I had a quick mooch around Brighton Art Fair 2010 yesterday with my 10 year old son Jed resisting at my side. He knows a thing or two about art does my boy.. he's an accomplished artist (of-sorts) himself. After selling his work at the last three 100 ARTIST exhibitions www.100artists.co.uk I think he has more than earned his stripes! Regardless of that, football and computer games are his passions and after a morning of Sunday Junior League Football he was ready for a chillout at home with his Wii or an episode of Friends in bed with a cheese spread and crisp sandwich. I, however, was fresh from my champion role as 'Soccer Mom' on the sidelines of a blustery sporting location in Seaford and chomping at the bit to check out this years exhibiting artists at the fair. So along we went!
In a packed and stuffy Corn Exchange a host of creatives jostled for attention from a mixed set of punters. Amongst the inevitable landscapes and seascapes, Brighton landmark photography and pale abstracts were a smattering of gems. As I whipped around the busy and conversational crowd trying to stave off Jed's Boredom with a 'What do you think of that?' and 'Wow look at this' I managed to engage his interest with a few choice pieces. First to catch Jed's eye was designer/ maker Helaina Sharpley whose use of wire and perspective is extra-ordinary www.helainasharpley.co.uk. Jed didn't like Kate Walters as we marched on but I did, her bloodlike drawings have a primitive style that give a sense of freedom. Onwards and upwards I had a quick glance on Olivia Connelly's stand at photographer Mark Vessey's 'VOGUE' which I love BTW! (I've had a lifetime love for the fashion bible itself). Together with his 'Studio 54' I had found what I wanted... if only I had the money to buy them! www.pointandsnap.com
In a packed and stuffy Corn Exchange a host of creatives jostled for attention from a mixed set of punters. Amongst the inevitable landscapes and seascapes, Brighton landmark photography and pale abstracts were a smattering of gems. As I whipped around the busy and conversational crowd trying to stave off Jed's Boredom with a 'What do you think of that?' and 'Wow look at this' I managed to engage his interest with a few choice pieces. First to catch Jed's eye was designer/ maker Helaina Sharpley whose use of wire and perspective is extra-ordinary www.helainasharpley.co.uk. Jed didn't like Kate Walters as we marched on but I did, her bloodlike drawings have a primitive style that give a sense of freedom. Onwards and upwards I had a quick glance on Olivia Connelly's stand at photographer Mark Vessey's 'VOGUE' which I love BTW! (I've had a lifetime love for the fashion bible itself). Together with his 'Studio 54' I had found what I wanted... if only I had the money to buy them! www.pointandsnap.com
Moving quite swiftly along, due to Jed's persistant moaning, we noticed the Ink Spot Press stand. They were showing some cutting edge printmakers along with superstar tattooist/ artist Alex Binnie. Standing out amongst them was the theatrical mixed media work of Amy Douglas www.amydouglasprints.co.uk. I loved her 'Sisters' piece, one of my favourites at the fair. Along with master printer Jane Sampson's vibrant work it made for a very strong corner. www.janesampson.com
We had a requested time-out at the cafe, where I reluctantly resisted homemade cake at £2.70 and left Jed with a drink and his DS while I nipped around the surrounding stalls. With nothing to report I returned for my child who was pleased to hear we were on the home straight.
Next to take Jed's interest were the hand-painted toy soldiers in Dinah Dufton's Child Play series www.dinahdufton.com. Jed said he liked it, it looked cool because there were toy soldiers in it but then he quickly added that it was very colourful and creative as well. Another favourite of his was Joanne Tinker's recycled chocolate foil wrappers made into tiny goblets. www.joannetinker.co.uk . I managed a quick chat with screenprinter Sharifa Brooksread, her beautiful bold prints begin as intricate paper cutouts...truly lovely work. www.sharifabrooksread.co.uk
As quick as a flash we were all done. Mission accomplished, after just forty five minutes we were back out on the streets heading home for that cheese spread and crisp sandwich.
Jed's verdict? He said it had been boring!
How rude.
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