Artist Spotlight - Carl Brind

What initially got you into art? 

Both my mum and uncle encouraged me to be creative, when I was young. There would always be pads of paper and pencils around the house. I would sit watching people like Rolf Harris and Tony Hart on the TV. 

Have you studied art (school, college, evening course, uni, self taught)?

I attended Basildon College as a mature student, to study A levels in Art, Photography and Media. I continued at Basildon College and studied Btec Art and Design. After completing the course i went onto study Graphic Fine Art at  UEL (University of East London- Docklands Campus). After there, I studied Graphic Design at Barking.

How would you describe your artwork?

I produce a variety of artwork. My pop art paintings can be made up of using just two colours. However I have started to include 'layers' to my pop art paintings. My paintings are mainly produced using acrylic paints on canvas, although I have started to use spray paint.

I also produce graphic illustrations. I start with illustrations produced by hand. I then fuse together photography and typography on computer.

Who is your favourite artist/artists?

I have a wide range of artists who inspire me. I enjoy artwork by people such as Rolf Harris, Litchenstein, Warhol, Lowry, Banksy, Mr Brainwash, Matt Busch....  

What artists have influenced your work?

See above

Have you exhibited your artwork/ Where can people view your artwork?

I have exhibited my artwork a few times at Basildon Library. In the summer of 2010, my artwork was on display at Basfest. In September 2010, as part of the Basildon District Art trail, I had a selection of artwork on display within the Eastgate Shopping Centre in Basildon. In August 2011, one of my paintings will be displayed within the Casbah Club (the original home of the Beatles) in Liverpool. In September I will have a selection of paintings and prints on display in Brown Sugar/ Slipped Disc in Billericay, Essex. You can also visit my website at www.carlbrind.com

What venue was your artwork shown at during the 2010 art trail?

Eastgate Shopping Centre

Do you have any exhibitions planned for the future?

I will once again be part of the A127 Trail and will be exhibiting in Brown Sugar/ Slipped Discs in Billericay.

Do you have a website, where people can view your artwork?

Carl Brind - Website

Carl Brind - Facebook Page

Any advice for people looking to get into art?

You are never too old. 

Dont be afraid of making mistakes

There are no right or wrong ways of doing things in art.

 

Southend Art Scene

For latest information about ARTSIDE events go to www.artside.org.uk or visit the Artside table at the Royals every weekend 10-4pm.

FRIDAY 1 JULY – SUNDAY 3 JULY

11am - 5pm each day – University of Essex, Elmer Approach

LIZZY LE QUESNE – Moving and writing, the artist makes direct engagement between body and space, bringing inner sensation and awareness of body into dialogue with outer environment, and transforming the glass of a window into the threshold between private and public worlds.

SATURDAY 2 JULY     

10-4pm – Pier Hill

MADELAINE MURPHY’s Dovecote is made from architectural and nautical salvage and celebrates the cultural wealth of Essex. The public are asked to contribute to the artwork to complete its intention. Supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

12-4pm – The Royals

LIFE IS ELSEWHERE events:

Artists run a Salon in the Royals discussing the theme of Pause with public and inviting local artists to come and join them

+ OLIVIA NOTARO sets up and repaints the background of an old portrait to feature the indoor 'landscape' in front of her

+ At the turn of each hour between 12-4pm – OLIVER GUY-WATKINS performs When the God Speak, a two-minute snowstorm - at top of the Pier Hill

+ 12-1pm BETH FOX & KONSTANTY CZART will engage the public in discussions about the René Julien sculpture outside Southend Victoria train station

12-5pm – Southend High Street

KATE MURDOCH's sign Stop Look Listen will be seen carried around Southend town centre and the seafront

2-5pm – Southend High Street

STEVE ROSENTHAL's unusual market research questions our relationship with the ethos of market research and the weight of 'personal opinion'. Hear out for: 'Free Seaside Views, Free Seaside Views'!

Open Arts - Social Inclusion

Open Arts is a community arts project for people who have had experience of mental health problems and would like to engage into the community by making artwork within a group setting. The courses offer an opportunity to learn new art skills and techniques within a safe and supportive environment. No art experience is necessary, but if participants have experience in art the artists offer support to develop skill and interest, and people can work at their own pace. Groups are run in community based venues, and people can be referred by a mental health professional, or they can self refer. Open Arts aims to offer people opportunity to move forward as part of society, challenging the stigma of mental health, with people from all different backgrounds working together with a common interest in art.

Open Arts aims to offer opportunities to participants over and above the structured courses, including gallery visits and the chance to exhibit artwork, to encourage participation in the widest sense. Towards the end of course, we also signpost participants on to other opportunities such as further learning and volunteer opportunities.

Course example: Courses vary depending on the artist tutors and group interest. We also welcome those with interests in other art forms including creative writing, music and performance.

Week 1 - Mark Making - Using graphite, charcoal, pencils and various surfaces
Week 2 - Observational drawing techniques
Week 3 - Soft pastel and Oil pastel techniques
Week 4 - Watercolour and Aquarelles
Week 5 - Mixed media - including Pen and Ink and Acrylics
Week 6 -7 Printmaking
Week 8 - Silk painting and Batik techniques
Week 9-10 - 3D Art including plaster and mod roc
week 11-12 - Composition time and finishing off

I felt I was treated as an artist, not a person with mental health problems

I would recommend it to anyone to give it a try

Open Arts has changed the way I feel about my life, and I got so much out of it that I became a volunteer with the project.

This is the first time Ive ever exhibited my work and its brilliant to see it up there!

Courses take place in various venues across South Essex, including Rochford, Southend, Westcliff, Basildon, Benfleet , Wickford, Grays and Tilbury.

Click below for their website.

Open Arts

For further information about Open Arts, please contact:

Hannah Cridford 
Arts Project Co-ordinator South West Essex
07507 191853
hannah.cridford@sept.nhs.uk 

Emmy Narbutas
Arts Project Co-ordinator South East Essex
07507 192178