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.

East Finchley: A Jewel in London's Local Art Scene

As Summer turns into Autumn it’s time to reflect on our busy year, not just for EFO Artists, but the many other artistic and cultural treasures of East Finchley and its near neighbours. In an unusual poll in Time Out recently we were voted the happiest community in London and, although we are not quite sure of the methodology, it’s still not surprising given the richness of our local culture.


As well as EFO Artists we have the superb annual Arts Festival with music, opera and art,and then there is the independent Phoenix Cinema, not only for interesting films but drama and opera from other cultural centres such as London and New York.


And then there are two community Festivals, summer and winter, and The Finchley Youth Theatre.  Artists, poets, actors, and writers abound. There are also journalists and animators – even a comedian!  And in nearby Highgate (or East Finchley borders, as they prefer to be called) there is Jacksons Lane and the Gatehouse Theatre.

But there is still more. As well as being happy, we have the EFO Artists annual Art Fair is coming up and the Community Winter Festival too. Enjoy!!

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

Get To Know: Laura Fishman

After last week's guest post by EFO Member Ann Fromberg, this week we return to our beloved interviews. This week we interview painter Laura Fishman.

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

       I remember drawing an expressive face when I was about 4 years old thinking it was a very exciting picture. It was at that time that I decided I would be an artist.

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

If I were an animal I would want to be a chameleon - I would love to be able to change colours and blend into my environment!

        3.  An indulgence

      My favourite indulgence: My paints! I use GOLDEN artist’s colours – they dense with pigment and the colours are sublime.

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

I wouldn’t exactly call it a mind block but more a distraction. One distraction is that I should make art to please other people, and on the other side of the spectrum, is that I need to push the boundaries when making art as it should be ground-breaking. I have learnt that the best way for me to make art is to stay true to myself and so, I find a way to ‘put my blinders on’ and block these distractions out.

       5. Favourite place in East Finchley? 

My favourite place in East Finchley is Cherry Tree Wood – I love to take my dog for a walk there and then head over to the Old White Lion for some Strawberry beer.

       6. What inspires you to make more art?

` My main inspiration is colour and nature. I am inspired to keep making more art because it is continually evolving. There is excitement each time I paint as I am making something new and surprising.

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

       I have always wanted to be a part of an artist’s community and as well, open my house as a gallery for local people. I applied to the EFO, and although I live and work in Finchley, the East Finchley Open was kind enough to let me join!

       8.  What is your fondest memory of London?

One memory that comes to mind is when we first moved here from NY, we took the children on ride on the upper deck of a double-decker bus. It was very exciting coming from New York...

       9. What are you doing at the moment?

At the moment, I am painting in a more watery style than my thicker pour paintings. I am currently working on a pair of large canvases 120 x 150 cm, which is the largest I like to go without a commission.

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

Facebook: Laura Fishman Art

https://www.facebook.com/LauraFishmanArt

Twitter: @LauraFishman, Instagram: LAURAFISHMANART

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!