Inspire: New expressions of the old, old story

A modern take on the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was one of the works of art to go on show at a new exhibition which opened at St Stephen Walbrook on Monday evening.  The model for the painting was Duncan Tarrant, the son of the Rector of St Mary’s Woodford, who posed with the artist Peter Webb, who painted it specially for the exhibition. 

 

‘Inspire: art as spiritual exploration’ is mounted by commission4mission, an organisation that encourages the commissioning of contemporary art by churches.  Among other artists exhibiting are Ross Ashmore, Ally Ashworth, Hayley Bowen, Harvey Bradley, Christopher Clack, Anne Creasey, Valerie Dean, Jonathan Evens, Clorinda Goodman, Alan Hitching, Mark Lewis, Pouka, Caroline Richardson, Janet Roberts, Francesca Ross, Henry Shelton and Sergiy Shkanov. Parish priest, Peter Delaney, is also exhibiting his work as part of the show. 

 

 

 

Clorinda Goodman

All work is for sale, including Christmas cards. A proportion of the proceeds will go to charity.

Open 10-6pm until 29^th November (closed Sunday 24^th November).  St Stephen Walbrook EC4N 8BN. Nearest tube Bank, Exit 8.

commission4mission committee member Harvey Bradley says, "What a fantastic exhibition has been set up. I think it looks brilliant and is a credit to all concerned.  Even given the spectacular building, the artwork does commission4mission credit."

Member's updates: Caroline Nina Phillips, Mark Lewis and Peter Webb

Caroline Nina Phillips is showing work in Start 13: The New Industrialists celebrating the full opening of London’s newest creative hub, The Bermondsey Project, which comprises Crisis Skylight Bermondsey, Bow Arts SE1 Studios, London Sculpture Workshop, London Community Furniture and the Outside Puppets Collective.

Featured artists: Caroline Nina Phillips, Grace Aza-Selinger, Mick Bateman, Aimee Betts, Giles Corby, Clare Davidson, Franco DiCesare, Aaron Distler, Namaan Ebdon, Katie Elder, Suzanne De Emmony, Stephen Grant, Judith Hayes, Heeryong Hong, Jeff Hubbard, Mike Lane, Juyoung Lee, Caterina Lewis, Abigail Lipski, Jayne Lloyd, Anna Lytridou, Jodi McFayden, Caroline MacKenzie, Roman Manfredi plus work in progress from artists attending classes at Crisis Skylight Bermondsey.

Admission is free and there is ample free parking. 15th February to 3rd March 2013. Opening times: Monday to Sunday, 1pm-6pm. Private view: 15th February 2013, 6pm-9pm. Bermondsey Project,

46 Willow Walk, London SE1 5SF.

Mark Lewis and Peter Webb are organising a Big Draw style event for Saturday 16th February in the St Mary's Memorial Hall alongside St Mary's Woodford. There is also likely to be a small c4m exhibition in the Memorial Hall on the same day. Contact Mark on pharos@sketchbook.wanadoo.co.uk or Peter on oilpaint@hotmail.co.uk for more information.

Mark is also planning an exhibition of his sketchbooks at the School of Jewellery in Birmingham for two weeks from 16th April. Many of his sketchbooks, used weekly on the train journey from London to Birmingham, will be digitised and displayed on flat screens in the exhibition.

Members' updates

Harvey Bradley has an excellent new website showcasing both his ceramics and paintings which can be viewed at http://www.harveybradley.co.uk/Harvey%20Bradley/home.html. 

Mark Lewis and Peter Webb are organising a Big Draw style event for Saturday 16th February in the St Mary's Memorial Hall alongside St Mary's Woodford. There is also likely to be a small c4m exhibition in the Memorial Hall on the same day. Contact Mark on pharos@sketchbook.wanadoo.co.uk or Peter on oilpaint@hotmail.co.uk for more information.

Mark is also planning an exhibition of his sketchbooks at the School of Jewellery in Birmingham for two weeks from 16th April. Many of his sketchbooks, used weekly on the train journey from London to Birmingham, will be digitised and displayed on flat screens in the exhibition.

At the Tokarska Gallery Nadiya Pavliv Tokarska is preparing for the next exhibition No-one to bestow by Emma Scutt (Private View 7 February, 6pm - 9pm with the show running from 5 - 9 February Tuesday - Saturday, 12pm - 7pm) as well as finalising their Open call for an exciting future exhibition entitled CiTiES:All Dimensions where the deadline for submission is 20 January.

The Big Draw

The Big Draw is underway this afternoon at St Mary's Woodford as part of the Woodford Festival and the Arts Festival for the Barking Episcopal Area. Mark Lewis, Francesca Ross, Peter Webb and others are providing advice and opportunities to try creating portraits through drawing, painting and printing.

St Mary's Woodford is a key location for the Woodford Festival and they hosted the official opening of the Festival by the Mayor of Redbridge before the opening concert of the Festival; an organ recital by Lucia Aiche including pieces by Bach, Standford, Rheinberger, Utterback and Fletcher.

The church is also hosting an art exhibition, a 45-minute all-age service (Behold the Man) celebrating images of Jesus from different centuries and places, and a concert by the Crofton Singers (7.30pm) with a programme of five centuries of choral music alongside young musicians from Bancroft's School includes Madrigals, Finzi's Part Songs, Spirituals, Barbershop & popular songs – ‘Autumn Leaves’ and ‘Over the Rainbow’.

Other Festival events with which commission4mission is involved include:

Art exhibition - Saturday 13th October, 10.00am - 7.30pm, The Atrium, All Saints Woodford Wells, Inmans Row, Woodford Green, IG8 0NH. No admission charge. Exhibition of art works by members of commission4mission, an arts organisation which aims to encourage churches to commission contemporary art. Includes the 'Run with the Fire' Olympic-themed digital art exhibition. This exhibition will include work by Jonathan Evens, Alan Hitching, Mark Lewis, Janet Roberts, Francesca Ross, Henry Shelton, Joy Rousell Stone and Peter Webb. This exhibition is being held prior to an evening concert at All Saints by the Meljon Singers (https://www.facebook.com/events/246345185469093/).

Together with Kathryn Robinson, Performing Arts Adviser for the Barking Episcopal Area, Jonathan Evens is organising a poetry evening which is also part of the two Festivals. This Celebration of Poetry will be on Friday 12th October, 7.30pm, St Paul's Woodford Bridge, Cross Road, Woodford Green, Essex IG8 8BT. There is no admission charge and the evening will include local poets, published poets, musical/storytelling interludes and a showing of the 'Run with the Fire' Olympic-themed digital art exhibition. Among those reading their poetry are: Tim Cunningham, Jane Grell, Malcolm Guite, Alan Hitching, Jennifer Houghton and Jonathan himself.

Arts Festival for the Barking Episcopal Area

This weekend sees the beginning of the Arts Festival for the Barking Episcopal Area (https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/345602858863275/) to which commission4mission are contributing two events. This year the Festival is being run in tandem with the Woodford Festival.

The first is this Saturday (6th) between 12 noon and 5.00pm when Mark Lewis, Francesca Ross and Peter Webb together with other artists will be providing hints and tips on drawing portraits at the Big Draw event being held at St Mary's Woodford. All are welcome.

The second is a one day exhibition at All Saints Woodford Wells on Saturday 13th October from 10.00am - 8.30pm. This exhibition will feature work by Elizabeth Duncan Meyer, Jonathan Evens, Alan Hitching, Mark Lewis, Janet Roberts, Francesca Ross, Joy Rousell Stone, Henry Shelton and Peter Webb. 

Jonathan Evens has also been involved in organising a 'Celebration of Poetry' event for the Festival which is on Friday 12th October at St Paul's Woodford Bridge from 7.30pm. He will be reading poetry as part of the event which also includes Tim Cunningham, Jane Grell, Malcolm Guite, Alan Hitching and Jennifer Houghton. At both events the 'Run with the Fire' digital exhibition will be available for viewing.

Big Draw event and c4m exhibition

The next commission4mission events will be held as part of the Woodford Festival and the Arts Festival for the Barking Episcopal Area:

The Big Draw – Saturday 6th October, 12.00 noon – 5.00pm, St Mary’s Woodford, 207 High Road, South Woodford, London E18 2PA
Drawing workshop with hints and tips from commission4mission artists.

Art exhibition - Saturday 13th October, 10.00am - 7.30pm, The Atrium, All Saints Woodford Wells, Inmans Row, Woodford Green, IG8 0NH
No admission charge. Exhibition of art works by members of commission4mission, an arts organisation which aims to encourage churches to commission contemporary art. Includes the 'Run with the Fire' Olympic-themed digital art exhibition. This exhibition will include work by Jonathan Evens, Alan Hitching, Mark Lewis, Janet Roberts, Francesca Ross, Henry Shelton, Joy Rousell Stone and Peter Webb. This exhibition is being held prior to an evening concert at All Saints by the Meljon Singers (https://www.facebook.com/events/246345185469093/).
 Together with Kathryn Robinson, Performing Arts Adviser for the Barking Episcopal Area, Jonathan Evens is organising a poetry evening which is also part of the two Festivals.

This Celebration of Poetry will be on Friday 12th October, 7.30pm, St Paul's Woodford Bridge, Cross Road, Woodford Green, Essex IG8 8BT. There is no admission charge and the evening will include local poets, published poets, musical/storytelling interludes and a showing of the 'Run with the Fire' Olympic-themed digital art exhibition. Among those reading their poetry are: Tim Cunningham, Jane Grell, Malcolm Guite, Alan Hitching, Jennifer Houghton and Jonathan himself.

Click here for more information about other events in the Woodford Festival.

 

Next c4m event and exhibition

c4m's next event and exhibition will be part of the second Barking Episcopal Area Arts Festival (http://www.chelmsford.anglican.org/arts-festival.html) which will run from Saturday 6th - Sunday 14th October parallel to the Woodford Festival (http://www.woodfordfestival.org.uk/cms/index.php). 

As part of these Festivals, we are organising a Big Draw event at St Marys Woodford (http://www.stmaryswoodford.org.uk/) on Saturday 6th October. This will be part of events for the opening of the Festival which also include an organ recital and an art exhibition.

A c4m exhibition will be held at All Saints Woodford Wells (http://www.asww.org.uk/) from 10.00am - 7.30pm on Saturday 13th October prior to an evening concert at All Saints by the Meljon Singers (https://www.facebook.com/events/246345185469093/). This exhibition will include work by Jonathan Evens, Alan Hitching, Francesca Ross, Joy Rousell Stone and Peter Webb, among others.

In addition, Jonathan Evens is involved in organising a 'Celebration of Poetry' evening (poetry readings with musical/storytelling interludes) at St Paul's Woodford Bridge (http://www.stpaulswb.com/) on Friday 12th October from 7.30pm which is likely to involve Tim Cunningham (http://www.timcunninghampoetry.co.uk/), Jane Grell (http://www.janegrellstoryteller.com/) and Malcolm Guite (http://malcolmguite.wordpress.com/), among others.

'Condemned': Lent/Easter Series - Week 2

commission4mission has created a Lenten and Easter journey for 2012 using images by our artists combined with passages from Isaiah 53. Throughout Lent and for the first two weeks of Easter, we will post images and words from 'Condemned' here on a weekly basis.

Peter Webb, who contributes the second image in our series, is a Fine Artist and former Art Teacher. His commissions include paintings of St George and the Supper at Emmaus. His painting of the The Betrayal can be viewed at St Marys Woodford. Peter is the chairperson of commission4mission and a member of both Faith & Image and the National Society of Painters, Sculptors & Printmakers.

Other artists contributing images to the series are Mark Lewis, Robert Enoch, Christopher Clack, Rosalind Hore, Nadiya Pavliv Tokarska, and Jim Insole. 'Condemned' has been compiled by Helen Gheorghiu Gould.

In addition to the weekly posts, 'Condemed' is also available as either a powerpoint or pdf file on request from Jonathan Evens at jonathan.evens@btinternet.com.

Members update: event and exhibitions

The next event organised by Faith & Image, a forum for all who are interested in art and spirituality, will be: 'Politics, Persecution and Propaganda: The Music of William Byrd.'

William Byrd was England's greatest composer of the Elizabethan period, but his life was shaped by his Catholic religious commitment. In hostile circumstances, he made his voice heard through a highly politicised use of his art.

This will be a talk with music examples by Graham Dixon on Tuesday, January 24th January at 8.00pm. Venue: The Gwinnell Room, St Mary’s Church, High Road, South Woodford, E18. Visitors welcome. Donations invited. Refreshments available. Details from Mark Lewis: Telephone 020 8504 5840 or email: pharos@sketchbook.wanadoo.co.uk.

Emerging artists Melissa Burn, Jakub Ceglarz, Mette Tofte Philipsen, Polly Saunders and Subash Thebe are showing their latest work in ‘Five Seasons’ at the Tokarska Gallery until 28 January, Thursday - Saturday, 12noon - 7pm.

Then the Gallery will show the work of Lia Vio, who lives and works in Düsseldorf, Germany. Her work positions the viewer as a voyeur and participant in a surrealistic journey of self-reflection, offering not only formal inquiry into the ephemeral visual relationships around us, but also the blended aspects of the visual world and visual thinking as well. The visual perception of her photographs operates on many planes: you can always see more in conjunction with what you're focused on.

Tokarska are showing large format photographs from the series "Reincarnation", "Solely in My Head", "Mining the Silent Evidence" and others. Each photograph is cohesive within its series, both formally and conceptually, evoking a sense of awe, mystery and suspense. 2 - 25 February 2012. PRIVATE VIEW 2 February 2012, 7pm - 9pm.

Clorinda Goodman

Clorinda Goodman has been stone carving with Matt Caines in the Community Art Room in the crypt at St John on Bethnal Green for the last four years. She has also been drawing, largely thanks to Sir John Soane’s Museum in Lincoln’s Inn and Revd Regan O’Callaghan.
She says:

"I have completed only three carvings in stone, as it is a lengthy and absorbing process, and it has had to fit round my full time work commitments and my first love - of singing – mostly liturgical music in a church setting.

As an academic child, art went by the wayside after O levels. I have had to make a real commitment which has turned out to be immensely rewarding. I am beginning to explore shortcuts – like firing my latest terracotta maquette of the Queen from the Lewis chess set, which I am also carving in Clipsham stone. Few people work in traditional materials like Portland stone. Given the huge amount of art destroyed at the Reformation, it seems a crime to lose these traditional skills that have enhanced our sense of the divine, worship and place so hugely."

Clorinda is a regular worshipper and choir member at St Mary’s Woodford, and has recently written an article for their Parish Magazine prompted by her second piece – ‘Eden’ – now re-named ‘Ancilla Domini’ (see above).

c4m artist's update (8)

Colin Burns and Viki Isherwood-Metzler belong to a group of artists called ClubUrban who are holding an exhibition of paintings on the theme of Genesis from Monday 8th -Saturday 13th November. There is a particular invite to the Thursday evening exhibition event (11th November) when there will be artists talks and live music - including Colin Burns on guitar. This event is from 6.30pm onwards.

There is also the opening night on Monday 8th from 5.30pm - 9.00 pm. The other exhibition times are Tuesday - Saturday 11.00 am - 4.30pm. Colin Burns will be at the exhibition on the Monday and Thursday evenings and daytime Saturday. There are some 15 artists exhibiting. Directions can be found here: http://www.cluburban.org.uk/about.html. The exhibition address is 98 & 128 Westferry Studios, Milligan Street, London E14 8AS (Next to 'Westferry' DLR Station, on the way to Canary Wharf).
 
Faith and Image is a forum for all who are interested in art and spirituality. Their next event is Apects of Medieval Art - illustrated talks by artists Mark Lewis and Peter Webb on Medieval Stained Glass and Metalwork - on Tuesday, November 16th 2010 at 8.00pm. Venue: The Gwinnell Room, St Mary’s Church, High Road, South Woodford, E18. Visitors welcome Donations are invited Refreshments available

The talks will inform a visit to the Medieval Galleries at the Victoria and Albert Museum on Sunday, November 21st at 3.00pm. Meet inside the Main Entrance, Cromwell Road. Visitors welcome No charge for this event. Details of both events from Mark Lewis: Telephone 020 8504 5840 or Email: pharos@sketchbook.wanadoo.co.uk.

The Winter Selling Exhibition by members of Anglian Potters will feature the work of c4m artists, Harvey Bradley and Richard Baxter. The exhibition is from Saturday 13 November to Sunday 12 December 2010,
10am to 4pm, every day, including Sunday. All welcome. All Saints' Church, Jesus Lane, Cambridge.

Anglian Potters return to their usual winter venue for a selling exhibition of work by our members. A perfect opportunity for Christmas shoppers to buy something unique and special. All Saints' Church is owned by the Churches Conservation Trust, which has restored the interior and its extraordinary Pre-Raphaelite wall decorations over the last few years. These make a unique setting for the varied selection of ceramics, ranging from teapots, mugs and vases to sculpture, animals, jewellery or pots for the garden.

Directions: The church is opposite Jesus College, on Jesus Lane, Cambridge. The closest parking is either at a parking meter on the street outside, in Park Street multi-storey, or in the Newmarket Road Grafton Centre car park. Alternatively, try Cambridge Park and Ride.

Janet Roberts

Janet Roberts is a member of the Faith and Image group based at St Mary's Woodford. For the past few years, Janet has had an annual two week exhibition at the end of November and beginnning of December at South Woodford Library which raises funds for homelessness charities. She has also exhibited her religious paintings at Orleans House Main Gallery, Twickenham.

Janet writes: "I would class myself as a Symbolic Expressionist. I tap my unconcious taking a 'walk with a line' and up comes a picture. Otherwise I use an Ignatian imaginative prayer method of taking a Bible reading, then painting a picture. I also can see a picture in a blotch of spilt ink or paint. Now my main aim is, hopefully, to express the presence of Christ."

Pick Up A Pencil!

Come and join in the "Big Draw" on Saturday, October 16th, 10.00am – 4.30pm at St Mary’s Church, High Road, South Woodford.

Demonstrations every hour on the hour. Not just pencils - lots of other different media and techniques to try, including mono-printing! All materials supplied. Come along at any time, have fun and stay for as little or as long as you like. The day is FREE and open to everyone. Professional artists will be there to help. Refreshments available. Telephone 020 8504 5840 for further details.Saturday, October 16th, 10.00am – 4.30pm at St Mary’s Church, High Road, South Woodford.  

Faith & Image: The Spiritual Power of Drawing

The latest Faith & Image event is The Spiritual Power of Drawing, an illustrated talk by Mark Lewis, exploring the drawings of the Renaissance period. There is no charge for this event, which will be held on Tuesday May 11th. 8.00pm, in the Gwinnell Room at St Mary's Woodford, but donations are welcome.

Mark Lewis has originated the Drawing First consultancy which aims to open up the world of freehand drawing to people of all ages for professional and personal development, stimulation or enjoyment. He trained and worked as an industrial designer specialising in product design, jewellery and silversmithing. He has had over 30 years experience of teaching drawing and design in schools, adult, further and higher education.

Mark has also provided practical training courses for art and design teachers and delivered community drawing events in London, including regular participation in the national Big Draw campaign. He was formerly a Principal Lecturer in the Sir John Cass Department of Media and Design at London Metropolitan University but has once again become a freelance artist and designer and shares his passion for drawing and creative thinking by offering tuition and bespoke workshops. He is currently lecturing part-time at Birmingham City University.

Mark's talk will be followed on Friday, May 14th. at 10.30am by a visit to the British Museum to see the major exhibition: Fra Angelico to Leonardo: Italian Renaissance drawings. Meet on the steps of the main entrance of the British Museum, if you wish to attend.

Faith & Image: Vincent Van Gogh

The next Faith and Image event is a talk on Vincent Van Gogh by art historian, Roberta Flynn, on Tuesday 23rd March at St Marys Woodford followed by a visit to the RA exhibition on the morning of Friday 26th March. Contact Mark Lewis on 020 8504 5840 / 07981757426 or at info@drawingfirst.co.uk for more details.

Faith & Image event

Drawing the Seasons

Come and join in the annual "Big Draw" on Saturday 17th October, 10.00am - 4.00pm at St Mary's Church, High Road, South Woodford.

Come and be inspired to capture the seasons of the year through drawing! There will be plenty of things to draw, or just come along, use your imagination, sketch and have fun!

There will be lots of different media and techniques to try. All materials supplied. This is a 'drop-in' event so come alomg at any time and stay for as little or as long as you like. The day is free and open to anyone.

At least three artist on hand to help. Refreshments available. Telephone 020 8504 5840 or 020 8531 0511 for further details.

Faith & Image: Buddhist Art

Graham Dixon introduces the evening with a brief history of Buddhist Art

Photograph by Padmayogini

Painting by Padmayogini

The artist Padmayogini during her talk

Paintings by Padmayogini

The latest meeting of the Faith & Image group was held last night at St Marys Woodford. Buddhist artist Padmayogini spoke about the interaction between her faith and art.

Beginning by explaining her Buddhist name, Padmayogini told us a little of her personal journey as an artist, a Buddhist and a Buddhist artist, illustrating her talk with slides of paintings and photographs. She spoke firstly about her artistic responses to nature before outlining the ways in which meditation and visualisation had enhanced her art. She has a regular practice of retreat during which many of the photographs she showed had been composed. Her paintings now combine natural images with figures of significance within Buddhism.

The second stage of this Faith & Image meeting involves a visit on Friday 2nd October to the London Buddhist Centre at Bethnal Green. Please let Jean Wyber (wyberfamily@aol.com) or Jane Cooper (jcant29@aol.com) know if you are intending to come on the visit. The visit will conclude (for wishing to stay) with a vegetarian lunch on 2 October at the Buddhist restaurant next door to the London Buddhist Centre.

Forthcoming Faith & Image meetings/visits will cover Armenian Art in November and Hindu Art in February.

Peter Webb at St Marys Woodford

Peter Webb has been actively involved artistically at his home church, St Marys Woodford, in a wide range of ways, as is evident from artworks around the church and halls that bear the mark of his vision and design. These photographs (which were taken quickly tonight and do not do justice to his work) give an indication of his range and involvement.

'The World, The Flèche and The Devil', 2005

This painting is a pun on the word flèche, which is the proper architectural name for the spire which crowns the Memorial Hall at St Marys Woodford. It shows the Devil desperately clutching the flèche, but being dislodged by the serene radience of St Mary the Queen of Heaven, while the world of Woodford lies peacefully below.

The Denial of Peter

'Jesus calming the storm' - a collage created with the children of St Mary's Woodford

Detail of a perspex window design created with the children of St Marys Woodford

Perspex window design created with the children of St Marys Woodford

St George and the Dragon

'St George and the Dragon' by Peter Webb

St George and the Dragon (detail)

St George & the Dragon (detail)

St George and the Dragon (detail)

Peter Webb has provided photographs of his latest commission, a painting of St George and the Dragon for The Bishop Stopford's School in Enfield.

Peter was Head of Art at The Bishop Stopford's School until his retirement. To judge from the Wikipedia entry on the School he is fondly remembered both for his artworks and his personality. Peter painted many portraits of staff at the School on their retirement most famous artwork among the School community, completed with the help of the sixth form, is his statue of Bishop Stopford which is made out of papier-mâché on a galvanised chicken-wire frame. His Supper at Emmaus also hangs in the School where it has now been joined by St George and the Dragon.

The new commission came about as a result a Jack Petchey award won by a teacher at the School, which was then used to commission the painting. The painting was dedicated on St George's Day earlier this year.

An additional painting by Peter used to hang in the School. This was his The Denial Of Saint Peter, featuring a likeness of the then Chaplain Lowry in the role of the Disciple Peter. On his retirement this painting was moved to its current location in St Marys Woodford.