Kit Beecroft - Yorkshire

The most a maker of images can hope for is that, for a moment, he or she can divert the viewer from the daily round. The images on this website gallery are inspired by observable phenomena – as in Sanctuary – Monolith – Mere Reflection. Others like Rites of Spring and Icon for a Masai are purely from the imagination. In the age of mass media, bombardment of the visual sense has seemingly limited attention spans to a degree where `optical illiteracy` has gained ground. These works in some cases hope to “create a pause” by a fermentation process, where a metaphoric transformation or interpretation into an enduring image occurs. Whether this process succeeds or fails I leave to the viewer. I believe a painting has to be experienced as an intuitive, feeling function, some of which is subliminal and therefore difficult to intellectualise. All works are in oil on canvas, some heavily textured; advancement and recession where appropriate are created by thickness of paint as well as tonal values.

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Paula McNamara - Manchester

I have been interested in fashion for as long as I can remember. I had romantic notions of being a successful fashion designer but at college I quickly discovered I disliked using sewing machines! By contrast, I enjoyed the design and illustration side of the industry, rather than the production side, so I spent most of my time at college illustrating fashion.
On leaving college I became involved in several projects and exhibitions. Particularly significant was the ONE TREE PROJECT (organised by Garry Olson) involving 75 artists who created various works of arts and crafts from a single oak tree donated by Tatton Park. I produced a collection of costumes constructed mainly from the leaves, branches and sawdust left after the tree was removed. This organic matter was complemented by artificial materials, such as plastics, wire and diamante.
As my career as a fashion stylist took off my work as an illustrator took a back seat. Despite this, over recent years I have become more interested in and inspired by illustration, experimenting with various styles and techniques. Through these experiments I have developed my own style and received further commissions.
Last November I participated in a joint Exhibition at HEDONIST SALON (based in the Northern Quarter), sharing the space with fellow illustrators Stan Chow & John Royle (comic artist for Marvel comics GB & USA). The work I exhibited was greatly influenced by the ART DECO period, and as earlier, by the ART NOUVEAU MOVEMENT.
This year I’m continuing with the ART DECO style and am having two solo exhibitions at HARVEY NICHOLS Manchester on the 15th November 2006 And LOVE KETCHUP GALLERY in London on 24th November 2006.

Influences.

For this set of illustrations I wanted to combine interiors, architecture and fashion. I drew inspiration from the ART DECO period and the stylish illustrative Vogue covers of the 1920s and 30s, but adding a modern twist. But in keeping with the style & elegance of the deco period.
My style has become quite architectural, I love detail & the simplicity & purity of working in line. But I don’t totally abandon technology, I take full advantage of the colour pallet that photoshop has to offer. I have a reasonably happy relationship with both mediums. Enjoying the purity of hand drawn drawings & allowing modern technology to enhance my work. But in all honesty drawing by hand is far more satisfying, than sitting at my laptop.
My specific influences include AUBREY BEARDSLEY, whose illustrations are beautifully executed and whose subject matter ranges from witty and cheeky to dark and disturbing. I love the wonderful commercial poster campaigns of TOULOUSE LAUTREC and the beautiful women of the ART NOUVEAU period illustrated by ALPHONSE MUCHA. Last but not least, an illustrator who inspired me from the start was the theatrical, flamboyant, illustrations by the French artist ERTÉ .

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Marc Ferrero - France

Let's imagine a painter who dedicates his entire production to telling a story. This is the story of "La Comitiva", thriller which sets the spotlight on a group of Europeans in New York, telling the story of the strength of bonds that unite them. More than simply the guiding thread of the works of Marc Ferrero, "La Comitiva" is a concept: a graphic novel, oil on canvas, sculptures, 3-D works, a video clip…Marc Ferrero's creative imagination never ceases to give new forms to this idea that is La Comitiva.

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John Royle - Manchester

I enjoy penciling stories with the characters I read as a child, like the X-Men, Avengers and Spiderman. One of my goals is to spark a little of the imagination and magic the stories gave me as a child to the next generation of comic fans. At present I am penciling for Marvel-Panini UK on the Spectacular Spiderman comic. Previously I have worked on such books as Wolverine (a graphic novel), Excalibur, Star Trek -Starfleet Academy, Ultra-Force, Robin, and Spiderman. The Sunday Times commissioned me to do a series of Spiderman stories which were published in early 2006. I recently illustrated a book by comic god Stan Lee (the creator of Spiderman, Fantastic Four, The Hulk and X-men) called Alexa published by I Books alongside such comic legends as Dave Gibbons (Watchmen) & Dan Jurgens (Superman). I enjoy a variety of creative work and have also created Photoshop illustrations for such clients as GQ , Orange, and Aussiebum , Samples off artwork can be found on www.johnroyleart.com Client List Includes: Marvel Comics (USA & UK), DC Comics, Panini, The Times, Paramount Pictures, Malibu Comics, Acclaim, Readers Digest USA, Time Warner, Natmag Rodale, GQ, Orange, Conde Nast Publishing.

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Simon Taylor - Manchester

Simon Taylor was born in Gloucester but now living and working in Manchester, after graduating in 1994 with BA (Hons) in Fine Art Simon has exhibited in many group and solo exhibitions throughout the UK and abroad , his work has been purchased by many private collectors and galleries and has also had images used for publication world-wide. Using various mediums including photography and painting, his work is part of a continuing project started in 1993 based around ideas of perception, questioning the validity and source of received visual information.

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Emma Sheldrake - Fortitude Valley Australia

Emma Sheldrake was born and bred into a family of artists. Eccentricity is the cornerstone of the Sheldrake family. She graduated from the Queensland College of Art in 1995. Emma has had ten years experience working within the Design, Advertising, and Fashion industries as an Art Director, Graphic Designer and Stylist. From television commercial conception through to interior design, Emma has worked the full spectrum of creative industries, including working in Brisbane, Sydney and the USA, for amongst others, George Patterson Bates.

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Mik Kirkham - Notting Hill, London

Mik lives in Notting Hill, London, and finds his inspiration from his love of music and art. He is a child of the '60's and draws on his experiences and wonderment of life in the wild free days of that era, producing colour and monochrome images of those he admires and infamous figures of the time. Mik will also take commissions to paint portraits from a photograph in the pop art style, which make a wonderful surprise gift for any loved one.

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Tay Dall - South Africa

Abstract artist Tay Dall, is known for emotionally charged oil paintings on unusual surfaces like old doors and shutters. "Culture presents us with icons of idealised states of being," she says. "These are, however, extremely transitory. I therefore physically alter the surface of everything I paint, allowing my voice to come through. "My works express many feelings through line and colour. I hope the resulting visual atmosphere will touch viewers emotionally." Tay, a 1.8 meter live-wire, returned to South Africa in 1995, after living in Los Angeles, California for eleven years, where she studied, worked and exhibited her work in numerous galleries. She is married to American entrepreneur Ben Chowney and has two children Zoë and Tal. Her home and studio are located along a nature reserve near the beautiful seaside village of Hermanus, Western Cape.

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Jeremy Houghton - The Cotswolds, England

Jeremy Houghton paints miniature abstract watercolours. Each one is approximately 3x4cm in size and absolutely unique. The "windows" are then arranged into pictures varying in size, colour and shape. The viewer can stand up close and get absorbed into the intrigue of each miniature painting, or step back and appreciate the artwork for its conceptual entirety. Bold, bright and amusing, Houghton"s "windows" are a striking alternative to the tried-and-tested abstract oil on canvas.

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Hayley Felton - England

Art and creativity has always been a strong focus throughout my life, and last year I gave up full-time work in the city to pursue this passion and forge a serious career as an artist.

My interests are incredibly varied and I think this is reflected within my work. I studied a three-year degree in Psychology @ Goldsmith's University, and my interest in people and the human mind is expressed through my love of portraiture. I especially enjoy portraying iconic women, from eras of bygone glamour and decadence, which I have recently incorporated into strong Pop Art styles.

I believe that essentially art should be uplifting, thus I always embrace the chance to experiment with bold, bright colours, and am interested in recreating fluidity of living movement within art. Fashion has also been a great influence in my work, and 'Peacock Delight' was inspired by the intricate detail of Matthew Williamson's designs.

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Terence Jordan - England

The words "it will be there tomorrow" do not always hold true in photography. One may not have a second opportunity to capture that “fleeting moment”

The subject matter is not just a mere record but has a uniqueness and appeal which I wanted to convey as photographs.

As you the viewer engage and contemplate these images, may you capture something of that bygone era.

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Andrey Sukharov - Kaluga, Russia

Born in 1958, Andrey graduated in 1986 from the Moscow Pedagogical University (the faculty of Art and Drawing). Andrey is a painter and a pencil artist. He is a member of The Artists Union Of Russia (since 1988) and a member of The Photographic Artists Union Of Russia (since 1987). Many works by Andrey Sakharov are currently exhibited in numerous museums, galleries and private collections in Russia, Italy, France, Germany and USA.

In 1986 Andrey created several icons for some local churches in Kaluga. In 1996 The Kaluga Branch Of Artists Union Of Russia called Andrey Sakharov The Painter Of The Year for a series of works on urban themes. Since 1983 Andrey Sakharov participated in various local, regional, national and international exhibitions. One of his recent exhibitions were held in the gallery of the Moscow Business Plaza Hotel.

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Brian Weavers - England

Brian firstly became interested in 3d art whilst lecturing on Architectural Design and technical Drawing to university students. As an ex-management consultant involved in making change, he saw the need to give that extra edge to Reverse Perspective Art by making it curved instead of straight. He has exhibited and sold at local galleries including two 3 week solo presentations.

Curved Reverse Perspective:
“There is no reality, only perception” Usually objects that are nearer the eye appear larger, while those far away appear to be smaller. Brian’s 3d paintings reverse this perception by making a visual paradox. As the viewer walks from side to side, the scenery moves, changes and comes alive, giving each piece of art a ‘WOW’ factor.

3D Art Construction:
The basic shape is made from birch plywood bent and glued onto curved timber ribs. This similar in construction to the method used in making the World War II all-wooden Mosquito Bomber.

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