Monday 20 May 2013

Mask Making @ The Laboratory

This Saturday at The Laboratory Art Studio it was time to get out the sequins, glitter, tissue paper, gem stones and a bit of imagination - to design, make a create our own masks.
Using a wide range of materials children and adults of all ages enjoyed making some beautiful creations. Participants were encouraged to plan their designs, thinking about colour combinations, how the masks were going to be embellished and if there was a particular theme to their mask
Here's what we got up to....
We loved the details around Joshua's eyes on his mask

Brandon enjoyed making his sparkly sequin covered mask

Emmie carefully cut out a tissue paper bacground for her mask and then embellished this with glitter glue

We thought the symmetry and design on Zoe's mask was amazing

Adele used a range of mediums including sequins, gems, felt tips and paper cut outs to embellish her stunning mask

Great colour combination and patience made Nicky's mask a success

Have you seen the new superhero in town?
If you would like more information about art classes or workshops held at The Laboratory please email the_laboratory@hotmail.co.uk

Friday 17 May 2013

Featured Artist - Lisa Horner

This month The Laboratory is delighted to be showing work by the very talented Lisa Horner.

Lisa is married with 2 children and 1 Grandson.  In 2008 she did an Access to Art course at South Essex College which led on to her doing two years at South Essex College doing Graphic Design then finishing her degree at Writtle School of Design in 2011 where she graduated with a 2.1 Honours.
The Laboratory presents Lisa Horner, `Blue to Green'
Lisa recently exhibited her Youth and Age posters at WOA Gallery, Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff.
Installation view
She is showing images from her Final Major Project at Writtle School of Design, an illustrated book called ‘Blue to Green.  The theme is about ‘Nature-Deficit Disorder’ a phrase that was coined by Richard Louv in his book ‘Last Child in the Woods.’  She used various watercolour methods and photo collage in her illustrations for the book.  She also used colour symbology again, ranging from blue to represent sadness, through to middling turquoise to a happier cool green.
Sneaky peek of Lisa's illustrated book "Blue to Green'

Illustrations in watercolour from `Blue to Green'
The four other prints are from her second year FMP ‘Youth & Age Hama Bead Typography’
‘Young People Haven’t Know Any Different is a truism poster inspired by a conversation with her daughter and her boyfriend about the outlook of youth.
`Young People Haven't Known Any Different` Digital print of Hama Beads letters on  layout paper

‘When Your Green’ emphasises when you’re a bit green round the edges, a bit naive.  This quote by Ray Kroc, the entrepreneur behind McDonalds.
`When Your Green', Digital print of Hama Bead letters on layout paper
On ‘At 50’ the colours are softer; reflecting the more laid back, philosophical view a person often takes on as they age.  It also looks like embroidery, a craft affiliated with age.
`At 50', Digital print of Hama Bead letters on layout paper
On ‘Old & Moulded’ the colour is inspired by wine aging.  People may take on a more pronounced flavour as they become more defined.  Thoughtfulness may often precede action.  The receding quote “Age is a ...” is by Playwright Tom Stoppard, the most prominent quote is from an anonymous source.
`Old and Moulded', Digitial print of Hama Bead Letters on layout paper
If you like Lisa’s work and are interested in her designing anything ranging from  business cards, a logo, a poster or illustrating a children’s book, or perhaps collaborating with her on a project please contact her at suziecat23@o2.co.uk
Feel free to peruse her website at www.ljhcreative.co.uk

The Laboratory will be hosting Lisa's private view on Sunday 19th May between 2:00pm-4:00pm, find us Opposite the Green Centre, Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea Hall Lane, Basildon, Essex, SS16 4UH