The Laboratory Artist of the Month - James Ferguson

The Laboratory Art Studio is delighted to be exhibiting a range of the diverse and skilled work by self-taught artist - James Ferguson for the month of October.

Installation View of James Ferguson's exhibition at The Laboratory Art Studio

Bela Lugosi's Alive by James Ferguson, Pen and Ink on paper

Skull 1 by James Ferguson, graphite on paper

 

Skull 2, by James Ferguson Graphite on paper

  Born just outside of Brighton, James Ferguson has been painting and drawing since early childhood and is mainly self-taught. Portraiture and figurative work have always been the main focus of his artistic exploration. His artistic style is self-described as a fusion of traditional draftmanship, 60’s Pop Art and modern minimal graphic art.

The Raven, by James Ferguson, pen and ink on paper

Influences include artist of The Italian Renaissance, The Bauhaus Art Movement, Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. The main motivation within his work is to represent the person behind the eyes.

Vadar by James Ferguson - Digital Print

Battle Droid by James Ferguson - Digital Print

Clone Trooper by James Ferguon, digital print

David Lynch - "Climbing The Peaks Is The Spice Of Life "David Keith Lynch (born January 20, 1946) is an American filmmaker, television director, visual artist, musician and occasional actor. Known for his surrealist films, he has developed his own unique cinematic style, which has been dubbed "Lynchian", a style characterized by its dream imagery and meticulous sound design. The surreal, and in many cases, violent, elements contained within his films have been known to "disturb, offend or mystify" audiences.

 Benedict Cumberbatch - "A Study in Pink"

Sherlock is a British television crime drama that presents a contemporary update of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes detective stories. Created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, it stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Doctor John Watson.

A study in Pink by James Ferguson, pen and ink on paper

With Time The World can Be Your Lobster by James Ferguson, Pen and ink on paper

 To View James Work pop along to The Laboratory Art Studio Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm - or contact Lisa Smith at the_laboratory@hotmail.co.uk to arrange a viewing time.

If you would like to order a commission or find out more information on James work:

Email               :jamesfergusonart@gmail.com

Website         :www.jamesfergusonart.com

Mobile             :07759251181

It's a jungle out there!

There’s a lot more strange wildlife in our parks, gardens, fields and woodlands than we might think. Take this little jumping spider for instance, who could easily be hopping around in scrubland near your home.

Jumping Spider

Now expert natural historians from the Essex Field Club would like to help us find and identify thousands of species of insects, spiders, other vertebrates, birds and animals we live amongst every day.

The Essex Natural History show will feature  drop-in workshops hosted by some of the leading naturalists in the country, who will all be on hand to talk about and help you identify any wildlife you have seen, drawn or photographed and are itching to know more about.

Experts in rocks, skeletons and fossils will also be on hand, so it’s an ideal time to bring over that strange rock lying on the mantelpiece and find out what it is. And don’t worry if you have nothing to bring this time and just want to know more – some star items from the clubs own historic collection of natural history, one of the most important in Essex, will also be on display to see and handle.

Other attractions include popular artist Lisa Smith from The Laboratory who will be helping children make their own fossils and designs inspired by the natural world. Basildon heritage will also be open with their displays of local photographs and other exhibits.

Fossils from the Essex Field Club Collection

Join Lisa on Saturday and make your own fossils using clay and plaster

Create a positive and a negative fossil

If you are itching to get started straight away, mini safaris hosted by the club and by the RSPB will be available to help you look at and identify the birds, beasts and plants in the park.

The event is free thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund, who have given the Essex Field Club a generous grant to help them encourage and promote natural history and conserve their historic collection, which remains one of the most significant collections of natural history in the country.

Join us on the Sunday 22^nd September between 11:00am-5:00pm at The Green Centre, Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea Hall Lane, Basildon, Essex SS16 4UH

If you have any further questions please contact me on 07970332097 or email the_laboratory@hotmail.co.uk

Autumn Term at The Laboratory

The autumn programme for The Laboratory is now available for bookings. After a fantastic Summer we are looking forward to getting stuck into lots of creative, fun, messy - and clean - arts and crafts - see our programmes below:

Our September programme is now available for bookings at The Laboratory

Our October programme sees us celebrating 50 years of Dr Who and having lots of fun with plaster

If you are looking for a spooktacula October Half Term Holiday the look no further than The Laboratory

Art classes at The Laboratory

Our art classes offer a little something for everyone in a creative and relaxed environment. You do not need to bring anything other than yourself and we will even supply you with refreshments. Alongside our classes listed above, this Autumn term we will be launching our Make and Natter class. This class is aimed at any adults who enjoy arts, crafts and nattering. So with the kids back at school this could be just what you are looking for!

We will meet on a Wednesday morning 9:30-11:30am for a cuppa and a biscuit whilst working on the weeks creative project. Our Make and Natter class costs a just £5 per person. To find out more about any of our classes or to book yourself a space. Please contact Lisa at the_laboratory@hotmail.co.uk