Tuesday 18 March 2014

TA DAH!

Back in November 2012 I was invited to design a piece of public art to celebrate 200 years of trading on the Bath Road, Cheltenham
I can remember feeling daunted by the enamel coated panels waiting to have the design scratched into it.
Thanks to Hy-Tech Enamellers, www.hytechenamellers.co.uk
Rachel and I were able to work in the factory while Agas and baths were being enamelled around us.
We learnt so much from John White about the industrial enamel process.
The excitement of watching the panels being fired
 in large continuous furnaces.
But today was the day the Bath Road panels were unveiled to the world. 
I got the chance to meet again those who helped the project succeed, Viv from Hy-Tech cheerfully kept us all organised.
John who allowed us into his factory to make the work.
Brian lent me lots of precious material which makes the panels detailed and fascinating.
Niki, who got me involved with the project in the first place.
A real Ta Dah moment as Martin Horwood MP unveiled the work.
At last this work is on the wall of the Exmouth Arms, Bath Road, Cheltenham.
It has been an exciting journey, researching into the local history of this interesting road. There are so many people to thank for helping me and Rachel achieve this project. Thankyou Cheltenham Connect whose initial idea it was to commission a piece of public art.

Thursday 13 March 2014

HERE'S ONE I MADE EARLIER

Next week is the penultimate week of my 10 week classes. 2 printmaking groups and an enamel class. It has been a lovely term and I have enjoyed it all thoroughly. Everyone has worked so hard. 
It is interesting to look back at the quick examples I do in front of my groups and how different yet similar they look compared to the work I make to sell.
These 5 pieces are my enamel trials. They build up
week by week as I teach different skills that develop over the 10 week class.
We use copper and this panel shows many of the techniques in one place.
We have had lots of fun with transfers.
I teach weekend workshops in between the regular 10 week classes. I found
these 2 collagraphs with gum Arabic transfers included hidden in a pile of samples.
My New Brewery Arts printmaking group explored inking with viscosity inks and
plate making with glue and tile cement.
The Hampen Factory group experimented with dry point on plastic with a second collagraph plate providing the coloured background. The results have been gorgeous.
 
I will be teaching more printmaking and enamel classes near Cheltenham and in Cirencester. 10 week and weekend workshops in both places, just email me at sb.brown@talk21.com for summer term details.