Mark Herald-Art and Illustration

I have just visited the wonderfully refurbished York Art Gallery which now featured the very talented and more than a little eccentric Mark Herald as the artist in residence. Mark has also curated The Lumber Room: Unimagined Treasures, a room full of miscellaneous stored objects and artifacts from the stores of the Yorkshire Museum and York Castle Museum as well as the York Art Gallery. His choices include textiles, costume, oil paintings, and works on paper, furniture, and taxidermy, many items of which have not been on public display before, this quirky collection is well worth a visit.

Mark Herald studied illustration at Glasgow College of Art and then completed an MA in Natural History Illustration at the Royal College of Art. Taking his inspiration from the flora and fauna of the British countryside, Mark works across a number of mediums, producing limited edition lithographic and linocut prints, unique paintings, collages and hand-painted ceramics. Just wonderful as an unusual gift.

Mark has recently completed commissions for Faber & Faber and Tate Museums. A children's book illustrated by a series of Mark's unique collages was published by Walker Books in 2012.

There is something very contemporary about Mark’s work but also at the same time I feel that it reflects a different time, nostalgic and very British. I love the distinctive images, wonderful colour’s and the fact it always puts a smile on my face.  Great fun!

Mark’s work is available through many Museum shops nationwide or via the website below:

 www.stjudesprints.co.uk

Amanda Mercer Ceramics

I love items which have a nostalgic feel and the beautiful work of ceramic artist maker, Amanda Mercer is lovingly handcrafted and inspired by memories and nostalgia.

Amanda’s range is a collection of delicate porcelain buttons, jewellery, pretty home wear and decoration all individually handcrafted and created in Carlisle, Cumbria.

Based on a love for vintage memorabilia such as vintage buttons found in her Grandma's button box, scraps of lace, black and white photographs, stamps and letters, Amanda, translates this feeling through her work.  She explores both the surface decoration and form. Many different techniques are used to achieve her pieces. Such as imprinting, screen printing and the use of decal transfers which are produced through drawings and collages of postage markings and letters.

Each piece is individual and bespoke and they make the most beautiful presents for yourself and others.

Since graduating in 2009 with a first class B.A HONS in Contemporary Applied Arts, Amanda started selling her collection of items through shops and galleries throughout the UK and has also taken part in many exhibitions and events.

Please view www.amandamercer.com for the full range and more details.

Sara x

Ella Doran

January is a good time to look at updating our homes...

I love the use of art in a practical way and no one does this better than Ella Doran who specializes in the surface design of distinctive home accessories and furnishings.

Ella Doran is an award winning designer who has been running her own East-London based business since graduating from college in the early 90s. Her main focus is on creating photography-based images and patterns and she pioneered their application on functional everyday products when digital printing technologies were first developed. Ella makes seasonal collections of ready-to-buy home accessories, stationery products and gifts and works to commission for commercial, charitable and private clients. Because of her extensive experience in design, manufacturing and selling she is also a sought-after mentor, a role she has always been happy to take on. Ella is a fellow of the RSA.

Stimulated by an on-going collaboration with retailers and manufacturers, the Ella Doran product portfolio of modern home accessories has expanded to include; trays, ceramic tableware, cushions and umbrellas as well as paper products, such as diaries, greeting cards, calendars, gift wrap/bags and wallpapers.

State-of-the-art digital technologies and processes have meant a bespoke range of products has been introduced, such as; bespoke roller blinds that are scaled and cropped to a customer specification.  Ella Doran also works in collaboration with established British blinds manufacturer Eclectics.

Drawing inspiration from the world around her, at home or abroad, Ella Doran creates new designs every season for her portfolio of home accessories and furnishing. All of her designs are suffused by her passion for colour, texture and the effects of sunlight. Ella insists on using high-quality materials that enhance the meaning of her designs, which often play with cultural icons and associations.

I love the nostalgic feel of Ella’s work and her strong personal interests and love of art and photography which show in her collections.

For more information go to www.elladoran.co.uk

All the best

Sara X