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Fiona Pattison Marketing PR consultant & Creative Director [email protected]

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Birds and Beasts are growing as artists and as creatives, they have just released their second single, Silver Moon Array off their Upcoming Album - Kozmik Disko (Out March 26th) and are set to be releasing more new music in the coming months ahead. During lockdown they have been using their time well and have been busy writing and producing. Leo has been learning how to animate and has produced a beautiful music promo for their new single Silver Moon Array, that is about a hedgehog who wakes up early and discovers a housing estate instead of beautiful countryside.. Take a look

I caught up with band for a catch up...

Tell us what you have been doing over lockdown?

Anna: Other than heaps of songwriting and rehearsing we have been enjoying doing lots of cooking. Our current favourite recipe books have been the 'Bosh' ones.

Leo: We have started paying a lot more attention to planning meals ahead of time, eliminating food waste and living on a tight musicians budget!! Of course we have some super exciting musical projects developing but they are under wraps for now. Hush, hush, strictly on the QT.

You have been doing lots of gigs online, do you enjoy gigging online and what was the last gig you went to? and the last gig you did?

Leo. The last non-home gig we played was with 'Stone Foundation' at Loafers in the Piece Hall in August 2020. It was outside and socially distanced, amazing to have the opportunity to play but it was strange keeping our distance from people too.

Anna: the last gig we went to was Gruff Rhys from Super Furry Animals at The Golden Lion in Todmorden. It was an amazing night, he played with Kliph Scurlock who used to play with The Flaming Lips. We managed to have a chat with Kliph after but missed talking to Gruff, we both love that wonderful Welsh man.

Leo: thinking about the last gigs we went to apart I think Anna's was the hardcore festival at Temple of Boom in Leeds. Mine was Lambchop which Anna kindly bought me a ticket for. I took along a buddy and we had a bit too much to drink and missed the train to the gig...gutted...I have yet to live that down.

Anna: as for gigging online. It is great to be able to do it but not a substitute for the real thing. I think we will always keep doing it periodically though once face to face gigs resume. The best thing about it is going from encore to pyjamas within 5 minutes when we finish!

Your Album Kozmik Disko is coming out at the end of March, how does it differ to your first album Entwined and how would you describe both albums? and how are they different ?

Leo: Entwined is a bit more laid back. Kozmik Disko is us starting to experiment a bit more and taking some steps in a more psychedelic and electronic direction.

Anna: I think Entwined represents winter and Kozmik Disko spring...we have already started on the summer and autumn albums, then I guess the cycle starts again haha!

Do you have a favourite track on each album? what is it and why?

Anna: from Entwined I would choose Torn Apart, I like how it builds throughout the song and it reminds me of Ballybunion beach in Ireland where we started to write the song. From Kozmik Disko it would be Wolfpack, I love the atmospheric intro with Leo's violin and it is a favourite to play live.

Leo: from Entwined I would probably choose Turn With The Tide, I think the production on that track sounded really good. I especially liked the switch from a drum machine to an acoustic drum kit half-way through, as a song though I think Like Your Shadow is the best. On Kozmik Disko I think I will choose Hostile Shore, it is the very first song we wrote as Birds and Beasts and I was pleased we included this version on the album, I was also particularly pleased to use our vintage Hammond organ on the coda, it really lifted it for me!

What have you learnt from this time?

Anna: to enjoy the little things in life, take things as they come and not get upset about things you cannot control.

Leo: I have started to learn a bit of pedal steel guitar. For the uninitiated it is a bit like a cross between a guitar and a piano except you play it with your feet, knees and hands. You have heard it on a million country records, it is super tricky to master but luckily simple things on it sound amazing too!

What are you looking forward too, this year?

Leo: we have been working really hard on getting our electronic set up and running. We have gigged it a couple of times in the past but in the future we want the majority of our gigs to be this way.

Anna: seeing my parents in Germany as soon as the situation allows, it has been over a year and I miss them so much.

You have just launched your single tell us about the creation of this song. ?

Anna: It is called Silver Moon Array, it was inspired by seeing a hedgehog mid winter in a local housing estate. Array is the collective noun for hedgehogs.

Leo: the video also features a lot of animation we have done ourselves. We are getting better at learning this new skill and are really excited to share it with people!

You have a double bill with Elaine Palmer on Saturday 20th of February. What do you love about Elaine's music and have you played on the same stage before?

Leo: actually our last real life gig with Elaine was our last gig, it was the day after the Stone Foundation one in August I think?

Anna: you are right. We both loved Elaine's songs and she has a great voice, really looking forward to this one!

Have you discovered any new hobbies in this time, if yes what are they? and are you looking forward to one day playing live again?

Anna: we can't wait, we really miss it! I have expanded my house plant collection and managed to keep most of them alive.

Leo: my only non-band related activities are tinkering with a couple of old motorcycles I try to keep running well. The weather hasn't been too suitable for that though so I have been learning to shave with an old fashioned cut throat razor with a view to saving money on razor blades. I am just starting to get the hang of it but there have been quite a few cuts along the way!

Go to http://www.birdsandbeasts.net to find out more...

Kozmik Disko is out on March 26th 2021

See latest releases from the album Dancemaster and Silver Moon Array via their website and social media links.

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Elaine Palmer is an artist that takes you somewhere with her music, transforming you to a place you have never been before. Her music is just amazing and her talented extends out of Yorkshire and beyond. When you meet an artist/musician who has so much passion and integrity, you just want more... and it’s a pleasure finding out more about this incredible women.

Describe your background and when you started performing?

I started playing piano when I was a child, writing songs. I picked up a guitar when I was 15 and taught myself.

What do you love about music?

Music is a magical world that you can walk into whenever you want. It is a safe personal space but one that can be used to connect with others. I love how music is a universal language of emotional expression.

Who are your favourite artists/ Musicians?

I loved great lyricists like Bob Dylan, Nick Drake and Leonard Cohen when I first started writing songs. I'm listening to the latest records by Anna Calvi, Sharon Van Etten and Lucinda Williams at the moment

What are you working on at the moment ?

I have a new record coming out this Autumn so we are just putting the final tracks down for it now.

When is your next single out?

I may put a single from the record out in Aug depending on the state of play in the live music industry by then.

How have you been doing in lockdown?

Lockdowns are tough. I miss playing live and watching other artists perform. It was a huge part of my world. I hope to return to a real stage soon.

You are performing a double bill with Birds and Beasts on the 20th of February. Have you been doing many online gigs and when was your last live gig?

I have only played a couple of online performances over the last year. The last actual show I played with a live crowd was at The Georgian Theatre in Teesside this time last year!

To connect with Elaine go to http://elaine-palmer.com

Elaine Palmer

Elaine Palmer

Do not miss the online gig with Elaine Palmer happening tonight at 8pm on Birds and Beasts Facebook page. https://m.facebook.com/birdsandbeastsband

Birds and Beasts

Birds and Beasts. 1,613 likes · 105 talking about this. A natural instinct for pop music; a classic and distinctive sound. Stories from the

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Good News for the Calder Valley as its very own Radio Station was launched at Mytholmroyd Community and Leisure Centre with Comedian Jon Richardson and the Mayor, Val Stevens.

Calder Valley Radio launched on Super Saturday with '8 out of 10 Cats' and Meet the Richardson comedian, Jon Richardson he officially launched the Station and cut the ribbon with Mayor of Hebden Royd Town Council – Cllr Val Stevens. Director of the radio station, Anthony Hodgins said, "It was a marvellous private event at Mytholmroyd Community and Leisure Centre. We have been planning this event for a long time.. Mytholmroyd and the rest of the Calder Valley needed some good news and finally we could celebrate and officially launch the station. It was good to see a little demonstration from Gym Instructor, Laura Kaung on her spinning class. We are going to be streaming live into the gym and this will keep us all connected inside the centre and beyond."

The Mytholmroyd Community and Leisure centre is home to many big events, from the Dock Pudding Championships, Plenty of Food events, it was a hub for the recent flood alleviation and now our very own Calder Valley Radio. Centre Manager, Jon Chilvers of the Mytholmroyd Community and Leisure centre says, “ The trustees and staff are delighted that after a long journey the community centre is now the home of Calder Valley Radio. It is right that a community service is based within the heart of a community’s resource and we look forward to continuing our work together to enhance the service that we provide within the heart of the community.”

'8 out of 10' Cats and Meet the Richardson’s, Comedian Jon Richardson is a local resident and joked that he would be happy to take a spot on Calder Valley radio, now his work has momentarily stopped due to Covid 19. Events manager, Guy Parry said " I am really pleased with the launch under tricky circumstances where the rules change on an hourly basis. We have a great team and they did us proud with working to the guidelines and it was amazing to have Mayor, Val Stevens and our very own national treasure and local resident, comedian Jon Richardson here to open our station. It's a wonderful achievement for all of us during this very complicated time. We will be doing a big event in the future when it is safe to do so. Thank You to all our supporters. "

If there ever was a time to support local businesses, the arts and the community it is now. Calder Valley Radio is definitely here to do just that. Programme Controller, Dave Moses states “This community is strong and has weathered many things such as the floods and Covid 19, we hope to support the community in any way we can. “

Images by Nic Chapman.

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Birds & Beasts and Ellie Ford at Green Note, this Thursday evening.

See Birds & Beasts and Ellie Ford at Green Note on the Thursday 23rd of January.

Doors open at 7pm.

Tickets available here - https://www.greennote.co.uk/production/ellie-ford-birds-beasts/

Two amazing musical acts, on one stage at the legendary Green Note in NW1 Camden Town London.

Birds and Beasts are a duo, they are married and they love to sing about animals, some of the songs they sing often also relate to the human experience too, which makes up a lot of the healthy banter on stage between Anna and Leo Brazil. This couple of talented musicians are unique in the way they deliver their songs, every time I have seen them play I learn something new. It’s a gig that opens up your musical ears as well as your animal knowledge. They also run a speedquizzing ‘Animal Quiz’ so they are all about sharing the love of the animal kingdom.(the quiz alas will not be part of this gig - maybe next time.)

Birds and Beasts released their album ‘Entwined’ and also their Electronic version of Enwined, which you can find on all good streaming sites and via their website http://www.birdsandbeasts.net They are also in the process of writing a new album and have been spending a lot of January, being cosy in their studio, fine tuning songs and recording.

Green Note

Anna - We are very excited for this one, having played Romeo and Michele’s (one half of the The Magic Numbers) night there last July, its amazing to return and play there . Also big fans of Ellie and her harp, so this will be a lovely evening.

Leo - It is great to be going back to this lovely venue. This time we will be playing a longer set. Choosing between songs is like choosing between children.

Ellie Ford is a self taught musician in every way. Thoughts, emotions, the people Ellie has knows or has known, dreams are all elements that inspire her songwriting and music. She has no formal instrument training, but was encouraged as a child and young person. She had classical singing lessons for a short time, although Ellie was never interested in that style of singing for herself. The first instrument she learnt was the piano.

Ellie Ford “ I played around a few others for a while…flute, drums, guitar, before I eventually found my match with the harp, which I’ve been playing for 10 years now. I keep up playing guitar and also love the piano. But harp is mainly where it’s at for me these days! And of course singing, I’d say my voice is my main instrument.

Ellie is working on her third album, she is just about to set off on a tour around Germany and she is really looking forward to playing for you at the Green Note, in Camden.

Listen to the bands

http://www.birdandbeasts.net https://www.elliefordmusic.co.uk

Green Note

Tickets are available here https://www.greennote.co.uk/production/ellie-ford-birds-beasts/

Doors open at 7pm

106 Parkway, NW1

Camden, London.

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Mick Wilson - ‘Thought Dreams’ Exhibition at The David Wright Gallery.

What is your Exhibition ‘Thought Dreams about?

An exhibition of recent paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures. All of the work is representational, though often veering towards abstraction. Subject matter is fairly traditional - landscapes, still lifes, nudes - but these may be subverted, and are, frequently so.

Describe your creative background?

I have been painting seriously for the past 16 years, following a career on music, mainly as a composer. My main influences have been Picasso and Matisse, together with a number of Australian painters - Nolan, Whiteley, Sansom , Olsen.

What Is your creative process?

I have been making art, of one sort or another, during the whole of my life. One crucial factor is the process of ‘filling the wells.’ By this, I mean ensuring that there is always some kind of stimulation going on. This can take the form of travel, reading, looking, doing. All this Input then gets to be processed, and emerges, however mangled, into the work that I do.

2020 is meant to be a special year, what are your Future Plans?

Usually, my activities tend to be generated by previous work, so that there is an organic progression from one set of paintings, or whatever, to the next. I often work in series - for example, I have recently completed a set of 7 kinetic sculptures on the theme ‘Death and the Maiden.’ My immediate plan is to develop sculptures in concrete. Which will then lead to something even newer. I am always interested in what might be waiting just around the corner…

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Winter Open Exhibition at the David Wright Gallery, Artsmill, Hebden Bridge

Over 40 artists and designers from around the Northern Counties are coming together and showcasing their work in The David Wright Gallery at Artsmill, Hebden Bridge. 2pm - 4pm at Artsmill.

There is such an amazing wealth of talent in the Northern Counties and its good to celebrate it all together in the Winter Open Exhibition, ready for the Christmas Season.

Art by Vixen

"David Leedham one of the curators of the show said, "We have a mix of Art from Sculpture, Paintings, Prints, Textiles and Crafts, its going to be a wonderful Exhibition of discovery as customers come and see the many wonderful items on show to buy.

Julie Fiona Thornton

This year visitors will be able to relax in the NEW Artists' Coffee Shop, meet Artsmill artist and enjoy the the artwork in the Artists' Shop an Gallery Lounge.

Linda Hodges Photography

Artsmill has assisted assess to the main spaces, but unfortunately no wheelchair access. Fold-up wheelchairs are available at the entrance.

Jan Langdale

Preview is this Sunday 24th of November = 2pm - 4pm

Annie Lawson

The Winter Open Exhibition’ is on till the 2oth of December ( Wednesday - Sunday )

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‘The Body In Space’ - Abi Lupton-Levy

On till September 29th 11am - 4pm at the Gallery Lounge, Artsmill. Wednesday - Sunday. For more information go to http://www.artsmill.org

Tell us about you and your work?

I am a self taught artist, ie I haven't been to art school. My background is actually in yoga, meditation and dance and movement practices, which are also my main inspiration for my painting. My work is focused around the expression of the human body, particularly in movement, and is inspired by my dance and yoga practices. I work instinctively from the love of colour, light and all that is free and spontaneous about human life.

What is your creative process?

I try to capture the movement and expression of the human body with the flow of paint and brush.

I work almost exclusively in oils, in a free and spontaneous style. I love experimenting with colour, again in a spontaneous and expressive way.

What will be available to buy at your show?

Original work will be on sale at my exhibition, most pieces are also available as greetings cards and prints.

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‘The Body In Space’ - Abi Lupton-Levy

On till September 29th 11am - 4pm at the Gallery Lounge, Artsmill. Wednesday - Sunday. For more information go to http://www.artsmill.org

Tell us about you and your work?

I am a self taught artist, ie I haven't been to art school. My background is actually in yoga, meditation and dance and movement practices, which are also my main inspiration for my painting. My work is focused around the expression of the human body, particularly in movement, and is inspired by my dance and yoga practices. I work instinctively from the love of colour, light and all that is free and spontaneous about human life.

What is your creative process?

I try to capture the movement and expression of the human body with the flow of paint and brush.

I work almost exclusively in oils, in a free and spontaneous style. I love experimenting with colour, again in a spontaneous and expressive way.

What will be available to buy at your show?

Original work will be on sale at my exhibition, most pieces are also available as greetings cards and prints.

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Coastal Connections

Coastal Connections with artists, Jude Howe and Stan Pile. Preview – Today at The David Wright Gallery. Time = 2PM – 4PM Website = www.artsmill.org

You are all invited to Coastal Connections - A mixed media Exhibition showcasing the work of Jude Howe and Stan Pile. Costal Connections Exhibition at The David Wright Gallery is about the East Yorkshire Coastline, Stan Pile has created a stunning body of work, his paintings show ‘views From The Prom' are observations of the same view from a beach hut on Hornsea promenade, from September to February. The ever changing light, tides and weather conditions produce very different results. The shoreline changes dramatically during different moon phases and huge amounts of sand and pebbles can appear then disappear. The sea can be as smooth as silk or churning madly, creating gigantic waves which over top the front.’

Jude Howe says ‘We love the East Yorkshire coast; the colours, the quality of light, the panoramic skies and seascapes, the constantly changing weather patterns. The surrounding natural environment, the cliff top flora along with the fascinating shoreline organisms, provide a wealth of inspiration at both macro and micro levels. Sculptural form is at the heart of much of our practice, incorporating experimentation with materials and processes and stretching traditional limitations. Glass, ceramic and steel have a range of tactile properties and all are changed with heat. Glass and steel may be sharp and dangerous - both can be worked to produce smooth, delicate objects of beauty.

Our coastal connections are life enhancing and an ongoing inspiration for our practices.’Jude Howe

Costal Connections runs till Sunday 29th of September at The David Wright Gallery, Artsmill, Linden Road, Hebden Bridge.

Preview is today at The David Wright Gallery, Artsmill, Linden Road, Hebden Bridge. Http://www.artsmill.org

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Shorelines exhibition at The David Wright Gallery, Artsmill.

 ‘Shorelines’ Exhibition starts at 2pm - 4pm Today.. Read all about it here.. 

Shorelines Exhibition at Artsmill The exhibition at Artsmill during Hebden Bridge Arts Festival and Open Studios is work from three artists: Philippa Troutman, Joan Francis and Sheila Tilmouth showing their different responses to Shorelines - the fluid and changing meeting point of land and sea.

Philippa Troutman, Sheila Tilmouth and Joan Francis have worked together in the realisation of this exhibition. “We have met together regularly, discussed our work and developing methods of making and themes that we are working with. We have walked and talked together along a coastline of Aristide and Silverdale. It has been a pleasure and fruitful collaborative experiment.”

‘Philippa Troutman’s artwork is concerned with the shoreline of Arnside and Silverdale, Margate and the west coast of Scotland. She has drawn from concerns and influences in each of these settings that have arisen from walking the shorelines. She has made monoprints using shells from Ardnamurchan to creates prints, she has painted with inks and bleach. She has drawn and painted, made screen prints from her photographs and collages and printed drypoints.’

The mixed media artwork is the result of their shared seasonal visits to the coast forging together sensory experience, memories and visual recordings of what was there.

‘Joan Francis’s love of the sea and shorelines has been an ongoing inspiration within her artwork.  Her creative response is often to patterns observed in the landscape on both a macro and microscopic level. Using memories, sketches and photos she uses a wide range of printmaking techniques to develop her work. The work often changes and develops with the process of creating, the final image often being very different to earlier ideas.’

Sheila Tilmouth - “This work has grown from the findings, photographs and memories of walks around our British coastline and the far flung islands that extend out to sea. It is a meeting of land sea and sky with the extraordinary and beautiful creatures that have adapted their lives to these elements. There are crabs from the Hebrides, butterflies from Suffolk, East Riding Gannets and shearwater from the borders.”

The exhibition is held in the gallery at Artsmill from June 16th until July 7th and is open 11am until 4pm (not Monday or Tuesday) commencing with a preview of the exhibition on Sunday June 16th 2-4pm.

http://www.artsmill.org

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Article about painter, Jane Walker who has an exhibition at The David Wright Gallery, Artsmill.

Jane Walker is a Todmorden artist who has attended Northlight Education for a number of years. She started painting later in life in her early 50s having had no previous art experience. Her work in oils often considers the human condition from an emotional perspective. Many of her paintings are deeply personal works using figurative, abstract and expressionistic forms and are approached in an instinctive and uninhibited style. 'Cliff of Dukinfield' is Jane's first solo exhibition and continues in this theme, considering life's experiences and relationships, and the impact and consequences of these on the individual.

“My exhibition 'Cliff of Dukinfield' is my first solo exhibition and is essentially about the relationships and experiences in life that shape us as individuals. I've drawn a lot from my own experiences which consider the impact of these connections, the unsaid things that we carry around and how we fare with the consequences.

The exhibition comprises of approximately 36 oil paintings in the main. Inspiration comes from many sources : dreams, dysfunction, music, feelings, the human condition, politics, animals, death, the absurdity of life, mythology, memories, to name a few. “ Jane Walker

Preview is this Sunday at The David Wright Gallery, Artsmill. 2pm - 4pm The exhibition is running till May 5th.

www.artsmill.org

A marketing and PR company

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Interview with Artist, Anna Gibson

High Heather 

What has been your artistic journey?

My training was not as a painter but as a ceramicist. I spent a few short years working in clay and developing my ideas; then our young family came along. When I eventually returned to art it was in the role of art technician and then art tutor within further and adult education. From there I slowly moved towards getting back to developing my own work. After several studio moves in and around Hebden Bridge, having my own small retail space by the canal was an unexpected and happy turn of events.

Into the Light 

What inspires you?

I am inspired by the land, the weather that surrounds me and by objects which carry associations and personal meaning.

Where did you train?

I went to college in Staffordshire. My course was Multidisciplinary Design and, for two out of the three years of my time there, I was absorbed by hand-built and raku fired clay forms. After finishing my degree, I made and sold my vessels in local shops and galleries in Chelmsford and Hemel Hempstead. Alongside this I worked as a ceramics tutor with a group of young disadvantaged people.

Staithes II

Describe your creative process?

My work is often a construct from memories and observations gathered from my sketchbooks or photographs rather than a literal depiction of a 'real' landscape. Fear plays a part in my process; the uneasy start to a painting when addressing the white of the canvas and then, once started, the following fear of messing up. I like to add collage elements in the form of printed matter and fabric scraps.

Swell

What is your exhibition about?

My recent work has focused on landscape, hence the title, 'OF Place'. I have lived in different places around the country but generally have found myself in rural or semi-rural locations. Living on 'the tops' above Hebden Bridge, I can't fail to be mesmerized by the changes imposed on the land by the changing light and conditions. Aside from the landscapes, I have included some earlier works such as 'Cloth Shoes' and 'Left Alone'; these speak of the loss of familiar and loved people.

Bronze Forest

Where can we find your work? 

'Of Place' at Artsmill in Hebden Bridge. This is a solo exhibition which runs until Sunday 16 December. Open Wednesday to Sunday 11 - 4pm. Go to http://www.artsmill.org

'Small Rare Things' at Water Street Gallery in Todmorden. A group exhibition which runs until 27 January. Closed on Tuesdays. I have six flower paintings in the show. Paintings may be bought 'off the wall'. Go to www.waterstreetgallery.co.uk

I have my own canalside studio/gallery at Hebble End Works on the Rochdale Canal towpath in Hebden. Opening times vary, please contact me on [email protected] before travelling. I will be leaving my studio space at the end of December 2018; a new story will then begin.

Anna Gibson Exhibition ‘OF Place’ at Artsmill, Hebden Bridge is on till December 16th. 

Viaduct

Night Lake

For more information email - [email protected] 

Website  -  http://www.annagibson.info

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New work showing from Sturnidae and Julie Rose Clark at Artsmill on Sunday 6th of May, 2pm - 4pm.

Sturnidae is a group of Artists, David Ashby, Carine Brosse, Jacquie Denby, Chris Murray, Tony Stephenson & Philippa Troutman.

“We are a group of six artists from North Yorkshire. We have worked and exhibited together for a number of years. The last five of which one of our venues has been at Machpelah in Hebden Bridge as part of Open Studios. In 2016 we staged a collaborative and multi disciplinary show using disposable and recyclable materials. A very productive and challenging experience for all the artists involved. We are a multi media group of painters, collagists, sculptors and printmakers .

Chris Murray states:

"A sense of being I need to make real in paint, the forms are always a discovery from a position of ‘I do not know’. As a way of stimulating and challenging my practice I work with a group of artists who take time to meet and work together. We periodically meet to chose a working title; more a marker for the journey we are making. The current marker is ‘Sturnidae’. I have exhibited my paintings and prints in venues, exhibitions including: Terrace Gallery, Harewood House; Dean Clough, Halifax; The Affordable Art Fair, London and at Castor and Pollux, Brighton. I had my first solo show at House Gallery, Camberwell, London. In 2014 I was an exhibitor at Brighton Art Fair And was voted 'Artists Artist' at Artfest North Kendal 2016 My work is currently on show at ‘Gavagan Art’, Town Hall, Settle."

Julie Rose Clark = Gallery Lounge at Artsmill. 2pm - 4pm

My exhibition works painted in Hebden Bridge and Alentejo, Portugal. Colourful paintings mainly in oil featuring abstract and non abstract art. Painting has always been a passion since childhood and this is an activity that brings the artist a lot of peace. This collection has a variety of styles and approaches to painting.

Primarily self taught apart from a year at Todmorden Art College (was part of Calderdale College) and several courses and classes at Northlight Art Studios, Artworks, Halifax, WEA etc. I have been painting since 1998/9. I prefer to work in oil paint due to the depth of colour and the slow speed at which the paint dries but I have also experimented with acrylics, printmaking and watercolour. At present I work from home and will be part of HB Open Studios in July. I used to have a studio at 59 Steps on Melbourne Street in Hebden Bridge. Another exhibition is planned for June at The Art Cafe on Hangingroyd Rd.

www.julieroseclark.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/julieroseclarkartist/

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A Tribute song for Busker, Singer Songwriter and Activist , Jonny Walker by The Moot.

When did you first connect with Jonny?

We are professional buskers and first connected with Jonny when he was fighting against the draconian busking sanctions in Liverpool in 2012. Shortly after he established Keep Streets Live and took on York council, which was charging buskers for a licence following an audition. Clare and I had tried unsuccessfully to challenge these rules and fees until Jonny popped up on Parliament St in York one day, a few months and a lot of hard work later anyone can play music or use the public space to busk without an audition or a licence. Streets Live campaign helped to establish a busking code of conduct which has now been implemented all over. The busking code of conduct allows for a spontaneous, vibrant street culture and highlights the existing laws to help deal with any potential issues. The Moot and Jonny had planned to hook up for a busking session but unfortunately it was never to be. We did pass Jonny in Leeds as he beat us to a busking spot one Saturday morning and beamed a big smile across the street. We’d watch his live streams when we got the chance.

How did Jonny inspire you?

Armed with the knowledge of the law, Jonny kept calm when he was under pressure from officials and led by example filming the confrontations. We saw how hard he worked for buskers rights and how much of his own time he gave up freely to help other people. Jonny’s work for buskers included hosting meetings, uniting buskers and uniting buskers with other agencies such as councils. Jonny also attended court in his fight to Keep Streets Live. Jonny created a community and once he had done that it felt like if anyone had any major problems they could go to Streets Live. To this day there is a telephone number you can call if you ever get arrested for busking on their website. All thanks to Jonny. He helped to unite street entertainers, break down barriers. Jonny taught us all to be nicer to each other and inspired us to stand up for ourselves and other vulnerable people and to keep the streets live at all times, night and day! He inspired us to learn and write new songs. If we ever lost our focus we would look for Jonny online and he would inspire us to find our focus again and continues to do so.

What does music mean to you?

Music is everything. It enables us to connect with people in ways that you don’t otherwise. Especially when you are playing music on the streets. you meet everybody from everywhere. Music helps to break down barriers, start conversations, bring people out of themselves and it’s all inclusive. Music evokes emotion and is a good way to help heal. Jonny’s passing was a big shock to us which inspired our song The Busker which is helping us to heal. We love busking, meeting people and travelling to new places.

Why is it important to keep streets live?

It is vital we Keep Streets Live to sustain our vibrant spontaneous street culture. Jonny once said that policies that allow urban communities to flourish are particularly important when living in uncertain times and street level performance of art and music creates a sense of colour, vibrancy and urban community. We certainly agree with him there. Buskers are part of a rich tapestry that makes up street culture keeping our public spaces public and Keeping Streets Live. Busking is unscripted, unexpected anything can happen, literally anything.

The Moot would like to say a big, big thank you to Jonny.

This is their tribute to the man who fought for the rights of Buskers and Street Performers everywhere. The Moot’s Video is here https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TV6Bq-Adtn4&feature=youtu.be

The Busker song to download is here https://themoot.bandcamp.com/ it is very Catchy : ) All the money raised from the song ‘The Busker’ will go to Keep Streets Live foundation. : )

Help keep Jonny’s legacy and to Keep Streets Live please go to https://www.gofundme.com/in-memory-of-jonny-walker

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Interview with creative Ric Morley on his latest exhibition at Artsmill.

Describe your background and what you do?

My background is in metal fabrication, I make covers for turntables and audio mixing desks, I initially decided to get a laser for applying graphics to my metal work, but once I discovered what cool things could be created using a laser machine I decided to start doing more diverse work using all the materials I could think of.

What can we expect to see at your exhibition?

My exhibition is called laser etchings by Ric Morley I’m going to show a range of different work that I've done over the last year, pretty much everything on display will show an example of the kind of things people have had made by me in the past year, things such a signs, glass etching, slate and mirror light boxes.

When did you get into etching? What has been you most unusual/ fun job to do?

I got into etching from years of working with problematic printing techniques, I couldn't find a print solution for permanent markings on metal mixing desks, laser etching was definitely the answer.

The most unusual was without a doubt a personalised birthday cake. I had absolutely no idea that food could be etched up until doing that job.

Are you looking forward to exhibiting at Artsmill?

I'm really looking forward to the exhibition, I'm hoping that there will be a lot of people that like myself had absolutely no idea what could be done using a laser cutter.

Artsmill

Gallery Lounge

Sunday 18th - March 11th.

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Born in 1951, I was a teenager in 1968 and at art college in Rochdale. I spent a year doing surface pattern and a year doing a foundation in fine art. I had a lot of time to play, explore and learn, in a very creative environment, especially with being in the middle of the psychedelic times and the Aquarian on the horizon. Exploration of inner space, discovering clearer states of being became central to me, and has been a big player in the development of my work.

Family life took over in the 70s and 80s, but I went back to art college in Bradford in 1984. How to get an income from art was important, trouble was, pattern always slid towards art, these bits of pattern grew, in an unusual manner.

Playing with Pattern - The idea of Wallpapers to sink into, led to the development of my process, and a body of work using photocopied images, scissors, tape and glue. I'm now working digitally. I choose a photographed scene, as a source of colour and form, and make patterns that change as they grow, the process allows me to choose, manipulate, refine and build or grow an image to any size, potentially wall size. Things appear and disappear during the process, so I take pieces/snapshots along the way.

Over the years - I have accumulated a lot of pieces, and am presenting them here in the hope that you will enjoy them, and maybe buy one or two. I have placed the images in one of five categories, which relate back to the original images: architectural, natural, colourful, pattern and shape, and spacious. some of these pieces have been growing for a long time, more pieces have been taken, they are presented as sets.

I am inspired by life, the world, beauty, the mysteriousness of art, the possibility that it can remind us of our connection to now and the whole incredibleness of this creation.

Just Take a Moment

‘Just Take a Moment’ is an intent to reveal to some degree the mysterious qualities of 'art' in it's nourishing capabilities and its ability to capture attention, hold it and feed it. The prints on show are the fruits of my lovingly tended creations. My process evolves and develops, interesting happenings are built upon and an image starts taking shape, growing and changing, until some kind of completion is arrived at. I find inspiration everywhere, I have a need to get real, to 'be here now', close to the heart and art, and welcome anything that helps. Exhibiting at The David Wright Gallery at Artsmill, has given me an opportunity to choose and present a selection of work created over the last 30 years, I hope it will be enjoyed.’ David Skelton

Find more about David Skelton - www.davidskeltonscreations.com

Facebook = Davidskeltoncreations

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Interview with artist, Caroline Reed who is showing work at The David Wright Gallery, Artsmill

How do you start a piece of work? Do you create a plan or formulate ideas first or do you just go for it? 

I am my own influence my life and emotions and the way I see the world at the moment. I just work it’s instinctive.

Who inspires you? 

I have so many artists who inspire me Marlene Dumas is a big inspiration to me her work is so thought provoking

What do you love about living in Hebden Bridge?

What do you love about living in Hebden Bridge?

I have many great arty friends in Hebden Bridge which is fantastic for an artist always someone to be inspired by

What exhibitions have you got coming up? 

I have an exhibition in London in April at UAL University of the Arts, Pimlico, Chelsea.

You are showing at Artsmill, whose work are you looking forward to seeing? 

I’m looking forward to seeing all the work everybody is fantastic

Winter Open Fair is on till December 22nd at The David Wright Gallery, Artsmill.