Since January we have been delighted to have had Bella Lucchesi join us for a day a week as Nature in Art’s Curatorial Trainee. Bella is from the USA and is undertaking an MA in Curating at UWE, Bristol. As part of her course she has been working closely with Collections Officer Emily Cooper to assemble this display. It is based on the Fibonacci Sequence and the Golden Ratio; how it appears in nature, and in works of art (whether that be by chance or design) and exploring its suggested relationship to beauty. It follows on well from David Trapnell’s talk earlier in the year ‘Is Beauty in the eye of the beholder?’. Here Bella introduces the selection of works …
The Fibonacci sequence is a series of numbers, starting from 0 where every number is the sum of the two numbers preceding it. The Golden Ratio is a number that’s equal to approximately 1.618. This number, often known as “phi” from the Greek alphabet, is in fact not equal to precisely 1.618 because it is an irrational number – meaning that its decimal digits carry on forever without repeating a pattern.
Although these are separate terms, coincidentally they closely relate to each other in many ways. If one takes any two successive Fibonacci numbers, their ratio is very close to the Golden ratio. As the numbers get higher, the ratio becomes even closer to 1.618. For example, the ratio of 3 to 5 is 1.666. But the ratio of 13 to 21 is 1.625. Getting even higher, the ratio of 144 to 233 is 1.618. These numbers are all successive numbers in the Fibonacci sequence. These numbers can also be applied to the proportions of a rectangle, called the Golden rectangle. This is thought as one of the most visually satisfying geometric forms and has been applied in numerous creative disciplines for centuries.
These concepts appear frequently in art compositions as well as in nature, whether that is in the florets of a sunflower, pine cone seeds or sea shells. This exhibition will investigate these terms in relation to nature and art and hopefully act as a starting point for visitors own explorations into art and nature. Most of the paintings, prints and 3D items have been selected from our collection but there are also a number of items on loan from artists and Gallery Pangolin, to whom we express our thanks.
Even if the Fibonacci numbers and Golden Ratio seem daunting to you, there’s much to inspire and set the mind thinking in this selection. Come and see!
This is a special exhibition of ceramic sculpture by internationally renowned sculptor Linda Heaton-Harris. This is an opportunity to see a wide selection of her work, much of it fresh from the kiln. Plus visitors can see her in the studio November 12th – 17th.
The title of the exhibition, chosen by Linda, is taken from one of her favourite quotes. It is thought to have originally been found on an old gravestone many years ago. The wildlife author and artist D.J. Watkins-Pitchford (known as BB) used it as a quote on the frontice piece of many of his books. It reads …
The wonder of the world, the beauty and
The power, the shapes of things, their colours,
Lights, and shades; these I saw.
Look ye also while life lasts
Linda recently moved to Cornwall to a smallholding/farm on the edge of Bodmin Moor overlooking Rough Tor. It is ‘a fantastic area full of ancient history including, stone huts and standing stone circles and of course wonderful wildlife’. The location is also near the North Cornish coast, Port Isaac, Rock and Padstow, yet again offering wonderful scenery, walks and wildlife. Her purpose built studio has magnificent views of the craggy granite rocks of Rough Tor and the Moor with it’s fascinating ever changing scenery. It is here that she created the works in this unique selection.
Linda originally trained as a teacher studying English Literature and History, becoming interested in ceramics while still at college. At first her work centred on abstract flower and plant forms, often vibrantly coloured, but she soon started to follow her real passion, and began sculpting animals and birds.
Linda’s work falls into two main categories: hand built, individual pieces demonstrating a more simplified approach, and extremely detailed individual bird and animal sculptures, both life size and miniatures. With both styles she endeavours to capture the essence of the animal or bird.
A variety of techniques and clays are used to produce a range of textures with various oxides, slips and stains applied to retain the fine detail. The pieces are fired at least twice. The detailed intricate bird studies involve many hours work, being built up ‘feather by feather’. Thus a single sculpture can involve several hundred feathers alone and can take several weeks to complete. Some of the pieces have flowers or foliage, these are also built up one petal, leaf or stamen at a time. Amongst the items created especially for this exhibition are a miniature piece of a pod of hippos and a Juvenile Cuckoo being fed. Others are in the kiln as we write, always a nerve-wracking time as accidents can occur. Linda’s pieces need several firings which adds to the trepidation!
Fresh from its launch in London, see the very latest exhibition of images from the British Wildlife Photography Awards celebrating the beauty and diversity of British nature and the talent, artistry and determination of the photographers who took them.
No images available yet from the 2019 exhibition. This image by Csaba Tokoly is from the 2018 competition.
The glowing colour of traditional slide film is the perfect medium in which to celebrate the beauty and variety of Gloucestershire. Historian and renowned lecturer Tim Porter shows some choice examples, and shares some thoughts on the glories of our local scene in this engaging talk. This glimpse of Gloucestershire will inspire and inform on many levels. The British Wildlife Photography Awards will be open for viewing beforehand.
An evening of festive songs and carols to celebrate the Christmas season with the Heart of Gloucester Community Choir under the leadership of Monika Murrell. Our usual hearty finger buffet will include mince pies and mulled wine. An evening for all, partly in aid of mental health charities. Preceded by opportunity to view the galleries.
Pytel is an internationally renowned metal sculptor of birds and animalier. His works include the Jubilee Fountain beneath Big Ben and ‘Take Off’, a monumental piece at Birmingham Airport depicting egrets. Born in Poland, he has an instantly recognisable style. This display includes metal and bronze sculptures and prints.
Now in its fifty-fifth instalment, see the winning images from the very latest annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition which provides a showcase for the world’s very best nature photography selected from 48000 entries from 100 countries. The competition is owned and operated by the Natural History Museum.
See images from the show here
Founded in 1993, Gloucestershire Society for Botanical Illustration specialises in botanical illustration as distinct from flower painting. It includes a number of RHS medal winners in its ranks. This show includes works in pencil, ink and watercolour. See members at work everyday. On show in the Atrium of our Education Centre.
Please note that this evening has had to be re scheduled for Thursday April 16th due to flooding in the local area.
If you had tickets for this event, we will assume you are able to come to the rearranged date unless you contact us to the contrary. 01452 731422. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
An illustrated talk by Julian Hight
Come on a tour of Britain’s ancient forest told through its surviving ancient trees. From the wildwood, through working woodlands and royal forests, enclosed deer parks and landscaped manorial estates to modern plantation forestry and rewilding, this talk recounts the little told tale of an evolving landscape shaped by its wildlife, people and their relationship with trees – many of which survive as living links to Britain’s rich and ancient history. As well as being an ancient tree specialist and nature lover, Julian Hight is a designer, photographer and musician, so his talk will also feature original music written and recorded by him reflecting seasons in the forest, with forest sounds recorded through the year weaved in to produce a unique forest soundtrack.Copies of Julian’s latest book ‘Britain’s Ancient Forest, legacy and lore’, will be available on the night.Free access to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition 7.00pm – 7.30pm. Buffet at 7.30pm. Talk starts c8.10pm. THIS EVENING IS NOW FULL!