Contemporary Passions: Elaine Sibley

Contemporary Passions poster

Elaine Sibley is one of the nine SHAF (South Hams Art Forum) artists whose work will be on show at Harbour House for the Contemporary Passions exhibition.

  • Teresa Barlow
  • Nick Cotter
  • Jane Davarian
  • Crystel Dauth
  • Brett Hornby
  • Cherry Lyons
  • Jane Mahood
  • Elaine Sibley
  • myself, Stephen Thomas

In this series of blogs, some of them share their process. You can read about Cherry Lyons here and Jane Mahood here and me here.

What’s your process, Elaine?

View across Dartmoor

I live on the edge of Dartmoor. It’s just across the road and up the lane. The weather and landscape are a wealth of inspiration and the colours can change very quickly. I am usually looking for something dramatic which I can translate into a semi-abstract painting.

I use a camera or sketchbook to record anything of interest such as stormy skies or the sun highlighting a particular part of the landscape.

Elaine Sibley sketchbook

These are some of my sketches of the moors. If I’m not on the moor, then I’m off to the sea. My favourite places are Mothecombe or South Milton Sands – they both have excellent cafes!

Sketches by Elaine sibley

Then it’s back to the studio where I do a lot of sitting and looking and wondering where to start. I often go back to paintings and rework them which is why I like to use acrylic.

This one is just finished; it’s called ‘Morning Light over Dartmoor’.

Morning Light over Dartmoor

And here are two more of my creations:

From Mothecombe to wonwell
From Mothecombe to Wonwell
A walk from Spurrells Cross
A Walk from Spurrells Cross

More about Elaine Sibley

Elaine lives and works on the edge of Dartmoor. She studied at Plymouth College of Art and then the College of St Mark & St John where she gained a PGCE. She taught Design and Technology for twenty years while designing and making silver jewellery which she continues to sell through local galleries and open studios. Since retiring from teaching in 2016, she has found time to experiment and expand her work and has developed a passion for painting.

Her contemporary landscapes emerge from natural surroundings; namely Dartmoor and the local coastline. She is aware of the ever changing weather conditions on Dartmoor and attempts to capture the effect this has on light and colour in her paintings. She walks, sketches and takes photographs. Back in the studio, she is currently enjoying the immediacy of acrylics and uses texture and a variety of tools to try to convey the mood and atmosphere of the place rather than a true representation.

You can see more of Elaine’s work on her Facebook page, and you can contact Elaine  by email at el***********@gm***.com or call her on 01752 895134.

When is the Contemporary Passions exhibition?

As ever, we are at Harbour House, Kingsbridge TQ7 1JD.

And the exhibition runs from Tuesday 16 July until Sunday 28 July.

Meet the artists!

6-8pm Tuesday 16 July

Come along to meet the artists and see their interpretation of our theme: Elements.

All are welcome and refreshments will be provided.

Contemporary Passions at Harbour House

This year’s Contemporary Passions exhibition, at Harbour House, Kingsbridge, will be open to the public 16-28 July.

Contemporary Passions poster

New works by members of SHAF

As a member of SHAF (South Hams Art Forum), I’m exhibiting along with eight other artists.

  • Teresa Barlow
  • Nick Cotter
  • Jane Davarian
  • Crystel Dauth
  • Brett Hornby
  • Cherry Lyons
  • Jane Mahood
  • Elaine Sibley

The theme for 2019

The theme for the contemporary Passions exhibition, this year, is ELEMENTS. This can be interpreted in many ways.

  • A small but significant amount of feeling or quality
  • An essential or characteristic part of something abstract
  • Each of more than 100 substances that cannot be chemically converted or broken down
  • The fundamental constituents of the world in ancient philosophy: earth, air, water and fire
  • Strong winds, heavy rain or other kinds of bad weather
  • A person’s or animal’s natural or preferred environment – in their element

Water is colourless and yet …

My take on this theme is, unsurprisingly, water. In particular, I’m focusing on the fact that water is colourless, and yet

Of the 140+ paintings I have produced in the past decade or so, the water has never been colourless.

You might think it would be blue, but I’ve witnessed every colour (almost!) under the sun, and then tried to capture that in my images.

So, the paintings I have selected for this exhibition will aim to show the variety of colours that colourless water takes on.

Meet the Artists: 6-8pm Tuesday 16 July

There will be an opportunity to meet all the artists – and to see the Contemporary Passions exhibition, and to discuss with them their individual interpretations of the theme ELEMENT – on Tuesday 16 July: 6-8pm.

I hope to see you there.

Salcombe-Art blog: Featuring the artists

I will be featuring some of my fellow artists in the coming weeks. Each exhibitor will explain the process they use in creating their art, and you’ll get to see examples of the work that will be on show in the Contemporary Passions exhibition ahead of time.

Postcard from Lukesland: Elaine Sibley

If you have never visited Lukesland, close to Ivybridge, it’s time to do so, soon. This beautiful location boasts the most wonderful gardens and a tea room. And, in the tea room, you will find an exhibition of works of art by Elaine Sibley.

Elaine’s approach to the moors is unique. She captures the depth of the wild landscape and its response to the ever-changing light as the weather crosses this area of extraordinary beauty. Her tones record the incredible mixture of shades that make these views so memorable.

Anne and I attended the preview – a well attended event – and witnessed many of Elaine’s paintings being sold that evening. I was too slow in taking photos … this small one was snapped up before I could get my camera out!

The location is delightful with hanging space for more than a dozen paintings. This is the view from the end nearest the entrance to the tea room.

This is the other end, just beside the entrance.

And these paintings are the other side of the entrance …

Notice the red dot?

Where is Lukesland?

The Lukesland website provides detailed directions, but it is essentially north of Ivybridge, in beautiful countryside.

The final stretch is along lanes and requires faith that you’ll find it. Once you do, you’ll be delighted. If you are relying on your SatNav, the postcode is PL21 OJF.

When is Lukesland open?

Be sure to pick your day/date carefully as the gardens (and tea room) are only open occasionally.

31 March – 16 June: Sundays, Wednesdays and Bank Holidays
6 October – 17 November: Sundays and Wednesdays
11am – 5pm

Easter Openings: Good Friday, Easter Day and Easter Monday
NOT Easter Saturday

More about Elaine Sibley

Elaine lives and works on the edge of Dartmoor.

Elaine studied at Plymouth College of Art and then the College of St Mark & St John where she gained a PGCE. She taught Design and Technology for 20 years while designing and making silver jewellery which she continues to sell through local galleries and open studios.

Since retiring from teaching in 2016, Elaine  has found time to experiment and expand her work and has developed a passion for painting. To see more of Elaine’s images, visit her Facebook page.

You can contact Elaine by email at  el***********@gm***.com .

If you have an exhibition that you’d like me to promote via my blog, contact me and I’ll do my best to support your artistic endeavours.

SHAF logo

Exhibition time: SHAF Contemporary Passions 2018

The annual Contemporary Passions exhibition is an opportunity for members of SHAF (South Hams Art Forum) to stage a major summer show of new works in a wide range of mediums and styles, a snapshot of the artists’ current work, interests, and creative passions.

I took part last year, my first experience of such a collaborative event, but decided to have a rest this year.

So I am not one of ten SHAF members exhibiting their work.

However, you really should go and see their work!

One of the artists, I have featured before: Elaine Sibley

Elaine Sibley at The Gallery Project, Noss Mayo

Elaine SibleyElaine Sibley has an exhibition at The Gallery Project in Noss Mayo, on now until 10 May.

The gallery is open Saturdays 10am – 4pm but a local artist works at the forge Wednesdays and Thursdays 10am-4pm and you are welcome to pop in.

 

Where is The Gallery Project, Noss Mayo?

The Forge
Bridgend
Noss Mayo
Plymouth
PL8 1DX

Tel: 01752 873150

map to The Forge

Mothercombe beach 60 x 60

Mothercombe beach 60 x 60

 

How do I know Elaine Sibley?

Elaine and I are members of SHAF (South Hams Art Forum). We both take part in the annual SHAF Arts Trail. This year, that’s 13-28 October. Put those dates in your diary!

Elaine and I also exhibited together at the Contemporary Passions Exhibition in June of last year and that’s where I first saw some of her work: her beautiful hand forged silver jewellery.

In this exhibition, we meet Elaine, the painter.

Like me, Elaine is passionate about landscape. Unlike me, her style is incredibly adventurous!

 

What’s special about Elaine Sibley’s work?
Western Beacon from South 60 x 60

Western Beacon from South 60 x 60

Elaine’s contemporary landscapes emerge from natural surroundings; namely Dartmoor and the local coastline.

She is aware of the ever changing weather and conditions on Dartmoor and attempts to capture the effect this has on light and colour in her paintings.

She walks, sketches and takes photographs.

Back in the studio, she is currently enjoying the immediacy of acrylics and uses texture and a variety of tools to try to convey the mood and atmosphere of the place rather than a true representation.

 

More about Elaine Sibley

Elaine lives and works on the edge of Dartmoor.

Elaine studied at Plymouth College of Art and then the College of St Mark & St John where she gained a PGCE.

Beyond Western Beacon 60 x 60

Beyond Western Beacon 60 x 60

She taught Design and Technology for 20 years while designing and making silver jewellery which she continues to sell through local galleries and open studios.

Ugborough Beacon 60 x 60

Ugborough Beacon 60 x 60

Since retiring from teaching in 2016, Elaine  has found time to experiment and expand her work and has developed a passion for painting.

To see more of Elaine’s images, visit her Facebook page.

 

If you have an exhibition which you’d like me to publicise, please let me know.

I’m very happy to promote fellow artists!

SHAF Arts Trail: Elaine Sibley

Contemporary Passions Elaine SibleyElaine Sibley is one of 60 artists opening their studios for the SHAF Arts Trail. As you’ll see below, Elaine wears two hats: as a jeweller and as a painter.

 

What is the SHAF Arts Trail?

This year, the SHAF Arts Trail runs from October 14th to October 29th. Two whole weeks, including half-term week.

SHAF membership is extremely diverse, so while some artists create in purpose-built studios, others produce their work at the kitchen table. Consequently, the Arts Trail will lead visitors to some artists working in their home studios – as is the case for Elaine – and to others exhibiting in galleries and exhibition halls.

At each venue, visitors will find artists happy to discuss their art-form, explain the processes involved and provide the opportunity to view, appreciate and buy unique pieces of work.

Following the Arts Trail also gives visitors an unusual opportunity to explore the glorious South Hams as they map their route and discover more and more artists’ venues (as well as cream tea venues).

 

Meet Elaine the Jeweller

Elaine is a designer maker of contemporary silver jewellery who lives and works on the edge of Dartmoor. Inspired by geometric shapes as well as every-day objects, her designs are usually textured and sometimes include recycled silver, gold and the occasional semi-precious bead.
Elaine SibleyShe originally studied art but then went on to study Resistant Materials where she developed an interest in working with precious metals. She worked as a teacher of Design and Technology while designing and making jewelry and selling through local galleries and open studios. Since retiring from teaching last year, she has found time to experiment and expand her work and now runs workshops from her studio.

Elaine Sibley

 

Meet Elaine the Painter

With more time on her hands, Elaine has also revived her interest in painting. The work has emerged from her natural surroundings; namely Dartmoor and the local coastline.

She is aware of the ever-changing weather on Dartmoor and attempts to capture the effects this has on light and colour in her paintings.Elaine Sibley

Currently enjoying the immediacy of acrylics she uses texture and a variety of tools to try to convey the mood and atmosphere of a place rather than a true representation. Elaine Sibley

 

Her paintings will be available alongside her jewelry during the Arts Trail.

From the brochure, page 27

Elaine SibleySHAF Arts Trail brochures are available in libraries, information centres and many other places in the South Hams. There are 18 SHAF Arts Trail venues, each with one or more artists displaying their work and available for you to see them at work, and to answer your questions.

In case you can’t get your hands on a copy, here are the details for Elaine Sibley’s venue in Ivybridge – and her opening times.

 

How to contact Elaine Sibley

You can contact Elaine by email at 

el***********@gm***.com











 or call her on
 01752 895134 or visit her Facebook page

Interesting in joining SHAF?

Visit the SHAF website for more details.

 

Splosh

CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS EXHIBITION PREVIEW: Splosh of Frogmore

Splosh of Frogmore is one of several paintings I’ll be showing at the the annual Contemporary Passions exhibition.

My ‘contemporary passion’ for the 2017 Contemporary Passions exhibition is ‘places other than Salcombe’.  For the past decade or so, I’ve focused on scenes within easy walking distance of my home in Salcombe, and I’ve painted over 100 of them.

Frogmore is some miles away from Salcombe, beyond Kingsbridge by road. By boat, with the right tide, it is a magical short voyage from Salcombe through beautiful countryside. So, it fits the theme!

 

Splosh of Frogmore

sploshSplosh is real, tied up near a little bridge. The faded coloured roundels show Splosh has had many years of service in Salcombe Harbour.

The day I was passing by, the egret was fishing in the stream, competing with dancing reflections of Splosh.

You’ll notice that I used my artistic licence to move the egret.

For more information about this painting, read my Sketchbook notes.

What is the Contemporary Passions exhibition?

This is an annual opportunity for members of SHAF (South Hams Art Forum) to stage a major summer show of new works in a wide range of mediums and styles, a snapshot of the artists’ current work, interests and creative passions.

This is the first year I have taken part in this exhibition and am one of ten SHAF members exhibiting their work: Teresa Barlow, Nick Cotter, Gilly Cotter, Sue Farrow-Jones, Jane Mahood, Michele Meyer, Elaine Sibley, Sally Tapsell-Hunt, Val Uglow, and myself.

During the next few weeks, I’ll showcase the many paintings I intend to display, and introduce the other artists too.

 

WHEN IS THE CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS EXHIBITION?

Tuesday 6 June until Sunday 18 June 2017
Open daily 10 am – 5 pm (closing at 4 pm on the last day)

 

WHERE IS THE CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS EXHIBITION?

The Contemporary Passions exhibition will be at Harbour House, The Promenade, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 1JD

 

WANT TO MEET THE ARTISTS?

There will be an opportunity to meet the artists on Tuesday 6 June, 6-8 pm.

I will also be stewarding all day on Saturday 10 June and on the morning of Saturday 17 June.

 

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Admission is free!

Contemporary Passions Elaine Sibley

Contemporary Passions Exhibition Preview: Elaine Sibley

Contemporary Passions Elaine SibleyElaine Sibley and I are both showing our work at the annual Contemporary Passions exhibition, an opportunity for members of SHAF (South Hams Art Forum) to stage a major summer show of new works in a wide range of mediums and styles.

The exhibition provides a snapshot of the artists’ current work, interests and creative passions.

The featured image above is one of several pieces of hand forged silver jewellery that Elaine will have on show.

 

Elaine Sibley, jewellery designer

Elaine lives and works on the edge of Dartmoor and has been selling jewellery in the West Country since 2006. Her designs are textured and sometimes include recycled gold and the occasional semi-precious bead.

Inspired by geometric shapes and objects and forms seen in everyday life – as illustrated in the featured image above – the ranges include necklaces, bangles, earrings and cuff links.

Contemporary Passions Elaine SibleyElaine is particularly interested in extending the life of her pieces and has recently created a range of necklaces that can be adapted; increasing versatility and introducing a multi-purpose element.

The wearer can bring creativity and personality to the piece by using an extra sprung link to shorten, lengthen, bunch and totally change the look of the piece. The additional link comes in a number of finishes so it can blend in or stand out.

You can see more of Elaine’s work on her Facebook page.

 

WHEN IS THE CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS EXHIBITION?

Contemporary Passions Elaine Sibley

Tuesday 6 June until Sunday 18 June 2017
Open daily 10 am – 5 pm (closing at 4 pm on the last day)

 

WHERE IS THE CONTEMPORARY PASSIONS EXHIBITION?

The Contemporary Passions exhibition will be at Harbour House, The Promenade, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 1JD

 

WANT TO MEET THE ARTISTS?

There will be an opportunity to meet all the artists on Tuesday 6 June, 6-8 pm.

Elaine will be stewarding on the morning of Sunday 11 June and the afternoon of Wednesday 14 June, and I will be stewarding all day on Saturday 10 June and on the morning of Saturday 17 June.

 

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Admission is free!