Following on for our previous artist interviews, I am pleased to introduce more of the artists taking part in RELATIONAL WARMTH and let them describe how they interpreted the theme through their art and how it influenced their submissions.

We have a delightful ‘bakers dozen’ of exhibitors, so a diverse selection of mediums, styles and artists together, with the flow of warmth running throughout.

Heres a short interview from the three artists - there are more episodes to showcase each artist and get to know more about their art - so do check out the full series of blog posts - Enjoy x

George Groves - Portrait painter and Exhibition curator

• What are your thoughts on incorporating Warmth into your work?

I love the idea of incorporating warmth into my works, I embrace the mindset of capturing an essence of warmth somewhere within the Portraits I work on, as I aim to create a sense of comfort for the viewer. 

• What immediately comes to mind when you think of "Warmth"?

I think of some of my favourite movies, which have subsequently been filmed in the peak of summer. The warm hues and the lens flares that filmmakers play on just embodies the concept of warmth for me. 

• Have you found yourself drawn to Warmth in paintings before? 

Plenty of times. I've recently started collecting Contemporary Art, and I always find myself drifting towards warmer pieces, or pieces that perhaps have a warmer tone in their theme or composition. I think that comes back to cultivating an environment for myself which is peaceful, and one that grounds me. Especially in these times when the weather is colder, and the days are shorter, I've found that even the smallest amounts of colour can shift my mood for the better.

• And finally, how has the preparation for this Exhibition challenged your practice as an artist?

It's really made me think about how I use warmth, consciously rather than subconsciously. And how the idea of capturing warmth in my work goes so much further than the colours, it's made me think about the composition, the mood, the energy. 

Ali Mackie - Contemporary Artist and Exhibition Curator

•      What are your thoughts on incorporating Warmth into your work?
I love this question because the ethos behind my work incorporates warmth. I'm a collector and creator of joyful colours, curious compositions and warm words drawn together with a BRIGHT point of view.

•      What immediately comes to mind when you think of "Warmth"?
A cosy winter home and summer sun on my skin.

•      Have you found yourself drawn to Warmth in paintings before?
All the time. Warm colours pull me in. I'm working with them now in my new limited palette collection. Peaches, browns and mustards are my current favourites.

•      And finally, how has the preparation for this Exhibition challenged your practice as an artist?
It's been a lovely complement to my autumn/winter practice. It's helped me develop feelings of hibernation and deep concentration, like an intense, satisfying study that fits so beautifully with this time of year; safely tucked behind closed doors out of the elements.

Michael Restrick - Contemporary painter and sculptor

•      What are your thoughts on incorporating Warmth into your work?
Just a smile is enough to calm the nerves and settle the mind.

•      What immediately comes to mind when you think of "Warmth"?
Friends and Family.

•      Have you found yourself drawn to Warmth in paintings before?
Yes, much of my practice conveys the emotion of the sitter and artist.

•      And finally, how has the preparation for this Exhibition challenged your practice as an artist?
Luckily I had been working on the theme of 'smile' so I had work that i felt readily matched the exhibition theme.

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