2014 Exhibitions
CHRISTMAS ART AND CRAFTS GIFT FAIR: 22 November - 21 December 2014
For the run up to Christmas we turned the gallery into an Aladdin's Cave of delectable gifts with a fantastic range of handmade items, ideal for Christmas presents, from some 20 artists and craftspeople. Work included original paintings, prints, photography, textiles, ceramics, jewellery and more.
ANDREW FORKNER, BIRDSCAPES: 25 October - 16 November 2014
From 25 October to 16 November West Ox Arts the gallery showed 'BIRDSCAPES' - wonderful bird portraits by Witney-based Andrew Forkner; an award-winning wildlife artist.
The exhibition was timed to celebrate the publication of Andrew's new book, ‘A-Z of Bird Portraits’.
As well as showing original paintings that are featured in his book, signed copies of the book were also available during the exhibition, and Andrew gave a talk about the pleasures and pitfalls of publishing his book.
The exhibition was timed to celebrate the publication of Andrew's new book, ‘A-Z of Bird Portraits’.
As well as showing original paintings that are featured in his book, signed copies of the book were also available during the exhibition, and Andrew gave a talk about the pleasures and pitfalls of publishing his book.
MOMENTS: 27 September - 19 October 2014
Drawings by Miriam Taylor . Woodcarvings by Dick Budden
Drawings by Miriam Taylor . Woodcarvings by Dick Budden
Miriam's drawings, on beautiful paper, are made using various media employing highly abstracted and reductionist marks. Complex textures emerge, giving a contemplative and distilled quality. Echoing Miriam's drawings are Dick's woodcarvings made using a lyrical process whereby the log gradually acquires form as its outer layers are peeled back. Dick compares his work with jazz improvisation: carefully balancing experience and instinct.
OVER & OUT: 30 August - 21 September 2014
Will Wade . Nettle Grellier. Anna Bruce . Rosanna Hamilton-Briscoe . Helena Crabtree . Flävia Dent . Marie Blandin
Will Wade . Nettle Grellier. Anna Bruce . Rosanna Hamilton-Briscoe . Helena Crabtree . Flävia Dent . Marie Blandin
‘OVER & OUT’ showed a thought-provoking body of recent work by an eclectic group of up and coming young artists. Curated by Bampton-based Flävia Dent, who had been working as interim curator at the gallery since May, the show brought together artists from various disciplines and colleges.
Flävia acknowledged being inspired by 1970s events, where artists grouped together in ‘alternative’ venues and curated their own shows, rebuffing official exhibitions as well as admitting the more practical function of enabling their work to be seen by a new audience – something that is a real difficulty for new graduates.
Flävia acknowledged being inspired by 1970s events, where artists grouped together in ‘alternative’ venues and curated their own shows, rebuffing official exhibitions as well as admitting the more practical function of enabling their work to be seen by a new audience – something that is a real difficulty for new graduates.
EIGHT IN PRINT: 2 - 24 August 2014
Maria Bradford . Catriona Brodribb . Jenny Lines . Flora McLachlan . Jane Peart .
Heather Power . Morna Rhys . Caroline Tyack
August's exhibition featured recent work from eight printmakers who are all members of Oxford Printmakers' Co-operative. While sharing a common love of ink they have exciting and diverse approaches and use techniques including etching, aquatint, screenprinting, monoprinting, vinyl cuts, chine colle and embossing.
Heather Power . Morna Rhys . Caroline Tyack
August's exhibition featured recent work from eight printmakers who are all members of Oxford Printmakers' Co-operative. While sharing a common love of ink they have exciting and diverse approaches and use techniques including etching, aquatint, screenprinting, monoprinting, vinyl cuts, chine colle and embossing.
The atmosphere - perhaps of a rural view, a temple scene, or an animal's texture and personality - is brought alive by Jane Peart's evocative mark-making while Heather Power uses etching and screen-printing to create remarkable velvety black silhouetted winter trees and intricately delicate meadow seeds and grasses. Morna Rhys's etchings reflect the mystery of nature, land and seascapes, using heightened colour and dramatic compositions. Caroline Tyack also gains her inspiration from the landscape, observing its changing weather, seasons, growth, forms, light and colour; resulting in powerful, almost abstract, images.
While the strong narrative element of Maria Bradford's quirky and colourful prints echoes their genesis in incidents and stories, Catriona Brodribb's source material includes prosaic items such as pylons, pound signs, or an image on a pot, which she then transforms into intriguing artworks. Jenny Lines' sources of inspiration are also everyday - perhaps a walk near her home - but the commonplace environment is made magical through dramatic lighting. Light also features strongly in Flora McLachlan's exquisite etchings, often inspired by medieval poetry, fairytales or ancient, enchanted landscapes
ABSTRACT POSSIBILITIES: 5 - 27 July 2014 Phyl Thorpe, Ben Drew and Sue Drew
Abstract Possibilities showed a fascinating mix of exuberant paintings by Phyl Thorpe which, although primarily abstract, give tantalising hints of objects; wonderful garden-sized pots by Ben Drew; and delicate mixed media work, spanning the two/three dimensional divide, by Sue Drew. Check out some photos of Ben, Sue and Phyl's work on our blog.
SPACES IN FLUX: 31 May - 29 June 2014
Spaces in Flux featured wonderful abstract paintings by Beverley Greig and thought-provoking sculpture by Neil Cap. Beverley Greig is drawn to spaces in transition, in particular the intricacies of the natural and untamed landscape. Neil Cap is intrigued by the metamorphosis of form as influenced by soul, emotion and thought. Together these artists presented a collection of paintings and sculpture offering a unique representation of the world as seen through their eyes, influenced by the environment around them.
THE ART OF POETRY: 3 - 25 May 2014
Contemporary art inspired by poetry. Unique. Thought-provoking. Fun.
ALTERNATIVE VIEWS: 5 - 27 April 2014 Fine Art Photography with a Twist by Janine Kilroe, Ian Fraser & David Parker-Woolway
Alternative Views featured fine art photography with a twist. Starting with standard photographs, three different artists employ unique methods which transform their photographs from something static and generic into works of art that are intriguing, nostalgic and mysterious. This exhibition is guaranteed to challenge your perceptions about photography.
In the Vesey Room Gallery (at Bampton Library)
JEWELLERY FOR HOPE BY LAURA HOUNAM: 3 - 29 April 2014
Unique jewellery, handmade using restored or restyled vintage pieces with proceeds going to Against Breast Cancer
JEWELLERY FOR HOPE BY LAURA HOUNAM: 3 - 29 April 2014
Unique jewellery, handmade using restored or restyled vintage pieces with proceeds going to Against Breast Cancer
For more information email Laura at laura@hounam.myzen.co.uk or phone her on 07816 333653.
CATCHING THE MOMENT: 1 - 30 March 2014
Featuring paintings by Lilla Fludra and sculpture by Christine Burgess & Linda Baillie.
Featuring paintings by Lilla Fludra and sculpture by Christine Burgess & Linda Baillie.
Lilla Fludra‘s work looks to reflect the transient emotions and moods of everyday life. Many of her paintings have the natural world as the main subject: trees, water, landscape - but painted in a stylized and often abstract way to evoke associations in the viewer and provoke an emotional reaction. Her work is rich in colour and texture; each painting like a still frame of the chosen moment. Exhibiting with Lilla are two sculptors, Christine Burgess and Linda Baillie. Both work figuratively using the human figure as a model - one in ceramic, one in bronze or clay - resulting in stunningly different styles.
WINTER INVITATIONAL POP UP EXHBITION: 1 - 23 February 2014
Featured artists include:
Emma Ablitt Sonja Coles Diana Homer Cathryn Jeff Debbie Page
Helen Pakeman Cat Sutherland Sharon Rich Kimmy Thomson Lawrence Ward
Emma Ablitt Sonja Coles Diana Homer Cathryn Jeff Debbie Page
Helen Pakeman Cat Sutherland Sharon Rich Kimmy Thomson Lawrence Ward
POP UP EXHIBITION: 11 - 26 January 2014
Showcasing work from some of our newest members.
Showcasing work from some of our newest members.
WOA proudly presents its January Pop Up Exhibition featuring the work of new members who have joined the Gallery within the last 12-18 months. The exhibition features a selection of media, from photography to fine pencil work, abstract art to textiles. Come along and brighten up the dull days of January and see the new and exciting work of Julia Craig, Derek Gale, Beverly Greig, John Grout, Steve Legge, Jane Sherwood, Sam Thulin and Frances Williams.