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

Get To Know: Christine Watson!

This week we interview the lovely Christine Watson who has been with us at the EFO since the very beginning!! 

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

 Although I have always drawn and painted as long as I can remember my clearest memories of creating artworks was in my RE lessons where we had to make a series of pictures illustrating episodes from the Bible. I was especially proud of my depiction of St Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus. My teacher Mrs Thornley praised it highly but added that although I was good a drawing I was certainly not a genius - a baffling comment as at the age of nine I had never really reflected on my ability one way or the other!

       

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

 Probably all three of my cats who live life to the full in very different ways but totally on their own terms.

  

        3.  An indulgence

 Swimming in the sea at the beach at Marathias near Neapolis in the very southern Peloponnese. Beautiful warm, clear water shared only with a few locals - the madding crowd have yet to spoil it with their noise and clutter!

        

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

 Having worked as a professional artist for over 30 years the concept of mind block is irrelevant and I have learnt to work through the bad times in order to create the good ones. Waiting for the muse to arrive is not an option and I have to work to a strict routine much as I would in any job.

       5. Favourite place in East Finchley? 

 It has to be the Phoenix Cinema! Before we moved to East Finchley we used to go to the Phoenix very frequently on the 102 bus from Temple Fortune and in the end it seemed simpler to move house in 1989. We've been members for years and cherish the wide and varied programme ranging from Led Zepplins Celebration to All is Lost to Whiplash.

       6. What inspires you to make more art?

 A quest for perfection! If I ever reach the stage when I feel I have created the perfect picture I'll know it's time to give up  - but as only a handful of us achieve that goal I know I'll be painting hard for ever. Each painting I make is a rehearsal for the next!

        

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

I was involved from the outset and was one of the exhibitors at the famous concert given by Sarah Downs and her ensemble at the church in Durham Road.

            

       8.  What is your fondest memory of London?

It has to be the Olympics - such an amazing summer filled with the feel good factor and the excitement that London actually got it right!

       9. What are you doing at the moment?

 Painting hard, etching even harder and teaching harder still. I have plans but am keeping those under wraps for the time being!

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

Twitter @cswsc96

www.christinewatson.co.uk

Facebook Christine Watson and Christine Watson's Art Classes - shows much of the brilliant work done by my hardworking students!

Get to know: Daphne Carnegy

      We have officially started working on this year's events so we are working as hard as ever to get these interviews published so that you will get to know us better before our first exhibitions and the very important Open House Weekends. This week we chat to Daphne Carnegy who creates beautiful ceramics.

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

Depends what you call art!  When I was growing up I loved drawing, and, like many others, I made pinch pots at school.  I read French at university and then got a job in publishing in London.  During this time, I started going to pottery evening classes and got completely hooked on making coil pots.  I had never considered ceramics as a possible career until I went to live in France and was offered a place as an apprentice to a potter in Burgundy.  After that there was no turning back!

       

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

A dog (with a devoted owner!)

  

3.       An indulgence

Campari soda

        

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

Physically getting started – I tend to procrastinate by finding a myriad other things to do!

5.       Favourite place in East Finchley? 

The Islington and St Pancras Cemetery.  It is like a vast nature reserve, quite wild in parts, with many interesting birds and of course foxes.  I walk my dog there most mornings and it is a quiet time for reflection and gathering my thoughts for the day ahead.

6.       What inspires you to make more art?

Drawing plants and looking at art generally.  Museums and exhibitions are always stimulating in some way. I am also inspired by earliest examples of tin-glazed earthenware (eg: Islamic, Spanish) before designs became too refined and sophisticated.

        

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

I was a member from the outset.  It seemed like a good idea to get to know other local artists and makers.

            

8.       What is your fondest memory of London?

Walking along Bankside and the docks long before the whole area was developed.  It was very atmospheric and you could smell the spices.

9.       What are you doing at the moment?

Designing tiles for ‘The Crafted City’ which will be part of London Craft Week in May 2015

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

I am on Facebook and my website is www.daphnecarnegy.com

Our next blog post will be a bit different as it will be about our famous Open Houses and what you can expect this year from us. Stay tuned!!