carne griffiths

Undergrowth

Undergrowth is an installation drawing made in ink and tea during the Leytonstone Arts Trail in 2011. The drawing consists of floral forms influenced by the plants surrounding the house which stretch along one side of the wall in the house. From the front door along the hallway, up the stairs and reaching up to the ceiling, the floral forms are a mixture of real and imaginary flowers. Amongst the flowers are a number of bees drawn which flow in an arc until they reach the hive. Represented in the drawing by a girl with outstretched hands from which drips of honey fall to the ground. If you would like to see the installation drawing which is based in Leytonstone East london – please contact carne@carnegriffiths.com or visit http://www.carnegriffiths.com for more details.

The Violence of Flowers

Yesterday I took 5 new pieces down to Inkd gallery and talked about some of the new work.  It was good to air the new pieces as there was a slight change in direction and the work was starting to focus solely on floral forms.  I have recently received good feedback from some purely floral works, poppy and undergrowth especially, and I think it is this that has given me the impotus to move into this project without any portrtraiture or human elements both with more confidence and a renewed sense of energy.

It was surprising to react in such a strong way to what are essentially to me study drawings of wild flowers that were picked from the grounds of the studio at Norlington Road, but the reaction has reintroduced a vigorous line and mark making to my drawing that I felt had been missing from the initial pieces I made recently exploring bees… I learnt that sometimes it is good to follow this impulse and not tobe stubborn about the route that the work takes.

below are a few images of detail from the works which include partial studies of thistles roses and other wild flowers … I will be posting completed images of the work fairly soon when I have an idea how the project will develop.  For now I can only say that these pieces are intense emotional responses to the plants and floral forms in front of me, hope you enjoy them as much as I did making them – Carne

New Summer Postcard Set – Available Now

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New set of four postcards representing recent work from this ‘Summer’ available to buy through etsy http://www.etsy.com/listing/78339347/limited-edition-summer-pack-of-4?ref=pr_shop
Each Postcard Pack, contains 4 images from Carne Griffiths, printed on 350gsm matt card, each individually signed and numbered by hand, comes sealed in a cellophane envelope as part of a limited edition of 250 packs.
The images are from a series of  work currently exhibiting in Newcastle and of work sold through Art Republic (July 2011) Carne’s work is produced using fountain pen ink and various liquids such as tea, vodka, whisky and brandy.

Details about the original pieces.
The Coma – (Art Republic Soho SOLD) is a reflection on the unconscious self and is influenced by the book of the same name by Alex Garland, the piece is also available as a ltd edition giclee print
Metamorphosis- (Eyestorm SOLD) is drawn in ink and tea and is a comentary on our connection and assimilation with nature also available as a ltd edition giclee print
Strength (Currently available and showing soon at Opus in Newcastle as part of their summer show) is drawn in Ink and tea and is about the terrifying force and beauty of nature in light of the Japanese quake earlier this year.
Comfort- (Also at showing at Opus in Newcastle as part of the summer show) is a retreat into nature

Postcard ssets are £5 including delivery anywhere worldwide!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/78339347/limited-edition-summer-pack-of-4?ref=pr_shop

Summer Exhibition with Opus

I have been invited to display 2 of my pieces of work in the Summer Exhibition, with Opus Fine Art, Newcastle.

The exhibition will take place on Monday 8 August – Friday 2 September 2011
Private View: Friday, 5 August, 6-8pm

The Summer Exhibition kicks off with a themed party on the evening of Friday, 5 August by invitation only, where guests can view and buy the works on show, meet artists showing, and enjoy summery cocktails and canapés courtesty of 1OAK restaurant.

Opus will be showing a “huge selection of artwork by the cream of artists on their roster, including Chris Acheson, Andrea Allan,Kim Baker, Lee Chantler, Richard Davidson, Teresa Duck, Michele Fletcher, Nick Fox, Carne Griffiths, Kelly Jayne, Brian Jones, Linda Lencovic, Miranda Lopatkin, Ali Miller, Geraldine Swayne, Natalie Tkachuk and Karl de Vroomen.”

The exhibition opens to the public from Monday, 8 August until Friday, 2 September, by appointment only.

Please contact Opus Fine Art, Milburn House, Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1NR T: 0191 232 7389
E: enquiries@opus-art.com

Norlington Road Video of work in progress

I have taken a short video of the work on the mural / drawing so far at Norlington Road – I will be making a finished video and a short book of the completed piece but until then…

A drawing made as part of the Leytonstone arts trail over a period of about 2 weeks spending  40 hours drawing, the piece is an unplanned organic drawing in Ink and tea which explores floral forms. Drawn in fountain pen ink and painted with various types of tea, specifically chai, Rooibos, blackcurrant & nettle and camomile vanilla & honey. The artwork references plants from both the front and rear of the house.

Contemporary Romantics

As the Tate’s exhibition Romantics comes to a close this summer, DegreeArt will be presenting an exhibition with a fresh approach and a more unique dialogue of Romanticism in its contemporary form. Numerous young artists, of different backgrounds and practices, draw inspiration from the spirit of such a traditional movement, addressing the theme in a new light to discover innovative perspectives by presenting a variety of formulations dealing with a number of issues to characterize today’s social and environmental concerns.

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Unlike the works of Predecessors the collection of works on display seek to explore how postmodern media such as photography and installation art encompass the motif of Romanticism as well as a revival for modern painting.

 

The exhibition contains works by:

Julie Clark, Joe Cruz, Christopher Eyles, Carne Griffiths, Jemma Grundon, John Hainsworth, Michael Hammond, Emmanuelle Loiselle, Alexander Milnes, Rob Reedand Elizabeth Wheeler.

When:
Wed, 13/07/2011 – 12:00 – Sun, 31/07/2011 – 17:00
Private view:
Thu, 14/07/2011 – 18:00 – 21:00
Where:
The DegreeArt.com Gallery, 12a Vyner Street, London, E2 9DG

Floral Drawing with Bees at 5 Norlington Road

As part of the Leytonstone Arts Trail – I have had the pleasure of starting a large drawing inside a freshly wallpapered house.  The piece is an organic development – mainly unplanned and consisting largely of floral forms.  The drawing is due to be completed next weekend and will be open for public viewing on Sunday the 10th of July where I will be continuing the work and throughout the next week until Sunday the 17th July.  Here are a few images of the work completed so far.

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The work will be the starting point of a new series of pieces considering the impact of bees on the environment, their sophisticated methods of communication and navigation, concerns about their dwindling numbers and the catastrophic effects on the planet should they disappear completely.

By chance today I met a beekeeper who has invited me to don a beekeepers suit and gain some first hand experience visiting the hive – looking forward to recording some sound and video to influence the work

Guilty Pleasures and Modern Vices- June 23rd 2011 at London Miles

Getting ready for Guilty Pleasures and Modern Vices with a new piece in the studio. The following piece is nearly complete and will be going down to Hanbury street tomorrow.  Details of the show below

Opening reception: Thusday, June 23rd 2011. From 6pm to 11pm.
On show: June 23rd to June 27th 2011
New Location: 65 Hanbury Street. East London.

London Miles Gallery is proud to announce an exhibition featuring all Uk artists, from street artists Alex Young and Insa, to incredible digital painter Tom Bagshaw. Each artist was teamed up with a particular vice or guilty pleasure at random and are required to create a piece of art inspired by that vice. The outcome has been impressive and to say the least, we are already addicted to this emerging group of UK talent.
Vice is a practice or a habit considered immoral, depraved, and/or degrading in the associated society. In more minor usage, vice can refer to a fault, a defect, an infirmity, or merely a bad habit. Synonyms for vice include fault, depravity, sin, iniquity, wickedness, and corruption.

Featured Artists:

INSA, Alex Young, David Marsh, Tom Bagshaw, Xue Wang, Craww, Carne Griffiths, Mr Gauky, Michael Forbes, Ruben Ireland, Mr Penfold

and more to be confirmed

Old Boots – new website..

It was a great evening at the launch of Old Boots and nice to meet up with some of the artists participating in the show – big thanks to those of you who made it down through the rain to attend.  Was blown away by the work on show, great pieces from all artists & especially liked the glass pieces produced by Gonny Van Hulst, Stuart McApine Miller’s translucent oils on canvas and Pam Glew’s Innuit piece.  Big thanks to the buyer of my Old Boots light box yesterday, and for those who picked up Giclee prints of the boots and other work.

Have also been doing a spring clean of the website today as well – organising available works and putting some new pieces for sale through this site. 2 new sections have been added and I’d be really grateful if you could have a browse and let me know what you think.

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There are still 8 pairs of customised doc martens up for grabs @ just £150 a pair – grab yourself a real collectible bit of artwork for not much more than the cost of a pair of new DM’s and remeber all proceeds for the sale of these boots go to macmillan cancer -the show runs until the 26th June so if you haven’t seen it yet get down and have a look – full details in prev post 😉

Old Boots New Laces

Met up with Ben Oakley at this evening, and was also introduced to Infinity Bunce who is currently curating the 11:11 show over at East Gallery Brick Lane which opens tomorrow night ( more details at http://www.eastgallery.co.uk/) With the last exhibition now finished and packed away – – massive shout to Lucy Wragg for bringing together the crew of fantastic artists and illustrators with so much energy for SORTED, it’s time to look forward to the next….

Old Boots New Laces launches on Friday 17th June – get your glad rags on and get down to the Vibe bar for what promises to be a fantastic evening. (facebook event link)

Here’s the blurb .. A truly powerful eclectic exhibition, showcases unique oils, aerosol works, exquiste ink drawings, urban glass sculpture & quality ltd edition prints.

Agent provocateur, Rowan Newton, Asboluv, Stuart Mcalpine Miller, Carne Griffiths, Gonny Van Hulst, Ben Oakley, Mark Perronet, GaryAlford, Theo Szarowicz, Yvonne Wayling,

Preview evening: friday 17th june 6.30pm – 9.30pm
After party: friday 17th june 9.30pm – 1.00am
With smiley dean & big daddy pugh playing the finest in motown ska northern soul & reggae

Exhibition open to the public 18th – 26th june 2011
Open daily 11am – 6pm
Admission free
91-95 brick lane truman building e1 (above vibe bar)

10 Artists have customised a pair of DM’s including myself and these will be for sale from the preview evening – also there’ll be a new set of my work on show and a brand new lightbox and mini edition of prints for sale along with other previously released prints.. below is a taster of what you can expect from my work but get down there to see the show in all it’s glory – it’s looking damn promising.