ds590 The Twelve Apostles, Ilkley Moor 72×24″ £980
Not long since the last newsletter, but the situation with the Gallery is changing, so I decided that an update was timely. Not that we’re through with Covid,…. far from it, I’m afraid, but I feel it’s time to start picking up the threads of ordinary life -Whilst still taking the precautions to keep our community safe. We must also to try to start the local economy ticking again, not just the multi-national internet retailers and supermarket giants. Not least for the sake of the artist’s who, although not all particularly sensitive types, have, as far as I can see, been badly hit, not only with lack of opportunity for sales but, subsequently, with diminished motivation to remain the creative people they are.
Not that all ‘my’ artists haven’t all been brilliantly supportive to the gallery. I, in turn, have worked hard to promote their work through the website, social media and other internet channels. However, as rolling up the shutters two weeks ago proved, there’s nothing like having the real artwork in front of one’s eyes. With this in mind, I have taken up, the Government’s opportunity to re-open the gallery this week. There will, naturally, be restriction- I’m very cautious. Public launches, tuitions and demos remain a long way in the future and visitors to the gallery will be subject to a series of precautions to keep them very safe. These include limiting visitors to one person, couple or family unit at a time, firming up divisions between staff office/studio space and public viewing areas so as to allow distancing. and a host of other changes that will make the gallery a very unlikely space to pass on unwanted viruses. Expect the smell of hand sanitiser and bleach spray to dominate over linseed oil!
Ideally, visitors will book an appointment ahead of any visit, to allow priority viewing, but I aim to be in during the regular Thurs-Fri 12-6 and Sat-Sun 10-5 opening times, with the ’open’ sign out, so more spontaneous visits will often be possible.
ds591 ‘Yorkshire’s failed space programme: Stoodley Pike’ 36×24″ £480
I am really pleased with my new paintings, many of which are local scenes, which have become even better known to me during lock-down exercise outings. New views include, Haworth Moor, the Twelve Apostles on Ilkley Moor, Heden Bridge’s Studely Pike and Bingley’s Druid’s Altar.
In line with supporting other local artists, I should also like to remind you of the great wealth of their work that we hold in the gallery. If you feel I enthuse over it too much, I can only stress that I only choose artist’s and work that I really admire!
At the time of writing, the ‘Watercolour’ exhibition remains in place, but this may not continue for long. The show includes sumptuous original works and prints by Kate Lycette, gorgeous original ‘Year of Flowers’ works by Carole Gaunt. New originals by Jane Fielder and Helen Shearwood, also some cracking works by local duo Rob (Tom) Thomson and Stella Verity.
ds588 Haworth Moor Sycamore 40×30″ £480
The window is currently filled with the hugely imaginative works of Clarke Avery, and there’s more of hers inside. Our own Amy Charlesworth still has her own display wall and the new work she’s undertaken during lockdown which hopefully will arrive soon, which is really exciting. If you’ve grown to love your garden during lockdown perhaps you’d like to consider one of Mick Kirkby-Geddes’ or Carole Sterrit’s sculptures to create a focus in it.
Some of our artists have proved so popular that we’re down to only a few of their works. For Judith Levin there’s just one oil painting (but wonderful one!) Just four of Mandy Long’s ceramic sculptures and a restricted range of Cath Bonson’s pots.
The list continues.. Dan Shiel’s fascinating composite photographs, Lis Holt’s elegant coil-built pots , Jan Whittock’ s refined etchings…..I’ll stop, but there’s work by plenty more artist’s , waiting to be admired after months of closure.
The email/phone to contact me is davidstarley@yahoo.co.uk 07792 242143
Do keep safe and happy,
David