Latest news stories on contemporary artist Sarah Misselbrook

Opening event at SCA Fenwick 2 December 3rd

info@sarahmisselbrook.com (Sarah Misselbrook) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:08:00 +0000

Last night saw the unveiling of the permanent installation of the 'human/nature' collection at SCA Fenwick 2 Health & Well Being Centre in Lyndhurst.

Guests included Councillor Carol Leversha (Vice-chairman of Hampshire County Council) and members of the CAMHS and NHS Innovations South East teams.

Speeches were delivered by George Dibben (Chair of the Fenwick 2 board) and myself.

The collection was officially opened by Mick Smith (Director of Quay Arts) who highlighted the importance of contemporary artworks within such establishments.

I was overwhelmed by the reception of the works and hope they will become part of the centre's community benefiting staff and visitors alike.

The collection is made up of 25 paintings relating to the use of each space within centre drawing its inspiration from the human body and the centre's forest and coastal environment.

Event photography by Grish Art www.grishart.com

human/nature - commission unveiled 3rd Dec 2009

info@sarahmisselbrook.com (Sarah Misselbrook) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:43:00 +0000

Art viewing evening at SCA Fenwick 2 Health & Well Being Centre on Thursday 3rd December 2009 - new works by Sarah Misselbrook. If you would like to attend please e-mail the artist to be added to the guest list info@sarahmisselbrook.com

SCA Fenwick 2 Health and Well Being Centre, Pikes Hill, Lyndhurst, Hampshire, SO43 7NG www.fenwick2.co.uk
Pictured above 'Tranquillus I', 2009, acrylic on canvas, Sarah Misselbrook

sarahmisselbrook.com - Nominated for 7th Hantsweb Awards

info@sarahmisselbrook.com (Sarah Misselbrook) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:14:00 +0000

Sarah Misselbrook's website has been nominated for the 7th Hantsweb Awards.
The Hantsweb Awards celebrate excellence in website design, accessibility and service. The awards are open to any website based in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
The 7th Hantsweb Awards aims to further raise the standard of quality shown in previous years. New this year, a Business Innovation category has been added to recognise the effective ways companies have used the web to drive business during the recession. Categories of 'Life Changing' and 'Healthy Lifestyle' also appear for the first time, encouraging entries that promote wellbeing in Hampshire.

www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebawards.htm

Art day at St Michael and All Angels CE Infant School

info@sarahmisselbrook.com (Sarah Misselbrook) — Sat, 02 May 2009 13:56:00 +0000

As part of the commission for Fenwick 2 Health and Well Being centre, I visited St Michael and All Angels CE Infant School to start the project with the pupils. I had a great day at the school, the staff were very supportive of the project and the pupils were fantastic fun. They created individual and group pieces of artwork and a sample of the results will be on show as part of the art exhibition launch at the Fenwick 2 Health and Well Being Centre in the New Forest. I have been commissioned to create a series of 2 and 3d works for installation in the centre focussing on the forest location. The art day at the school saw the start of this project, which is due to open later in the summer.

Commission at Fenwick 2 Health & Well Being Centre

info@sarahmisselbrook.com (Sarah Misselbrook) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:33:00 +0000

Sarah Misselbrook has been commissioned by Fenwick 2 Health and Well Being Centre in Lyndhurst, Hampshire to create 2D and 3D works for permanent installation in and around the centre. Fenwick 2 is a not for profit organisation with the aim to develop more health and social care services for those in need.

Misselbrook will be making regular trips to the New Forest based centre for visual inspiration for the creation of her works which will focus on the relationship between the human body and nature, bringing the forest atmosphere into the building. As well as the creation of this body of work, Misselbrook will be visiting the St Michael and All Angels primary school in Lyndhurst to run a workshop with pupils based upon the theme. Misselbrook will also be running a workshop at the centre with the Phoenix club which is for elderly members of the local community to meet and mingle.

The project will culminate in an opening launch event at the centre in the summer of 2009 and details will be posted on the site.

This project has been funded and supported by the Arts Council England, SCA and Fenwick 2 League of Friends.

Misselbrook interviewed by 3D degree student, Katie Weston

info@sarahmisselbrook.com (Sarah Misselbrook) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 12:55:00 +0000

Katie Weston, currently studying at Portsmouth University on a 3D degree course, contacted me via my website.

Katie said, "I am so excited to hear of a feminist artist from somewhere so close to me as Southampton! I am a 3D degree student at Portsmouth University and am currently doing an essay on museum/exhibition/gallery spaces. I have a personal interest in feminist art and feminism and have done projects based on some well know feminist artists, my favourite being Kiki Smith.
I really admire female artists that aren't afraid to use controversial subject matter and step outside of the box!

I would love to be able to see your work whether in a formal gallery space or in any other situation. Would this be possible at all in the near future?
I look forward to hearing from you."

I jumped at the chance to help Katie and as well as her visiting 'Collectible', currently on at the Bargate Monument galley, to see 'Dual' she sent me the following questions to answer and has kindly allowed me to post it here for all to read, enjoy.

Thanks Katie for the chance to answer some very interesting questions and good luck with your project!

1. Where do you get your inspiration from and how do you come up with a concept for a new piece of work?

Every piece that I think of in my head usually comes from a burning desire to question and hopefully change something or someone's way of thinking. I don't make 'pretty' pictures - although the aesthetic quality of my work is very important. My inspiration comes from being a woman in this country and what that all means. I try to comment on the absolute tragedy that is the total objectification of the female body by reducing it to the one thing we all have in common. We are all skeletal under the flesh (however much flesh we may have) - the space inside and our spirit/ mind is where it all belongs - we should not be judged upon our surface. Societal norms of being a certain size and shape and dressing/ behaving a certain way put an enormous amount of pressure on the female (and more recently the male) body and it is this that I have been a victim of and want to see the balance between body and mind regained. Therefore, every time I make a piece of work, it is a response to an extremely strong feeling from within and without this outlet I am not sure I would be here.

2. Do you have a reason for using specific materials? (Particularly in the piece Dual at Bargate)

With the choice of materials, I try to add to the very nature and concept of the piece itself. By using soft, fragile materials such as latex, feathers, cotton, tights, I am trying to underline the transient nature of the human anatomy. The very fact that our skin ages (in a similar way to latex) makes a complete mockery of a societal obsession with youth and beauty. Surely, we should embrace our very human fragility but no, we attempt to conquer it by plasticizing our flesh. To be specific, the piece on show at the Bargate 'Dual' focuses on a fundamental difference between male and female, the protrusion and the void, the positive and the negative. This uses cactus spikes as protrusions from the back on the canvas through to the surface. I was based in Cyprus at this time and drew on the very aggressive but beautiful structures in the plant life. The use of opposites with the bare canvas and the black leather try to reinforce the biological differences. However, my intention here was to present myself - one person who battles within a very male dominated world, but is female. A mask of maleness then is adorned to achieve, to accomplish, and the very female openness which is seen as a weakness. Whether this is a coping strategy or whether I have been moulded into this, I do not know??

3. Is it a conscious decision to not have a frame around the piece? (Bargate)

Yes. As I am primarily a sculptor, when I make a canvas work I still treat it as a 3 dimensional piece. Particularly with the use of objects or structures protruding from the surface or opening up to reveal the inside of the canvas. It is important therefore that the canvas is seen with all its dimensions, not just the width and height but also the depth at which it is off the wall.

4. How do you feel when you see your work in a gallery? Is it gratifying, especially as feminist artists are a minority?

It is the very reason I make my work. For it to be made and then stored out of sight is going against everything I am trying to do with the work. It is very gratifying when I see my work within a group or solo show as I feel like I am getting that message across, whether it is read exactly as I intended is another matter, but at least it is getting seen.

5. Is your work aimed more towards men or women? Or both?

I don't aim my work at anyone in particular. I think that is why I have enjoyed exhibiting the work at non-gallery spaces as this usually results in a more varied audience (those who wouldn't usually go to a gallery). I feel like I want to reach to as many and as different a person as possible.

6. Do the reactions you get from men and women differ? How so? Does this affect how shocking or personal you make a piece?

I don't allow people's response to work affect how I make future pieces as I am far too selfish for that! I make exactly what I want to make and that is an absolutely amazing thing to be able to do as your career! To have the freedom to create from within you with no thought as to how this will be received. However, once on show the work generally has a different response from men than women. Some women have responded negatively saying that there is no place for feminism today - I strongly believe that this is due to them feeling that they will disassociate themselves from the male world they have entered into. So I disagree - there is even more space for feminism now that we are trying to cope with being male and female all at once.

Some men, and I am very lucky to be married to one, are just as feminist as I am and they react with a very understanding, empathetic but not patronising response to the depiction of a woman whose body remains subject to scrutiny and objectification. On the other hand, some men react on a sexual level to imagery which contains masks, restraints etc - for example in 'Misplaced', 'A Day in the life of' or 'To Myself' - I believe they have become so accustomed to viewing the female form in sexual masochistic positions that they cannot read these works in any other way. Surely this only reinforces the need to make the work!

7. Do you get to decide on how your work is displayed? i.e. where it is positioned in the gallery and in relation to other works?

Within a group show, such as the present Bargate 'Collectible' exhibition, the curator(s) of the gallery will decide on the placement of the works in relation to each other and how the show is read as a whole. However with solo shows, which I have been able to travel to, I have been fortunate enough to decide on placement and have hung all the works myself. This allows me to design the overall effect of the exhibition and which pieces I want to show first and which ones I would like to keep hidden to make a sudden impact throughout the experience.

8.Do you work with the gallery in mind? ie. The scale of a piece, or how easy it will be to display?

I usually have about 3 or 4 pieces of work on the go at any one time - they usually differ in their medium i.e. a sculptural piece, a canvas series, a film or a photographic work. This allows me to be more efficient in my practice and allows me to work depending on the weather and my mood! So no to the question, the piece is made without thinking of any particular gallery space - however I always need to think about installation of the piece, whether it will appear on a plinth, be wall mounted etc.
For my solo show at the Bargate Monument Gallery in 2006 I was approached by the curator to have the opening exhibition 18 months before it opened so I designed every piece to fit the gallery space. This was quite obvious to visitors as they commented that the work seemed to belong.

9. Do these factors make a difference to how likely a gallery will accept it? Particularly small galleries?

There are a lot of galleries and open exhibition submissions, which will only accept wall mounted pieces of work - this is due to the ease of hanging, storage etc. So maybe I do limit where my work can be shown but I would not want to start making work to fit as I feel I would lose the freedom I have.

10. Do your prefer small, intimate gallery spaces or larger 'white cube' style galleries? (as a featured artist and a visitor)

As an artist, I have really enjoyed showing in different spaces like the medieval vaults in Southampton which are underground spaces loaded with history and stories and seeing my works (which had only ever been shown in white gallery spaces until then) placed in these spaces somehow gave them even more power and narrative. As an artist I enjoy showing work in a variety of spaces, the small private spaces and the large white cubes. As a visitor I try to mix it up too - with a recent visit to the Guggenheim in Bilbao viewing the new Richard Serra installation compared to a recent private view I visited in Bitterne triangle in Southampton which is a very small, commercial outlet for local artists.

11. How has the opening of the Bargate gallery affected you? Has it improved your ability to get work shown?

I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been offered the first exhibition at the Bargate Monument gallery. I do feel that this gallery has improved all Southampton based artists potential showing of work. I had before then however, shown in London and at other local galleries so I would like to think that it was a successful run of exhibitions which led to the show at the Bargate gallery. 'a space', the arts organisation that run the gallery, have been very supportive towards my practice, especially considering my work is not the most accessible to all viewers.

12. How do you feel about the Bargate gallery in comparison to other galleries your work has been shown in? or in solo exhibitions? Do you have a preference?

As I made the work specifically for the Bargate space for my solo show, as mentioned previously, I felt as though this was the most successful. It resulted in a group of pieces that complimented each other very well and, as I was involved in the installation, I felt more connected it.

13. How much does your work usually sell for? What do you take into consideration when you put a price on a piece?

My work has increased in value since I sold my first piece in 1996. The work now sells from 800 pounds for a canvas/ photographic work up to 3000 pounds for a sculptural piece. I make a record of material costs for each piece and also how many hours I have spent creating the work, which includes any research, travel, concept designs, maquette making and the final piece. I then add an artistic value for the collection of the piece, which relates to how I think my practice will grow and how well established I am as an artist.

'Collectible' Group Show featuring Misselbrook's 'Dual'

info@sarahmisselbrook.com (Sarah Misselbrook) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:07:00 +0000

Opening this week at the Bargate Monument Gallery, 'Collectible' runs from 15th November - 21st December 2008.

Off the back of their growing reputation and the success of the summer ArtVaults season, the arts organisation a space presents an exhibition and programme of events designed to stimulate the growing market for art in Southampton.

In times of economic uncertainty it is often nerve wracking to decide what is throw-away spending and what is a real investment. Collectible gives you the opportunity to buy the work of major artists for the future.

This exhibition will feature the work of a diverse and exciting range of artists, all exhibiting at surprisingly affordable prices. Artists will be announced on this site over the coming weeks.

Collectible: Business
The Bargate Monument Gallery is available for private hire, throughout the show. How about having your pre-christmas drinks or business networking evening at a beautiful and unusual venue. You can hire the gallery for drinks and functions during Collectible at special discounted rates. All works for sale during these special events are offered at a 10% discount. Contact our office to book an event on 02380 338778 or info@aspacearts.org.uk

Collectible: Late Openings
Thursdays 6-8, from 20th November to 18th December 2008.
An oasis of calm above the Christmas shopping crowds, the Bargate Monument Gallery. will be open late on Thursday evenings throughout the run of the exhibition. Come in and join us, browse around the art works, talk to the gallery staff, you may even find that special Christmas gift. Thursday 18th December will be our Christmas celebration and discount evening, with mulled wine and mince pies!

Creative 30

info@sarahmisselbrook.com (Sarah Misselbrook) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 08:59:00 +0000

Creative 30 is a great opportunity for all creatives looking for coverage and recognition for their practice. Read on for more information...

VICE, Volvo, The Independent and Yahoo! have teamed up on a project which aims to find and celebrate thirty of Britain's most promising young creative people. We're on the lookout for emerging artists, writers, filmmakers, photographers, musicians, designers, illustrators, animators...

www.creative30.net

VICE, Volvo and The Independent team up to find and celebrate the UK's next generation of promising creative talent. The first annual Creative 30 competition is an opportunity for up-and-coming UK creative talent to gain national recognition and compete to win £10,000 or a Volvo C30 R-DESIGN. To help select the Creative 30 shortlist, VICE and The Independent have enlisted UK creative icons such as fashion designer Vivienne Westwood and Turner prize-winning conceptual artist Martin Creed to select the first 15 of the Creative 30 nominees.

"The UK has always had a very strong and individual identity in almost every creative field. With projects like this, I hope that it will help our next generation of creators find success and hopefully influence the future generations to explore their own talents and pursue their creative path", said Creative 30 Icon and artist Peter Fowler.

In addition to the above, confirmed Creative 30 Icons include photographers Valerie Phillips and Gavin Watson, cultural critic Stephen Bayley, music video director Saam Farahmand, illustrators Daisy de Villeneuve and Jiro Bevis, author Philip Hescher, editor of Icon Magazine Justin McGuirk, architect Charlotte Skene Catling, musicians James Righton, Estelle, Wiley and Mystery Jets front man Blaine Harrison.

Made possible by Volvo, The Creative 30 will launch on Monday, September 8th.

"Today's mass media exposes us to mediocrity on a daily basis. Many people seek attention and instantaneous fame without having anything to contribute. The challenges we face as a society today demand intelligent and creative solutions. To be creative, one must dare to fail whilst trying new ideas. So truly creative people need all the support and encouragement they can get." Said Volvo's Studio Chief Designer Simon Lamarre.

The public will be encouraged to submit their work to creative30.net - Creative 30's official site created by digital partners Yahoo!. There will be no categories - submissions can range from photography to writing or documentary films and everything in between.

"We feel it is important not to put restrictions on what defines creativity - we want to keep it open to everyone regardless of their discipline. We welcome all-comers, from filmmakers to interpretative dance nose flute DJs," said panelist member and Vice Magazine Editor Andy Capper.

Based on the open call submissions received, a panel of judges will select 15 nominees, completing the Creative 30. Three-minute mini documentaries for each of the candidates will be aired on creative30.net and the public will then be encouraged to vote for a winner.

The campaign will be wrapped up in November when a prize of £10,000 will be awarded by the jury to one of the Creative 30 nominees and a Volvo C30 R-DESIGN will be given to the nominee with the most people's votes.

About VICE
Since its humble inception in 1994 as a 16-page Montreal punk zine, Vice Magazine has grown to become a massively influential global youth media empire. Currently existing in 22 countries, The VICE brand now includes properties in print, online, film, music, events, marketing, books, DVDs, its own branding agency (Virtue Worldwide) and online TV network (VBS.tv). Vice Magazine currently prints 89,000 copies monthly in the UK with a global circulation of 910,000. Found away from newsstands, Vice Magazine is available where its audience spends their free time: fashion boutiques, record stores, universities, galleries, bars and cafes ensuring a truly unique 100 percent pick up rate.

About Volvo
Volvo began making cars in 1927 and today operates a global business with sales companies in all major markets. Every day, thousands of people bring their knowledge, skills and common values together to build cars to fulfill customer demands, society's expectations and the needs of future generations. Volvo cars are built on the principles of safety, quality and environmental care and the designs are inspired by nature, where form and function go hand in hand. The clear defined seasons of Scandinavia inspire Volvo's approach to colour and light and the demands of the environment make the cars both robust and versatile.

About The Independent
The Independent and The Independent on Sunday are modern newspaper with a mission to take the broader view. Launched in 1986 and 1990 respectively, these innovative newspapers with steady circulations are changing the face of British national newspapers in the 21st century. With award-winning journalists, The Independent has been twice chosen as Newspaper of the Year. In addition to this, Simon Kelner,
Editor-in-Chief, was chosen as Editor of the Year at the GQ Men of the Year awards in September 2004.

About Yahoo!
Yahoo! Inc. is a leading global Internet brand and one of the busiest Internet destinations worldwide. Yahoo! is focused on powering its communities of users, advertisers, publishers, and developers by creating indispensable experiences built on trust. Yahoo! is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. Yahoo! and the Yahoo! logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Yahoo! Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Yahoo UK and Ireland is an accredited IASH member, the trade body devoted to encouraging best practice among online advertising sales houses through the adoption of an effective code of conduct.

info@sarahmisselbrook.com (Sarah Misselbrook) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 10:46:00 +0000

Sarah Misselbrook has been invited by the Pantheon Cultural Association to participant in the Urban Soul Festival. The Festival targets to bring upcoming, established and prominent fine artists together for one day, to present their work to the wider public and thus give their presence within the growing art scene of the island.

Misselbrook will present 'Misplaced', a digital print on banner which will be suspended in the park throughout the festival. To accompany this, the artist will be present at the event wearing the steel sculpture for all visitors to witness.

"Who do you put first? We believe we all have a place at the table. Within the sculpture, I am 'Misplaced'. A steel framework acts as a corseted cage to my body with elongated arms into knife and fork impossible to bend. If I were to choose to feed myself, I would starve. It has become impossible due to these metal attachments. It is our choice to create a 'heaven' or a 'hell' here on earth." Sarah Misselbrook, July 2008.

The Pantheon Urban Soul Festival will be held on Saturday September 27th 2008 Tripoli Public Park (in the moat of the Nicosia walls, between Solomou square and Omirou Avenue), Nicosia, Cyprus.. 12.00pm until 12.00am.

ArtVaults Season 4 2008

info@sarahmisselbrook.com (Sarah Misselbrook) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:41:00 +0000

ArtVaults Season 4 opened on Wednesday 9th July with an evening reception at the Merchant's Hall, Southampton and despite the weather saw a fantastic number of visitors. Quilters Vault houses work by Sarah Tyler and Alyce Taylor both second year undergrads from Winchester School of Art.

A detail of Sarah Tyler's restored latex dividing wall which is convincingly haunting in the dark vault.

Alyce Taylors textile installation which spills into the vault and covers the floor referring to the original use and history of the vault itself.

Castle Vault presents the multi-media installation by pupils from Hounsdown school which depicts a Spitfire crash scene with search lights and haunting sound effects, pictured below.

The two vaults were part of the New Creators competition and I had the pleasure of mentoring the students who won the opportunity to show alongside professional artists as part of this years ArtVaults. The successful development and installation of the New Creators artwork in these medieval spaces has resulted in an incredibly professional display of young local talent. ArtVaults is open every weekend from 12 - 4 pm until 21st September and is free entry. Please show your support for what is becoming the largest and most visually spectacular art event putting Southampton on the map.

'New Creators' competition ArtVaults 2008

info@sarahmisselbrook.com (Sarah Misselbrook) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 08:42:00 +0000

Sarah Misselbrook has been commissioned by ArtVaults to act as mentor to the winning students from Winchester School of Art and Hounsdown School.

STUDENT ARTISTS WIN COMPETITION TO EXHIBIT

Students from Winchester School of Art and Hounsdown Science College in Totton have won a rare opportunity to exhibit at ArtVaults, Southampton's largest art event.
The winning artworks for the 'New Creators' competition will be exhibited in the city's medieval vaults every weekend from 12 July to 21 September, along with the contemporary works of 11 professional artists. Last summer ArtVaults attracted 19,000 visitors.

'New Creators' is the brainchild of Daniel Crow, director of arts organisation 'a space' which organises the ArtVaults project, and has been funded by Arts & Business and Lyndhurst-based company INEOS. "We have always tried to promote emerging artists, and introduced the competition for the first time this year to attract a new generation of talent," said Crow. We invited local entries from school years 10 to 13 and higher education students, and received some really imaginative ideas. The winners were selected because their designs connected so well with the vaults' architecture and history."

Higher Education category winners Sarah Tyler and Alyce Taylor are just finishing the second year of their Fine Art degree at Winchester School of Art. "Students at this stage wouldn't usually expect to exhibit work at such a major public show so ArtVaults is a fantastic opportunity for them," said Sarah Misselbrook, a professional artist commissioned by ArtVaults to act as mentor to the winning students.

ArtVaults 'New Creators' competition winners (Higher Education category) Alyce Taylor, left, and Sarah Tyler, right, are students at Winchester School of Art. Sarah Misselbrook, centre, is a professional artist commissioned by ArtVaults to act as mentor to the winning students.

"Their sculpture and textile designs will be site-specific installations, well suited to the special vault environment," she added. "It's going to be a multi-sensory experiment. Materials will include flour for example, so as well as enjoying the look and feel of the works, visitors will also experience the aroma of dough."

The winning proposal from Hounsdown Science College, Totton, is a joint entry by Lewis Jones and Abigail Davis, both aged 14, who have responded to the vaults' war-time history and the city's aviation heritage. Their idea is to construct a Spitfire plane which has crashed through the wall of the vault. "While this doesn't represent a specific incident, it's an interesting and relevant way to connect Southampton's medieval architecture with its more recent past," commented Crow.

Lee Wallwork, art teacher at Houndsdown Science College said: "The children have been really inspired by such a cutting edge art competition. The chance to work with a practising artist and have their vision developed in such a thought provoking environment is very exciting."

Supported by the rest of their art class, Lewis and Abigail will be working with Sarah Misselbrook to develop and construct the installation, which will be dramatised with light, sound and smoke effects.

Misselbrook will be calling on her own experience with the special demands of heritage sites, and her knowledge of the vaults from exhibiting at ArtVaults Season One in 2004. "The vaults present practical challenges for artists, particularly because you can't fix anything to the structure. I'll be helping the students to overcome this and to develop their works so that they become intrinsic to the space."

ArtVaults 'New Creators' competition winners (year 10 - 13 category) Abigail Davis, left, and Lewis Jones, right, are students at Hounsdown Science College, Totton. Art teacher Lee Wallwork is shown centre, with the rest of the art class looking on.

Exhibiting art in the city's medieval vaults draws a wider audience than might be expected at a gallery, believes Crow. "The locations are a major attraction, providing unique settings for contemporary art compared with the neutral backdrop you find at galleries. These are existing historic spaces with cultural and emotional resonance, and this produces more interesting and varied responses from visitors."

Both of the New Creators installations will deliver a full sensory experience, which he expects to be more appealing for families and younger visitors. "The vault environment and the nature of these works means there will be more interaction for people, helping to break down the boundaries sometimes experienced in galleries."

The ArtVaults project, now in its fourth season, is a collaboration between the Conservation Department of Southampton City Council and the 'a space' arts organisation, and is sponsored by Lyndhurst-based chemicals company INEOS. The annual event presents an opportunity to explore Southampton's historic medieval vaults, which are usually closed, and to see a collection of contemporary artwork from the country's finest artistic talents.

As part of the prize, the winning students will be given a budget to construct and install their winning proposals. Their work will also feature in an exhibition about ArtVaults at the Bargate Monument Gallery and will be included in the show catalogue.

Editorial contact:
Brian Davenport/ Richard Broughton
Dryden Brown Limited
Building 2, Shamrock Quay
Southampton SO14 5QL, UK
t: 023 8022 9041
f: 023 8022 7274
press@dryden.co.uk

Note to editors:
Photographs: images of vaults available on request. ArtVaults Season Three (2007) can be viewed at www.myspace.com/ArtVaults
About a space: The arts organisation a space supports emerging artistic talent and enables the development of sustainable careers within the arts. We endeavour to build the reputations of early career artists through encouraging the creation and exhibition of new works. Our exhibitions also supply the public with an alternative visual arts programme, not dominated by established names. The organisation delivers its objectives through a growing infrastructure, which currently consists of three major project platforms: the Bargate Monument Gallery, ArtVaults and the Arches studio complex

t: 023 80 338778
info@aspacearts.org.uk
www.aspacearts.org.uk

About INEOS: INEOS is the world's third largest chemicals company, manufacturing petrochemicals, specialty chemicals and oil products. Comprising 18 businesses, with a production network spanning 68 manufacturing facilities in 17 countries, the company produces more than 30 million tonnes of petrochemicals and 20 million tons per annum of crude oil refined products (fuels). INEOS employs 15,000 people and has annual sales of around $36bn.

t: 023 80 287000
richard.longden@ineoscapital.com
www.ineos.com

'read me' group exhibition opens April 12th 2008

info@sarahmisselbrook.com (Sarah Misselbrook) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 11:52:00 +0000

'read me' is an exhibition exploring the use of words and text in contemporary art. Misselbrook has two series of works in this exhibition, 'I Dream of a Common Language' 2005 and 'Know Your Place' 2007. The latter created during her recent stay in Cyprus as part of her Post Graduate study.

'I Dream of a Common Language' depicts varying states of female 'ness' using make-up, fat and chocolate struggling to communicate with the viewer. These canvases embody the skeletal, sexual and suffering self - one body moving through each state.

'Know Your Place' presents symmetrical inkblots on pages taken from Faludi's 'Backlash' spoilt by stains of consumption. The artist used this series of works as place-mats on the dinner table during every mealtime for a period of six weeks. The works show the drink ring marks and food debris, heat sealed to preserve them.

Please come along to the Artists Preview on Tuesday 6th May at 7.30pm, the exhibition runs until 21st May at the Havant Arts centre, 56 East Street, Havant, Hampshire, UK, PO9 1BS.

Latest Artist Statement

info@sarahmisselbrook.com (Sarah Misselbrook) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 10:43:00 +0000

Socio-cultural concerns about femininity and feminism, about the body, about individual control and consumption within a consumer society - the inspiration for the creation of my work. My work is a way of exorcising something from myself, which is very emotional, maybe troubled. I become a subject who produces that which is visible. It is my silent, non-verbal response.

The artwork plays on traditional sculptural concerns, the process of adding or taking away. However, this is not only achieved using stone or wood but adding chocolate, soap, latex, wax, degradable or even edible materials, underlining the transient state of the body. I believe food is the medium through which we, particularly women are addressed and, in turn; food can become the language of women's response. Obsessive and routine acts of measuring, producing and perfecting envelopes both my creative process and the disciplined quest for an unattainable bodily perfection. Meanwhile, the works degrade as does the body.

The final artworks attempt to present the seductive yet simultaneously repellent nature of human anatomy embodying ways of externalising a very internalised self-analysis of the body personal. The juxtaposition of hard against soft, of sensual against skeletal, of void against object, this is my visual language of a struggle within and of a body.

Httyfat a great success!

info@sarahmisselbrook.com (Sarah Misselbrook) — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 10:08:00 +0000

With over 5500 visitors to the Paphos harbour based gallery, 'How to Tell Yourself from a Television' was extended until the 10th February to allow for the growing interest in this eclectic exhibition. As one of the artists involved, I was responsible for invigilating which allowed me to witness the amazing public response. Visitor comments were insightful and press coverage extensive. Works were collected by Cypriot visitors and international tourists alike as well as commissions ordered.
Talk about going out on a high! I have since returned to the UK to continue creating work. My stay in Cyprus gave me the time, freedom, space and light to concentrate on looking and responding to my environment. And now I am back in the UK - the light is almost depressing, the traffic, people and consumable things - so many people yet I know no one. I should be here for a few months and then I am on that search again for another place. A place other than this, space. Where is that again?

New exhibition at En Plo gallery, Paphos

info@sarahmisselbrook.com (Sarah Misselbrook) — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 12:21:00 +0000

You are all invited to attend the opening of 'How to tell yourself from a television' the latest show featuring new works by Sarah Misselbrook and three other international artists; Marcus Cope, Paulina Hortynska and Stephanie Moran.

Click on link below for more information.
Thanks!

httyfat

Marcus Cope has made a life size replica of a 1970 Cadillac Coupe DeVille using papier mache. The car is emblazoned with basketball logos. The idea for the work stemmed from Cope's house being the only one on the street without a car in the driveway. For reasons unknown to him he chose to make the Cadillac which measures almost 6m x 2m x 1.5m, of which he says, 'It was a stupid idea, I wish I'd just made a Mini Cooper. It would have been a lot easier to make a Mini Cooper'.

Paulina Hortynska is exhibiting paintings influenced by travelling which are inspired by things that surround her from nature and the environment. This art represents figurative, abstract and surrealistic styles. The artist adds, 'the most important thing for me is to use my imagination to characterize the atmosphere of an unusual world similar to a fairy tale'.

Sarah Misselbrook's work addresses issues surrounding the body, the feminine and the feminist, drawing on personal, cultural and societal experiences. Her observations of natural life with its beauty, symmetry and perfection as well as its defence, aggression, self-preservation and ageing has provided raw material for her work. Misselbrook adds, 'these works show the polarities of beauty and ugliness, ruining perfection by excessive consumption'.

www.sarahmisselbrook.com

Stephanie Moran is showing paintings from two new series, pictures for two girl bands which exist only in her head (as yet). The first of these is a Riot Grrrl group, 'Sisters of SCUM'; the paintings show imaginary photoshoots based on mythological, fictional and real figures of female revenge. The second is a gothic/experimental band, 'Tallulah and the Vampire Bees', with influences from Mazzy Star, Daisy Chainsaw, the Raincoats and All About Eve. Like most pop songs, the paintings are about love and relationships.

A seriously worthwhile blog

info@sarahmisselbrook.com (Sarah Misselbrook) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 09:12:00 +0000

I have only just found www.any-body.org/ on the net and it is the only one I keep going back to. With submissions from people in the fashion industry and comments on body size, image and beauty, it parallels concepts behind my own artwork.

It seems to be getting worse, the portrayed 'ideal' bodies are getting progressively smaller and unhealthy in a society where, if the current trend continues, in 20 years half the population will be considered obese (according to bbc radio one newsbeat).

In an attempt to attain this so called 'ideal' it seems we are failing. This failure leads to further self-loathing and further dieting/ overeating leading to further failure.

What are we doing to ourselves? As discussed on the Any Body blog, certain regulations are being enforced as to the bmi of catwalk models - how is this going to address the underlying issues? I am in no way pretending to have the answer(s) but in an attempt to highlight the absurdity of this situation, my artwork suggests the consequences of a generation of women trapped within the quest for a perfect body.

When one thinks one is in control in fact we are being controlled, we are being reduced, silenced and forced to fit into an ever-decreasing space whereby we lose the strength and power to speak up against anything. Any body tries to address this problem. I am trying to address this problem. The problem is worsening.

'unnatural selection' - new exhibition

info@sarahmisselbrook.com (Sarah Misselbrook) — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 14:23:00 +0000

I am showing my new figurative canvases in 'unnatural selection', a new exhibition at TC's Rock Bar in Kato Paphos, Cyprus. Bringing together the figurative and symmetrical abstract imagery from previous sculptural works, I am showing a series of large scale drawings using pen, charcoal and food colourings. TC's Rock Bar in Kato Paphos is the best venue for music lovers in Paphos where I have been living and making work for the past year. The venue lends itself to showing contemporary artwork.
Details of the show can be found on my website www.sarahmisselbrook.com/tcs
The exhibition opens on Monday 8th October 2007 and runs until 21st October, open daily from 6:30pm.

Non gallery based shows for me are just as important to make sure I can get my work seen and TC's Rock Bar provides an environment where you want to stay, have a drink, some food, listen to great music and now view art at the same time. If any of you can make it, please let me know what you think.

News stories on the artist Sarah Misselbrook 2005-07

info@sarahmisselbrook.com (Sarah Misselbrook) — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 14:24:00 +0000

ela,ela exhibition to open September 1st

'ela,ela', a group of international artists who met and exhibited together in Cyprus are bringing their work to London next month. ‘La Viande’ gallery in Shoreditch, East London will exhibit the work of Sarah Misselbrook, Alys Owen, Caroline Hepburne-Scott, Carys Wilson, Philippe Murphy, Alison Hughes, Clare Carter, Steve Westbury, Kate Theodore, Frederick Horst III, Jennifer Kilgour, Maureen Pelling, Derek Henry, Paulina Hortynska and Patricia Lane.
Please come and join us at the Private View opening night on Saturday 1st September from 6-9pm. The show will run from 1st to 9th September 2007, for further information and details on the gallery location please click on the link below. http://www.artelaela.org

resurgence exhibition

Havant June 2007
Preview day 14th June 2007
Exhibition runs until 29th June 2007

Seaward properties, who are developing and managing Langstone Gate Building – a landmark building in Havant, commissioned an Art Exhibition to showcase the building and the work of contemporary artists. Misselbrook, invited to show by exhibition organiser purple dot www.circlepurple.co.uk/76.html showed seven pieces from canvases and digital imagery to metal sculpture and soap casts. The preview day was a great success with over 250 visitors and many sales of artwork. The resurgence exhibition is yet another successful example of contemporary artwork sitting more than comfortably in a commercial business environment.

'ela,ela'

'ela, ela' is the innovative name under which International Artists at the Cyprus College of Art showed the fruits of their Postgraduate year. This twin show resided at both the Panicos Mavrellis Gallery in Lemesos (17th May - 24th May) and a parallel studio show in Lempa (19th May - 3rd June). We are grateful to the following sponsors for their financial support in having made this exhibition in both Lemesos and Lempa possible; British Council – Cyprus, Currency Solutions, Cyprus Resales Direct, Grish Art, Rock FM, Simon Emery's Deals on Wheels and Steptoes. We would also like to give a special thanks to Photos Photiades Distributors Ltd, for supplying Hennessy Cognac refreshments at ela,ela opening nights.

Professional artists from around the world joined together to work in a group studio environment from October 2006 to June 2007, engaging in challenging constructively their own work and the practice of others. This postgraduate diploma has been an invaluable source of new ideas, experimentation and a time for play, and lateral thinking within the college's basic facilities and ethos of simple, uninterrupted making and living. Although joined by a common theme of exploring the abundance of nature, culture, history and social structures of Cyprus, artists in this double show came from diverse backgrounds and experiences, originating from a vast multitude of countries: Great Britain, Ireland, America and Canada.

These dual shows in Lemesos and Pafos saw visitor numbers of over 1000 and sales of artwork of over 5,000 CYP. The ela,ela artist group successfully raised funds, organised, promoted and managed both art events in Cyprus and is now planning to show across Europe with the first stop being 'La Viande' gallery in Shoreditch. London from 1st to 9th September 2007.

www.artelaela.org for official press release and details of artists and artwork.

sarahmisselbrook.com celebrates 1 year online

A successful web presence has so far seen over seven and a half thousand unique visitors showing interest from around the world for Misselbrook's artwork.
During this first year online, Misselbrook has launched a blog, which is updated regularly with her thoughts and opinions regarding social, political and personal situations. Misselbrook has recently launched 'Arts Forum' with over 50 members thus far securing sponsorship from a space arts organisation, as well as showing exclusive images of current work on her new myspace page.

Cyprus College of Art

Sarah Misselbrook has relocated to Pafos, Cyprus to embark on a post graduate Diploma in Fine Art at the Cyprus College of Art, Lempa. A simple, natural environment offers Misselbrook the opportunity to create new works away from her regular studio in Southampton, England. 'Cultural and environmental differences are inspiring a new body of work which will form a visual response to my new surroundings.' (Sarah Misselbrook)

Paul Green, Southampton, is presented with his framed limited edition print of 'Misplaced'

For the duration of Misselbrook's latest show 'Affirmation', visitors were offered the opportunity to register through the artist's website to be entered into a prize draw. The prize? A limited edition framed print of 'Misplaced' at 90 x 36cm. The original 'Misplaced' featured in the show at 350 x 100cm scaling the largest wall space in the newly opened bargate monument gallery. A photographic print onto canvas documenting the artist modelling 'Takers', the metal body corset and extended knife and fork limbs, also exhibited in the show. On 28th July 2006, Affirmation closed and from the many registered entrants, Paul Green from Southampton was randomly chosen to receive the limited edition print. Pictured here, Paul Green receiving the print from the artist, Sarah Misselbrook. Congratulations Paul!

'Affirmation' pulls in the crowds!

Misselbrook's latest solo show 'Affirmation', installed at the newly opened bargate monument gallery, saw visitor numbers of over four and a half thousand. Open to the public from 31st May to 28th July 2006, Wed to Fri 12-6, Sat Sun 12-4, the bargate monument gallery saw visitors from all over the country following publicity on the internet, radio, newspapers and in the Art Review. The show opened with three successful private views seeing audiences of councillors, local businesses and artist/gallery peers.

"I was honoured to be approaced by a space arts organisation to be the first to exhibit in their newly opened gallery space. As a Southampton born artist, the prospect of exhibiting the latest body of work in my home town was even more of a personal achievement. The juxtaposition of historic site and contemporary interior and anti-consumerist concepts within a commercial environment allowed this show to be seen in its most powerful context." Sarah Misselbrook, artist.

"Misselbrook was the natural choice of artists to open the gallery, highlighting the importance of showcasing emerging local talent. We are overwhelmed by both visitor numbers and positive public response."
Dan Crow, a space arts organisation.

'1m2' on show at Southampton City Art Gallery

With thanks to Tim Craven at Southampton City Art Gallery and Dan Crow of a space arts organisation, Sarah Misselbrook’s 1m2 life size sculpture in plaster and steel was on show at the main Southampton City Art Gallery for the duration of ‘affirmation’ at the bargate monument gallery.

To show support for the new gallery space, Tim Craven of Southampton City Art Gallery invited Misselbrook to loan 1m2 to be shown alongside the permanent collection including works by Gormley and Chadwick.

"I feel this is a fantastic achievement personally but more importantly a reflection of the support and encouragement from these establishments showing such a positive investment in artists’ careers." Sarah Misselbrook, artist.

1m2 presents a full, solid plaster cast from the artist’s body using mod-roc and silicone mould-making processes. The figure is restricted not only by its material constraints but also the made to measure steel cage simultaneously confining and defending the body. Empathy is offered at a distance due to the threatening steel spikes protruding from the spinal column. Social and political norms/ demands on ‘the body’ as well as the juxtaposition of sculptural materials attempt to question what we consider private or public, grotesque or normal.

Dates of new show 'Affirmation' to be announced

Since the start of 2005, Sarah Misselbrook has been developing a new body of work entitled 'Affirmation'. This includes sculptural bodily extensions, figurative skeletal forms, canvases and a video performance. This body of work continues the exploration into body image, consumption and the beautifying of the subject. Further developing her multi-disciplined approach, Misselbrook has employed various techniques and processes to embody her ideas and concepts. 'Affirmation' will be on show in a solo exhibition at the Bargate Monument gallery run by arts organisation, a space, in Southampton due to open in early 2006.

Havant exhibition, a great success

Misselbrook’s latest exhibition at Havant Arts Centre was a great success, with over 1800 visitors. Thank you to Lyn Unsworth who co-ordinated the solo show, which ran from December 05 to February 06. Visitors had the opportunity to view Misselbrook’s work dating back to 1996 alongside latest pieces, which received excellent feedback from gallery goers and Board Members. Click here to view the Havant Arts Centre exhibition page.

Arching back unveiled - April 2005

In April 2005 Sarah Misselbrook installed an exterior sculptural archway commissioned by the Dolphin Hotel in Southampton to bring life to it's recently landscaped garden. The galvanised steel figurative profiles show the artist's body in fluid movement supported by metal tubing, which elevates the figure enabling access into the outdoor space. Relating this commission to her practice, Misselbrook uses the female figure to create a sculptural form which resonates with it's surroundings.

Arts Council funding

In July 2005, Sarah Misselbrook received funding from the Arts Council England, South East to produce her new body of work, 'Affirmation'. This Grant for the Arts Individual Award has enabled the continuation of Misselbrook's professional practice development and has resulted in two forthcoming solo exhibitions in early 2006.

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