9th March 2019 - 23rd March 2019

St. Ives School of Painting: The Porthmeor Programme

Private View: Friday 8th March, 18:00- 20:00

 This March at the Penwith Gallery see the fourth exhibition of the St Ives School of Painting’s Porthmeor Programme. This is a year long course run over 8 weekends which aims to explore, understand and develop the artist’s individual creative voice. There is a celebratory open evening on Friday March 8th from 6pm – 8pm, open to the public – a chance to meet the artists and enjoy exciting new work which has emerged from an intensive process of discovery. The show is open from Saturday 9th March to Saturday 23rd March, 10 am till 5 pm.

18 artist students from across the UK, split into 2 small groups, have undertaken practical workshops with a variety of guest artists while working one-to-one with lead tutors Liz Hough and Kerry Harding. The intense commitment that this programme requires has given each person the dedicated time to really understand why they do what they do. Exposed to different ways of working, they have picked their own paths, sometimes finding themselves out of their comfort zone but always guided by the tutors.

This exhibition marks a point in time when the artists have a space to pause and reflect. It is a snapshot of where they are in their development rather than an ending or conclusion: a point from which they can move forwards with a sense of confidence and momentum.

This year’s show illustrates individuality through both the narratives and mediums explored. Painting, print, film, sculpture, and installation are all featured. There is no overall theme other than the challenge of ‘finding your own voice’. Landscape, poetry, history, interiors, hands, geometry and botany are just some of the subjects that fascinate and motivate this group of artists.

“Undertaking the Porthmeor Programme has given me the chance to explore my art in a supportive but challenging environment where I have gained the confidence to take risks and experiment. I am currently interested in expressing light and dark and how this relates to the human condition.” Louise

“I chose the Porthmeor Programme because I wanted a long term, intensive commitment with structured support to enable me to develop my present approach and also to expose me to new ideas and practices. The course has not disappointed in any respect. I have found the Programme carefully planned, very well structured and mentored in a highly professional manner. There has been no wastage of time and all workshops have been delivered in a considered and purposeful way. It has fulfilled my expectations.” Jill