ART & THE
AIRWAVES
NEWSLETTER JULY 2020
with Arlene Fleming
featuring
Weather Presenter & Artist
Tomasz Schafernacker
ISSUE 1- July 2020
A warm welcome to this first issue of my Newsletter - Art & The Airwaves. Bringing you an eclectic mix of artwork, news and interviews with both artists and broadcasters and those who do both! It’s great having you here and I hope you take advantage of any downloads and discounts that you may come across.
Art & The Airwaves
Welcome …
I am so very fortunate to do two things that I love. I am both an artist and I am also a broadcaster working for BBC Radio 4 in London. My art is varied and inspired by my work and my home life. At home I'm influenced by the amazing countryside around me (on the long walks with my dog Dylan) - the animals on the downs, the amazing kites and birds in the air. I also spend a lot of time in mindfulness and meditation. A good many of my pictures are based on these meditations, thoughts and imagery that appear in the stillness. I aim to bring a sense of calm, focus and awareness to my art. At work at BBC Radio 4 in London I can often be heard reading the news or The Shipping Forecast. The Shipping Forecast has a magical and lyrical quality to it that serves to protect the sailors and soothe the hearts of the listeners. My visual interpretation of how it feels to read this in the studio can be seen in my lino print called appropriately enough 'The Shipping Forecast' (pastel version also available). I love being able to communicate with others both through the airwaves and visually through my art especially during the Covid-19 crisis where the radio has been a friend in the corner of the room for many. My heart goes out to the lonely, people who have lost loved ones or been denied access to their loved ones in this crisis, and I would like to extend what little comfort I can by offering a free signed small print of ‘The Shipping Forecast’ (lino print) check out my website ww.arlenefleming.co.uk to find it .
FREE signed small giclee print 4x6” of ‘The Shipping Forecast @ www.arlenefleming.co.uk
FREE signed Small Giclee Print 4X6 “ ‘THE SHIPPING FORECAST’
Tomasz Schafernaker:
Tomasz and I have often spoken ‘down the line’ at work usually just before I introduce him to read the weather on BBCR 4. He is a thoroughly lovely man who always has time for you. We usually only have a couple of minutes to chat whilst taking level and agreeing cues etc. When I had rejoined the Radio 4 team after a few years away, Tomasz asked what I had been doing - I told him I had been teaching art and had done a couple of stints as an artist in residence, it was then that we discovered that we both had a shared love for art. I am very grateful that Tomasz agreed to be in this first newsletter and I am blown away at the skill and the beauty of his art. I hope you enjoy this little profile into his art work. Visit his website www.schafernacker.com to see more of his stunning artwork.
schafernakerart.com
ARTIST INTERVIEW: Tomasz Schafernaker
Where and when did your love for art start?
I don’t think it ever “started” - it was always there. I‘m told I drew sharks on my mother’s wallpaper before I could even run. It’s always been a part of me and something I can’t imagine not having.
Who or what inspires you?
More recently, wonderfully talented artists from all around the world who showcase their art through social media. Some are so young and unknown while others are more experienced. It’s amazing to see what others can do. Also nature! The sky. The clouds. Storms. And my dreams.
Where do you create your art?
I’ve created a studio in an unused room. It’s my sanctuary and there’s paint everywhere...even on the floorboards - I don’t care!
Do you have a favourite artist or genre?
No, I don’t have a “favourite artist” as I love all kinds of art. From one extreme to the other. I’ll mention a modern San Diego impressionist Erin Hanson. I find her open impressionist paintings breathtaking. I love Van Gogh, Edward Hopper, Turner of course...I can’t pick one.
What medium do you like working in?
Most mediums. My hyperrealist portrait of Steven Spielberg was done in oil, but my abstracts are done with acrylics.
What was the first piece of art you sold?
Actually, it was probably about 15yrs ago. A pastel drawing of a 1920s car. It was then gifted to Simon McCoy of BBC News!
What are you painting now?
I’m gearing up for my most intricate and challenging oil piece yet! Not saying a word.
What artistic creation are you most proud of?
So far, probably my hyperrealist portraits. At least those are the ones which are most often mentioned.
Is there a particular artistic challenge you would love to attempt?
Yes. I’d like to do an abstract portrait purely from imagination. I’m interested to see what I come up with!
COVID-19 REFLECTIONS
Like most creatives and indeed anyone during the lockdown - I have been finding it quite hard to motivate myself. Having the extra time that I’ve often yearned for hasn’t resulted in productivity (especially as all the fledglings who had flown the nest are are now back home). What it has resulted in, (with the closure of two art exhibitions I had intended my art work for) is that I have finally had to face my luddite self head on and learn how to use my website, put my art online, on social media and open an Etsy Shop. Not bad going for someone who until recently still needed her now adult children to turn the television on - yes I know, if I can run a self op studio for BBC Radio 4 and put to air a national network surely I can switch the telly on - (but there are so many remote controls and often a wine glass to balance at the same time!).
At the start of the year lots of art work was being created in my studio but as the months go on I find myself in a more reflective phase. As the effects of the coronavirus became more apparent and some of my dear friends were affected by loss I looked at my paintings in a new light, the stories and the muse behind them - especially the ones that spoke of community, of hope of resilience. I recently sent a friend and colleague at BBCR4 one of my prints called Hope - Goddess Rising. She had lost her step-father to Coronavirus and had to do her grieving in isolation living apart from her mother. An incredibly hard and sad time for all of their family. I was working on one of my paintings at the time and realised it was all about the process of coming through and out of grief. Here it is below with the words I sent her.
Hope - Goddess Rising Mixed Media (pastel & acrylic) Arlene Fleming (www.arlenefleming.co.uk)
FREE DOWNLOAD click on button above
Title - Hope Goddess Rising
ARTIST: Arlene Fleming
www.arlenefleming.co.uk
I would like to offer this picture as a free download to all. Please enjoy or send it to anyone who you think needs ‘hope’. Pass the love on… Arlene x.
To my friend/colleague
I have sent you this print just to reach out and offer you a bit of love and support in this most awful of times. I painted ‘hope’ when I was going through grief. I want you to know - that passionate, amazing, intelligent, funny woman who is you - will come through this - a ‘goddess rising’.
Artist Statement:I painted this picture in the midst of grief for Flip my lovely mother-in law who had recently passed away. I was sitting in my art studio trying to finish a picture I was drawing whilst listening to beautiful music - ‘The Lark Ascending’ by Ralph Vaughan Williams. The music was so divine and uplifting, a real sense of gratitude and love for my mother-in law came out. I realised through the tears that the picture in front of me embodied the whole process of coming through and out of grief. The sea representing the mixed and swirling emotions of grief - a stormy ocean of tears. The Goddess embodying the woman coming through this with strength, compassion, balance, wisdom and hope. The Moon representing connection, the changing phases of life deeply connected to the feminine. From the heart - may ‘Goddess Rising’ offer you courage, hope and connection with your own inner strength through difficult times and beyond.
My Friend’s Response:
I am so completely and utterly grateful to you for sending such a gorgeous gift. It is such a beautiful image and sentiment. I love it.And rather gloriously (and I know there is now way you could have possibly known this) The Lark Ascending was one of my step-dad’s favourite pieces of music - it was played at his and my mum’s wedding, and at his funeral. Everything about your lovely gift is right.
I do hope you’ve enjoyed this first newsletter, there are a lot more stories, interviews and artworks to come. Next month, it’s the turn of my friend and colleague BBC Newsreader & Announcer Neil Nunes. Not only has he a beautiful rich voice, but he has has some hidden artistic talents too. Be sure to sign up and take a look at my website and artwork there @ www.arlenefleming.co.uk - my art. See you soon..
Next time .. Neil Nunes BBC Announcer & Newsreader
Plus how would YOU like to read The Shipping Forecast?
See you for issue 2 …
