Get to Know: Claudia Luque

So it is the 1st of October, and with autumn in full swing, we continue where we left off with the EFO interviews. This time, it is the turn of ceramist Claudia Luque.

What was the first piece of art you remember making? 

A pinch pot

 If you were an animal, what would you be? 

An Eagle

An indulgence

Sleep late

When making art, what is your biggest mind block? 

Time

Favourite place in East Finchley?

 Cherry tree Woods

 What inspires you to make more art? 

Nature

How did you get involved in the East Finchley Open? 

Because of a friend

What is your fondest memory of London?

 The parks

 What are you doing at the moment?

Big African woman vase

Where are you exhibiting next? 

Art and Artefact - This time I will be exhibiting with the 3D artists from EFO which include Ceramics, Sculpture, Glass and Jewellery at St Margaret's School of Hampstead at 18 Kidderpore Gardens NW3 7SR on the weekend of 15-16th of October.

Made in East Finchley-  I'll be selling my ceramics at EFO art Fair at the Archer Academy in November 2016.

Breaking Boundaries- I will be exhibiting my sculptural ceramics in December 2016 at the Original Gallery in Hornsey Library with other 30 fantastic artists from EFO.

The EFO Open House Weekend...what is the deal?

If you follow us on social media or you have been a fan of our work for some time, then you would know that July is a very special time for us, as this is the month where our Open House Weekends take place. 

Over the past decade we have had some amazing shows and exhibitions, but the Open Weekend is one of those events which has taken almost a life of its own. If you have never taken part, this is your chance to be a part of something truly special. 

During the first two weekends in July, 12 of our members will be opening their homes to the public to showcase an extensive collection of artwork which is made entirely by our members as well as by some special guests. This event is very special to us because it gives us the chance to meet fellow artists and people who love art as much as we do.  You also get to meet the artists behind these superb pieces which add a personal and informal touch to the event. Needless to say, it is also the perfect opportunity for those who are interested in buying some new art pieces as there is a real variety of work on display; from photography to sculpture, ceramics to silk paintings. The choice is truly yours! Here are some of the amazing pieces you will be able to see:

by Adam E. Justice-Mills

by Caitlin Small

by Clara Hancock

by David Gilbert

by Gail Altschuler

by Kochi Okada

by Monica Peiser

We hope these images have inspired you to come and visit us in a few weeks. Posters with all the relevant information will be displayed in shops and cafes in the East Finchley area, but more information can always be found here! If you simply cannot wait until then come for a chat at the East Finchley Summer Festival next week Sunday the 19th of June.

Get to Know: Clara Hancock

We are back feeling all refreshed from the Easter break and eager to get our interviews under way!!! This week we have the lovely Clara Hancock who works on silk.

1.       What was the first piece of art you remember making?

The first piece of art I remember making was a soap stone sculpture of a lady kneeling, I still have it!

2.       If you were an animal, what would you be?

If I was an animal I would be a horse

3.       An indulgence

An indulgence would be to spend a day in the lovely country side

4.       When making art, what is your biggest mind block?

My biggest mental block is the size and display of the piece once I finish it

5.       Favourite place in East Finchley? 

My favorite place in East Finchley is Cherry Tree woods

6.       What inspires you to make more art?

 What inspires me to make more art is to express my feelings from experiences of life. A walk, a visit

to a museum, or an art gallery, listening to music or a poem, looking at a garden. They all give me ideas. 

7.       How did you get involved in the East Finchley Open?

I got involved with East Finchley through my friends and founders, Sheila Jones and Tony Wiggs

8.       What is your fondest memory of London?

My Wedding!!

Get To Know: David Gilbert

This week we interview David Gilbert, who is an sculptor for the EFO.

1.    What was the first piece of art you remember making?

Sketching wit my parents on holiday

2.     If you were an animal, what would you be?

       Goldfinch

3.     An indulgence

Fine wine

4.   When making art, what is your biggest mind block?

Creativity – what to do

5.    Favourite place in East Finchley? 

      Black gull books

6.    What inspires you to make more art?

Visiting exhibitions

7.    How did you get involved in the East Finchley Open?

      Through my teacher, David Waller

8.   What is your fondest memory of London?

Swimming open air on the Heath

9.   What are you doing at the moment?

      Emails

10.   Where in Social Media can people find you? (Facebook, twitter..)

  Nowhere

Review: Two Temple Place

Today's blog post is a little bit different, as instead of having the usual interview with our talented artists, we are going to talk about an amazing place called Two Temple Place near the West End. EFO member Ann Fromberg talks to us about this special place:

I first discovered one of London’s little-known hidden gems in 2012, when, as a textile designer I became aware of a William Morris exhibition at “2 Temple Place”. I was delighted with the exhibition but even more thrilled to discover the very beautiful house which is 2 Temple Place, the home of the Bulldog Trust which was founded in 1983.

Last weekend I visited this year’s exhibition “Cotton to Gold” which is an eclectic mix of artifacts collected by successful, wealthy business men from Northern England during the booming industrial revolution. Again I was enthralled by the lovely setting which seemed to me to be a perfect exhibition space for the varied exhibits. I have to admit I didn’t enjoy all of the exhibition equally but I loved the delicate and exquisitely executed Japanese wood block prints, and the few Turner watercolours are a joy. There are some lovely illuminated books and manuscripts which I found interesting and couldn’t imagine how they were painted with such precision on such a tiny scale. I have never been a lover of stuffed wildlife, but I suppose the stuffed birds on display form part of that era.

Turner watercolour “Heights of Jubbera” 1836

Katsushika Hokusai, 'The Great Wave off Kanagawa' 1831

 

It is a small but perfectly formed exhibition in a gorgeous venue, and, as it is not a block-buster art exhibition is very peaceful and little attended.

 

It is running until April 19th and admission is free.

For more information, check their official website here!