The National Forest Art Gallery

Changing Faces

"The National Forest Art Gallery"

Following the first part of the exhibition during December from selected members of the ‘Morph Dynamic Creatives’ group, the National Forest Art Gallery at Conkers Discovery Centre is now pleased to welcome the second group of works and artists, who have selected some vibrant and colourful pieces to cheer away the winter blues.

Betty Norton says of her work; “My love of colour and texture features dominantly in my work and I enjoy working in a wide variety of mediums. The subject matter that I choose is exceptionally diverse, from landscapes through to portraiture. I love traveling and my latest work is a result of the places and people who have inspired me along the way. The beautiful backdrop of the Derbyshire countryside and the equally picturesque harbours and buildings of Cornwall have all played their part in my work.”

Gail Barlow takes her inspiration for her current works from paper sculpture, which mainly based on ancient historical sites, calligraphy and lettering, has developed to also encompass the materialization of symbols. Ancient to modern scripts, rock art and the mystical associations of lettering such as Runes have additionally played strong influences for Gail. Describing her work process, Gail commented “Although I consider the paper sculpture as an art form in itself, I also like to explore the 3D structures in 2D. I do this through the medium of enhanced photography to produce limited edition digital prints. They become wonderful colourful ‘landscapes’ showing depth and contrast that entices the observer to voyeuristically gaze inwards into a secretive world. These prints can be seen on display at this exhibition at Conkers.”

Barbara Bristow has exhibited with the Morph Group in Staffordshire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire and her last commission was for a large work, which is permanently on display at the Multi-Faith Centre at the University of Derby Keddleston Road Campus. She says “My inspiration often comes from forms in nature and the landscape around me. The way I experience nature transforms into images and memories in my mind, which I then translate into colour and form onto canvas. I like to work intuitively, allowing for chance and serendipity to play their part in letting my paintings evolve, layer after layer, stage by stage. I am especially interested in how colour can create the illusion of light. Occasionally I use techniques to give a three dimensional aspect to my work, using mixed media and collage.”

As the Discovery Centre will be closed to the public during the week days of the last week in January and the first week in February for essential maintenance (but still open at Weekends), the exhibition has been extended and will be in place until Sunday, 28th February.

Opening hours are 10.00 a.m until 4.00 p.m. up until Friday 12th February, when from Saturday 13th doors close at 5.00 p.m. The Gallery, Trading Post Gift Shop and Olive Tree Restaurant are free to visit upon registration at the reception.