one
place or time and could be found anywhere where there is construction and
change. It features a single dominant colour seemingly suspended
motionless. Overall the painting has a certain stillness and simplicity to it
that I find very satisfying.
I am fascinated by the notion of experimentation, and the fact that it is often
the mistakes that lead scientists on to their greatest discoveries. I love the
idea that within the predetermined parameters of an experiment surprising
results are created in what I like to call ‘controlled randomness’. I am
inspired by systems and the scientific concept of the chaos theory that sits
behind the systems.
I started by incorporating planned layers of photographic images that
capture elements of change engineered by man, predominantly for their
forceful and dynamic compositions. These images act as a random
ingredient or reference to the overall laminated acrylic panel. I then
distanced myself from the work, both emotionally and physically, drizzling
and splattering the paint from an increasingly greater height.
Contact us:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 (0)7427 687 944
pg 18
Artist Showcase
Sonja Moss-Dolega
[Each piece is a handmade work of art and may vary]
Sea Girl
Ceramic tubular statuette
Dimensions: 40cm x 7cm
Weight: 0.65kg
Edition: Unlimited
Price: £120 (excl p&p)
Click to buy
Sea Girl is a play on words: Seagirl/Seagull.
I love my Sea Girl because she stands proud
and she reminds me that there is a lot of
pleasure to be gained by the simple things in
life such as standing on the shore looking out
to sea.
All Sea Girls are blue.
I have often observed that when people stand
on the sea-shore there is a tendency for them
to turn their faces out across the sea and then
to tip their heads slightly skywards. Usually people close their eyes, and as
they breathe in the smell of the sea a look of pure joy crosses their face. On a
.
windy day, for girls with long hair,
there is the added enjoyment of their hair
streaming uncontrollably out behind them often in a fan-shape which
reminds me of the tail of the seagull as it too battles with the combined
elements of wind and sea.
In simple terms I am inspired by the moods and emotions of everyday people
to
. which I then add my own particular sense of humour, which in turn informs
the fundamental style of my figurative art. I have found that working in clay
and porcelain is where I am able to be most expressive.
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WWI Centenary
Archives
pg 19
Lucy E. Jones: Poppy Plate Collection
[Each piece is a handmade work of art and may vary]
Poppy Plate Collection
Fine Bone China
Diameter: 18cm
Weight: 0.5kg
Red & Gold Poppies: Lithographed
Single Poppy: Hand-painted
Edition: Unlimited
Red & Gold: £20 (excl. p&p)
Single Poppy: £40 (excl. p&p)
Click to buy
I have created a trio of commemorative plates that carry images of Poppies.
The Poppy Plates are made from fine bone china and have been designed to
be either a decorative small work of art or fine-dining tableware. Please be
aware that the plates are decorated with gold, it is therefore recommended
that you do not place them in a dishwasher or a microwave cooker.
As Head of Art for Chester The Giants City, As Head of Art for Chester The Giants
City, One of the groups I worked with during my time at The Giants were the
Homeless Soldiers. Making 14ft Carnival Giants, also had the added
advantage that it gave support to a lot of wonderful people who had come
across hard times, and just needed a helping hand.
The soldiers had all come back from various wars and were struggling to
adjust to being back Home. At The giants we had a job that needed doing packing up a 10,000 sq ft unit full of giants and moving everything to a new
home. At the drop of a hat they came together, got stuck in, and helped The
Giants move. I am so glad that they did, as I now know how to have a good
laugh whilst precision-packing endless skips full of rubbish. I also observed,
whilst watching these men at work, how tolerant, caring and supportive they
were of each others needs. It was a real privilege to work alongside them.
For each Poppy Plate sale you make, I will donate
10% to help rehabilitate Homeless Soldiers
Contact us:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 (0)7427 687 944
pg 20
Exhibitions
BOB North reviewed: March 2016
Here at Small Works of Art we want to give you the opportunity to come and meet
and talk to the Artists that we have introduced you to in our brochures. Lucy E.
Jones, Debbie Nairn spend a very busy weekend at Preston promoting the best of
British art.
It has to be said that the work of our featured artist for march, Simon O’ Rourke
took centre stage at the exhibition and received a lot of positive attention.
You can see Simon and ‘Compassion’ as he was interviewed for ITV coast and
country on this link: http://www.itv.com/walesprogrammes/coast-andcountry/coast-and-country-series-4-episode-2
This piece is exclusive to Small Works of Art and is available to buy on page 12.
We took a lot of extra work to the show, so it was an opportunity for people to
see a broader spectrum of work from our artists. There is often the possibility of
showing larger pieces, which can help to put our artists work into context. For
instance some artists are used to working on a much larger scale which as you
can appreciate, makes postage a unique logistical challenge.
So please take advantage if we happen to exhibit in your area, come and see us.
There’s nothing like seeing that special piece in the flesh and snapping it up.
Limited Collections
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Exhibitions
pg 21
BOB North reviewed: March 2016
It was great to have a chat with the modest Matthew Wilcock, the winner of ‘The
Great British throw down’ who was there to officially open the event, even though we
talked about everything but pottery.
Coming Soon
Open art studio featuring
Small Works of Art, 25th June 2016 12 -4pm
Set in the picturesque village of Llanasa in the Flintshire countryside, We will be
exhibiting at the same time as the Llanasa Open Gardens which attracts huge
numbers of visitors every year. It is a typical reflection of village life. There is
plenty for everyone to see and do, even a scarecrow festival for the children.
Keep a look out for more details about this event in our social media.
In our next edition
Our theme will be Flora and Fauna and a brand new artist to be revealed
All the Artists that you have been introduced to this edition will of course all be
back so that you can continue to get to know these them and their work.
From all of us here at Small Works of Art, we hope you have
found something that sparks your interest and we hope you
enjoy the next issue
Contact us:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 (0)7427 687 944