Bryan Benge, Charlotte W Stubbs, Lydia Fernandez-Arias and Maria Lezon - Art of Caring 2020

Welcome to the Art of Caring 2020. Today we introduce the work of 4 artists who have contributed work to this year's exhibition.... Bryan Benge, Charlotte W Stubbs, Lydia Fernandez-Arias and Maria Lezon. The Art of Caring is an annual inclusive international art exhibition celebrating Nurses, Midwives, Carers, and the NHS. Thank you to the School of Nursing at Kingston University for their support.

Charlotte W Stubbs
"In 2008 my son was born with unexpected special medical needs, which led to a 6 year intensive period of many surgeries and hospital stays. We were frequently quarantined due to infection during that time. Although the doctors and consultants would see us for rounds every 24 hours, it was the nurses and carers, pain management team and cleaners that made the fabric of our days most bearable and joyous. Without the care and commitment of the nursing staff, who listened and did their very best during a difficult time, my sanity and my son would have been lost. It was during the long nights, I would walk the halls of the hospital and the brightly coloured art would fill my soul. The art whether by children or artists would remind me of a bright world outside of the hospital and remind me of the beauty and hope present within and beyond it's walls."

Born in Southampton in 1974, Charlotte W. Stubbs is the fourth generation of committed, self-taught female painters. From anthropomorphic cats to vibrant MRI brain scans charlotte brings beauty and vibrant colour to subjects that are often disturbing or uncomfortable. Her love of colour, interest in social justice and current affairs, and the human condition informs much of her subject matter as do her terrifying dreamscapes. Her celebratory use of colour, vividly captures flash points of protest, death, politics and mental health.  She lives and works in East London. 
www.cwstubbs.com
www.sinisterpussy.com

Bryan Benge
"Recently I had to visit the Casualty Department at Kingston Hospital.
The care and expertise I received from the nursing staff was exemplary , given that they were all having to face the Covid-19  Virus daily.
Seeing things on a daily basis that we only visit in nightmares, and yet nursing staff having the raw courage to confront the virus and give help and hope to the suffering."

Bryan is a practising artist, currently exploring digital media in his Fine Art practice
He has always been an exhibiting artist. In 1992 he became a Member of The London Group.
Bryan's first involvement with Collect Connect was at Open Fridge Gallery 89 in March 2010.
Since then he has enjoyed working along side his colleagues, Alban and Dean."
https://www.bryanbenge.co.uk

Lydia Fernandez-Arias

Maria Lezon