Brighton’s Arty: Natural Responses

Embraced as we are by the beauty of the Downs, it’s too easy for Brightonians to take for granted our surrounding countryside. Thank goodness then for the astonishing variety of responses it evokes from local artists, forcing us out of complacency to view the familiar in a new light.

There’s Helen Brown, who works outdoors directly from the landscape in lino or woodcut, imbuing its lines with atmosphere and emotion in rich, earthy tones. Or Rob Ollerenshaw, whose fascination with elemental changes results in paintings that are a very personal impression of a particular place and time, capturing the moment in a synthesis of light, colour and texture.
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A stark and dramatic contrast is the work of Angie Meaden, renowned for her moody, evocative scenes that reference long walks on the Downs. She studied fine art textiles, and describes her technique as repetitive ‘mark making’ – very much like the stitching she used to do. Her tools are traditional pens with ink, which she waters down to create varying effects, and her preferred palette is a very deliberate black, white and gold. This enables Angie to focus on textures, as she draws with mesmerising intricacy; meticulously working the layers away to uncover intriguing visual narratives. Powerful, captivating and always offering new details to discover. Just like the Downs themselves.

Out of town: If you’ve never experienced the charm of the delightful James Stewart at Arundel’s Zimmer Stewart Gallery, head up their now to see Andrea Schulewitz’s new 2014 exhibition – a series of work joined by the letter ‘C’ (think confluence, convergence, car park, crowd…). From 3 to 25 October.
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Don’t miss: On 4 October Brighton Unitarian Church, New Road, will be hosting the latest Makers Boutique. It’s a great opportunity to pick up a special present – or treat yourself – from the fabulous range of affordable arts and crafts. You’ll be supporting local businesses, too!