Meet the Exhibitors - Kevin McGonnell

Who are you?
Kevin McGonnell

What do you do?
I am a digital photographer who works with a mix of photography and digital manipulation.

What's the most exciting thing you've done recently?
The most exciting thing that has happened recently is being asked (alongside other photographers) to submit my favourite portraiture shot, for a touring exhibition. The photograph will be printed on a 2X2 metre canvas and will be taken to various cities in the UK, and exhibited as part of the tour.

Why do you do it?
Well, I love photography and viewing the world through another persons eyes, it's actually like magic when you think about it. Almost like living for a moment in someone elses shoes. I think that for me, it's that opportunity to share how I see or imagine things, evoking emotions or thought processes which you may not have previously had. Of course that goes back to the magic that is, living the moment in someone elses shoes. 

Further info: 
http://www.blackeyespecialist.co.uk - creative works
http://kevinmcgonnell.com - event, music, promo and product photography

Meet the Exhibitors - Janet Rogers (Crushed Chilli Gallery)

Who are you? 
Janet Rogers

What do you do?
An artist working mainly in stained, leaded and kiln fused glass to commission. Her designs combine traditional craftsmen’s techniques with bold, modern designs to produce vibrant works with a contemporary feel. Born in Gateshead, Janet now lives and has a Gallery and Studio in South Street, Durham where she produces her own fused glass, Stained glass and etched glass pieces that are often incorporated into leaded stained glass panels. She works full time designing and producing commissions for domestic and commercial projects around the UK.

‘My work consists of many visual forms with references from landscape, geometry and colour. The majority of designs involve bright, vivid, bold colour and texture to make my pieces stand out against the minimalist colour palette of today’.

What's the most exciting thing you've done recently? 
Sunday 15th April a new font was dedicated during the morning Communion Service at St John's Church, Neville's Cross by Revd. Barnaby Huish. St John's was able to commission the font after being left a bequest for a work of art by Margaret Rodgers. The font was designed and made in glass by Janet Rogers who is based in the Crushed Chilli Gallery, South Street, Durham. Janet, who joined the congregation for the service of dedication, said, "I am so pleased to have been given the commission to design and manufacture this Font. It is unlike anything I have ever done before, the design incorporates the holy trinity three crosses and fishes; bright vibrant and colourful to express the bold style in which I work."

In November 2011, I refurbished Spennymoor Town Hall Clock Tower face, removed all Perspex and replaced with traditional white opal glass and lead panels. Also renovated their 16 panel stained glass dome and encapsulated in triple glazing to last another 100 years.

 Further info:

http://www.crushedchilli.co.uk/ 

http://crushedchilli.blogspot.co.uk/

http://www.durham.anglican.org/news-and-events/news.aspx

Meet the Exhibitors - Ray Bradshaw

Who are you? 
Ray Bradshaw


What do you do? 
Born, bred and went to school in Sunderland. Art was my subject and I was expecting to follow a career path in it. I was studying 'A' level art but had a disagreement with the senior mistress having failed an English subject I was expected to pass. This resulted in a quick exit from school and into the nursing profession for which I remained for 38 years. On my 50th birthday I picked up an artist’s paint brush again for the first time since leaving school. I have not stopped painting since. In 2010 at the age of 55 I retired from the NHS and now paint full time. I love walking in the lake District and the Dales and my early work reflected this in landscapes. This developed into the inclusion of people into my paintings which to me added a story line and the opportunity of humour through these figures. I take my observations from Cities, Towns and the Countryside. Capturing events and the activities of people within those places. I try to portray the interaction of groups partaking in their pastimes and attendance at events, grasping the mood and moment, the individual, the crowd. My main style is simplistic, colourful with a splash of humour thrown in for good measure. Recently however, I have returned to landscape but kept the vibrant colours and simplistic style of art that I enjoy.


What's the most exciting thing you've done recently?
I have just had some Limited Edition Prints done, a Derbyshire Gallery have shown an interest and requested 6 individual prints initially. I have also just completed two new paintings which are a very different style to what I've been doing, they have received very good feedback.


Why do you do it?
After 38 years working in a very demanding occupation in the NHS I do not class my art as 'hard work' anything but! When I am painting I become lost in that world and lose track of time. The hardest part of this business is the marketing side of things which takes you away from the creative side of your work. That can be frustrating.



Further info:
http://www.artbyraybradshaw.com/ 

www.ArtWanted.com/artbyraybradshaw

Art by Ray Bradshaw on Facebook

Twitter @theraybradshaw

This is where it's Art! - The Blog

Hello folks. We've been busy bees the last few weeks, we've set up a website, got loads of people involved and are starting to tell the world about our fantastic arts festival. 

So first up, what are we? 
An exciting new project which will bring together artists, crafters and performers from the North East into one amazing weekend of exhibitions, talks, discussions, productions and hands on workshops for all the family. 
The event will be held over three days, the 8th, 9th and 10th of June 2012. With events across Spennymoor's town centre. 


For more information you can check out our website http://thisiswhereitsart.co.uk/ or email thisiswhereitsart@gmail.com. 


If you're a Facebook we have a presence there too. 
This is where it's Art on Facebook - please drop by and like us.
This is where it's Art Facebook Event - let us know you're coming, there's enough room for everyone. 


Or you can follow us on Twitter, we're Thisiswhereits.


Keep an eye on this blog over the next few weeks for info about our exhibitors, events and things to do in Spennymoor.