My Time as a ‘Narratetist’ by Andy Bonham
A Brief History of My Time as a ‘Narratetist’ and the Origins of Narrateism
‘Throughout my secondary schooling I always came top in art, and in my final year I capped it off by having a painting hung in a school corridor, ‘The Wall of Fame’, ha! Upon my leaving school the art teacher, Mr. Rank, issued me with a letter of high recommendation for entry into the ‘Grosvenor School of Art’, which I duly attended. However, I was soon to be disappointed with what I considered was a serious lack of dedication by both my fellow pupils and the tutor alike.
Consequently, it wasn’t too long before I eventually decided to drop out. It was then my search for an artistic direction began. This search ended after I briefly studied the works of the masters of old. Their works are neither ‘Old Fashion’ nor ‘Modern’. They are indeed ‘Timeless’. It matters not if the people in the field have pitchforks loading hay onto a cart or just a tractor and bailer. What does matter though, is the story, notwithstanding. I myself prefer none-fiction to fiction. But I must confess I liked the tale of ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’. Perhaps the parable is as relevant today as ever. So, don’t be duped, let’s get real (istic). The works of the great masters speak for themselves. The paintings narrate to the onlooker, the artist’s emotions and sensibilities. These are all mixed in with the story, and listen with your eyes if you will, and let the heart run free, you become one with the scenery. Every story has a picture. Now please, I beg you, don’t think for one moment that I am trying to put my work in the same gamut as the masters. Good heavens, no! But it is my fervent wish to emulate them as much and as best as I possibly can. Just to get my paintings to narrate the onlooker the story that lies therein.
Welcome to the wonderful world of Narrateism.
From the Narratetist with love.’
~Andy Bonham~
The exhibition will run from 3 December until 17 December 2019 and is dedicated to a wonderful lady Rachel Swindley, who was a devoted supporter of Andy on his artistic journey.
We look forward to seeing you for an afternoon of lovely stories, Andy’s art and some mulled wine between 2 PM till 5 PM at Chester Art Centre on 7 December 2019!
Please bare in mind that it is a Saturday afternoon event, rather than an evening one 🙂
Wonderful World art exhibition by Gillian Robertson
The exhibition is inspired by the beauty of the natural world and the increasing need to preserve it in the face of human activity. Paintings of fauna and flora in contemporary settings contrast with
rocky landscapes that have withstood many millenia of changing climate conditions. Other work references archaeological activity and the respect for nature and the elements held by ancient
cultures.
Most of the paintings have been developed from sketches and watercolours made outdoors on travels locally and in Europe, and worked on in the studio. Originally from the south of England,
Gillian spent several years living on the north coast of Scotland before moving to Chester. (See also www.gillianrobertson.co.uk )
Gillian has exhibited widely throughout the UK including the Royal West of England Academy, Winchester Cathedral, and the Dean Clough Gallery in Halifax and has had a number of solo exhibitions in the south of England and London, including a major exhibition at the Institute of Physics in London, with an exhibition at Castle Park, Frodsham in March this year. While living in Scotland she opened a studio and gallery and has clients in Britain and Europe.
She trained at Winchester School of Art, receiving a PhD in Fine Art (Painting) in 2009. Before focusing on landscape and the natural world she spent several years painting on location with archaeologists, and also taught life drawing and painting to medical students.
The exhibition will run for 3 weeks until 1 October.
Sue Walsh Art Exhibition Private View
You are invited to the private view of an art exhibition by Sue Walsh! An exhibition of astonishing paintings by Sue this summer is an event we are really looking forward to.
Floating and fresh, Sue’s paintings will bring a bit of breeze to Chester Art Centre this summer.
A beautiful combination of the Coastal theme, People theme and Net Loft Interior will showcase some of Sue’s finest pieces. Water, air, sand and rocks mixed with Figurative and slightly surreal paintings celebrating the miracle of existence… The Net Loft under St Ives School of Art, where fishermen and artists used to coexist… The taking of the images to pure abstraction. One of Sue’s paintings from the series was even shortlisted for the 2018 John Moore’s Painting Prize!
A MUST SEE!
The exhibition will then run until 14 August.
