Foyer display: Rosalind Beeton

 

St Martin-in-the-Fields is home to several commissions and permanent installations by contemporary artists. We also have an exciting programme of temporary exhibitions, as well as a group of artists and craftspeople from the St Martin’s community who show artwork and organise art projects on a temporary basis.

One of the initiatives from this group is a changing display of work by the group members. Each month a different member of the group will show an example of their work, so, if you are able, do return to see the changing display.

This month we are showing landscapes from China, Suffolk and Wales in watercolour or oil by Rosalind Beeton. Rosalind writes of how she finds music in nature, the trees, the birds, the hills, the cosmos. She says: ‘I studied music for my B.Ed degree, learning about classical harmonic structures and how to compose pieces. I also spent many years training in art. I have played the piano since I was 7 and have played various instruments over the years but my great love has always been the cello, the music of which touches my heart deeply, so I am attempting to learn this beautiful instrument. Now I am also enjoying words in poetry that I write, enjoying the evocative musical sounds and colours that words can evoke and create. I feel privileged and happy to be a member of the Nazareth Contemplative Community here at St Martins-in-the-Fields.’

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Academy of St Martin in the Fields, St Martin's Voices, Andrew Earis - Hallelujah.

Foyer Display: Drawings from the Drawing Club

It’s a warm welcome back this week to the Foyer Display organised by the artists and craftsperson’s group at St Martin-in-the-Fields. The group is made up of artists and craftspeople from the St Martin’s community who show artwork and organise art projects on a temporary basis. One of the initiatives from this group is a changing display of work by the group members. Each month a different member of the group will show an example of their work, so, if you are able, do return to see the changing display.

This month we are showing drawings made by members of our Drawing Club. Each month for two hours the Drawing Club meets to draw together. The aim of the group is to encourage and practice together. Materials, objects to draw and step-by-step help for those who would like it are all provided. No previous experience is necessary, and all are welcome. The group is organised and led by Vicky Howard. For the most recent session, from which these drawings come, Vicky spoke about the late work of John Constable as an approach to drawing and provided gourds and shells from which to work. 

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Sixpence None the Richer - Sooner Than Later.

Foyer Display - Ruth Hutchinson

St Martin-in-the-Fields is home to several commissions and permanent installations by contemporary artists. We also have an exciting programme of temporary exhibitions, as well as a group of artists and craftspeople from the St Martin’s community who show artwork and organise art projects on a temporary basis. One of the initiatives from this group is a changing display of work by the group members or artists linked to the group. Each month a different artist shows examples of their work, so, if you are able, do return to see the changing display.

Ruth Hutchinson came to England from Jamaica in 1959 to train as a nurse. Now in her active retirement she enjoys lots of artistic pursuits including her art and her poetry. She does lots of poetry with local groups. She is also a longstanding active member of the congregation at St Martin-in-the-Fields, one of the welcoming stewards’ team and a co-leader of The Archers. Her passion for the arts was ignited when she re-trained as a nursery nurse but really grew when she studied art after retiring in 2001.

Ruth writes: ‘The Tie Suit was inspired by “my Dave.” When he died I found it difficult to part with his ties. I added to the collection by gathering more ties from charity shops to first create my tie skirt which was a hit at parties and then create the Tie waistcoat Shirt.

Sometimes we can find it hard to part with our loved ones. By reusing we can creatively create something new out of something sad and at the same time protect our environment.’

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Julie Miller - All My Tears.

Foyer Display - Asanka Lekamalage

The changing monthly display by the St Martin-in-the-Fields artists' and craftspeople's group in the Foyer of the Crypt for January is by Asanka Lekamalage. Each month a different member of the group or artists linked to it will show examples of their work, so do look regularly to see the changing display.

Asanka is a member of the congregation of St Martin-in-the-Fields. He has been interested in art since childhood but didn’t have a chance to pursue it further until the last few years. He enjoys experimenting with colour, techniques and media. Currently, he particularly likes working in soft pastels and subjects from nature.

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The Innocence Mission - On Your Side.

Foyer Display - Rae Gillott

St Martin-in-the-Fields is home to several commissions and permanent installations by contemporary artists. We also have an exciting programme of temporary exhibitions, as well as a group of artists and craftspeople from the St Martin’s community who show artwork and organise art projects on a temporary basis.

One of the initiatives from this group is a changing display of work by the group members. Each month a different member of the group will show an example of their work, so, if you are able, do return to see the changing display.

This month we have a selection of small baskets by Rae Gillott. Rae writes:

When our children were very young, friends and I began attending evening classes to keep our brains active. After a couple of false starts we ended up at a class learning how to re-cane chairs. When I had eventually completed all our chairs my tutor said ‘you’d better make a basket’. To be honest I was not keen. What I had glimpsed going on down the other end of the room did not look very interesting but there were several weeks of the term left and nothing else to do so I reluctantly started to make my first waste paper basket out of centre cane. From the start I was absolutely hooked and my life changed dramatically from then on.

I went on to study for the City & Guilds qualifications in basketry at the London School of Furniture being taught a wide range of techniques using many different materials by a fantastic group of experienced basketmakers. Then I joined The Basketmakers’ Association and was introduced, through their courses, to even more types of baskets, materials and techniques from the UK and overseas.

Basketmaking is a fascinating craft which, until the very recent invention and use of plastics, touched everyone’s life in one way or another, world-wide. Early peoples learnt to utilise whatever materials were to be found locally from wood and bark of large trees, through flexible stems like those of willow and rush found in the UK to grasses, roots, pine needles and countless other materials. Learning about the ingenious methods they found by which to make their materials flexible enough to use and the patterns and dyes they discovered is fascinating.

Eventually I came across Ply Split Braiding. This is not found widely around the world and is different from other weaving techniques I’ve come across in basketry in that the elements, the warp and weft, the stake and strand, are not taken in front and behind each other to form the structure, but are taken through. Soft materials, originally animal hair or plant materials, now cotton, wool etc., are twisted under tension to make cords, usually 3 or 4 ply, and then one cord is taken between the plies of another cord. In northern India this technique was used to make camel regalia but since research was carried out to understand the weaves, modern basketmakers and artists have started to form three dimensional objects using the technique. Ply Split Braiding has enabled me to indulge my love of colour and pattern.

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Eric Whitacre - Light and Gold: Lux Aurumque.

Foyer Display: Jenny Cox

The changing monthly display by the artists' and craftspeople's group at St Martin-in-the-Fields in the Foyer of the Crypt for November is by Jenny Cox. Each month a different member of the group or artists linked to it will show examples of their work, so do look regularly to see the changing display.

Jenny says, "Although I was born and brought up in London, I have felt close to the land and the countryside all my life. Nature was my extended family, and is still where I feel most at home. My relationship to Creation is a love affair, and my photographs are an expression of that love.

Since I was a child I have photographed the landscape, and it remains a process of prayer and praise. The images in this exhibition do not depict extraordinary places, but woodlands and forestry and streams.... I hope they express at least a little of the magic and mystery of the unseen worlds that can sometimes be sensed behind what we see.

The photographs are for sale. 25% of the proceeds will be given to Connection. If you would like to purchase one please contact me at jennyllcox@gmail.com, or on 07891 015332.

There are also 2 chalk pastel drawings in the display, made in the St Martin’s Art Club. To purchase a print of one of the drawings, please send an email, or phone".

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Leonard Cohen - Happens To The Heart.

Foyer Display: Lois Bentley

The changing monthly display by the artists' and craftspeople's group in the Foyer of the Crypt at St Martin-in-the-Fields for September is by Lois Bentley. Each month a different member of the group or artists linked to it will show examples of their work, so do look regularly to see the changing display.

Lois writes: ‘Held in the Gaze is a film concept that asks through whose eyes the story is being told. I have taken that thought and imagined who we are when held in the Creator’s Gaze – a beloved one in whom He delights. Specifically the artwork responds to a recent sermon on Luke ch11v2 when Jesus was asked to teach the disciples to pray. In the sermon we were invited to consider the Lord’s Prayer as a gift in response to two underlying fears (1) Do I live a purposeless existence, in a random world in a meaningless universe that will implode? (2) I feel so vulnerable , frightened and alone and life could go down the plug-hole at any moment.

This work speaks into those fears. It imagines that God is the one behind the lens and all that I am is coming into focus in three strips of film held up to dry in a photographic darkroom.’

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Switchfoot - All I Need.

Foyer Display: Dan Kaszeta

The changing monthly display by the artists' and craftspeople's group in the Foyer of the Crypt at St Martin-in-the-Fields for August is by Dan Kaszeta. Each month a different member of the group or artists linked to it will show examples of their work, so do look regularly to see the changing display.

Dan’s photographs were all taken on the same day in October 2010 during a visit to Liwonde National Park in Malawi, a 212 square mile park known for its wildlife. He explains: 

‘It was the end of the dry season and animals were concentrated around the Shire River, practically the only remaining water until the rainy season began after this visit. Susannah Woodd of this congregation was the driver during this small safari. 

The elephant in the first photo was quite unconcerned with our presence. The second photo was shot at considerable distance. The remaining elephant photos are of a group that were crossing through the forest. We were very lucky to spot them. I approached on foot only to have the group stop, turn on me, and decide that they did not like me. They were making stark eye contact with me and did not trust me. It was best for me to retreat.’ 

All of the photos were shot on slow-speed ASA 50 Fuji Velvia colour slide film, known for its rich colour saturation in bright sunlight, and were subsequently scanned to create “Giclee” prints.

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Hothouse Flowers - I Can See Clearly Now.

Foyer Display: Andrew Carter & Helen Ireland

‘Float’ & ‘Black and Blue’, handprinted on Japanese paper, 120cm x 45 cm, 2019, collaborative linocut prints by Andrew Carter & Helen Ireland

St Martin-in-the-Fields is home to several commissions and permanent installations by contemporary artists. We also have an exciting programme of temporary exhibitions, as well as a group of artists and craftspeople from the St Martin’s community who show artwork and organise art projects on a temporary basis. One of the initiatives from this group is a changing display of work by the group members or artists linked to the group. Each month a different artist shows examples of their work, so, if you are able, do return to see the changing display.

‘Float’ was made in response to a walk along Studland and Shell Bay in Dorset, watching and collecting pieces of seaweed as they washed up and floated in the tide. Helen made a series of drawings from the sea weed and then we both cut the blocks and printed them with transparent ink so that the shapes would appear as layered, delicate traces. This piece was printed over a part of the second, splash print.

‘Black and Blue’ came about through a process of experimentation with making transient marks. Splashing, dripping, throwing and making spontaneous ink marks became the basis of this careful and slowly made print. This piece is about different types of time. A quick emotional response made slowly. The overlaying of two strong colours feels bold and all of the accidental markings have become deliberate and permanent.

Both works are made by the two of us; shared response, shared drawing and cutting blocks, choosing colour and printing. All takes time and requires decision making and working together. It has been an exciting challenge and these are the results. Both prints are Artists’ Proofs from an edition of 20.

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Cowboy Junkies - Powderfinger.

Foyer display – Rosalind Beeton

St Martin-in-the-Fields is home to several commissions and permanent installations by contemporary artists. We also have an exciting programme of temporary exhibitions, as well as a group of artists and craftspeople from the St Martin’s community who show artwork and organise art projects on a temporary basis. One of the initiatives from this group is a changing display of work by the group members or artists linked to the group. Each month a different artist shows examples of their work, so, if you are able, do return to see the changing display.

For February, the display is ‘Music In Landscape,’ a series of mixed media paintings by Rosalind Beeton.

Rosalind writes: 

‘Being a musician and painter I have always been interested in synaesthesia, being able to see sound and hear colour. In these paintings I have tried to show how notes, music, cannot be trapped in a formal music stave as printed music is written. Music is free, it belongs to another dimension outside time or space, there are no boundaries only man-made use of bar-lines, a stave and time signature. In these paintings I have tried to show how these sounds, for me, can be related to the rhythms of landscape, how I find music in nature, the trees, the birds, the hills, the cosmos. For me, the act of painting is a very sensual activity. All these paintings are composed of mixed media, collage, graphite, oil and water colour.

I studied music for my B.Ed degree, learning about classical harmonic structures and how to compose pieces. I also spent many years training in art. I have played the piano since I was 7, and have played various instruments over the years but my great love has always been the cello, the music of which touches my heart deeply, so I am attempting to learn this beautiful instrument. Now I am also enjoying words in poetry that I write, enjoying the evocative musical sounds and colours that words can evoke and create. I feel privileged and happy to be a member of the Nazareth Contemplative Community here at St Martins-in-the-Fields.’

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Don McLean - Vincent (Starry, Starry Night).

Foyer Display: Michelle Fuller

1) 

Me

Intelligent

Gifted

Resilient

A Human Being

Native to earth

Tremendous

#M.I.G.R.A.N.T – This label captures only a finite idea of who I know I am.

2) The ‘Hostile Environment’ – the inhumane barriers constructed to debilitate and scar individuals - blocking integration.

by Michelle Fuller

St Martin-in-the-Fields is home to several commissions and permanent installations by contemporary artists. We also have an exciting programme of temporary exhibitions, as well as a group of artists and craftspeople from our community who show artwork and organise art projects on a temporary basis. One initiative of this group is a changing display of work by group members or artists linked to the group. Each month a different artist shows examples of their work, so, if you are able, do return to see the changing display.

Michelle Fuller has been based in the UK since 2001. She is an accountant who formerly worked for the NHS for nine years. Having experienced the UK immigration ‘hostile environment’ first hand she decided to speak out about it. Since 2016 she has been a volunteer writer for the charity Migrant Voice, which encourages migrants to tell their stories and campaign for positive change. She conducts interviews and her articles continue to be published on their website.

In the summer of 2018 her two photos displayed here were part of Migrant Voice’s, ‘Changing Lenses, London Stories of Integration’ project which was exhibited at the Guardian. Michelle’s additional photos from the project can be found online here: http://www.migrantvoice.org/photography/michelle-fuller-changing-lenses-210818142827

Migrant Voice is a migrant-led organisation supporting fellow migrants, refugees and asylum seekers regardless of status or country of origin. They develop the media skills and confidence of migrants so that they may contribute directly to the media and public debates about migration in order to counter xenophobia and increase support for the rights of migrants.

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Eric Bibb - New World Comin' Through.

Foyer Display: Inga Tolchard

‘The drummers’ (2015, acrylic on canvas, 92cm x 62cm) and ‘The fan girls’ (2015, acrylic on canvas, 80cm x 60cm) by Inga Tolchard

St Martin-in-the-Fields is home to several commissions and permanent installations by contemporary artists. We also have an exciting programme of temporary exhibitions, as well as a group of artists and craftspeople from the St Martin’s community who show artwork and organise art projects on a temporary basis.

One of the initiatives from this group is a changing display of work by the group members or artists linked to the group. Each month a different artist shows examples of their work, so, if you are able, do return to see the changing display.

Inga Tolchard is a London/Kent based artist. This pair of paintings is set in Bermuda and show a local parade in Hamilton. The paintings, showing local Bermudians, are based on reference photographs taken in Hamilton.

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David Axelrod - Songs Of Innocence.