The heart of great art: the show that turns amateurs into professionals
IT just keeps getting otter.
Well, that's the verdict of Walkley-born wildlife sculptor Eddie Hallam, one of the exhibitors at the Great Sheffield Art Show, which makes an exhibition of itself next Friday.
And this sturdy looking fellow, pictured right, should be among the items admired by visitors to the 22nd annual gathering at Sheffield University's Octagon Centre.
"My first love has always been wildlife," says Eddie, now based near Matlock. "For some reason there are often close links between the study of wildlife and art and so it is with me."
The largest show of its kind in the north of England – this year set to showcase 1,500 pieces of work from more than 600 artists – it prides itself on hosting professionals as well as newer names exhibiting and selling for the first time in public.
"Some time ago I entered three wood carvings. It was a daunting thought and I dithered for a long while before submitting my application. I need not have worried – all three of my carvings sold. The feelings associated with seeing those red spots on my work were so intense it did wonders for my self confidence.
"I have done many more wood carvings but a chance meeting introduced me to the world of bronze. The blend of wonderful wildlife shapes and poses with the sheer beauty and tactile qualities of bronze seems a perfect combination. Ninety per cent of my work is now cast in bronze."
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg MP will open the show, which takes place next Friday, Saturday and Sunday and is staffed solely by volunteers working on a shoestring budget.
Co-organiser Mike Fearne is booked for a heart operation in the days leading up to the show and is handing the microphone to BBC Radio Sheffield resident Gerry Kersey.
"Though it's only a routine operation I'm still likely to be recuperating on preview night," says Mike, who doesn't underestimate the importance of the event.
"The greatest effect is that over the years many artists have risen from amateur status to the professional ranks directly as a result of the show."
A limited number of advance tickets are available for the preview event. The Great Sheffield Art Show is open 10am-9pm, 10am-6pm on Saturday and Sunday. Entry 4.50 for adults, 4 for concessions, with accompanied under-16s free. Contact 0114 225 9989, info@gsas.co.uk or visit www.gsas.co.uk
n AS a fan of fairgrounds Michael Disley has never been short of colourful inspiration for his painting.
"Powerful, bright images, colour, energy and a sometimes intimidating atmosphere," is how the 63-year-old describes them.
"Fairgrounds are an endless source of material to explore and develop through drawing and painting."
Michael has lived in Sheffield since his Psalter Lane student days in the 1960s and worked at Mexborough School until 2005. Now retired and living at Norton Lees, he has submitted four paintings. "I decided retirement was the ideal opportunity to become involved with painting without the distraction of work.
"Fairs, books and photographs all combined to provide me with my starting point. I found waltzers and carousels especially interesting. Although not as common as they once were they can occasionally be enjoyed, like the magical carousel that brings Christmas to Fargate."
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Weather for Sheffield
Wednesday 23 May 2012
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