West Sussex based artist Tabitha McBain creates decorative and richly illustrated originals painted in gouache and gilded with 24 ct gold leaf, inspired by medieval illuminated manuscripts and bestiaries.
McBain’s greatest inspiration for art comes from the natural world. “As a child I would collect and study shells, feathers, skulls and other objects and continue to do so even now.”
McBain is influenced by the detailed illuminated manuscripts and books of hours from the medieval era, and creates her own unique take on these works combining the traditional medieval decoration around the borders of her paintings with a more modern realistic centrepiece featuring a particular animal or bird. She uses 24ct gold leaf to highlight certain features of each piece.
Sussex born artist/printmaker Clare Dales is showing a new series of lino cut prints, encompassing a ‘food’ theme. Dales began her printmaking journey over 15 years ago, following a one-day workshop in lino-cut.
With a degree in Archaeology, Dales went on to read Architecture, exploring the built and natural environments and experimenting with print techniques, including linocuts, monotypes, textiles and collages. This interest in detail and pattern forms a key theme in her work.
As part of Lewes Printmakers, she has exhibited frequently in the region and has been a contributor to a number of artists books. Her recent solo publication, Eastbourne, An Alphabet, has been well reviewed, drawing its inspiration from the characteristics of this historic seaside town.
As well as producing her own art, Dales runs workshops, where she shares her enthusiasm for print and its possibilities. Printmaker Dales will host a talk and demo on Saturday 26 November at 11am at Kevis House Gallery.
Kevis House Gallery specialises in the wood engravings by Gwenda Morgan (1908 – 1991). This show will feature some of her Christmas and Winter themed prints.
Morgan, who lived in Petworth throughout her life, studied at the influential Grosvenor School of Modern Art in the 1930’s, and her engravings are held by most of the major museums in the UK.
The Morgan prints on offer include rare signed engravings as well as a section of more affordable proof prints, printed by the Whittington Press in 2000.
email: press@hodgsonevents.com or call: 01798 215 007
Gallery opening times: Monday – Saturday, 10.00 am – 5.00 pm. Sunday by appointment only.
Kevis House, Lombard Street, Petworth West Sussex, GU28 0AG 01798 215 007
mail@kevishouse.com