What’s On

Water Universe by Julie Askew

“Water is the driving force of all nature” Leonardo da Vinci
Over the years Nature in Art has presented a good number of exhibitions that have explored subjects that bring art and science together. From spectacular photographs from the Hubble telescope to photo- micrographs and images inspired by those taken using a synchrotron, such displays have given a whole new perspective on nature and helped us focus not just on ‘nature in art’ but ‘art in nature’. This exhibition is such a display, drawing together a collection of works resulting from a fascinating project being undertaken by artist Julie Askew, which are being displayed with a number of other items, mostly from Nature in Art’s collection that resonate with the theme.
Julie Askew has a long association with Nature in Art as both an artist in residence and exhibitor, principally of her wildlife art. The new works in this show are the first results of her most recent passion, researching aspects of water.
There are three main states of water – solid (ice), liquid and gas (vapour). We are familiar with them all, from ice in a drink to tap water and steam from a kettle. We understand how water in various forms can soothe by touch, sight and sound and how that can contrast with the devastation of flooding or the effects of drought. In our ever changing world, these extremes are becoming more evident and impactful.
In this latest project Julie has been considering whether we really know water at all? Through these new works she aims to take the viewer into new worlds within water and to discover beauty within.
Water Universe is an interdisciplinary science and art research project, examining and interpreting water patterning and its potential application in the environmental and physical sciences, focusing on Glaciology and Polar Science. Julie is working with the British Antarctic Survey, Bath Spa University and is proudly sponsored by ZEISS.
Every watery liquid when dried on a surface leaves a residue. Sometimes this is visible like, as Julie says ‘a coffee stain left on Auntie’s favourite antique table!’ When viewed at low magnification, 20x – 200x, beautiful patterning can be seen within the dried liquid. This phenomena was first observed by the German artist Ruth Kübler who used the patterns in her artwork before taking them to Stuttgart University where Prof. Bernd Kröplin began the first scientific research on the patterns. He discovered that everything contacting with pure water results in a different unique pattern.
Julie decided to expand on this research and use a source of ‘pure’ water that already contains different substances – ice cores, cylinders of ice drilled from ice sheets and glaciers. Like tree rings, ice cores can be very revealing as every year a new layer is created which holds climatic and environmental event records within, in the form of trace metals, volcanic ash, and CO2. (For climate scientists ice cores are a vital source of information). Would water drops from different layers of ice cores over 120,000 years old give a visual indication of the cores content and of its history?
In the build up to this research, Julie used labs at Bath Spa University to test different water drops from ponds, streams and fresh springs, and to observe their resulting intricate patterns. She needed to show that the patterns in water drops could identify nitrate and phosphorus in water. Being science, the drops had to be quantitatively analysed and being an artist, Julie also photographed and scientifically illustrated the drops. The results were positive.
In this first Water Universe exhibition Julie reveals the exciting patterns of water, with dramatic photography and previously unseen 3D painted artworks of the most special drops. Julie says ‘be prepared for the unexpected, a show of contrasts and light’ and goes on to say ‘what about the ice cores and drops from up to 120,000 years? – you will have to come to the exhibition and be the first to see the results!’
Julie will be artist in residence November 1st – 13th. In addition, she will be giving an illustrated talk as part of our Wallsworth Evening series on Thursday November 10th.

At the same time, a selection of other items, primarily from Nature in Art’s collection, that relate to water will also be on display during this exhibition.

The Water Universe Exhibition at Nature in Art is the first showing of Julie Askew’s water research project, in collaboration with British Antarctic Survey, the Cabot Institute and Bath Spa University.

Join Julie Askew as she takes you on a visual feast to discover where art and science meet in a breathtaking microscopic watery world. Observe ice and water as you have never seen it before, learn the story behind the dramatic photographs and how the 3D painted artworks evolved from paper to sparkling cubes.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Course Suitability: Absolute beginners – Advanced

Maximum Participants: 12

*Every effort will be made to maintain social distancing during the course and the wearing of masks will be encouraged.*

Course Description:

Inspired by the decorative works of the golden age of illustration and the Arts and Crafts movement, this course will show you how to include gold-leaf in your paintings.

Gold-leaf is a very versatile medium. It can be used either to highlight small areas of your paintings or bring glow to the complete background. it is a stunning and decorative way to bring a surprising new element and shine to your work.

This course is suitable for absolute beginners as well as advanced participants, but please be aware that working with gold-leaf, which comes in thin, fragile sheets, is painstakingly fiddly: you need to bring patience!

Materials Required:

Participants will be required to bring their own work to embellish with gold-leaf. Gold-leaf can be used on any ground: watercolour paper, canvas, board, wood panel or even acrylic or glass surfaces.

Artist’s Profile:

Claudia grew up in the Black Forest and studied graphic design & illustration in Freiburg, Germany.

Claudia is a published freelance illustrator and wildlife artist based in the UK. She has been around the globe on assignments, commissions, missions and exhibitions for new inspiration. Her love for detail and vibrant choice of colour combinations are trademarks of her work.

Claudia is an enthusiastic fossil hunter and birdwatcher, a lover of owls and the brief owner of a pet magpie. She has an interest in everything natural history and science has to offer and is active in conservation projects

https://claudia-hahn.com/

Art Course Cost: £45 NiA Members, £55 Non-members

(cost does not include lunch (available to order and purchase on the day from the Coffee Shop))

Places will be offered on a first come first basis.

To secure your place on this course a £20 non-refundable deposit is required. If you would like to book a place please CLICK HERE

Alternatively, you can call 07467 138355 (Tues – Thurs) or 01452 731422 and we will be happy to assist you with your booking.

Christmas Celebration with the Gloucester and District Christian Choir.

Come and join us to bring in the Christmas Season with a festive selection of Carols and Songs brought to us by this local community choir.

The choir was formed 22 years ago and, even though it mainly sings in and around the county, it travelled to India some years ago to perform there.

Part of the ticket will be donated to Gloucester Foodbank.

Doors open at 7pm to view the galleries. Festive snacks at 7.30pm followed by concert.

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Taking the title of Bird Photographer of the Year, the Overall Winner is ‘Rock Ptarmigan Flight’ by Erlend Haarberg. It features a Rock ptarmigan in winter plumage taking flight over the frozen landscape of Tysfjorden, Norway.

2022 is the seventh year that Bird photographer of the Year has been held and it already has firmly established itself as the pre-eminent competition of its sort.
Bird Photographer of the Year is a global photographic competition: it is a celebration of avian beauty and diversity, and a tribute to the flexibility and quality of today’s modern digital imaging systems. Never before has there been a competition of this scale dedicated purely to the growing interest in, and passion for, photographing one of the most interesting and engaging areas of natural history – birds. The advent of digital technology has revolutionised photography in recent years and some fantastic images, of a quality that wouldn’t have been possible in the days of film, now proliferate on the internet for millions to see.
This display will be fresh from its launch in September and feature images taken by photographers from across the world, selected from 20,000 entries, representing a mix of photographs taken by both hardened professionals and keen, skilled part-time photographers who, as well as having an eye for a picture and knowledge of their subject, have developed ways to exploit the potential of the ever-developing digital world. With categories from birds in the environment to bird portraits, bird behaviour and birds in flight, ‘Attention to Detail’ and black and white, urban birds and creative imagery, plus other awards including the Portfolio Award and Video Award, there is a feast of remarkable images to enjoy.
Profits from Bird Photographer of the Year contribute to Birds on the Brink funds and help support bird-related conservation projects on a grant-awarding basis, using small grants that will make a measurable difference. www.birdsonthebrink.co.uk     www.birdpoty.com

Here at Nature in Art we are extremely passionate about supporting local artists and craftspeople, helping to highlight the array of crafts available and the creativity of the people in the local area. Each month we host a two-day Mini Craft Market in the Education Centre, where five to ten crafters sell their unique handmade crafts.

Including but not limited to –  nature crafts – paper crafts – woodwork – paintings-crochet/knitting –  weaving – decoupage – cards – glass – silk painting – textile bags

• 10am – 4pm
• Education Centre
• Free to enter