An unlikely alliance

About

Three artists, all having had successful exhibitions in Tenby previously, will jointly show their work in Tenby in June.  Together they produce an unusual take on Tenby, Pembrokeshire and the Valleys. The exhibition “An unlikely alliance” combines their technical excellence with a touch of surrealism and an emotional pull.  

Rhona Tooze, talented artist and teacher of Swansea, brings a series of street, beach and harbour scenes – strong, painterly work with delicate detail and subtle colour variations.  But she doesn’t use paint: her medium is batik.  Rhona’s work relies on accurate drawing, precision in the necessary technical processes of applying molten wax to stretched cloth then dyeing to achieve a range of tones and colours, and patient repetitions over time – with washing and ironing in between.

 In Linda Thompson’s skilful work are additional features in the constructed compositions  that jolt the viewer into considering the meaning more carefully.   She is an art graduate of Trinity College, Carmarthen (2007) and resident in Tenby – the town which has inspired much of her current work in acrylic.  A straight-forward landscape is rarely the end result however, with ‘Denzil’s View’ being the nearest.  A child’s bucket and spade, a stick of rock, and a postcard of Tenby Harbour signify Tenby in the summer; the flat stylised image of Castle Hill contrasts with a realistic gull investigating a tea tray; a contender for the Iron Man challenge is a plastic duck in a snorkel, bobbing in a cup of tea.

Beatrice Williams’ popular work is more freely painted and expressive, a response to what she feels and sees, actual and imagined.  She is an artist and ex-teacher of pottery and art, resident of Ystradgynlais in the Swansea Valley.  Her wide-ranging subject matter often illustrates simpler ways of life with people in homely surroundings doing ordinary things.  A woman in fluffy slippers hangs out washing, a small farm is cuddled into the mountain and a laughing crowd enjoys a ‘lovely day at the seaside’.  With a strong flavour of Welshness and a huge sense of fun and enjoyment her work has an immediate appeal: although it’s presented fresh and new something about it seems familiar and well-loved.

Equal in talent, unique in execution, this trio of artists have produced a remarkable show.

The exhibition opens on 1st June and continues until 28th, with all artists attending the gallery from 2-4pm on Saturday 6th June to meet with visitors.  Everyone is welcome.  The White Lion Street Gallery in Tenby, near the new Premier Inn, is open from 10am until 5pm every day except for Wednesdays.  For further information telephone 01834-843375 or view the website: www.artmatters.org.uk