Small miracles in stitch

It’s great to find small treasures that intrigue visitors to the gallery. Ann Notley uses stumpwork embroidery to re-create in stitch, the abundance of wildflowers and insects that can be found where she lives, on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The stitched figures are raised from the surface of the work to form a 3-dimensional effect.

Beetle by Ann Notley © Sian Pratten 2013

A part of the pleasure is the voyage of discovery – seeing the insects and mushrooms which she skilfully creates and then realising that they are comprised of tiny stitches raised from the surface to form a 3-dimensional effect. One cannot but be amazed at the perfection of each minute stitch.

Detail of Stumpwork moth by Ann Notley © Sian Pratten 2013

A few of the small pieces in the Oriel CRiC Gallery at the moment have been inspired by the Traherne window in the Hereford Cathedral. 

The window in the Audley Chapel was commissioned by the dean and Chapter in celebration of the life and work of the 17th century priest and metaphysical poet Thomas Traherne (1637 – 74). 

Detail  Treherne window, Hereford Cathedral  © Sian Pratten 2013

Stained glass artists Tom Denny has brought Traherne’s delight and love of nature to life in the glowing beauty of the windows. 

Small details from the glass © Sian Pratten 2013

detail from the glass translating Traherne's words into a visual image
© Sian Pratten 2013  

Visiting the cathedral was a discovery of  Ann's inspiration and of Treherne's delight is seeing the wonder of Creation in everything he encountered - the vast as well as the miniature.

© Sian Pratten 2013

Hereford Cathedral © Sian Pratten 2013

Ann is a member of a local group of textile artists with the rather unusual title of the “Mad Mountain Stitchers” who have become known for taking on some unusual challenges. As well as their individual work they work on collective projects such as a recent mixed media piece portraying the Big Pit National Coal Museum in Blaenavon

Extreme Painting

Meeting the artists behind the work is just one of the joys of working in a gallery. We've welcomed a few artists this year who work in the great outdoors producing work glowing with vitality.

Maggie Banks exhibited during our "Reflections" exhibition.

Frank Hamer admiring Maggie's work in the gallery.

Contending with Welsh weather is just one of the hazards of the plein air painter! Maggie and fellow artist Richard Bavin have been braving wind, rain, snow and ice this winter as they work on a project to capture the Brecon Beacons on canvas.  Maggie still  manages to look glamorous despite  renaming their experience  "Extreme Painting".

No wonder Maggie now swears by Merino socks!

Come rain or shine Louise Collis also can be found  on a Welsh  hillside or along the  coastline. Here her  car is doubling up as studio!

We have loved getting to know Louise and her work which can be seen in the Oriel CRiC Gallery until the end of January - each painting capturing the light and mood of the area magnificently. The Sugarloaf is seen here at its impressive best.

Louise and Lee Wright at the Launch of the Christmas exhib

The enthusiasm of these plein air artists is infectious, as is that of the artists in this video while attending the  "Art in the Open Air" festival in Ireland in 2010. For details of the 2013 festival visit www.artintheopen.org 

The art of giving

The Christmas exhibition at the Oriel CRiC Gallery always offers a surprise or two. This year is no exception. The joyful selection of paintings and prints is complemented by an assortment of small affordable works from the gallery’s stable of regular artists as well as from newcomers to the gallery.

 Giving is easy. Successful giving is an art. At this time of the year the gallery hopes to make it easy for visitors to find something for every taste to make finding and giving the perfect gift an even greater pleasure.

Go handmade this Christmas with fabulous jewellery, scarves, hand-made decorations, glass, love spoons and a great collection of ceramics by members of the South Wales Potters. Liz Lawrence, Graham Newing, Rachel Padley, Christine Gittins, Mary Cousins, Steve Hoselitz, David Stirrup, Gill Pittman and Patricia Kelly have all risen to the occasion with ceramics in various styles of splendid quality.

Alison Dupernex makes works of art to wear. She mixes cashmere, linen, cotton and silk in alchemy of colour and texture to provide a range which includes fine cosy wraps and scarves - all of which are timeless design classics with a contemporary feel. New timeless pieces by glass maker Kathryn Roberts add sumptuous colour to stylish functionality. You may be counting the shopping days, but be of good seasonal cheer – you’ll find plenty in the gallery to add to your wish list. 

The Oriel CRiC Gallery: An unusual space where art, craftsmanship and  conversation often meet and  delight. A new blog - to celebrate and share just that!