cambridge contemporary art

exhibitions

Independent Galleries Art Trail

Meet the artist, exhibitionscambridge contemporary artComment

An Evening with Photographer Martin Bond

Thursday 7 July 5pm-7.30pm

Meet the creator of the famous A Cambridge Diary photography project Martin Bond as we celebrate his new catalogue of work in the gallery. This is a free event, do visit us early to enjoy a complimentary drink!

This event is a part of the Cambridge Independent Art Galleries Trail. Follow the map below to discover what is locally known as Cambridge’s arts quarter, home to a cluster of independent galleries found among the city’s iconic architecture. Explore each gallery’s unique exhibition and enjoy a drink.

ceramics, exhibitionscambridge contemporary artComment

We have finalised our Ukraine Fundraiser, the total amount raised is £18,539!

This was possible thanks to the generosity of our artists who donated a piece/s to the cause and to our customers who immediately responded and bought online and in the gallery. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking part.

The funds have been donated to Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC). 13 DEC charities and their local partners are providing immediate relief to people feeling conflict.


2019 Winter Show

ceramics, exhibitions, Paintingcambridge contemporary artComment

Mixed Winter Show

at cambridge contemporary art 

12 January - 24 February 2019

We are so excited to have paintings by Anita Klein in the gallery. As always Anita's work focuses on those everyday moments we take for granted. Beautiful, life affirming paintings guaranteed to beat those January Blues!

We have two brand new artists to the gallery this month: Matt Horne and Jenni Cator.

We also have beautiful papercuts by Darin Mountand new work by Jacky Hawthorne and Lucy Howard.


Jacky Hawthorne’s paintings of still life, often with stylised flowers, are informed by her training in ceramics and her previous career as garden designer. Jacky uses acrylic on paper and her paintings are quirky, light-hearted and colourful. As with garden design there is a strong emphasis on balance and composition.


Born in Norwich, Jenni Cator trained in the North West, worked in London and now lives and paints in the Norfolk countryside. Jenni paints in oil on board, draws with pastel on paper and prints with lino. 


Matt Horne trained at Aylesford Pottery in Kent, developing his technical skills in production throwing before setting up his own workshop at Capel-le-Ferne, near Folkestone, in 2008.

Matt enjoys pushing the boundaries of form with contemporary, elegant and sometimes challenging shapes, which are complemented by the stunning colour combinations in his glazes.

All of his work is hand thrown in porcelain on the potter’s wheel and finished with crystalline glaze. Crystalline is a complex glazing process in which Zinc Silicate crystals form in the glaze during the firing, making every piece completely unique.


If you would like to be the first to receive information about one of the artists in one of the exhibitions below, contact us and we’ll be in touch when the new work arrives.


Gift Vouchers

Too many beautiful things to choose between?

If you can't make up your mind on what to choose we also have gift vouchers, available in any denomination and which can be redeemed across our two galleries.

Don't forget we can send most items anywhere in the world including gift vouchers!


Future exhibitions in cambridge contemporary art:

2 - 31 March 2019 - Landscape show featuring: Chrissy NormanRebecca Vincent, Sarah Johnson, Honor Surie, Terry Bryan, Penny FrithSue MundyKaren Bunting, Sam Walker 

6 April - 5 May 2019 - Abstract show featuring: Charlotte Cornish, Jane HollidgeSue Jones, C.E. Johnson, Tracey AshmanLara Scobie, Ann Lee, Peter ArscottSarah Hillman, Silvia K, Ruth Shelley 

11th May - 2nd June 2019 - Jo Tunmer Solo Show 

12 June - 2 September - Mixed Summer Show 

6 - 29 September 2019 - Rebecca Barnard 

5 - 27 October 2019 Angie Lewin and Lizzie Farey


 
 

Thank you for all your continuous support.

         You are helping artists to sustain their livelihood and  supporting two locally run independent galleries

        The work you buy will be unique and original - you won’t find it elsewhere in Cambridge

       Everything is handmade by artists working in the UK


Meet & Greet

Meet the artist, exhibitionscambridge contemporary artComment
meetandgreet10.jpg

from left: John Duffin, Gail Brodholt, Jane Hollidge, Maree Allitt

On Saturday 15th September we had a pleasure of hosting a Meet&Greet with painters and printmakers Gail Brodholt and John Duffin and ceramicists Maree Allitt and Jane Hollidge. We really enjoyed finding out more about the artists, about their practice and inspirations. Thank you all for coming!

UPCOMING EVENTS at CCA

  • Friday 5th October between 6pm-7.30pm - Private View of our upcoming exhibition of paintings by Gael Sellwood and ceramics by Margaret Gardiner and Tiffany Scull. This is a great opportunity to meet the artists and chat about their work, so do join us. The event is free, if you would like to attend we kindly ask you to register here.

  • Sunday 21st October between 2pm-4pm - artist demo with ceramicist Margaret Gardiner. This is a free event, please register here.

  • Saturday 27th October between 1pm-3pm - Demo and book signing by Gael Sellwood. This is a free event, please register here.

gallery september1.jpg

Gail Brodholt and John Duffin

exhibitions, Painting, Printmaking, ceramicscambridge contemporary artComment

Gail Brodholt and John Duffin

at cambridge contemporary art 

8 - 30 September 2018

We are in for a real treat this September at cambridge contemporary art, with a city-themed exhibition by London-based painter-printmakers Gail Brodholt and John Duffin. Both artists are renowned for their striking depictions of urban environments, each interpreting modern life in the city in their own way. We can't wait to see their work side by side. 

Both artists will be at the gallery for a meet & greet on Saturday 15th September from 2-4pm. Not to be missed!



John Duffin
 is well known for his high contrast black and white etchings focusing on contemporary urban life and metropolitan architecture. His choice of point of view creates an almost cinematic effect. In addition to Duffin's etchings, we will also have a number of his oil paintings on display.


Gail Brodholt creates richly coloured linocuts of modern cityscapes, focusing especially on scenes of urban travel. London's railways, metro trains and tube stations feature prominently with city dwellers on their way across the London transport network.  Gail's expert eye for composition and her distinctive bold lines result in strong graphic images.

Alongside John and Gail's work, we will be showing ceramics

by Maree Allitt and Jane Hollidge.

JH-152 NWEB.jpg

Paine Proffitt, Helen Martino and Verity Pulford exhibition

exhibitions, Glass, ceramics, Paintingcambridge contemporary artComment

Paine ProffittHelen Martino and Verity Pulford

exhibition at cambridge contemporary art 

28th April - 20th May 2018

Our current exhibition at cambridge contemporary art is three-person show featuring ceramics by Helen Martino, paintings by Paine Proffitt and glass by Verity Pulford.

8.-Happy-summer-picnic.jpg

Cambridge-based artist Helen Martino creates beautiful ceramic sculptures with a strong sense of narrative. She is a master in rendering gestures and facial expressions. Helen has been a regular exhibitor at our gallery since it first opened in the 1990s and is a founding member of Cambridge Open Studios.

 

 

 

 

 

 

While Paine Proffitt is perhaps best known for his sports-themed work, his new paintings depict fairytale-like scenes of queenly women in stately gowns, with birds and starry skies in the background. Proffitt's richly coloured paintings are created using layers of acrylic on canvas. They are nostalgic in feel and stylistically they reference elements of cubism and surrealism.

 

 

Glass artist Verity Pulford takes inspiration from the stunning countryside and wildlife around her in North Wales. She is fascinated by the ever changing light and the magical qualities this gives the plants and trees within the landscape. Using fusing, sandblasting, hand-painting and etching she tries to capture these qualities in her work.

 

Shazia Mahmood and Anthony Theakston exhibition at cambridge contemporary art 

exhibitions, ceramics, Painting, Sculpturecambridge contemporary artComment

Shazia Mahmood and Anthony Theakston

exhibition at cambridge contemporary art 

30th March - 22nd April 2018

Shazia Mahmood returns to cambridge contemporary art for her sixth exhibition at the gallery. A recent trip to Holkham, staying in a nearby beach hut has inspired this new body of work and a new palette. The never ending skies and seas of Norfolk hold a special place in her heart.

On Friday 20th April from 6pm to 7.30pm, painter Shazia Mahmood will be in the gallery to chat about her practice. This is a great opportunity to meet the artist in an informal environment and enjoy a glass of bubbly after a long week. This is a freedrop-in event. We kindly ask to register here to monitor the number of visitors during the event. 

Anthony Theakston creates a range of ceramics inspired primarily by bird form and movement. He begins his work by drawing quick sketches from nature to capture a striking form which he then refines these drawings into a design on paper, trying not to lose the initial expressive action which rough sketches can capture.

We are delighted to have such a selection of Anthony’s work. We are the only gallery to show his ceramics during 2017 and 2018.

Emma Green in our March Exhibition

exhibitions, Paintingcambridge contemporary artComment

For our March exhibition at cambridge contemporary art, we are very excited to have new oil paintings by Emma Green.

Emma Green is a contemporary landscape painter based in Woodbridge, Suffolk. Following a Foundation course in Art and Design at Ipswich Art School, Emma went on to do a Fine Art Degree in Hull. After graduating in 2001, she returned to Suffolk. Working from her studio by the river Deben, Emma is strongly inspired by the coastal environment around her. Being immersed in this landscape, Emma creates semi abstract paintings exploring its wildness, its remoteness and the evocative, fleeting changes in light and atmosphere.

Emma’s new collection of work for spring continues to draw upon the changing light and atmosphere of the river Deben. Every hour, every day, the clouds, sunlight, rain or mist alters the landscape below, the trees along the shoreline, the mudflats and the surface of the water at high tide. Emma works in an intuitive way, always exploring the material qualities of the oil paint, adding texture inspired by the plants along the tow path, the flocks of wader birds that fly up or patterns and debris from old boats left in the mud.

Emma Green is coming to the gallery for an informal meet & greet on Sunday 18th March . The event is free, but we kindly ask to register here.

This free exhibition runs from 3rd - 25th March 2018. We are open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5.30pm and Sunday from 11am to 5pm.

 
 

Iona Howard in our March Exhibition

exhibitions, Meet the artist, Printmaking, Poetrycambridge contemporary artComment

 

Iona Howard’s prints explore the notion of time and landscape through a contemplative exploration of surface. The sources of Howard’s prints can come from working in the open air or expressing landscape filtered through memory. The physicality of her approach to the printing process makes the subject spontaneous and vibrant whilst capturing an intimate connection with the landscape.

Howard is captivated by the ancient semi-natural landscapes typical of her native west Cornwall where a blurred line exists between nature and human activity. Recent works of the Fens focus on the meeting point of land, horizon and sky, their flatness altering the perception of distance. Howard’s work has gradually evolved from her monochromatic studies by introducing colour to reflect the Fens’ everchanging mood and light. She draws inspiration from sites which have a particular sense of place; the catalyst for her most significant pieces of work.

Howard’s work has more recently been informed by a year-long collaboration with the Fenland Poet Laureate, Kate Caoimhe Arthur. Howard and Arthur have been working and walking together over the last four seasons in the fen-edge landscape that inspires them both. In repeated journeys around Cottenham and Wicken Fen, and more occasional forays into the deeper Fens, they have shared their practices, and each allowed their work to be in conversation with each other’s work.  The process of articulating, to one another, the methods and rhythms of what at some level is instinctive and very private work, has in itself been valuable.  Arthur’s poetry is displayed in the gallery amongst Howard’s prints, with the hope that visitors will see a conversation between the works, rather than a strict correlation between a single print and a single poem.

Please join them both between 6-7pm on Thursday 15th March for a reading of the work alongside the prints and an opportunity to meet both artist and poet with their reflections on the process of making their art.

This free exhibition runs from 3rd - 25th March 2018. We are open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5.30pm and Sunday from 11am to 5pm.

March Exhibition at cambridge contemporary art

exhibitions, Printmaking, Painting, Woodcambridge contemporary artComment

For our landscape-themed March exhibition at cambridge contemporary art, we are very excited to have new oil paintings by Emma Green, prints by Iona Howard and wooden trugs by Jane Crisp who is new to the gallery.

Emma Green is a contemporary landscape painter based in Woodbridge, Suffolk. Working from her studio by the river Deben, Emma is strongly inspired by the coastal environment around her. Emma’s new collection of work draws on the changing light and atmosphere of the river Deben.

 

Iona Howard’s fine art prints similarly express an intimate connection with landscape, mainly the flat fenland near her Cambridgeshire studio. Howard’s work has more recently been informed by a year-long collaboration with the Fenland Poet Laureate, Kate Caoimhe Arthur. Arthur’s poetry will be displayed alongside Howard’s prints, allowing a conversation to emerge between the two bodies of works both inspired by the fen-edge landscape.

 

Working from her home studio and workshop surrounded by beautiful countryside in Hale Fen, Cambridgeshire, Jane Crisp creates steam-bent trugs. The inspiration for her sculptural vessels comes from the Norfolk reeds and draws on her creative personal connections with local heritage and low-tech processes.

 

Events

We are hosting a poetry and music event on Thursday 15th March from 6-7pm. Kate Caoimhe Arthur who will be doing a poetry reading, accompanied by guitar music by Dominic Howard and sound recordings from the Fens.

Iona Howard will also be at the gallery to give a talk about her printmaking practice on Sunday 18th March at 2pm. This is a free event. This is a great chance to meet the artist and learn more about her printmaking process.

This free exhibition runs from 3rd - 25th March 2018. We are open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5.30pm and Sunday from 11am to 5pm.

Meet the artist - Vicky Oldfield

Meet the artist, exhibitions, Printmakingcambridge contemporary artComment
galley jan 201810.jpg

We have started 2018 with a wonderful exhibition of Vicky Oldfield's collagraphs at the front of the gallery.

Her prints are taken from plates which have been collaged with a variety of materials, card, fabric, paper, string, sand and anything else that may come to hand; it's recycling at it's most creative! The plates are then sealed and then inked up and printed in intaglio or relief on damp paper using an etching press. The embossed textural quality of the print is unique to this method.

Thanks to the process itself, she is able to make small editions of the image, the editions are variable due to the process and her desire to experiment, which means each print is unique.

We asked Vicky some questions to find out more about her unique prints.

2012-10-12 11.02.31.jpg

How did you get started with your art career?

I went to art college back in the eighties and studied design, I got my first job as a wallpaper designer for crown wallpapers and then worked for a design studio in Paris creating patterns for wallpapers, fabrics and ceramics.  After a return to the UK I freelanced as a designer working on  a variety of design projects from textiles, wallpaper and illustration to creating makes for  craft magazines.  During this time I began printmaking for pleasure, within a few years the printmaking became my main profession.

What inspires you?

I find inspiration everywhere, it's mainly from daily moments, I try to find time to slow down and really look. I start with a drawing and as soon as I am working I find the ideas flow, it's the starting that can sometimes be a problem, if I am stuck, I get in my studio look through my piles of ideas and sketches, try not to think too much and just start and then the ideas flow.

2015-04-11 12.42.54.jpg
2015-04-11 12.42.37.jpg

How do you go about making a new piece?

After starting with drawing and getting lots of ideas and sketches together, the final composition is put together in the same way that I used to design wallpaper, it's all about the textures, pattern, colours and space.

Vicky Oldfield Portrait CMYK.jpg

What are the qualities you enjoy about the medium you work in?

I love printmaking, it's a very versatile medium, so many opportunities for mark making! and when you have the plate made there are a lot of different ways you can print a picture from the same plate,which makes it fun and exciting.  This does mean however that although my work is printed in editions there are huge variations within the editions, in some ways this is lovely as people get a unique piece, in other ways its complicated as my work is not a print in the traditional sense as an identical reproduction.

Which other artists do you admire?

 I have huge admiration for Mary Fedden, Elizabeth Blackadder, Angie Lewin, John Piper, Barbra Rae, Stephen Chambers,  Just to name a few!
 

galley jan 20181.jpg

Can you describe a typical working day?

 Getting outside is good for the soul, I start the day with an hour long walk in the countryside with my dog, I live just where London hits the green belt, so after a short walk along the railway track I am in the countryside, I think my walks are my main source of inspiration.  I tend to be working in my studio by 9.30, I will work all day if I am printing, with the process I use it's important to print as many as you can in one day as the prints get richer with each pull, but the actual plates start to change and can disintegrate, leaving me with only a portion of the intended edition printed.

If I am not printing, I am either preparing plates, planning artworks,  painting up the pictures , all this mixed with the admin, gallery deliveries and visits to my framer

galley jan 20180.jpg


How do you see your work evolving in the future? 

Through my artwork, I want to celebrate nature in all it’s beauty, I am planning on my walks to look to see where nature has reclaimed human spaces if only in a small way and to make works related to this. 

Come and visit the gallery to see Vicky's prints on show at cambridge contemporary art, 6 Trinity Street, CB2 1SU from 2nd - 14th January 2018. The gallery is free to enter.

galley jan 20186.jpg

Photos of the gallery by Zuza Grubecka

 

2017 - a year in photos

Meet the artist, Demonstrations, exhibitionscambridge contemporary artComment
paul smith and flora mclachlan 7.10.1722.jpg

Throughout the year the gallery has changed its skin over a dozen times. Our exhibits have shown the brightest and best from the world of contemporary ceramics, glass, painting and printmaking.  

Martin Bond PV 9.06.1715.jpg

We always strive to mould the gallery's interior to display the artwork in the most complimentary way. Our aim has always been to create an inviting environment, which allows visitors to experience the work in a relaxed and personal space. 

We were very pleased to host a number of engaging workshops and talks by many of our esteemed artists. For both us and gallery visitors, these meetings are a wonderful opportunity to get to know the artists we represent and learn about their practices. 

This year we began to live stream the events on our Instagram profile to an ever increasing audience. 

We have lots more events lined up for 2018.

Subscribe to our newsletter to find out about the latest news from the gallery.

 

We wish you all the best in the New Year! 

 

Photography by Zuza Grubecka

Future exhibitions at cambridge contemporary art

2nd - 14th January 2018

Mixed exhibition featuring Vicky Oldfield

20th January - 25th February 2018

Mixed exhibition

3rd - 25th March 2018

Emma Green

30th March to 22nd April 2018

Shazia Mahmood and Anthony Theakston

28th April to 20th May 2018

Paine Proffitt and Helen Martino

26th May to 17th June 2018

Ruth Beloe, Anne-Marie Butlin

8th to 30th September 2018

Gail Brodholt and John Duffin

In the Forest – Paul Smith & Flora McLachlan - 7th-29th October

exhibitions, Demonstrations, Meet the artist, Etching, Sculpture, Printmakingcambridge contemporary artComment

 

Our autumn show at cambridge contemporary art is a forest-themed exhibition with etchings by Flora McLachlan and sculptures by Paul Smith. Their work shares a magical, dream-like quality and both artists are inspired by fables and fairytales.

Flora The first leaves, etching 24x27cm.jpeg
wolf.jpeg
FullSizeRender.jpg

 

Paul Smith makes hand-built figurative ceramic sculptures and limited edition sculptures in bronze, iron and marble resin. His work explores the relationship between mankind and the natural world, with a special interest in encounters between humans and animals. Rather than realistic depictions, he is interested in rendering dream-like images, designed to create a feeling of peaceful co-existence between us and nature. Paul is inspired by fairytales and children’s stories, often playfully subverting or reinterpreting them.

Good evening Mr badger_web.jpg
4.jpg

 

Equally enthralled by the natural world, Flora McLachlan creates beautiful etchings and paintings of enchanted landscapes roamed by mythical creatures, infused with a sense of mystery. She tries to express a sense of lost or hidden magic, a glimpse through trees of the white hart. Etching is the ideal medium for her purpose, with its high contrast deep blacks and glowing whites creating an ethereal atmosphere. Her work is inspired by medieval English literature, myths and legends. We will have a mix of etchings, drawings, paintings and monotypes, including brand new work.

 

Screen Shot 2013-07-29 at 17.47.12.png

The exhibition opens on 7th October and runs until 29th October. Both artists are coming to the gallery to hold demonstrations, make sure not to miss these unique opportunities to meet them and see how they create their work. On Saturday 7th October at 11 am Paul Smith will be building his howling wolf sculpture live in the gallery. On Saturday 28th October at 11am, Flora McLachlan will be holding a printmaking demonstration on her miniature mangle press. We hope to see you there! Admission is free but due to limited space in the gallery we kindly ask to register for the Paul Smith event here.

‘In The Window’ - A Celebratory Collection of Ceramics by Helen Martino 8th – 31st July 2017

exhibitions, Demonstrations, ceramics, Meet the artistcambridge contemporary artComment

We are starting off our summer show with a very special exhibition of ceramics by Cambridge-based artist Helen Martino. Helen has exhibited with Cambridge Contemporary Art ever since it first opened in the 1990s. We feel honoured to have been able to work with her for so many years and see her work evolve. This July, Helen is also having her birthday, which is one of those that needs to be celebrated! To mark the occasion, Helen has created a brand new collection of work for our window display.

The idea for Helen’s new collection sprung from the act of looking back at significant moments of change within her ceramic practice, which now spans 50 years. Over the years, Helen’s making went through several stages of development, as she proceeded from creating functional thrown pots on the wheel to her present hand built ceramic sculptures. Helen began by considering these different stages of her working practice and decided to re-present them by playing with scale, materials and different methods of making.

 
Thinking - Then

Thinking - Then

Sometimes I Sit and Think - Now

Sometimes I Sit and Think - Now

 

Helen’s new pieces have also been strongly inspired by the way her ceramics have become objects in galleries and other people’s homes. Placed on windowsills or in glass cabinets, where they can be seen from two or even three sides, she finds that they take on a new identity and autonomy. It is as if they have become still lifes, or pictures in their different settings. Exploring the themes of windows and picture frames, this new collection, aptly titled ‘In the Window’, plays with the idea of how one sees three dimensional pieces – within or without the frame.

 
Dancing Bottles - Then

Dancing Bottles - Then

Dancing Bottle - Now

Dancing Bottle - Now

 

Helen has thoroughly enjoyed this chance to look back, review and renew. The result is absolutely not to be missed, so please visit us this month to see Helen’s stunning new pieces! We are open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm and Sunday and Bank Holidays from 11am to 5pm. Helen will also be doing a demonstration at cambridge contemporary art on Friday July 14th, 5:30-7pm.

 
 

Photographs by Martin Bond and sculptures by Paul Harvey

Photography, exhibitions, Meet the artistcambridge contemporary artComment

Photographs by Martin Bond

and sculptures by Paul Harvey

10th June - 2nd July

Next up at cambridge contemporary art is an exhibition of photographs by Martin Bond and sculptures by Paul Harvey. Following the success of Martin Bond’s photography show in 2015, we are thrilled that he will be exhibiting his work with us again in June.  

 
 

Martin Bond has lived in Cambridge all his life, and runs ‘A Cambridge Diary’, a project where he takes a photograph of Cambridge every day. The project has been running since 2010, and consists of over 2,500 photographs and counting. 

Martin’s photographs show Cambridge as a city of both the ordinary and the extraordinary, often juxtaposing mundane everyday subjects with the remarkable grandeur of Cambridge’s architecture. Frequently playing with light and reflection, Martin’s photographs capture the atmosphere of a moment unique to the place and time that they were taken.

Visit Martin Bond's page on our website for an overview of all photographs in the exhibition. Of each photograph, there are 10 editions available. They can be ordered framed or unframed. Please contact us to find out more.

Martin will be at the gallery on Saturday 10th June to meet visitors. Do pop in for a chat about his lovely work!


Paul Harvey

 

Exhibiting with Martin is sculptor Paul Harvey. Paul’s focus in on birds – from blackbirds, terns and kingfishers to the more exotic ones like guinea fowls and amazons. He has been sculpting since the age of ten, having been introduced to woodcarving by a primary school teacher.

He soon realised that wood is not appropriate for the features of the birds he had in mind and turned to working in bronze and marble. Taking inspiration from Art Deco, Paul simplified his designs and created a unique and bold sculpting style.


Future exhibitions at cambridge contemporary art:

If you would like to be the first to receive information about one of the artists in one of the exhibitions below, contact us and we’ll be in touch when the new work arrives.

5th July - 3rd September 2017:  Summer Show featuring work by Mani ParkesClaire Ireland, Ruth Oinn, Julie Simmonds, Laura Smith, Alice Westcott and more...

 9th September - 1st October 2017: Anita Klein and McNeill Glass

7th October - 29th October 2017: 'In the Forest' Exhibition with Flora McLachlan and Paul Smith

4th - 26th November 2017: Winter Show featuring work by Lindsay McDonagh, Alice Heaton and many more...

April 2018: Shazia Mahmood and Anthony Theakston

September 2018: Gail Brodholt and John Duffin

October 2018: Gael SellwoodMargaret Gardiner and Tiffany Scull


Thank you for all your support 

You’re helping artists to sustain their livelihood and supporting a local independent gallery.

The work you buy will be unique and original - you won’t find it elsewhere in Cambridge.

Everything is handmade by artists working in the UK.

New paintings by Moira Hazel and Dan Bennett - ​​​​​​​6th - 4th June 2017

Painting, Glass, exhibitions, Meet the artistcambridge contemporary art3 Comments

New paintings by Moira Hazel and Dan Bennett 6th-4th June 2017

The new exhibition at cambridge contemporary artPhoto by Zuza Grubecka

The new exhibition at cambridge contemporary art

Photo by Zuza Grubecka

This May, we are adding a serious splash of colour to our gallery walls with an exhibition of colourful paintings and vibrant glass work by contemporary British artists.

Moira Hazel has a compulsive desire to paint, create, make marks and produce vivid and expressive work. She uses lively surface texture and intense colours. Moira loves to travel at home and abroad for inspiration. She especially enjoys the vibrant colours, light and brightness of the Mediterranean regions and she is fascinated by the fishing villages of the West Country.

On Saturday 4th June between 12pm and 2pm Moira Hazel will be in the gallery for a 'meet and greet' and to chat about her paintings. Please join the event here.

 

Moira HazelWinding roadacrylic on canvas61x61cm

Moira Hazel

Winding road

acrylic on canvas

61x61cm

Moira Hazel's work on display in the galleryPhoto by Zuza Grubecka

Moira Hazel's work on display in the gallery

Photo by Zuza Grubecka

Moira HazelRed and greenacrylic on canvas40x40cm

Moira Hazel

Red and green

acrylic on canvas

40x40cm

Dan Bennett's paintings are inspired by phosphenes, intricate swirling patterns that form before the inner eye, which have intrigued Dan since his childhood. By capturing these fleeting patterns in the form of plants and other organisms, Dan is expressing his belief in the oneness of life, and hinting at a glimpse of an underlying structure he thought he once saw out of the corner of his eye.

Dan BennettFicus 2 acrylic90x90cm

Dan Bennett

Ficus 2 

acrylic

90x90cm

Dan Bennett's work on display in the galleryPhoto by Zuza Grubecka

Dan Bennett's work on display in the gallery

Photo by Zuza Grubecka

Dan BennettRoche Aux Sabotsacrylic90x90cm

Dan Bennett

Roche Aux Sabots

acrylic

90x90cm

Alongside the paintings, we have filled the gallery with beautiful colourful glass work by McNeill GlassVerity Pulford, Catriona MacKenzieRuth Shelley and Scott Irvine.

Meet the Artist - Richard Spare

exhibitions, Meet the artist, Printmakingcambridge contemporary art1 Comment

Richard Spare's wonderful prints are now on show at Cambridge Contemporary Art in an exhibition with printmaker Robert Greenhalf that runs until 5th March. His pared down images, depicting scenes of wildlife, coastal scenes and still life, are inspired by his studio garden, and time spent travelling in America and Japan.

To learn more about the way Richard works we asked him a few questions.

When did you first know you wanted to be an artist? 
I don’t remember as a child making a sudden decision to be an artist, but from an early age I was drawn to making and designing.  It was a natural progression to go to art college and work with other artists. 

What inspires you? 
Nature must be an inspiration to everyone!  The garden at my studio is a constant source of inspiration, as is travel - on arrival in a new part of the world, I am usually weighed down with copper plates! 

What are the qualities you enjoy about the medium you work in? 
I always draw directly onto the plate from my chosen subject.  I love working straight onto the copper, the act of drawing on the resistant copper dictates the way I draw, and the way the image turns out.  I am not transposing from another medium, so each print is an original interpretation, individually printed by hand, and hand painted.  Each print is thus slightly different. I enjoy the rich velvet blacks of the drypoint line against the pure pigment of the watercolour and find the vibrancy of the pigment against the strength of the black a beautiful combination. 
 
How long does the process take and what is involved? 
Each single print takes considerable time to produce.  Aside from the time taken drawing the image (which takes many hours and some strength!) - the plate must be re-inked and hand-wiped for each print made.  The plates are printed on my antique etching presses - the technique having changed very little since Rembrandt’s day. 
The press is turned by hand and the damp paper is peeled off the plate to reveal an image which is thus unique - no mass production here!  The print is then dried for eight hours under weights and is hand-coloured, the application of watercolour painting on the printed drypoint line and gives another dimension of uniqueness. Use of precise colour is extremely important; my wife Kay and I spend a lot of time proofing the colours, until the right balance is achieved. 
 
Do your floral titles come from a knowledge of plants/botany/horticulture
Unfortunately I don’t have green fingers myself, or know many Latin names, but I adore flowers and get a real buzz when something wonderful blooms in the studio garden! 
 
How do you arrive at your pared-down images? 
By a process of elimination, over the years I’ve tried to express the essence of what I see. I attempt to evoke the fragility of life and my respect for its existence. Each animal, bird or flower has its own character, often engagingly quirky or even humorous, I enjoy bringing these charictoristics out in my work. 

How did your time in America and Japan influence you? 
Whilst in New York I spent a great amount of time in the museums.  It was during one such visit to MOMA that I was struck by Matisse’s sublime simplicity of line and shape.  On return to London I went on to produce Blue Bird, which was, I suppose, the start of my current work. 
Since then I have traveled extensively in Japan which I was fortunate enough to visit annually for eleven years for a series of solo shows. After a five year break, I am excited to be going back this November for 25 shows right across Japan. I adore the rich culture and artistic traditions, the beauty of the landscape, and the people, all of which has an influence on my work.  
 
Which other artists do you admire? 
Rembrandt, Goya, Van Gogh, Picasso, David Hockney, Hokusai, Utamaro, Hiroshige and many, many more. 
 
What are your favourite museums and galleries? 
 MOMA, NY,  Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam,  Royal Academy, London, Ukiyo-E Ota Memorial Museum of Art, Tokyo. 
 
Can you describe a typical working day
I am not a morning person! I usually work at home in the morning, going through the diary, signing prints or discussing ideas or licensing requests with Kay. I arrive at my studio, which is a few miles away, in the late morning and open up the shutters at the back so I can see the garden while I work. I may be printing, or steelfacing my plates (an electroplating process which strengthens the drawn plate, so the image is maintained throughout the punishing pressures on the copper as the edition is printed on the antique etching presses). If I am travelling then of course I am out drawing! 
 
How do you see your work evolving in the future? 
My work will always be informed by travel and nature and I seek inspiration in these. My interpretations have evolved gradually over the years and I’m sure will continue to do so. The printmaking process is constantly surprising and inspiring in itself, and I like to use found textures and marks in some of my works. 
 
What are your general interests? 
My work and leisure cannot really be separated, - but my family, travel, film, meeting up with old friends come top of the list. 

Meet Richard Spare in the gallery on 19th February at 2pm. Richard will be at cambridge contemporary art (6 Trinity Street, Cambridge) to chat to visitors about his work.


 

 

October Exhibition with Niki Bowers, Carry Akroyd and Simon Griffiths

exhibitions, Printmaking, Sculpture, Meet the artistcambridge contemporary artComment

 

Niki Bowers, Carry Akroyd and Simon Griffiths Exhibition

1st – 23rd October

Niki Bowers

Landmark

linocut

Simon Griffiths

Hare (close-up)

ceramic

Carry Akroyd

Hugin & Munin

serigraph

 

Be sure not to miss our Autumn exhibition this year, with beautiful nature-inspired work by printmakers Niki Bowers and Carry Akroyd and sculptor Simon Griffiths.

 

Based in Norfolk, Niki Bowers creates linocut prints inspired by the rural landscape and wildlife surrounding her. Niki makes her prints entirely by hand using linseed oil based inks. If you’ve visited our gallery before, you might have seen one of her popular starling prints gracing our walls.

Painter and printmaker Carry Akroyd has lived most of her life in rural East Northamptonshire. Nature is her favourite subject and her brightly coloured prints depict a wide range of fauna and flora. Carry enjoys experimenting with different media.

Simon Griffiths grew up in rural Durham and this is where he draws his inspiration as well as his great respect for the natural world. He spends a lot of time studying the North Pennine wildlife and countryside before they find their way into his hand built stoneware sculptures.

 

Simon Griffiths

Tawny Owl

ceramic on wood

Niki Bowers

High Summer

linocut

 

Carry Akroyd

Big Turns and Little Terns

serigraph

 

The exhibition runs from 1st until 23rd October. Come to the gallery on Saturday 1st October to celebrate the opening of our new exhibition and meet Carry Akroyd and Niki Bowers from 2 to 4 pm.

Carry Akroyd will be in the gallery again to meet visitors on 15th October from 2 to 4 pm and Niki Bowers will be back on 22nd October from 2 to 4 pm. Come along to the gallery and have a chat with these two wonderful print artists!

Carry Akroyd in her studio

Niki Bowers - Winter Starlings - linocut

Meet the artist - Mychael Barratt

Printmaking, Etching, Meet the artist, exhibitions, Paintingcambridge contemporary artComment

For our new exhibition at cambridge contemporary art, Mychael Barratt has filled the walls with his original prints and paintings,  showing an eclectic mix of themes representing all of his major artistic passions. His work is on show from 3rd -23rd September alongside ceramics by Vicky Lindo, Jane Hollidge and Gwen Vaughan. 

To learn more about the way Mychael works we have asked him a few questions.

How did you get started with your art career?
About 25 years ago, I was walking by the Thames when I popped in to the Royal Festival Hall to get out of the rain. There was a printmaking exhibition on in the foyer and I was so impressed that I started an etching course at Central St Martins the following week. I had been working as a painter before but that was when I started printmaking. 

How do you go about making a new piece?
For big pieces the idea is always the starting point. Once I have the inspiration I start on doing the research and usually don't do any drawing until I've virtually planned the whole thing out in my head. The paintings are much more spontaneous. 

What is your preferred medium/colour pallet to use?
I love both painting and printmaking. As I make them in two separate studios and approach them so differently I couldn't say which is a favourite medium. In printmaking, my heart is definitely in etching.

What inspired the range of work that we have in the gallery?
The work in the gallery was inspired by various things. The 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare has had a huge impact on my work, inspiring at least three pieces. A recent visit walking around Cambridge has obviously inspired a couple of the paintings.

Exit, Pursued by a Bear

A Map of Shakespeare's London

 

We are currently showing your dog works, how do you go about selecting the artist that you paying homage to?
The artists are all ones whose work I admire but the most crucial thing is that little eureka moment when I get an idea that makes me laugh. They are sincere homages made with a huge level of care but are also hopefully quite funny. 

Is it challenging emulating all the different styles of your dog works? What is the style that you are most pleased to have achieved?
Emulating the style of the different artists is always a challenge because it forces me to work in unfamiliar manners. The one I am most pleased with is probably the Turner. I am constantly learning by doing these and painting the Hockney's dogs was definitely the most fun and has probably had the biggest impact on how I paint. 

Turner's Dog

Hockney's Dogs

Which other artists do you admire?
I admire so many artists and have a large art library. In printmaking, Rembrandt, Goya, Hogarth, Chris Orr and Grayson Perry. In painting my heart is definitely with Chagall although I think the way I work is more like Hopper. The list would be endless. 

Could you describe a typical working day?
I divide a typical day up between research and practical work and a perfect day would see me doing some printmaking and some painting. I'm happiest when I have a huge stretch of drawing ahead of me.

How do you see your work evolving in the future?
In the future I plan to do at least a couple more huge maps and carry on with the other strands and themes of my work like the artist's dogs and cats. Really I want to just keep getting better! 

Meet Mychael Barratt in the gallery on Saturday 24 September, 1-3pm. Mychael will be at cambridge contemporary art (6 Trinity Street, Cambridge) showing visitors how he produces his work.

September exhibition at CCA

Printmaking, Painting, ceramics, exhibitionscambridge contemporary artComment

You and your friends are warmly invited to the exhibition preview on Saturday 3rd September from 11 am. You can meet Mychael Barratt at the gallery on Saturday 3rd September, 11-1pm and Saturday 24th September, 1-3pm.

 exhibition runs 3rd -23rd September 2016

Painter and printmaker Mychael Barratt creates works that are full of detail, humour and a great sense of storytelling. He draws inspiration from sources as diverse as fairy tales, historical figures and Shakespearean dramas to classic paintings and pop culture. Mychael has created a range of work that features famous artists and their pets, skillfully re-imagined in the original artist’s style, resulting in a humorous sense of déjá vu.

Mychael Barratt

Edward Hopper's Dog

etching

Mychael Barratt

Stray Cats and Lost Sonnets

etching

Mychael Barratt

Magritte's Dogs

oil on panel

Vicky Lindo Ceramics is the creative partnership of Vicky Lindo and William Brookes. Producing earthenware slip cast ceramics, they use coloured underglazes and slips to illustrate and decorate their tableware and animal figures. We are delighted to welcome them to our gallery.

Jane Hollidge's pots are all made by hand, using coiling and pinching methods. Some are then burnished for smoke firing.  Jane likes to keep the shapes simple and decorates her post with abstract designs in vibrant colours using velvet glazes.

Gwen Vaughan creates figurative sculptural pieces using the traditional technique of pinching. Gwen works with a rich black clay, and carves into the surface to create a texture inspired by the qualities of slate and stone. She uses washes of coloured slip to enhance textural detail.

Vicky Lindo

Bear Pot Black and Gold

ceramic

Gwen Vaughan

Whale

ceramic

Jane Hollidge

Bowl

ceramic