Exhibition

Nikki Simpson

9 May-18 Jun

Stroud-based photographer Nikki Simpson trained in photography at Central St Martin’s School of Art and Design and now divides her time between running her own practice and delivering photographic workshops throughout the South West. For Nikki, photography provides a medium through which she explores how the environment and the body can mirror each other to prompt the viewer to reflect on his or her place in the landscape they inhabit. In her latest body of work ‘Symbols of Self’ she photographs herself moving unclothed through land formations; from the overgrown woodland in Gloucestershire to Cathedral Rock in Arizona.

Gail Trezise

9 May-18 Jun

Gail Trezise is a ceramic artist based in Brixham, Devon. She takes inspiration from nature - the tiny creatures found in rock pools and the shells which they inhabit as well as newly opened flower buds or seed pods. Her work is produced through a process of cutting cellulose sponge constructs to shape and then stitching them. These moulds are used to slip cast her forms, usually earthenware slip although occasionally porcelain. Once bisque fired the pieces are painted using layers of under-glaze colour to build depth and enhance the texture, finishing with a matt or satin glaze. What is fascinating about this process is that unlike traditional plaster casts, these soft moulds are destroyed in the making process. So even when the same “die” is used, each piece emerges from the kiln with its own unique texture and identity. Gail is also an associate member of The Devon Guild of Craftsmen and a member of West Country Potters.

Angela Lizon – Colossal Cats

4 Jul-13 Aug

Bristol-based painter Angela Lizon commenced this series of paintings as a light-hearted escape from abstract themes which she had pursued for many years. Since then her practice has grown to encompass and reference many cultural references from the the sixties and seventies – a childhood of doilies, knitted swimming costumes, plastic flowers and kitsch ornaments. The starting point for these images was George Stubbs’ painting of a horse called “Whistle Jacket” in the National Gallery, and a poster of a kitten on the artist’s daughter’s bedroom wall. Painting on a large scale then transforms and elevates the original throwaway kitsch image in to something more substantial. By presenting the familiar in an unfamiliar way contradictions occur between our expected reactions and a feeling of unease. The intention of the original imagery is lost; the humour serving to highlight the frivolous, the unsettling and the slightly absurd.

Tamany Baker – Living with Wolfie

4 Jul-13 Aug

Artist, lecturer and commercial photographer Tamany Baker is based in Bristol and shares her home with Wolfie – a feline with a penchant for investigating the local wildlife. This beloved cat is prone to bringing “presents” to his owner. At first, these gifts brought about a sense of horror for Tamany and then as she began to interpret the cat’s instincts she felt it appropriate to respond to the gifts by making a shrine incorporating seasonal flowers or the domestic environment; reminiscent of the way the Victorians used locks of hair and flowers to decorate photographs of deceased loved ones. The decorating of the wildlife remains has become a collaboration between Tamany and Wolfie and a way of the artist accepting the cat’s wildness in spite of the difficulties she may have with his habits!

Lisa Yardley’s Creative Adventure

4 Jul-13 Aug

Lisa Yardley’s artistic journey started out with early memories of grubbing about in nature, marvelling at the miniature jungle that was the back garden: a place rich in amazing insects and towering plants. Delightful adventures that inspired imaginary stories which she transcribed into storyboards. Lisa’s work consists of a variety of assemblage, photography, illustration and puppetry - creative problem solving; turning found and recycled treasures - seemingly of little value - into a fantastical miniature world or narrative. This could be whilst journeying through the pages of a picture book or being led on an expedition by a wonderful 4m tall puppetry stork. Yardley’s true passion is looking at the world through ‘Lisa-Vision’ and translating what she sees into something that invokes a kindred child-like wonder in the people who come across her creative adventures. For her exhibition at Prema, Lisa uses the showcase to highlight her broad range of skills and her love of the fanciful, the playful and to inspire us all with a sense of awe and wonder.