Statement
Jo Beer
Nov 2012 winner of Trerise Gallery Open Art Competition/Exhibition with 'A Slice of Phoebe'
My work generally falls into two categories - floral work and figurative paintings.
Having grown up in the countryside I have developed a love of nature - particularly flowers... the shapes, textures, colours, tiny forms held within the petals fascinate me and draw me in. I hope to have captured this in my floral paintings and have been developing this area for the past 4 years.
My love of figurative work began a long time ago while studying art under the guidance of Newlyn School artist Vincent Wilson.He introduced me to the work of Lucian Freud and I fell in love with flesh-the many tones,the beautiful colours found on the skin.I am very excited to return to figurative painting after the flower series.
I love people,I love the variety,the quirks,the little details that make them stand out from the next person.I am enjoying the slices of people works because I find the dimension appealing.I feel that by restricting the image into that dimension the viewer is forced to concentrate on the information within-and that this information-whether busy or understated,portrays the sitter and becomes the essence of who they are...rather than being distracted by surroundings.
I hope you enjoy looking as much as I enjoy painting.
Media coverage 2013
thewallbreakers.com/culture/1641-deep-blooms-jo-beers-floral-collection-by-ann-molnar
Media coverage 2012
trerisegallery.co.uk/?p=644
www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/pictures/Trerise-gallery-winner/pictures-17319924-detail/pictures.html#axzz2Rz40PGxW
email jobeer@hotmail.co.uk t 01752 845650
Stephen Beer
Although I began as a self taught experimental film maker, influenced by the home movies of Derek Jarman and Elliott Bristow, my practice is now mainly based around photography and painting.
My early photographic work was influenced by a variety of people; Andre Kertesz, Duane Michals, Diane Arbus, Man Ray, Henri Cartier-Bresson and Helmut Newton among them. I studied design and photography at Falmouth School of Art & Design in the early 90s, under some great lecturers including Virginia Ryan and Dave Mathews, and then PhotoMedia at Plymouth College of Art. I have worked in art and media education and now, in my late forties, I find myself returning to more experimental pieces drawing on a wealth of influences.
I hope you enjoy my work.
email stevebeer1@hotmail.co.uk t 01752 845650