Art Club.

Grayson's Art Club was aired during the lockdown and is close to my heart because it was such a creative concept and thought-provoking programme. It enabled growth in imagination, mental health and artistic productivity.

For the second series, I had decided to enter as the category was Travel.

I entered and then forgot about it until one of the researchers called and asked if Grayson could Zoom me!! YES ME!!!

Having met several celebrities in my career that didn't phase me, the thought that Grayson liked my art, painting, and brush strokes made me nervous and vulnerable. I need not have worried as it was a pleasure to speak to him. Finally, Mr Perry asked me to be part of the exhibition on television, how exciting!

I wrote a student story for the O.C.A. and then booked to see the first exhibition as soon as it became available. I asked one of my fellow students to join me as she lived near Manchester.

The exhibition was professional and well-curated, from the placing of each category, to the careful thought for each entry.

Art displayed from members of the public, Grayson and Philippa Perry, Sir Antony Gormley, Maggi Hambling Chantal Joffe, celebrity artists such as Joe Lycett, Jenny Eclair and Harry Hill. It was a delight to see, and you could feel the emotion in the rooms as people read the descriptions beside the work.

It was great to view the work with a fellow student as we dissected professional artists brush strokes and techniques. Reading the descriptions of the exhibits, made us laugh and well up. Misty eyed, we took our time and felt the overwhelming force of this creativity during the pandemic. The works took us back to the lockdown and the feeling associated with getting through this day to day unsure future.

The Perrys' works were the backbone of the exhibition, and their quirky and humorous ceramics and sculptures felt supportive to us, the viewers, whilst walking around the large rooms of exhibits.

Stand out pieces for me were those photographed below.

Hannah Grace Deller - The New Normal Swings in Lockdown - Photographs.

These photographs were the first exhibit and they were heart wrenching. The photographs encapsulate the strange surreal pandemic, the dedication of the nurses and doctors to save lives and the empathy of this lady for others. The photograph of the artist in all white sterile PPE is an iconic and striking image and one of my favorites.

The swings photograph, brings home how challenging this pandemic and the lockdown was for families, especially with children.

Alex Robinson - Fimo Figures.

Honestly, these were simply breathtaking. Such a creative imagination, what a joy to see. This exhibit gave me goosebumps. I have ordered one of the figures to support Alex for my boyfriends birthday.

Paul Green - Wire birds.

There is something quite charming about these little birds, the shadows they cast and the individuality of each one.

They gave the artist a purpose just like Alex Robinson and his figures.

Grayson Perry - Portrait of Phillipa 2020 - Ceramic.

Obviously the above ceramic was a draw to my eye as it is a tondo. The head and both elbows are a triangle and balance the piece. The yellow background is a strong hue and an eye-catching base colour to ground the seated figure. The eyes, warm and inviting are framed by red glasses and a punch of colour over the black and white line drawn portrait. The illustrative nature of the line has energy and a quirky feel. I like the interest of the line and notice the heavy outline and deeper concentration in the hair to create shadow and therefore depth.

Maggi Hambling

March 2020

Oil on Canvas

This was striking at first hand. The colour palette is muted greys and pinks, with touches of yellow ochres on a white base. Hambling describes the virus creeping, the piece feels as though it does creep, because the technique of serendipitous diluted paint drips, the piece is contemporary but with fragility.

I feel fortunate that the Series II Art Club exhibition in Bristol, that opens in December will include my painting. I am overwhelmed and shocked that my brushstrokes have made people feel free and given pleasure to many. How exciting!