'BLOOM II' is poised to become one of The English Artist's most dynamic and vivid exhibitions, marking the gallery's second anniversary. Coinciding with British Flowers Week and the 60th anniversary of Tiverton in Bloom, the Devon-based gallery will feature works from more than 25 artists, presenting a vibrant array of colorful florals across paintings, ceramics, jewelry, glass, and more, all handmade in Britain. Featured artists include Holly Belsher, Trish Buckingham, Bob Crooks, Kirsten Elswood, Jo Faulkner, Richard Glass, Alice Greenwood, Chris Hawkins, Graeme Hawes, Catherine Hills, Claire Lucas, Katy Mackenzie, Boo Mallinson, Helen Manning Clark, Jan Munro, Alison Rose, Helaina Sharpley, Anna Silverton, Michael Taylor, and many others.
Exhibition Highlights
Highlights include a new collection of small- and large-scale studies by oil painter Kirsten Elswood, whose detailed compositions capture some of the nation's most-loved flowers alongside everyday objects, presented as a "celebration of the beauty of everyday." Alongside her, Alison Rose presents a joyful series of sunflower studies, bursting with vibrant yellows and oranges in expressive mixed-media works. As Rose explains: "Sunflowers allow me to soak in the uplifting joy of colour, light, and emotional warmth that these beautiful blooms bring."
Diverse Artistic Techniques
Adding to the visual variety, Richard Glass presents a new collection of hand-blown glass vases and sculptures created in his studio for the exhibition, while ceramicist Chris Hawkins unveils a new series of raku-fired pieces, burning with incredible pinks, oranges, and blues. New ceramic vase collections from Kathryn Herbert, Anna Silverton, Michael Taylor, and Elly Walls will further add to the exhibition's rich textures and bold colours.
The exhibition also features a new collection of one-off monoprints by Helen Manning Clark, where a distinct energy comes through every brushstroke of colour to bring her paintings to life. Discussing her process, Manning Clark said: "I love exploring with layers of transparent ink, working over them until they evolve into luxurious flowers that you could just pick!" These will be displayed alongside striking new abstract studies by Boo Mallinson, whose acrylic works combine bold brushstrokes with rich colour.
Claire Lucas's beautiful new collection of monochrome and colour studies will be juxtaposed with detailed pen-and-ink studies of Devon's flora and fauna by Alice Greenwood. The exhibition also includes intricate, three-dimensional wire sculptures of still-life flowers by Helaina Sharpley, who is renowned for her unique technique and use of light. To complement the art, new jewellery will be featured, with Devon-based Katy Mackenzie presenting a new line of sterling silver, floral-inspired designs. Her work is displayed alongside pieces by Holly Belsher, Catherine Hills, and Louise O'Neil, offering a sparkling complement to the exhibition's summer palette.
These are just a few of the incredible gallery artists involved, and the team at The English Artist is excited for 'BLOOM II' to capture the spirit and colour of the summer season. The public is invited to join the celebration at the gallery from June 17. The gallery is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 5.30pm, and Saturday, 9.30am to 4.30pm. For more information, please visit www.theenglishartist.com or their Instagram @the_englishartist. Location: Tiverton, Devon.
