Let’s Talk About Warmth (part one)
As we prepare to open RELATIONAL WARMTH at the gallery, it would be nice to introduce a few of the artists taking part in the show and let them convey how they have interpreted the theme and how it may have influenced their submissions.
We have a delightful ‘bakers dozen’ of exhibitors, so a diverse selection of mediums, styles and artists together, with the flow of warmth running throughout.
Heres a short interview from the three artists - there will be more episodes to showcase each artist and get to know more about their art - Enjoy x
Fiona Bruce - Ceramic Artist
• What are your thoughts on incorporating Warmth into your work?
I like the grouping of pieces together as this gives a sense of relationship, proximity and warmth. Colour - warm oranges, reds, browns. Tactile - smooth and calming to the touch - I would encourage people to hold my clay objects; turn them over and enjoy the tactile feel. Some of my pieces are also more functional, like the pots and sharing boards. These have come from my idea of the warmth of sharing food with friends and enjoying their company.
• What immediately comes to mind when you think of "Warmth"?
Sharing, colour, closeness.
• Have you found yourself drawn to Warmth in paintings before?
In paintings I have been drawn to strong colours of Howard Hodgkin paintings from his visits to India. In ceramics I am drawn to the relationships between pieces and like to create in 3's.
• And finally, how has the preparation for this Exhibition challenged your practice as an artist?
I've been thinking more about warmth in the broadest sense of contact and relations with people and objects. Colour and physical warmth have been important, but also emotional warmth and sense of interaction / closeness between things.
Julie Bennett - Portrait Artist
What are your thoughts on incorporating Warmth into your work?
It was good to think about what colour palette I would associate with warmth - reds, oranges and yellows.
What immediately comes to mind when you think of "Warmth"?
A hot drink after being out on a cold winter’s day but I wonder if that’s because it’s January. If you’d asked me in July I might say sitting in the garden on a hot sunny day.
Have you found yourself drawn to Warmth in paintings before?
Well, I certainly think I am drawn to red in other people’s works, whether I see it as warmth or as striking. I remember being struck by Marlene Dumas’s Jule-die-Vrou when I first saw it.
And finally, how has the preparation for this Exhibition challenged your practice as an artist?
My work firmly focusses on the face usually without much context, so incorporating a mug into the work was interesting as I had to keep thinking about whether it was taking attention away from the sitter. I am also challenged by having to work so small as my work tends to be on larger canvases. I find it restricts how I can express myself with the physical application of paint.
Nikki Pearce - Landscape Artist
What are your thoughts on incorporating Warmth into your work?
I see the warmth as connectivity, my connection to my work and the quietness and comfort it can bring to my mind. The connection to landscape and nature as my subject matter. I hope a positive connection and warmth to the audience and fellow artists.
• What immediately comes to mind when you think of "Warmth"?
A huge hug, an emotional and physical connection.
• Have you found yourself drawn to Warmth in paintings before?
I see it as joy or excitement. I couldn't name a specific painting but was so excited by the Anselm Kiefer exhibition at the White Cube last year.
• And finally, how has the preparation for this Exhibition challenged your practice as an artist?
It has allowed me to look back at previous work and question how to achieve this warmth and connectivity going forward with more integrity.
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