A Trophy for Sophy

Sophy Bristol is a Clapham based artist who's work has been championed all around the world, from South Africa to Singapore and from New York to London. Bristol enjoys frequent exhibitions in London, Chicago and Cape Town. The young artist, who was born in Brighton, is influenced by the time she has spent in South Africa. Her work focuses on, among other things, freedom, human bonding and atmosphere.

The painting above is a particular favourite of mine. The piece, entitled "Millennium Wheel", is a fantastic infusion of oils, spirit and optimism. I love the way that despite the perfectly painted scape, we concentrate on the relationships of the people in the foreground and the way the sun illuminates them. Like much of Bristol's work, this painting seems undecided about whether it wants to be a photograph or a painting - an element that can only be captured by this very artist.

Sophy Bristol is definitely a name to look for, she's going somewhere.

Keep emailing me at: deweywinters@googlemail.com

Peace & Love,
Dewey

Solveig - The New Banksy?

A ten year old girl, Solveig, from Brighton is causing a storm internationally with her quirky graffiti work. She started when she was just eight after seeing lots of such work on walls around her home town. Each piece, of which she has done seventeen, is marked with her tag, "Sol".

The piece above is my favourite, it's stunning. Solveig says "I wanted to do a picture of two skeletons that have a hair salon called 'scare cuts' the skeleton on the left is not very good and is always messing up the hair cuts. the one on the right is the boss and drops the cups of tea when he sees what the other one has done. The dude with the glasses is cross because he is late for work as he only wanted a trim. The girl has accidentally been turned into a blond Amy Winehouse. The black man likes his haircut though."

I have always loved work by adults who can replicate the mind of a child but Solveig is obviously more authentic. It's incredible that her imagination can be transferred to stone. It must be said that art like this is often looked down upon. This little girl, however, has talent and gusto that can't be matched by many her age. She's even worked on the Berlin Wall. I wish her the best of luck.

Keep emailing me at: deweywinters@googlemail.com

Peace & Love,
Dewey

Comfort Art

In the current economic climate, it is unlikely that trading volume of fine art will decrease, or increase, dramatically. However, in times like these it is very likely that "comfort art" (as I like to call it) sales will sky rocket.

I hate the word "cheap" because of the awful negative connotations but this art often is exceptionally good value. My rule for good value comfort art, therefore, is buy what you like and buy what you can afford.

Since moving online, I have stumbled across one art website time and time again. It's called Etsy. I'm sure most of you readers are very familiar with Etsy but for those who aren't it's basically a lovely website where craftspeople can sell their handmade goods. Etsy, in other words, is comfort art heaven. The especially brilliant thing about Etsy is that you can get original comfort art for often less than cheap prints!

My Favourite Etsy Shops

1. Winter Dreams

2. Arian

3. Davini Art

4. Alice In Paris

5. Viggo Jonsen

Keep emailing me at: deweywinters@googlemail.com

Peace & Love,
Dewey

Wang's Winning Formula

Happy February!

Let me introduce Tianyin Wang to you. He comes from an artsy family in Shanghai but now lives in the UK. Wang combines blisteringly real elements with abstract splurges to form wonderful illustrations. He's funny and amusing on one level, but scary and dark on others. His images are pleasant to look at but can haunt you.

Wang has been published in many magazines and been hired for many "art gigs". However, his work can be bought privately as well.

The piece above is called "Tiger" and it's just incredible. The subject is astonishing and seductive. The first look tells you she's to be kept clear of, but then she looks sweet. From then, you're torn as to what she is. Maybe she just is.

Keep emailing me at: deweywinters@googlemail.com

Peace & Love,
Dewey

Tina's Gift

Tina Mammoser was born in Chicago, moved to Scotland, has worked in Newfoundland, lives in London and takes inspiration from the Dorset coast. Not surprisingly, her diverse and exciting life story rubs off onto each of her paintings. Judging by her website, she is most fond of coastal scenes where the sea, the land and the sky unite to become one, astonishing feature.

I find it incredible that an American artist chooses to live and work here in England. However, Mammoser isn't your normal artist with educational accolades in Human Development, English Literature and Physics.

The work above is my favourite of her British Coastal paintings. I especially love the contrast in boundary - the change between blue and white is so delicate and gradual at the top, but so defined and harsh on the right. The way the blue begins to run green in the bottom right is a stunning way to communicate the violence of the sea. Unfortunately, this piece has sold but there are many more coasts for sale on her website.

I wish the best of luck to Mammoser, she has talent, flair and a passion that, although can easily go unnoticed, is exceptionally powerful on close inspection. Her blog, an charming account, can also be found here.

Keep emailing me at: deweywinters@googlemail.com

Peace & Love,
Dewey

Floss is Boss

Flossy Particles is the lovely name that a wonderful Australian artist refers to herself as. Her real name is Sarah, but Sarah is not quite such an "artsy" name. Flossy gives little information about herself away but I do know that she just moved from Sydney to New South Wales. What fun.

Anyway, Flossy's work is beautiful, delicious and so very sweet. My heart is screaming at me to buy a piece of her artwork just to see if it tastes as good as it looks. My head, however, isn't fond of the idea.

I would love to watch this woman work. I know that every mark is calculated and has meaning, but also is packed with hope, smiley faces and rainbows. It's crazy but I'm sure it's true. Flossy could probably pour a bucket of paint over a canvas and still illuminate my office (even through a monitor!). The picture above is incredibly crafted - the hair, the clothes, the birds, the hands...

Basically, Flossy is a talent who, although produces obviously hastily creative pieces, has a soul and spirit that transfer to the viewer like a charm. Please check out her website and support her any way you can!

Sorry this post is all over the place, I'm a little giddy today!

Keep emailing me at: deweywinters@googlemail.com

Peace & Love,
Dewey

For Izibor...

I'm not sure about clogging up my blog with things unrelated to art, however, this is a special case. As with artworks, a song or musical composition can have a huge impact on you or no impact at all. I'm an incredibly avid music fan and love the way that one song can take you from a feeling of loneliness and desperation to a wonderful, magical place where nothing matters.

I recently came across Laura Izibor who's song "Shine" makes me feel like a new person each time I hear it. She rockets me to a positive, uplifted mood and never fails to make me stop and appreciate what I have. I won't smother you with any more, just have a listen - you won't be disappointed.



This video isn't the best quality, but it's fitting. Who cares if it's rough and ready - her music is soulful, beautiful and raw no matter what.

Peace & Love,
Dewey