The Arthouse presents: ‘Thankful For…’ an exhibition by Southport Contemporary Arts
The exhibition runs from February 8 to February 26.
Kate Tidmarsh, local experimental collagraphic printmaker and Jo Landy, textile artist work.
Submitted by Martin Dawber
The swell in artistic creativity during the strict lockdown measures of the Covid-19 pandemic has been forced to re-surface in all sorts of imaginative ways.
Southport Contemporary Arts members have been using their creative skills to articulate their own personal visual responses during this testing time and will be displaying their own reactions in the new ‘Thankful For…’ exhibition at The ArtHouse in Eastbank Street.
In previous years, the calendar slot would have been taken up with a Valentine themed exhibition, but SCA co-director, Norrie Beswick-Calvert, said: “During the last couple of years through the various adversities that people have had to deal with, there have been people, things, environments, books, music, words that have lifted and supported us and that we are 'Thankful For...'.
“So, rather than have a traditional romantic February exhibition, our members will be showcasing work that reflect those things that have helped them through and that they feel 'Thankful For’.”
Local experimental collagraphic printmaker, Kate Tidmarsh, has no problem explaining her own feedback to the request, said: “When asked to reflect on what I am 'thankful for', I find it easy to answer - I am thankful for the environment in which I am lucky enough to live, and have the bonus of immediate access to, living alongside a canal.
“After relocating on retirement, I found myself in an area of the North West that combines the best of inland countryside with wonderful coastal areas. I get continuing inspiration from these surroundings, accessing them across all seasons and weathers, investigating the natural world, as well as the man-made environment.
“Working from sketches and photographs I enjoy incorporating these in my handmade prints, which are all individually inked, producing unique works of art, with a focus on more experimental techniques.
“I am currently revisiting a series of canal prints, re-inking some plates (these are made from reused packaging) to echo the colour changes that Spring brings. Our natural world certainly gives us much to be grateful for!”
Formby based textile artist, and SCA regular exhibitor and teacher, Jo Landy has been combing (literally) her local area for ideas (and media), said: “I feel very fortunate to live on this lovely coastline which is stunning all year round. Winter walks especially have inspired me, gathering material as I go.
“Everything is picked from the ground, bark, dead grasses, shells and any plant material to be used in mixed media pieces. Painted paper, ‘Tyvek’, rusted and printed fabrics echo the natural world and old painted maps of the locality add a sense of place. Simple hand stitching reflects the sense of calm that my frequent walks impart.”
‘Thankful For…’ offers an undaunted collection of art that has been crafted under unprecedented strains and times. Each featured artist’s escapism of selflessly creating art has certainly never been more treasured.
As Norrie reaffirms: “Hopefully the work will resonate with visitors and we encourage all to come along.”
The exhibtion is at The ArtHouse, 65 Eastbank Street, Southport PR8 1EJ, and is open on Tuesday to Friday 10am till 3pm and Saturday 11am till 4pm.
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