alun callender's blog

In the Studio of The Stone carver

alun — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:18:59 +0000

I went to visit Sculptor and Letter Carver Jo Sweeting in her fabulous shed/workshop at the bottom of her garden earlier in the year.

It felt like I was stepping back in time to the days of Barbara Hepworth or Henry Moore.

Her house in Brighton is part of the Fiveways artists trail in this year Artist Open Houses, I would recommend a visit.

http://www.josweetingsculpture.com/

Down by the sea

alun — Tue, 08 May 2012 08:15:43 +0000

Claire Fletcher paints, and makes wonderful illustrations inspired by childhood with a wonderful retro feel and filled with humour and warmth.

Her studio on near the beach is Hastings is filled with an electric mix of finds and creations.

http://www.clairefletcherart.com/index.html

Eloise Grey, a new portrait, a new background!

alun — Wed, 02 May 2012 10:15:52 +0000

Last month I went to make a new portrait of fashion designer Eloise Grey.
I had won a canvas background on e-bay after frantic bidding and thought it would work well for this image, so proceeded to set it up in the woodland near her home.
Out came lampshades, armchairs and rugs and a decent pot of tea from her house, it was a very pleasant morning’s work!

http://eloisegrey.com/

Lighting up St Leonards.

alun — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:45:27 +0000

Interior designer Philip Oakley creates stunning lighting pieces inspired by his time working at Blackpool Illuminations, he has a fantastic collection started when he rescued pieces from skips in the Northern town.

Moving back down South he restored one of St Leonards drinking establishments to his home and work space, where his collection and crafted pieces fill the space.

http://oakleyilluminations.co.uk/

The Artist’s Studio

alun — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:56:58 +0000

Chris Milton creates dynamic tension in spontaneous and expressionistic works, I found him at work in his daylight filled studio overlooking the Old Town of Hastings.

The studio was once the workspace of photographer Steve Pyke, his old darkroom can still be found with trays and enlarger ready to go.

http://www.chrismilton.talktalk.net/index.htm

Hastings artist’s united

alun — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:48:05 +0000

Back in Hastings to continue my personal project on artists last month.

In the Old Town I met Lesley and Pea who together form Aardvark Printmongers creating inspirational posters and prints using their 1960 Vandercook Universal 3 Proofing press.

http://www.aardvarkonsea.com/index.html

At home with Lou Rota

alun — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:44:49 +0000

Ceramic Artist Lou Rota is famous for her beautifully quirky insect inspired tableware, I went to photograph her recently for You magazine and found her in her purpose built studio at the bottom of her garden.

Feature by Fiona McCarthy

Lourota.com

Artisan Chocolate

alun — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:12:08 +0000

Paul A Young is a master artisan of chocolate, creating with a diverse range of ingredients such as Cigar Leaf caramel, or Roquefort, Honey and Walnut Chocolate.

I visited his Soho shop for Homes and Gardens last month and came home with some splendid treats.

paulayoung.co.uk

Melissa White – Decorative Painter

alun — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 17:16:31 +0000

Artist Melissa White specializes in historic Elizabethan and Tudor decoration and designs, she has just launch a range of wallpaper with Zoffany.

I went to her studio in East Sussex to photograph her for Homes and Gardens, it was inspiring to see traditional techniques employed in a beautiful way.

www.fairlyte.co.uk (hand painted interiors)
www.fairlyteelizabethan.co.uk (elizabethan interiors)

Artists in Hastings

alun — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:50:49 +0000

I was back in Hastings last week to continue my artists project.

Peter Quinnell is an illustrator creating 3d and flat collage, I met him in his wonderful eccentric studio on the seafront in Hastings Old Town.

Amid collections of diverse props and old signage he creates wonderfully expressive art and illustration.

Roland Jarvis has become something of a Hastings legend, he has been working in his studio for over 30 years, a former horologist (it kept him busy and warm in the winter) he paints, creates and produces fascinating short films.