Dorset

Dorset is steeped in history with its Jurassic coastline and historical ruins, from when the Romans ended their rule in 5^th century to the 11^th century castles and forts, the landscape and seascapes are breathtaking. Dorset is where  Thomas Hardy wrote about the semi-fictional region of Wessex, and Augustus John, probably the leading portrait painter of the 19^th century lived and worked ,famously  painting Winston Churchill, Dylan Thomas and many more....

Here is NOAC art galleries selection:

The Art House Gallery Bournemouth this gallery exhibits an outstanding and ever changing collection of original contemporary and modern fine art for your home or business www.arthouse.org.

The Arts University College Bournemouth Gallery showcases work from contemporary international artists and has collections on loan from other galleries and museums. It has forged important links with other regional arts organisations including ArtSway, Aspex and The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum.

text + work is a Gallery initiative which invites artists to develop exhibitions and events in partnership with writers and critics who provide supportive narrative in the form of published text to accompany the exhibitions.www.aucb.ac.uk

GALLERY

Artwave West concentrates its exhibiting around a collection of selected artists who have shaped a distinctive personal vision around the discourse between abstraction and figuration. Featuring in a series of exciting shows, these are professional artists that have an impressive national and international exhibiting profile. Visiting artists are selected to exhibit in mixed shows, bringing diversity and new ideas to the programme. www.artwavewest.com

Ilse Black

When did you first start to draw/create/make?

I have always loved being creative and can't remember a time as a child when I didn't draw. I started going to "art classes" when I was about six years old and spent a lot of my time as a child "making and doing" with whatever I could find or scrounge.

Did you go to Art College, and which one? If no, then who first encouraged you on your creative path?

My parents were always encouraging and I had wonderful art teachers from a very young age, so my creative path seemed the natural choice. I went to University of Cape Town after school. I was there for two years, but left because I felt that it was the wrong course at the wrong time for me. I did my Art and Design Foundation year at Hastings College in 1999/2000 as a part time student. In 2005 I went to the Arts University College at Bournemouth, where I did my BA (hons) Fine Art degree as a part time student. I loved the course and found it really helped me to develop my practice. I graduated in 2010 with a first class BA (hons) degree.

Which well known artist would you most like to be, and why?

I don't think I'd like to be another artist, but I am in awe of Bridget Riley's work and practice and would site her as my role model. I am interested in the way she analyses and translates experience of the world through experimentation and research. I share her intrigue with perception. If I did wish I was her, it would be to have the resources to conduct my practice as rigorously as she does.

How did you hear about the National Open Art Competition ?

I heard about the NOAC from one of my tutors at Arts University College at Bournemouth.

Do you have any suggestions as to how we could improve the National Open Art Competition?

It would be great if the exhibition could tour to different venues around the country. It would raise awareness of this annual event and would attract more artists to enter. It would probably also widen the audience.

News Update

Fisherton Mill Gallery, Salisbury : I am exhibiting work here this year. The date is to be confirmed, but it is likely to be over the summer. It is a really lovely space and is part of a creative complex which sells very well selected, high quality hand made wares.

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