OPENING DRINKS IN THE GALLERY
SATURDAY 11TH MAY, 12-2.
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"Eastern Ascents" as seen through the eyes of two artists both significantly inspired by Japan - Peter Kettle and Karl Martens.
This exhibition showcases recent work by Peter Kettle. In May of this year Peter travelled to Japan and “The Japan Project - Paintings and Film” was born. The project celebrates and looks at how the Japanese honour their land through ancient pilgrimages and the arts. Over the course of 3 weeks with his roll of canvas, easel and companions, Peter travelled to the northern island of Hokkaido and mainland Honshu to explore Japan's tribal roots, its myriad of heritage sites and to climb Japan's revered volcanoes and landscapes nicknamed 'the playground of the Gods'. This collection of oils and collages is the fruit of his labours.
Karl Martens meanwhile has been a long time traveller to Japan. Karl is influenced by both Western and Eastern philosophies and he is very interested in the forms of meditation found in Zen Buddhism. This discipline is clearly reflected in the approach to his painting - “The best result is achieved when no thought is given to it; when the mind rests in emptiness and intuition takes over”. Karl is also a very keen and successful practitioner of Japanese archery and he travels the world in his pursuit of excellence.
In his painting, Karl strives to capture the emotional essence of the subject rather than seeking a perfect depiction. In so doing he challenges his own perceptions and allows the image to develop. He paints from memory using watercolour and charcoal often on hand-made paper.
Our clients will be familiar with the work of these two artists and we look forward to what will be a captivating and most original exhibition.
Please click on this link for a page turn catalogue: