Art and Mind Exhibition
This page will feature the artwork and stories behind many of the pieces in the Art and Mind exhibition. It is being updated throughout the viewing dates at Studio Kind. Please check in from time to time as we bring more focus to our submissions...
Mandy
Kate
Ruth
James
Claire
Peter
Ali
Claire
Paula
Peter
“I spent a significant part of my career as a commercial diver. However, after a spinal injury left me reliant on a wheelchair, I found myself stuck at home, feeling lost. I had always been passionate about photography, so when I came across the Well Image course, I enrolled on it with hope.
The course provided me with tangible goals. Setting a weekly objective to photograph a specific subject not only got me out of the house but also reignited my love for photography and videography.
This newfound inspiration has propelled me to pursue opportunities in the video and TV industry. Participating in the transformative courses has been truly life-changing for me.”
Kate
“I've been ill, for coming up for 24/25 years now, and I've worked pretty much housebound all that time. And so my life had become very samey. And not in a particularly awful way, but just that there were only certain things I could do in certain ways in which I could kind of be in the world. And the photography literally and sort of more metaphorically, made me view my own environment differently. I started noticing the light coming in, you know, really basic things like started noticing how the light came in through the windows or shadows on the walls and the view outside by windows, and how that changed as the seasons changed.”
Mandy
“What I found immediately, that very first week when I did the course, I was going out, and I only had a phone then, not a camera. It was like having a little holiday from the grief, because when I got home again I'd been out for about two hours which was a long time for me to be out by myself and I got home and I realised that I'd had a break from it. I’d been so focused on what pictures I was taking with the light and everything, the composition, I didn't think about the grief and it was like a complete break and so I went out the next day as well for another two hours and that was a few years ago now and it's kind of gone on from there and has led me to be more sociable than I was.“
James
“It really puts me in the present moment and I think the beauty of photography for me is I can just be sort of free of everything for even just a moment, even just a couple of seconds.
When you're looking for that image to capture, you’re looking around and I'm seeing the world in a different way really because you're looking for the light and little things like that. You see a shadow and you think, oh, that'll make a nice photo or somebody walking or a view and all these little things that you wouldn't necessarily really think about day to day, and it was just nice to get out on about and it gave me an excuse to sort of go out and find new places, especially out in nature.”
Claire
“The nurse came in and I was smiling and she looked at me and said, That’s brilliant, she said you're back in your happy place.
I said, what do you mean? She said, you're back in your happy place. You're back doing your photos. I want to see those photos when they're done.”
Ruth
“The photography workshops have given me the confidence to go out and appreciate what is near me but also to attend events because I'm going to photograph them. I get an extra reward, whereas it would be too much physical or mental effort to just go or I might be in too much pain, it gives me that extra incentive to go and do things and get me out of the house. My fitness as well as my mental health has improved enormously as a result.”
Paula
“I have noticed more connection with my friends when I share my progress on our zoom catch ups as we get curious about the detail captured in the photos, which gives us something positive to talk about.”
Sandra
“I didn't join courses before because they were face to face and I couldn't bring myself to do it because I never went out too much only if I needed to go to work and that was it. So yeah so when they came online it was brilliant you know I could actually do it and then it made so much difference to me because obviously you've got that purpose to go out to do something when you are set a task and like you say, you notice things and you just see a world in a different way really, as it wasn't before. Before it's looked a little bit the same or gloomy, but photography brings it to life, if you see what I mean. You stop and notice things which I never did before. So really it's been very good for me. I now get out and about and just see world differently, so it’s really has done a lot for me.”
Ali
“The online accessibility to the photography courses is really valuable. I think there are a lot of access barriers in the art world.
It can be in practical terms like the length of a session that’s offered or the pacing between sessions that’s not in line with disabled artists who have energy constraints etc. I have developed ME so it’s very energy limiting and the photography gives me flow, creativity, and exploration.
In the past I had a darkroom and used a camera, and even used photography in my work with young people but that’s not possible anymore.
I now use a phone and get a lot of creativity out of it and meaning and flow in my life.
The online photography sessions are not a lesser alternative but a valid equal for photographers to make connections, share ideas, and receive feedback so that they can develop.”
Ink
If mention that this is not a tree, I wonder what you would see?
This piece is one of 3 ceramic pieces submitted to the Art and Mind exhibition, created from scratch by the artist.
Mother and Child
Into the Woods
'Sunset'
Ali Newton
“The online accessibility to the photography courses is really valuable. I think there are a lot of access barriers in the art world.
It can be in practical terms like the length of a session that’s offered or the pacing between sessions that’s not in line with disabled
artists who have energy constraints etc. I have developed ME so it’s very energy limiting and the photography gives me flow, creativity, and exploration.
In the past I had a darkroom and used a camera, and even used photography in my work with young people but that’s not possible anymore.
I now use a phone and get a lot of creativity out of it and meaning and flow in my life.
The online photography sessions are not a lesser alternative but a valid equal for photographers to make connections, share ideas, and receive feedback so that they can develop.”
Jane Dyer - 'Mookie'​
Oil pastels and baby oil, 2 hours.
"It's been so enjoyable to get back into art again after 4 decades of other 'stuff' taking centre stage. The Chatty Art cafe has a winning combination of an enthusiastic and highly talented mentor in Sarah Fenner and other friends who all bring their own creative art skills to learn from, plus there's yummy cake. I get so much out of it and it's reignited my love of all things arty".
"W" - 'Seeing Nature'
Watercolour pens, 2 hours
​"I’ve really had fun playing with different art mediums, makes me feel lighter, when the rest of my life is filled with work stress and family burdens that weigh me down.
I’ve cherished the gentle, friendly, no pressure atmosphere which stops me from socially isolating myself and the feelings of loneliness. I’m beginning to trust others and build relationships".
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Sian Turner - 'Emu!'
​Water soluble wax crayons, 2 hours
"I love this friendly relaxed class. I'm learning about the different mediums also finding art is not just drawing or painting".
Joycey, Marlborough Court Art project and Creative Minds - 'Lace'
Mixed media, liquid watercolour, wool
An exploration of alternative prints with flora/fauna/fabrics brought 'Lace' into being.
Michelle Cook - 'Inspired by Spring Trees'
Acrylic on canvas, 2 hours
This piece is inspiring by the work of Anna Blatman.
"I have been attending the chatty art sessions with Sarah for approx a year. During that time I have enjoyed exploring the process of accessing my creativity in a non-threatening environment alongside others who have been welcoming & joyful to be around.
For me art has been in my life for many a year & has been an access to easing stress & allowing myself to be absorbed in what I am creating. Accessing creativity enables me to switch off from the turmoils of everyday life & find peace within."
Maggie Reid - 'Happy Bird'
Acrylic on canvas, 2 hours
Happy bird is inspired by the work of Anna Blatman.
"The Chatty Art Cafe has given me more confidence in my own art, I’d never done art before joining this lovely chilled group. Sarah makes me feel comfortable, she is so encouraging and makes me feel nothing is a mistake, even when I’ve felt like some of my work has been….. I love learning about all the different mediums & techniques that can be used. I enjoy it so much and actually feel relaxed and so calm as I absorb myself in my very own little pieces of Art. I’d recommend it to anyone."
'Everyone is Welcome'
The cartoon strip encompasses the passion of the Community Cre8tives group.
'Pikachu'
Coloured pencil on canvas, this piece was inspired by a love of anime and pop culture and took 8 hours.
Tracey Seymour - 'Papilio'
Created in papier mache, collage and pearlescent acrylic; giving shape to the bowl took 15 hours in total, between the Community Cre8tives group and a home workshop. The design was inspired by a separate mask workshop at the Community Cre8tives weekly meeting, and the artist wanted to continue building on the skills and techniques in a new piece.
James Hilton - 'Odd One Out'
Felt pens on flat white multimedia paper. A love of Minions motivated James to create his piece.
'The Scary House'
Inspired by Seafield House ('The Haunted House', Westward Ho!), and the Horror genre, using a collection of organic craft materials this 3D piece took 10 hours to bring together.
'Our Beautiful Bideford'
This multiple media across two joined canvases was created by around 30 people of the Community Cre8tives group, established at the Pollyfields Community Centre in Bideford for over 18 months. A multitude of techniques and individual styles, it is a celebration of collaboration and creativity.
The group considered the commonalities of the place they live that hold a profound importance to all visitors, artists and crafters alike.
William Scott - 'HMS Victory'
Saved and rescued from landfill. I saw the object as a challenge and a treasured object to be restored much like myself.
This composition has a depth of story behind it. The base is donated by a member of the artists' group, having been stored away for decades. The ship herself is mounted on an original timber and copper base from HMS Victory. When William found the ship, she was underneath a pile of items, with the masts and rigging destroyed. He has rebuilt the masts with kebab skewers and restrung the rigging - with his left hand, while he is recovering from a stroke.
Charlie - 'Love for Nature'
An assemblage of various craft materials, inspired by family and nature and taking 2 hours 30 to craft. "Assemblage is art that is made by assembling disparate elements – often everyday objects – scavenged by the artist or bought specially. The use of assemblage as an approach to making art goes back to Pablo Picasso’s cubist constructions" - Tate
'A Weathered Life'
Pencil and Charcoal. This portrait took around 15 hours. The artist enjoyed the difficulty of the 'wrinkles'. At the time they were interested in portraits that had character.
This piece was done when I was in an alone period, for various reasons, and spent a lot of time at home. After making portraits of beauty models I enjoyed the challenge of putting a lifetime of character into this portrait. To produce a good piece of art gives me purpose. I suffered with an art block for a while and I have begun 'life drawing' classes at Studio Kind which has reignited my passion. The flip side is that when a piece is difficult or problematic, it can be difficult not to give up.
This piece is a cardboard box covered in Gelli printed fabric, machine quilted. The hands are made of calico and painted with acrylic paint. The fabric is from my fabric stash, and the wool hand spun by me, from my sheep. I was inspired by the Community Creatives group, and by nature around me when I go walking. The idea was born from flicking through my sketchbook. The project them grew organically with many variations in my mind.
Denise - 'Row of Houses'
Mixed media on canvas; acrylic, collage and pen.
This piece is inspired by exploration in the Chatty art cafe group. I have been attending these sessions a while now and always go home buzzing. I didn't know anyone when I joined and its really good to turn up now and feel part of the group. Each week is completely different and is amazing seeing all the different interpretations, I love it!
W. Owen - 'Remembering Lillian'
Ink and Watercolour
"People come and go but some leave treasured memories. I knew the girl in the picture as an older woman. Her father was the signalman & stationmaster. My painting is based on a photography dated in the early 20th century. I am now an old man and hope that when I pass on there will be someone who remembers me with some affection."
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Barbara - 'Rabbit'
A mixed paper collage piece that took 2 hours to create. I have always worked with oil and acrylic painting, but joining a group with friends every Monday morning has opened up a whole new world of art for me. I have learnt so many different ways of making a picture. We have been supported by TVS & Creative Lives, and the Creative Minds art project.
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Clare - '(Coffee) Beach Scene'
I created this piece at the Chatty Art Cafe. We had a theme; painting with coffee. This picture is created with coffee. I've really enjoyed being part of Sarah's 'Creative Minds' art group. It's helped me rediscover my love of art in a non-competitive, fun atmosphere. I've learned new skills, thanks to Sarah's encouragement, patience and enthusiasm and have made some lovely like-minded friends. A big thanks to Sarah. Keep up your invaluable work.
Clare - 'Sunflower'
Julie - 'Beach Huts'
From the Chatty Art Soiree, this piece took 2 hours and has been created using mixed media; acrylic and collage on canvas. This is a first foray into collage. The Chatty Art sessions are a couple of engrossing hours where everyday life is blocked out. Julie claims to be 'not an artist' but has surprised herself with what she has produced.
NHS Board
This piece is a compilation of multiple works from the Wards at North Devon District Hospital.
Janet - 'Little Bird'
This watercolour work took 2 hours, inspired by the little birds around the world. Janet has enjoyed the Marlborough Court Art sessions - getting outdoors to see what the art tutor has brought each time - helps her feel much better and sets her up for the rest of the day.
Martin Luff - 'Visions'
A collection of images created in various mediums including water colour, acrylic, pencil and pen. On diverse papers and one canvas. The composition took 30+ hours to create. This image was inspired by dreams and memories of past experiences.
North Devon Craftivists - 'Nurture Nature'
As North Devon Craftivists we created about 20 stitched panels with environmental messages to be displayed for the World leaders at COP26 in Glasgow. Before we sent them off we displayed them in Barnstaple and Bideford, and found that people were really interested in talking to us about the issues raised.
The panels were mostly repurposed as blankets for homeless people and refugees, so after COP 26 we didn’t have them any more. We decided to make some new ones, for outreach purposes, but several people found it too daunting to make a whole one on their own. That’s why we started this collaborative panel, so people could contribute as much or as little as they liked, and with any skill level. It was empowering for people to be able to contribute a small bit, but feel part of something much bigger.
All the textiles used in this piece are recycled. The background is part of an old duvet cover from a charity shop.
Aaron from Community Cre8tives spent 4 hours creating this mixed media image evoking memories of North Devon's maritime history.
AFAB Waymakers - 'Kintsugi'
Created using ceramic, glue, gold paint, shredded paper, post cards.
The AFAB peer support group created this 3D piece that sits in the gallery on a plinth. Kintsugi means 'the broken beautiful'. This concept resonates with all members of the group.
'Rooftops on a Dog Walk'
Mixed media - acrylic, oil pastels.
The sky at Westward Ho! provides inspiration for this piece.
'Clive the Chameleon'
Mixed media - Brusho, acrylic, biro and homemade paper.
The chameleon reminds me of a visitor to our garden when I lived in warmer climes. This piece took a couple of days, waiting for each medium to dry before applying the next.