Support

toHonestly, it has been way too long since I last went to look at art... The Sunday before last we were kindly invited by our friend and colleague, David, to a Private View of an exhibition called 'Rejuvenation' at The Shoe Factory Social Club in Norwich, Norfolk.

I was lucky enough to be able to purchase one of David's prints and isn't it just the cutest?! (See picture above). You can find out more about him and his work on his Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Not only was it nice to look at some art but it was good to be there with friends supporting David. Artists need to support each other, whether it's buying work, going to see work or bragging about how great someone's talent is online - it all helps! I know how much support from each other is needed to put together an exhibition. It is a lot of hard work and not really something I have had to deal with since university (cough - 3 years ago - cough, cough).

I still miss those hours of working in a busy studio space with other artists/friends, having their creative-ness push you on to be a better you, encouraging you to not give up and to keep moving forward. Them supporting you, you supporting them; it was such an important thing to do. Sigh, those were the good old days.

Every now and then I get an urge, like I need to go out, meet up with friends, have a hot drink and doodle away or whatever in a sketchbook... Anyone?

Jeez, if you have made it this far through my ramblings I applaud you! And if you would like to meet every now and then to have a creative cuppa, let me know, I really need to get out more!

Headlines 2016

Last month, I attended the Headlines Private View to see this years Fine Art graduates work at the University of Hertfordshire and it was so strange being back there!

I found myself constantly comparing their Degree Show exhibition to ours; I just couldn't help it, of course they each had their own positives though. I enjoyed going round and seeing how everyone had progressed since I last saw their work over a year ago. Well done to them all!

Only downside was being boiling - I had definitely forgotten how hot the studios could get, especially with all the extra bodies around.

It was good to see friends who were in the same year as me and ones from the year below; sort of like a short, little reunion. I was amazed to find that a couple of the tutors even remembered me!

On my round viewing the spaces I picked up these three lovely business cards. They are from my friends; Jan Agha, Siobhan Ledden and Inna Allen (click on their names to be taken to their websites).

Unfortunately, that evening I only took a couple of photos on my phone. Above is a little sculpture by one one of my friends, who I picked up a business card from; he's a painter and sculptor. No idea what it's called, but I love it so much and want it! Below is one of his paintings which I equally adore and would like! They are both just so gorgeous!

Next month, 15 of them will be participating in the Free Range Shows at The Old Truman Brewery, just like students do every year. The UH exhibition is called Curation of Curiosities, which I think is a very fitting title. I am hoping to make it to the Private View; it will be interesting to see how they re-exhibit their work into a different space.

There's still plenty of time to donate and help them make it! Find out more on their gofundme page here. If you give enough you will receive a unique artwork made by one of the artists themselves.

You can also connect with them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Who's Coming For Tea?: March

Last month was my first exhibition of 2016! AND it was with the wonderful The Freudian Sheep!

I made this piece at University a few years ago; it is called 'Study of Untitled'. I named it this because it was created from a photograph I had of a childs skull from a museum with no name. Simple as that really.

The painting was positioned on the bricks of a chimney breast and I have to say, they did good with the curating. Not just of my piece but the whole show! If you find yourself in Ipswich go visit the gallery, with something for everyone, you won't be disappointed. Check the opening though as they're not open everyday.

When the show was on I went to take a look around as I couldn't make it to the opening and I had a nice little catch up with the owners, Eleanor and Ian. We got onto the subject of what I'm up to nowadays and I told them about work. But it's ok, they've both had multiple jobs before they got to where they are now so I still have plenty of time to make it haha!

Also, some good advice they gave me is to buy a rabbit hutch or two and rent from a farmer (this definitely won't make sense to anyone, which is fine, because I know!).

Monday's Are My Favourite

For the past week everything with me is feeling much better (apart from being ill thanks to my parents) and I am glad!

I have been reading most days and being able to escape into someone else's world for an hour or two has been so relaxing. Just what I need! It definitely helps me to get through the day. I still need to work on drawing more although I'm getting there; I've gained a few more likes on my Facebook page recently too and that's helped boost my spirits!

At the weekend I dropped off a painting at The Freudian Sheep to be put in their next exhibition. I am excited to be showing with them again; they really are doing great things and I am so happy for them! Hopefully if I'm feeling better I'll be able to make their opening event which is happening this Saturday (12th March at 3pm)!

See the invite below and if you haven't already, please take a look at this article - they had an interview with entertainment writer, Wayne Savage, from the East Anglian Daily Times during their last exhibition called MAD?. It's a really great read; especially if you're interested in art and/or mental health.

Something that occurred to me though when getting my work ready for The Sheep is that when pricing work, artists usually have to take into account any commission that would taken from the sale of the piece(s) and I don't think some  people think about that... They see the price and instantly assume it's too expensive for what the art work is. Artists also have to keep in mind the time it took to create the work, whether its minutes, hours or even days, as well as the cost of materials and I'm sure I'm not the only the one who sometimes lets my emotional attachment to the art affect the amount too.

Yesterday, I decided that Monday's are my favourite day is the week. You might find this strange as most people hate them, but it's the only day I get a lay-in with a chilled out morning and it's the day I volunteer at Banham Zoo Charity Shop, which I still love and means I get to interact with people and read some more. It'll be even better when it's warmer and stops rainging so much. The day is only ruined when I have to go to work that evening!

So, yeah, I've has my ramble but it had to be done! Thank you if you made this far!

J x

Fellow Artists

I know we've all finished university and have parted ways, but I think it's good to do a bit of fellow promotion, even just a little bit. I'm not saying anyone else has to do it too; it's just something I want to do.

Recognise any of their names from an exhibition you've seen? Or even take a look through them all anyway! Get in contact with them and let them know what you think of their work - help them out with constructive advice and give a them a boost in confidence!

Sarah Anderson

Alex Baranovskij

Isobella Davies

Trishla Dhanani

Christos Dimitriou

Ragnihild Eliassen

Pani Evangelou

Toni Fielding

Limara Hayes

Julia Holt

Rebecca Kalintas

Julie Leaming

Clive Matthews

Chloe Mays

Sam Mitchell

Leyla Mojtahedi

Jessica Nelson-Turner

Timmy Oyebanji

Rachel Prior

Josie Scibetta

Charlotte Thompson

Manasa Vempali

Tzvetelina Vesselitchka

Andriana Voskou

Lucy-May Walsh

Charlotte Walters

Chloe Zacharias

The artists names that are not linked I don't have a page for them. Found their page? Let me know!

John Apthorp Award

Once studio work, tutorials, degree show, etc. had finished, I was lucky enough to be selected along with 3 others from University of Hertfordshire to be in competition with students from West Herts College for the John Apthorp Award in Radlett's 49th Summer Exhibition at The Radlett Centre.

Artists from left to right: Clive Anthony, Jade Probitts (me!), Julia Holt and Josie Scibetta.

Not a great photo... But this was our universities space up on the stage. I didn't think to take my camera in with me when we went to set up, so my mum used the camera on her mobile instead.


When I went to pick up after the exhibition finished a week later, walking towards the stage, I couldn't believe what I saw! I had won First Prize for the John Apthorp Award, judged by Norman Ackroyd; a famous artist chose my painting! My parents were so pleased; I still can't believe it!

We all gratefully recieved a cheque and as I came first with my Sunflower painting, it was left with them so it can be hung in the Centre for a year (well until the next one is awarded). It was a great beginning to July! I hope I remember to pick it up next year...

Plexus at Free Range Shows

Photo by Sarah Anderson

Plexus, University of Hertfordshire, F Block G5

Free Range Shows, The Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL

2nd - 6th July 2015

It was a great show! I hope everyone who saw it enjoyed it!

I didn't manage to get photos of our space at the graduate exhibition, however, Sarah Anderson, a fellow artist, has put some installation views on her website, which you can check out here. Plus, to find out more about the work and what the artists were trying to show the viewer take a look at our section on the Free Range Shows website.

Below are photos which, another fellow graduate, Charlotte Walters took of most of the work and shared with everyone - so all the images listed below were taken by Charlotte...

(Leave a comment and let us know what you think).