About The Artists
John Fiddes; Following an education where self-expressionism in art was largely frowned upon, I found that in my teens, in the late 1960’s, a whole new world of art opened up to me. The previously suppressed surrealist and abstract artists found a renewed appreciation for their work and a new generation of artists flourished. Psychedelic art was born, and so was I. This is where my artistic roots lie.
My dreams of a career as an artist were short-lived when home-making and family commitments meant that the only brushes in my hands were decorating brushes and my artistic talents were directed to DIY. Sometime later I found that I was able to resume my art interest, and following a change in circumstances, I moved to the West Country where I was able to set up a studio and a gallery to exhibit my work.
The Art House opened in October, 2001 in Weston-super-Mare. My art at this time was very traditional watercolours of landscapes and country scenes. I then went back to my roots and started to re-create the fantasy art that I loved so much in the 60’s. This proved popular for a while but then modern design moved on and the desire for abstract art to suit the new ‘minimalist’ lifestyle took a strong hold on the art market. The old abstract artists were re-discovered and some of the pop art from the 60’s enjoyed a resurrection. The desire for these styles encouraged a new modern arts movement and I wanted to be part of it! I was now able to let my imagination run free and experiment with different ideas and materials, and generally have fun. I work mainly with acrylics on stretched canvas and often incorporate other media and materials into the work to produce more textured and even sculptural pieces.
My work is influenced by my many experiences and my appreciation of the brilliant artists who have inspired me over the years. I also draw inspiration from nature, science fiction and space, ancient history, myths, legends, fantasy and fairy tales. Some of my work is created in a specific theme as a ‘set’ or ‘collection’, and then I move on. I invite you to “look, and see what you will see”.
View John’s Art here…
Gallery 1 - Gallery 2 - Gallery 3
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Emily O’Mara; I was born in the Midlands in Coventry in 1986. I then moved to the Southwest and grew up in a small village on the outskirts of Weston-super-Mare in North Somerset.I graduated at Bristol School of Art in 2005 with a foundation diploma. I am currently working at a local primary school within the art department, and working elsewhere privately, supporting a young local artist with downs syndrome.
I have a keen interest in community art projects and often get involved in community events through my work at the local primary school. I mostly work with mixed media in an expressive style, though do not wish to restrict myself in any particular style or medium. I like to experiment with found and scavenged materials enabling me to have a lot of freedom. This means I work with varied materials - paint, pastels, make-up, wax, collage, plaster, clay, willow, metal, wood - whatever I can get my hands on. I have a particular interest in ancient craft/history and the environment, which in one way or another has an influence over most of my work.
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Victoria Evans; I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Victoria, and Art and Photography has been the love of my life for as long as I can remember.
I always knew I wanted to do something creative with my life and since leaving school in the mid 90’s I have pursued a successful career in hairdressing, creating many wonderful hair designs. It was during this time I had the opportunity to photograph models for the local paper, and through my hairdressing clients, word got round about my photography. With this in mind I decided to take my photography a little further and start a business specialising in maternity and baby portraiture along with a modern collection of abstract flower prints as I also love macro photography.
In recent years I returned to college and studied Art, Design and Photography, where I researched great photographers such as Ansel Adams, and artists such as Andy Warhol. Whilst studying Andy Warhol I developed a great love for Pop Art which then led me into creating ‘Pop Art Cows’. After being brought up in Somerset and having cows over look the house I grew up in, I figured it was a perfect choice for me and I love their expressions and character.
I have taken to naming each style of cow in my paintings, and so far in the collection I have Maisy, Daisy, Bluebell and Bernadette. The collection is growing rapidly so please come back soon and meet the new additions to the family.
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Jo Gaulton (Fina) ; My fascination for painting has been a very recent discovery. I never really knew how much I would enjoy the creativity of putting a brush to canvas. It was a ‘lack of cash’ that inspired me to buy my first blank canvas. Christmas was fast approaching and I knew it was going to be a tricky time. I thought that if I could paint something simple, it would be the perfect gift to all who received it. I never thought for one moment that I would open a new doorway to expressing my thoughts, feelings and ideas.
As a child I had always liked the idea of drawing but could never seem to get it right. My passion was with colour and as a girl born in the 70’s, entering her teens in the 80’s; I was inspired by one thing and one thing only … Make-Up!! I blended every colour possible and dreamt that one day I would become a Make-Up Artist. I followed that dream and eventually landed a career working for one of the largest cosmetic houses in the world.
I’d see every cleansed face as a blank canvas and create a new image for all that I touched. My inspiration was simply to help people look at themselves and see their beauty from within, using their face as a reflection of what was already existing on the inside of their own self. My artwork is created in exactly the same way.
Almost anything beautiful and natural can inspire my painting. I love nature and am quite an ‘outdoor girl’, so the sun, sea and panoramic views fill me with inspiration and ideas. I’m also a big fan of colour-therapy and often use a selection of colours to bring out the feelings in a painting. I use different materials and painting techniques to add depth and always like the thought of others wanting to reach out and touch, feeling the emotion and story for themselves.
I believe that beauty comes from within; colour enhances it, thus creating confidence and strength; creativity and inspiration – no matter who you are and how you express it.
Many have questioned the origin of my art name, Fina. It’s quite simply a name some friends of mine called me. My real name, Jo, was extended to Josephine because there was more than one Jo in my circle of friends. Josephine then became Josephina and was shortened to Fina, staying with me ever since.
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Mark Christopher Reaney ; After spending happy holiday times in the south west of England with my grandparents, I eventually managed to escape the concrete jungle of Birmingham and move to Weston-super-Mare, the area that held so many cherished memories for me. I am currently working within the caring sector, looking after ‘elderly children’, which is rewarding in itself, but it makes you realise the importance of every healthy day that you have been allocated. I guess this is how my artwork became the focus for my personal pleasure and enables me to give more to those in my care.
For over a decade now I have been creating my art ‘here, there and everywhere’. I found myself drawn to the great outdoors, and mother earth has become my church and brings me spiritual wellbeing. Being outdoors, amongst raw nature in all its wonders and wild forms, is second only to the love for all those I hold dear.
Getting back to nature gives me joy and peace, and creating my art within the natural surroundings is my way of honouring the life force that I have been given. My stones (cairns) are but a mark of respect for the beautiful places I have been guided to. For me they are the true treasures of life.
My artworks, like all things are transitory pieces, they last for a few minutes or a few days, but sooner or later, like life itself, they will return to the source from where they come. My photography is a record of those treasures that I hope will remain a little longer, to give inspiration, balance and harmony; and a feeling of connection and togetherness with all that has been.
May Peace and Stillness lead You to a Magical Space.
