The Wonderbook Presents

20/07/2024

I spent a wonderful morning at the studio of painter Debbie Lee discussing her upcoming show at The Slade Centre in October. As I was shown recent work, the glee and delight on my face was nothing less than the open-mouthed, unbidden giggle of my childhood Christmas mornings.

Every story unwrapped its arms and gathered me in an embrace of excited welcome ... 'come play', they seemed to say. And, despite the paintings depicting quite bizarre and sometimes alarming scenarios I entered each one with the excitement of an innocent child.

There is Chaucer, Babette's Feast, Dante's Inferno all mixed up with the crow on the roof, the butterflies flicking through the studio door and the entire cast of animal life that Debbie encounters on her walks along the Dorset Coast.

The art of narrative painting is alive and well and nourished by Debbie's unending curiosity and relentless notetaking. The exhibition is going to be a stunning banquet of magical wonder... I can't wait.

04/10/2023

03/10/2023

It is overwhelming when you receive comments of congratulations that stand out due to the clarity of understanding. Putting a show together is hard work and, yes, it is absolutely an act of love and passion. On behalf of myself and all the artists involved; Debbie Lee, Chris Edwick, Jindra Jehu, Jonty Sale and Johnny Bull - thank you for your kind words. It is richly rewarding to be part of such a creative community, conversation between ourselves is wonderfully intoxicating but we must never forget that talking to the rest of the world is an important part of our job.

From Word to Wonder - An exhibition of artwork inspired by books

From Word to Wonder is on at The Slade Centre, Gillingham, Dorset until 28th October

27/09/2023

25/09/2023

It is delightful to exhibit the work of Chris Edwick as part of the exhibition 'From Word to Wonder' Artwork inspired by books. The Wonderbook is humbled to be curating our very first show hosted by the Slade Centre in Gillingham, Dorset over October.

Chris's landscapes are inspired by the evocative and sensual words of Laurie Lee in 'Cider With Rosie'. The sultry warmth and the lazy hedonism of a beautiful summer's day mixed with the curiousity of a young man presented with adventures of unknown possibility ... the gleeful acceptance of all that is wonderful. Dancing, colourful and ripe with eager sensuality

Chris will be exhibiting 4 major pieces alongside other artists that have all been similarly inspired by work ranging from Carlo Rovelli to Caleb Carr. An eclectic and exciting mixture of style and presentation, yet all exposed to the inspiration of the word.

Come visit The Slade Centre from September 30th to October 28th. There will be a Private View on Friday October 6th from 6:30

25/08/2023

Wonderfully inspiring to see magical transformation, both of work and enthusiasm for their own pursuits. Congratulations to and on completing their MA in Fine Art - I look forward to catching up with you both very soon

28/06/2023

We recently interviewed artist Nigel Bird on his process and the importance of materiality in his work.

The marks, in many works, can be quite calligraphic. The sense of communication is strong with subtle variations of stroke; direction or weight. Words/not words demanding attention and inviting us to sit and listen to this story. Optical devices are used to seduce our gaze; circles that draw us in, gaps from which we may exit if we desire it, signposts to buffett our way in or out.

https://www.thewonderbook.com/nigel-bird-where-every-colour-might-be-black/