Art: Brighton’s arty 2 September

I’m often asked how we chose the cover artwork for our book, Brighton’s Artists 2014. It was easy. We wanted something totally Brighton, more than a little bit quirky, and – of course – sparkling with creative brilliance.

The Dane (husband, other half of Brighton’s Arty, crayon to my pen) and myself shouted in unison: Harriet Butler!

If you haven’t yet discovered Harriet’s work, get ready to be drawn into a world where the familiar becomes fantastical, as facts and a lot of nonsense combine. Favourite Brighton landmarks and landscapes are transformed into imaginative new worlds informed by hours of meticulous preparation and research, as Harriet populates her intricate visual narratives with historical characters and mystical creatures.

Her preferred technique is hand-painted etchings – which involve flipping the original drawing so she has to work on the plate in reverse before revealing the final print – and she explains results as a collection of ‘strange, quirky and bizarre dialogues’. See them for yourself at Bellis Gallery, King’s Road; the delightful art space that boasts an eclectic and irresistible collection curated by Sema Ugur. You might even find Harriet behind the front desk. But don’t expect her to reveal herself if you start looking at her work. She’s far too modest!

Last chance to see: Sheila and Peter Marlborough’s joint exhibition ‘Variations II – Colour & Contrast’ showing Peter’s atmospheric landscapes in oil and Sheila’s colourful abstracts in acrylic and mixed media. At the Hop Gallery, Lewes, until 7 September.

Out of town: Thrilled – but not surprised – to hear that talented artist Sarah Shaw has been selected for the prestigious Threadneedle Art Prize at the Mall Galleries in London. Find out why at the beautiful Towner Gallery in Eastbourne, where Sarah is part of the East Sussex Open 2014.
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