Super Stationery

Our new stationery range at Heart Gallery

We first spotted this lovely range back in July and fell in love! We knew you would love it as much as we do and just couldn’t wait for it to arrive.

Paris paper tape

We had to delay the order whilst we sorted out the insurance after the summer flooding in Hebden Bridge which affected so many businesses including Heart Gallery. Priorities for us obviously changed for a few months as the clean up operation began on the gallery and all the paperwork had to be collated for the loss adjuster.

Bird gift tags in presentation tin

Our energies were concentrated on getting back open again and remaining open for our customers so the stationery order was put on the back burner for a short while!

Collage of new products

But this only meant that we have been more eagerly awaiting the parcel’s arrival … and yesterday it landed!

Flora and Fauna sticky notes

It felt like Christmas unpacking it all!

Owl A6 notebook

It is now gracing our shelves and new stationery wall for you all to enjoy and has already caused a stir. It really sits well with our existing ranges too so if you haven’t seen some of these new cards and wrap yet then now is the time to bob in and familiarise yourself with the old and the new:

Blue teacup card with matching wrapping paper

Houses card with matching wrapping paper

And of course some fab Christmas designs now in:

Stag and robin card with matching wrapping paper

Christmas Carol wrapping paper

Two owls card with matching wrapping paper

Stag on bauble wrapping paper

Meet The Maker – Libby McMullin

Libby Mcmullin – Surface pattern designer, illustrator, printmaker, artist

The imaginary world of Libby McMullin is intricate and beautifully detailed, as is her work. Libby wanted to be an illustrator since she was nine and met Quentin Blake, the illustrator famous for bringing to life characters such as Roald Dahl’s Big Friendly Giant.

Hummingbird

Born in the sunshine of South Africa, and educated in Devon, Libby is now based in London and now 19 years after meeting Blake she is living her dream. Her designs are fresh and unique, influenced by folk art, fashion & fairy tales.

Dance

Libby’s style is decorative and rich, whilst maintaining a simplistic quality.

Love

Her love of beautiful things has taken her around the world, she believes travel is so important to an artist. She loves words, writing stories and incorporating hand-drawn lettering into her illustrations.

Shine

Libby recently decided to launch a greeting card publishing company after freelancing in the industry over the past few years and working on commissions for some top names such as Marks & Spencer, Hallmark Cards and Gisela Graham. Libby prides herself on not creating run of the mill designs and has gone for a nostalgic feel for her latest works.

Wish

Heart Gallery is so proud to now be stocking Libby’s designs and we are looking forward to new work from Libby in the future … She believed she could and so she did!

Beating Heart

 

 

 

 

Meet The Maker – Nick Tankard

Nick Tankard – artist

For this series of pictures of New York, Nick took inspiration from the films and photographs of 1940’s and 50’s America.  Nick has endeavored to create a vision of the bustling metropolis, a city where the grandeur of the Flatiron Building and the buzz and hum of Radio City Music Hall sit alongside late night diners, bars and neighborhood stores.  

 

FlatIron – Nick Tankard

Nick attempts to channel his fondness for films and vintage photographs by the likes of Alfred Hitchcock, Frank Capra and Fred Herzog to conjure images that contain similar themes seen in these classics of Americana.  Mystery, drama and a hint of absurdity can be found in Nick’s pictures of a lost world, but these images are not merely an exercise in nostalgia, they are also a celebration of the individual, an ode to non-conformity, a quiet reminder that in a time of bland commercialism and corporate bluster there are friendly independent shops, galleries and museums and even beautiful old cinemas being left to fall into ruin that deserve our attention to ensure they don’t turn into lost things.

Drugstore Manhattan – Nick Tankard

Nick’s pictures are produced using a cross- hatching technique with a fine line pen, layers upon layers of cross- hatching are built up to form structures and shapes whilst other areas are left untouched in order to hint at a flickering light or billowing clouds, it’s a time consuming process but one which he enjoys as it allows him time to listen to Tom Waits, audio books and radio plays. 

Radio City NYC – Nick Tankard

Nick lives next to a cobbled lane and rumbling train line in the village of Saltaire. We first spotted his work at a local private view and we have been hankering after it and pestering him for some ever since! Nearly camping out on his doorstep whilst he finished the originals for us! We hope you enjoy your piece of Nick as much as we do.

Meet The Maker – Martyne Raven

Martyne Raven – artist

When Martyne first heard about this exhibition she was excited at the prospect of being part of it. The work she has created so far for the show has let her explore the side of her that loves collaged images.

Fairies series – Martyne Raven mixed media with stitch

Martyne has transferred some images onto fabric using emulsion paint and image maker. She loves the old feel it gives the images. Martyne has then worked into them using hand and machine embroidery. To embellish them further she has used sequins, buttons and beads, anything she can find that interests her.

Fairies series – Martyne Raven mixed media with stitch

The images are of a girl who was allegedly photographed with some cut out paper fairies; it is quite a well know picture that sparked a big public reaction as to whether the photographs were real or fake and they are still talked about today. Do you think the fairies are real or cut-out paper?

Fairies series – Martyne Raven mixed media with stitch

Fairies and dreams are some of Martyne’s favourite subject matters. A lot of her hand painted/embroidery work does have a dream like quality to it. Her work has been compared to the artist ‘Chagall’ who has images of floating people in some of his paintings. Chagall is one of Martyne’s favourite artists.

Summer Showcase and Garden Party

Summer Showcase invitation

Summer Showcase invitation

Our Summer Showcase will introduce new makers to the gallery from June through until August 2012; celebrating the very best of British Contemporary Craft.

Suet Yi ceramics

At GNCCF October 2011, Heart Gallery was asked to be a prize sponsor and proudly offered an exhibition opportunity to Suet Yi Ceramics which set the ball rolling to find makers that would compliment Suet’s work which is inspired by the beauty of wild flowers, falling leaves, autumn trees and resting birds.

Suet Yi ceramics

Suet Yi ceramics

This showcase will be a delight and a visual feast as Natasha Newton’s painted wood and stones will sit proudly with Suet’s terracotta plates and bird gardens.

Keeping Watch – Natasha Newton

Abstract Seed Pods – Natasha Newton

Complimenting Suet and Natasha’s stunning work we are showcasing ranges from other UK designer/makers inspired by the natural world including the following:

Gold plated Bird Heart Necklace – Alice Stewart

Oxidised silver raven necklace – Anna de Ville

Jewellery range – Belinda Norrington

Hand dyed and hand painted anodised aluminium wall butterflies – Caroline Parrott

Silver jewellery – Caroline Watson

Glass Landscape Dish – Colette Halstead

Ceramic Pumpkins – Fiona Mazza

Peacock Feather Studs – Kirsty O’Donnell

Silver jewellery – Christine Kaltoft

Ceramic submarines – Nicola Cheers

Our Garden Party to celebrate the Best of British is Sunday 01 July, 12pm – 5pm, but work will be on show from Sunday 10 June. Please join us for fizz and nibbles and a mooch around the gallery and garden as part of the amazing Hebden Bridge Arts Festival.

Meet The Maker – Nia Fiori

Nia Fiori - illustrator, designer, artist

For those of you who don’t know Nia – you should! I had the pleasure of meeting her in Heart Gallery a couple of years ago as a customer and now I am seeing her fledgling business blossom and grow and it is a joy to watch.

Greeting Card

Nia is combining her playful personality with a wealth of artistic experience to create colourful, sophisticated and stylish stationery for all occasions.

Hollywood Glamour Tickets Admit One

Nia’s work is an eclectic mix of controlled doodles and impulsive designs and Nia has an obsessive fixation with all things paper….  and pretty.

Country Meadow Save The Date

All work is handmade by Nia, with careful attention to detail and only using the highest quality materials to provide you with a beautiful, unique piece of artwork. nothing is mass produced, and everything you see can be personalised especially for you.

2012 Nia Fiori Wall Planner

Nia Fiori designs are created in her studio, in Worsley Village, Manchester.

Cheeky Bum card

Nia is also qualified artist/designer with a BA (Hons) in Interactive Arts & a qualified 11-19 Art Teacher.

Selection of Nia's cards

Nia has a great range of themed wedding stationery, exciting invitations which translate beautifully to on the day stationery, but she can also work with you to design a bespoke range to your own theme and colour scheme.

Rockabilly Twist Wedding Stationery

Nia Fiori Stationery

Heart Gallery has a comprehensive selection of Nia’s Wedding stationery in at the moment so do call in to see samples and discuss your requirements with us soon.

 

 

Love is in the air ♥

It’s that time of the year again when we’ve finally reached January payday, after a very long month of juggling finances, and we can think about buying a Valentine gift and/or card for our loved one.

Here is a little snippet of what has arrived at Heart Gallery recently for you to drool over whilst looking for that perfect piece alongside some of our lovely Valentine cards by local makers:

'Love Matches' limited edition A5 screenprint by local graphic artist Andy Pointon. Exclusive to Heart Gallery

Clare Mahoney's porcelain hearts are back in by popular demand

Sue Candy, local ceramicist, has made us a cute heart range which includes this ring box.

How about 'popping the question' with our silver and 9ct gold 'MARRY ME' ring?

'I'm In Love With You' limited edition A5 screenprint comes in a selection of colours

Some gorgeous love nest bowls arrived from Jo Luckstead this week

These framed ceramic hearts are so sweet, hand delivered by Sophie Steen this weekend

This oxidised silver bracelet with etched photo of kissing couples is truly romantic

'Just My Type' limited edition A5 screenprint - another winner by Andy Pointon

This gorgeous silver tied knot pendant is part of Jodie Hook's stunning collection we are showcasing for the first time at Heart Gallery

Sexy and stylish choice of Valentines cards by lovely lass Nia

If you know someone who loves birds then Sarah Dodd's textile pieces will make the perfect gift

Or why not keep it simple with a ceramic love heart?

WHAT A CRACKER – Christmas Exhibition at Heart Gallery 13 November 2011

Heart Gallery kindly invites you to WHAT A CRACKER launching on Sunday 13 November at 12pm

What goodies can you buy this Christmas at Heart Gallery? Here’s a sneak peek of what’s new for you, for your loved ones and for your home.

Louise Wilson - Mixed Media Artist

Karen Dell'Armi - Jeweller

Tania Sneesby - Textile Artist

Caroline Cowen - Jeweller

Jacqui Sharples - Letterpress

Heart Gallery has now launched a fantastic Loyalty Scheme and we have been really busy cutting, stitching and preparing lovely little heart shaped felt pouches for you to keep. Feedback from customers has been amazing so here is some info for those of you who haven’t heard about it yet:

Heart Gallery Loyalty Card

Collect your loyalty card from Heart Gallery when you spend over £50.

Receive a heart stamp every time you spend £50 or over.

Collect 5 heart stamps on your loyalty card and exchange it for your Heart Gallery 10% Token.

Your Heart Gallery 10% token is a pewter heart and is yours to keep, for life.

Use your Heart Gallery 10% token every time you spend over £50 in Heart Gallery.

Heart 10% Loyalty Token

Live with the art you love …

It’s easy and affordable to buy and collect contemporary art and craft at Heart Gallery with Own Art which lets you spread the cost of your purchase over 10 months with an interest free loan.

Own Art loans allow you to borrow from as little as £100 up to a maximum of £2,000 for the purchase of works of art by living artists.

Own Art loans are available from Heart Gallery for the purchase of contemporary art and craft of any kind, and in any media. That means you can choose more or less anything you want from Heart Gallery from paintings, prints, drawings and sculpture, to glassware, ceramics, jewellery, furniture and textiles.

There is no limit on the number of times you can use Own Art, but we recommend that you don’t apply for more than one loan at a time. This is because each loan application is subject to a credit check, and your application may be declined if you have not yet already established a repayment record for an existing Own Art loan, or if the bank considers that the total amount of credit you are asking for is too high in relation to your income.

The minimum you can borrow is £100 (monthly repayment of £10), but this can be used to cover a group of lower value items whose combined total adds up to £100 or more. This means that at Christmas you can purchase a number of presents for your friends and family interest free so there is no need to use your credit card!

If you are buying something more valuable than £2,000 you can use an Own Art loan as a part payment. Please note that you cannot apply for multiple Own Art loans to cover the costs of a single purchase.

Own Art is available to all UK residents over the age of 18, subject to status. This means that you must be able to meet the following criteria in order to be approved for a loan:

• Over the age of 18
• A permanent UK resident
• Working at least 16 hours a week (employed or self-employed)

If you are not working but are married to or living with a partner who does have a full time job, then you may still apply provided that your partner is happy for their employment details to be included on your application form.

You’ll need to have proof of ID with you in the form of a driver’s licence or utility bill, along with a credit or debit card as proof of signature and it only takes 10 minutes!

Staff in Heart Gallery will take you through the loan application process and once you’ve given all the information we need, you’ll get an instant decision.

Once your application has been approved and you’ve signed the paperwork you can take your purchase(s) away with you – simple as that!

Own Art bank partner Hitachi Capital Consumer finance will send you a welcome letter and the 10 monthly payments will be collected by direct debit from your account starting a few weeks after you’ve made your purchase.

Meet The Maker – Julia Ogden

Julia Ogden - Painter

Julia grew up in Yorkshire, where she spent her days playing in her parents’ garden and the surrounding countryside. She drew all the time and still does.

Julia Ogden - Flow

Julia studied for a BA Hons in Illustration at Edinburgh College of Art, graduating in 1999. She then went on to do an MA in Sequential Illustration at Brighton University. The work she produced during her studies was mainly print-based and she often made artist books. Julia began painting after University and this is now her main passion.

Julia Ogden - Hummingbirds

Julia Ogden - Love Letter

 Julia returned to Yorkshire, and now lives and works in Hebden Bridge. She is a valuable member of the Heart Gallery team and Julia’s paintings are exhibited in Heart Gallery, and throughout the UK. Julia also produces a range of greetings cards for Heart Gallery which are proving very popular.

Julia Ogden - Collage

Heart Gallery commissioned Julia to paint a canvas depicting the 12 Days of Christmas for the launch of our Christmas Exhibition ‘GORGEOUS GIFTS AT HEART’. This stunning painting was snapped up by a lady visiting Heart Gallery for the first time and taken back with her to Australia for pride of place in her home there.

Two Turtle Doves - Julia's commission for Heart Gallery Christmas 2010

Julia’s paintings have been published by Milkwood Publishing and her prints can be found in the Whistlefish Galleries, Cornwall and the Janet Bell Gallery, Anglesey. She has been published internationally by Washington Green.

Julia Ogden - Birds. One of many designs Julia reproduces as greetings cards for Heart Gallery

Julia paints many subjects from landscapes, to florals, to figurative. Her main interests are colour and composition.

Julia Ogden - Waiting For The Date

Julia hopes that her paintings have a positive feel to them, whether it is a simple landscape that reminds the viewer of a special place, or a bright canvas to escape grey days.

Julia Ogden - Flowers And Butterfly

Meet The Maker – Corrina Rothwell

Right, let’s see…. this is a different approach to meet the maker because Corrina is a different kind of maker!!

Corrina Rothwell - Digital Artist and Illustrator

Let’s imagine a frog leaping from lily pad to lily pad.  Each lily pad represents an important stage on Corrina’s creative journey.  Plop, she is born (Rochdale, Lancs.)  (Being born is essential to creativity).  Plop, mum and dad plonk her naked on a roll of wallpaper with a paint brush and a pot of red paint.  She is very small.  Sadly she does not still have that first painting of hers!  Plop….you get the idea now…. she goes to school and draws a Mother’s Day card in felt-tips.  It’s a tree with millions of tiny pink flowers.  Corrina’s teacher sends her round school to show the other teachers and says she’s really gone to town on it.  Corrina draws and paints a lot but she’s not very good.  She does a special painting on a big board, lots of pattern and colour (see unnaturally-posed picture). 

Corrina and her rather large painting

Corrina is maybe 8 when she does this.  Her dad paints over it at some point, probably when he can’t afford any board for his own painting.  In later years he gives her some of his rejected paintings to paint over which makes it ok. At 13 Corrina’s best friend and her make bow-ties and sell them at school because sadly they are in fashion at the time. At 16 she starts A-level art along with French, German and English, but soon drops it thinking that she can do art on her own anytime and she doesn’t need to be taught.  An ardent vegetarian, she designs some MacDonalds Murder Burger t-shirts and sells them at Grass Roots in Manchester.  She also sells one to her history teacher which she’s extremely pleased about!

Mistakenly Corrina ends up doing European Studies with Dutch at Hull University.  She drops out because she hates it and she’s not an academic.  She goes on the Enterprise Allowance Scheme and paints fabric and makes it into cushions.  She also takes an evening class in screen-printing, which she loves, and produces her first greetings cards.

From there Corrina moves to Nottingham and buys herself an old Singer sewing machine. Plop. She trys a bit of freehand embroidery, feels right at home with it, and that’s what she does, mostly happily, for the next 14 years ….. although there was a ‘gosh that’s clever’ aspect to her textile work which made it appealing to people, it certainly lost its appeal to Corrina …plop…plop…plop

'she just couldn't behave herself with cheese' embroidery - Heart Gallery's best seller

Corrina gets really bored of sewing and frustrated with what it can’t do. She has in my mind a way that she wants her images to look and she can’t get them to look that way with the sewing machine. She realises that what is important to her is the image itself, not the way in which it’s created. Corrina thinks that maybe she’s a frustrated print-maker and contemplates going in that direction. However, a) she’s too impatient to learn b) the equipment is too expensive to buy and c) there’s nowhere in Nottingham where she can do it if she can’t do it at home. On a whim – plop – she buys herself a Bamboo Fun graphics tablet, plugs it into her laptop and she’s off! Corrina takes to it like a duck to water (we’re still in that pond) and finds it fun (does what it says on the tin) versatile and full of exciting potential.

Assumed Dead

So there you have it, Corrina is now working on new designs for her greetings cards which Heart Gallery sell and is sitting on her Nottingham lily pad which is going to flower beautifully this year with all the amazing opportunities coming her way.

Don't Mind Me

Corrina has a selection of prints in the clothing store Urban Outfitters in both Manchester and Kensington, which is very exciting – she loves the idea of artwork mingling with everydayness….and of course Urban Outfitters is a very cool shop!

Cross Dresser

As for new artwork, Corrina is in the throes of a pigeon obsession at the moment! 

Unexpected Item

Excited by how much fun it was importing photos of pigeons and giving them things to say, she went out with her camera, took lots of pigeon pics and a new batch of drawings was born.

Bit Of Ham

Corrina has used pigeons in her work before, but things came to a head when she designed the poster for the upcoming Secret Garden Craft Fair in Nottingham on Saturday 25^th June.

Sherwood Art Week

Corrina’s pigeon prints are on sale at the Phoenix Arts Centre in Leicester and will soon be available from her website and other outlets.

Still Don't Fancy U

Corrina is also looking forward to having an illustrated recipe printed in a new cookbook being published in the US in autumn, called They Draw and Cook

Butter

Corrina’s work always amuses Heart Gallery customers and her greetings card range is expanding so keep bobbing in to see more great designs. Her new range Dottie is published by Black Olive.

Apostrophe

Jugs

Fruit Bowl