Collette Costello, Giovanna Iorio, Laura Scull and Nicholas Sweet - 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.... Collette Costello, Giovanna Iorio, Laura Scull and Nicholas Sweet . 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.

Collette Costello

Nicholas Sweet

Laura Scull 

Giovanna Iorio 

Helen Roeten, Mahlia Amatina, Yvonne Vignes, Zoe Douglas-Cain - 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.... Helen Roeten, Mahlia Amatina, Yvonne Vignes and Zoe Douglas-Cain. 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.

Zoe Douglas-Cain
"I am extremely proud of our nurses and healthcare staff especially at the moment.
I work alongside nurses in my work and witness the care and dedication in the best of times.
They have really come into their own at this time and hopefully there will be a huge reevaluation of how vitally important they are and we can honour them appropriately going forwards."

I am an art therapist and collage artist and have been exhibiting in group shows all over the U.K since 2013.
My work celebrates women in the world placing them as the central subject caught up in a variety of situations and guises, rarely meeting our gaze.
The work is largely humorous, sometimes cheeky and positions women engaged in reverie and play alongside each other or in their own space, autonomous and self possessed.

Helen Roeten

Yvonne Vignes

Mahlia Amatina

Chloe Ann Munday, Dacc e Dukjan, Karen Winship, Marius Els - Art of Caring 2020

Welcome to the Art of Caring 2020. Today on International Nurses Day we introduce the work of 4 artists who have contributed work to this year's exhibition.... Chloe Ann Munday, Dacc e Dukjan, Karen Winship and Marius Els. 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.

Karen Winship
"We all have the capacity to care for our loved ones but it takes a special kind of heart to care for others. Thank goodness for those folk."

I’m an artist and educator living and working in York. I work mainly in acrylics and take my inspiration from light and it’s effect, the narrative within an image and more recently looking at Dementia, seen from a loved ones perspective. Trying to capture the battle between the changes and our memories through portraiture.
www.yorkartworkshops.co.uk

Marius Els
"In quiet moments I think about the bravery and selflessness of Nurses and carers during the outbreak of Covid-19. To wake-up in the morning and go into a situation where you put your life at risk to safe other peoples lives is courages and heroic. I am full of admiration and gratitude for our health carers. Thank you!"

"South African born and now living in the United Kingdom, Marius Els is a master in creating astonishing surrealistic collages or as he calls it “new media art”. Marius Els manufactures images which are telling a whole story and have deeper meaning.' - Tilpy Photography
Marius Els is a London based photo artist and illustrator using photography to express his creativity in a surreal, theatrical way using digital manipulation. Originally from South Africa, he uses his experience and influences from when he was a classical ballet dancer to create imaginative imagery with poignant story telling.  Each project consists of research, planned modelling, props and landscape photo shoots from which he gathers chosen images to create the final image. Marius says, ""The whole process of creating these images can be rewarding as a lot of the topics are close to my heart and personal.""
All photographic images used in my art work are my own and created in Adobe Photoshop with  creative brushes, textures and elements from the Photoshop Artistry Course, Awake2019 Course, Pixelo, Tom Chalky and brusheezy.com"
https://mariusels.wixsite.com/mariuselsphotography/about

Chloe Ann Munday
"Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing."" - Mother Teresa. This is what a nurse's smile means to their patients. When someone is going through their most difficult time in their life, a nurse's smile can make them feel ten times better. It gives them hope when they need it most, a nurse's smile is the most important thing in the world for their patients."

Chloe Ann Munday is a photographer who is strongly influenced by colour and the natural world. Currently studying a BA in photography, she is still finding her feet in her photography career. Working mainly in still life, macro, outdoor and conceptual photography her work strives to make people think about the impact human beings are having on our planet. Her images are very ascetically pleasing using photography to make people question the effect humans have on the natural world. She wants to use her photography to remind people what we could be missing if we continue to treat the planet as we do.
www.photosbychloeann.com

Dacc e Dukjan

Beth Barlow, Misty Athena Stokes, Paul March, Sara Jayne Harris - 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.... Beth Barlow, Misty Athena Stokes, Paul March and Sara Jayne Harris. 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.

Misty Athena Stokes
"I would like to thank the Doctors and Nurses who saved my Dads life when he had heart surgery a few years ago. The love, care, fortitude and commitment shown by NHS staff before and during this pandemic astounds me. I want to say thank you so much for looking after so many people, tirelessly showing compassion even in the darkest of times."

I am a mixed media artist who works with a variety of different materials and techniques from textiles, to collage and illustration. My main influences include abstract art, cubism, surrealism and the patterns found in different cultures.
https://www.facebook.com/mistyathenastokes/ 
https://www.instagram.com/mistystokesartist/?hl=en

Sara Jayne Harris
"The act of caring has its source in human tenderness. I am forever grateful for the attentive benevolence nurses and caregivers have shown my family in times of need. I give my heartfelt thanks for the care shown and for the love in which it is given."

Sara Jayne Harris is a visual artist living and working in the UK. She has a special interest in figurative representations and investigates themes concerning identity, temporality, pluralism and ritual through her multi media practice. Alongside her figurative sculptural works her practice seeks to animate the inanimate and to conjure a state of presence. In this series of works entitled 'Ingredients', the produce was sourced from her allotment garden. The act of planting and cultivation yielded in this instance a bountiful crop, providing the harvester with some ingredients for a healthy life. Artistically, the crop’s organic shapes and colours provided scope for creating and documenting these anthropomorphic compositions.
www.sarajayneharris.com

Beth Barlow 

Paul March

Ann Kopka, Jennifer Weston, Laurence Morgan, Trevor Coopersmith - 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.... Ann Kopka, Jennifer Weston, Laurence Morgan, Trevor Coopersmith. 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.

Trevor Coopersmith
"Nurses play a vital role in my life as a past social worker and special education instructional assistant. They are the backbone of healthcare and do the dirty work behind the scenes! Thank you for all your support keeping everyone safe and healthy during uncertain times."

Trevor Coopersmith is a multidisciplinary artist specializing in spray paint and oil pastels. Recently, Trevor got accepted to the University of London, Goldsmiths to complete his MFA but is currently residing in southern California where surfing, skateboarding, and the great outdoors serves as his muse and inspiration. Trevor also emphasizes social engagement within his artistic practice and started the Urban Art Scholarship to help young artists in need.
For more information please check out www.UrbanArtScholarship.com 

Ann Kopka
"I thank all nurses and carers for their amazing dedication, attention and kindness as they care for us in our most anxious and vulnerable times. I have been on the receiving end of their care and expertise on numerous occasions and I cannot praise them enough."

Ann Kopka is a visual artist and curator. She has exhibited in London, the UK, Denmark, Germany, Italy and the USA and her work is held in private collections in the UK, France, Spain, USA and Australia.
Ann studied Fine Art at Central St Martins College of Art and Design and The City Lit, and Museum Curating at The Tate Modern. She studied The Practices and Debates of Modern Art at the Open University and graduated with a First Class Honours Degree.
Ann is a volunteer project co-ordinator at the Heath Robinson Museum London where she is involved with organising and curating temporary exhibitions. Ann is a member of The Free Painters and Sculptors, an Independent artists’ co-operative and charity.
https://artcontemporary.co.uk/

Jennifer Weston
"Working in a caring profession is a calling and so many wonderful people fulfil these roles with courage, fortitude and love. Big respect and thanks to these individuals who provide a vital service especially in these difficult times. Many of us would not be alive without your care and support."

I am a multi-disciplinary artist currently using photography, print-making, object making, writing; and historically using performance and video.
I am drawn to creating both beautiful objects and radical disruption.
I create jewellery from gemstones and found objects; wearable aesthetic heirlooms.
However, much of my current exhibition work is women centric and also explores much darker political comment about gender-based violence and misogyny. I create as my awareness evolves within my experiences of seeing, hearing and feelings about living within a toxic patriarchal culture.
https://jennniferwestonuk.com/
Instagram @JenniferWestonUK
Twitter @Jennifer Weston UK ART
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jenniferwestonUK/

Laurence Morgan
"During my life nurses and the medical profession have been a big part of my life, most notable would be my car accident, intensive care and ward staff, but ever since with physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, the neuroscientists I’ve seen, occupational therapy, plastic surgery teams, foot and leg specialties. Though-out I’ve received the best possible care and owe a debt of gratitude I can never repay. Then there’s the Cancer specialists who cared for mum for many years and gave us longer with our mum. The compassion, the extra miles gone to. I am in awe of the system that provides for all."

My journey with art started as a child, going through to my teens with Pottery classes. It consisted less of wheel work but more so free play and within the small group it felt very much like I was adventuring. In 1996 aged twelve I acquired a traumatic brain injury which still impacts me greatly. The focus in recovery was very much learning to use every muscle in my body and communication - initially without speech. I had to learn to solely use my non-dominant hand and arm.

Art was farthest from my mind in my mid twenties when I attended an art group. I needed interaction and to get out of the house. Owing, I believe, to the precision and concentration involved in merely holding a pencil and then marking paper my art quickly progressed and it became ""stylised"" by my difficulty presented from the quickly fatigued control of my hand and arm. For example creating obstacles to drawing solid lines.
I am untrained, and uncertain of what I intend when I start the process but I will find beauty, or gain intrigue with all my muses. An expression, a pose, an aura! I find beauty in life and people fascinate me. Everyone has a beauty and I love it if I can capture an emotion or wonderful thought.
https://laurencemorganart.bigcartel.com/

Beatrice Bromley, Janet Stafford, Stella Tripp and Zelga Miller - 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.... Beatrice Bromley, Janet Stafford, Stella Tripp and Zelga Miller . 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.

Stella Tripp
"Big thank you to all the nurses who have helped along the way - from routine checks and minor procedures to the big, life changing events. I couldn't have got through without you!"

I live in Exeter – pretty close to my place of birth: Taunton in Somerset. But I travelled the long way round – living and studying in Israel, Portsmouth, London, and America along the way. I have made and exhibited art in all those places, as well as holding many exhibitions here in the south west.

I work in a variety of media including painting, mixed-media constructions and ceramics. Since 2015 I have also been exploring collaborative performative practice, as a founding member of Preston Street Union (PSU) –  an Exeter-based affiliation of artists who generate new work and learning through social, collaborative processes.
http://www.stellatripp.co.uk
http://www.instagram.com/stella.tripp/

Janet Stafford
"Who doesn’t love a kind nurse? I am thinking now of childhood friends who grew up to become nurses. One didn’t practice long (she cared for her own children, and died young). One has spent her life as a nurse—so caring and kind. Sweet, she is. She has taken care of many, and has seen death. Still, she maintains her sweetness.  And her love of life and laughter. Is that it then? A love of life."

I am a painter, living and working in New York. I use photographs on which I base my paintings. The paintings look a little photographic from a distance.

I have always worked in series—streams of thoughts and desires common to us all, represented by images. I see the images as indicators of the material world.

At first my series were narrative, encompassing quotidian aspects such as romantic love and building construction. And I considered ideas—enlightenment, biology, memory. Now I am thinking about nature and our planet. I want to point to the beauty, portal to the sublime.
http://www.janetstafford.com

Zelga Miller

Zelga successfully transitioned from Said Business School, University of Oxford to the world of Fine Arts achieving a Masters in Fine Arts in Fine Art (Wimbledon College of Art and Oxford Brookes University). Zelga’s work explores our search for a safe space and the human need for transition.

Surreal composites seek to ask questions of memory, boundary and hope as a means of survival. She uses subject, line, trace and materiality across myriad forms such as decal and glass, interactive scrolls, life size vinyl friezes and most recently through moving image. Zelga works with pastel, charcoal, sand, ink, oil and moving image technology to accompany the viewer through a range of surreal scenarios in an attempt to document the human condition.

Works combines a narrative rich with emotion where boundaries are represented, confines evoked and a sense of life in suspension alluded with ephemeral, transitory, figures present in body yet absent of emotion.

A constantly evolving lexicon of characters is created which when combined allude to a narrative of solitude and personal reflection. The intention is to create a dialogue, pose a question – to have the conversation.  Whatever the subject or medium each image and each stroke is individual, yet the sum is far greater than its component parts. Whether in colour or monochrome, images convey an assemblage of meaning beyond the simplicity of the scene.
Instagram @zelgamiller
www.zelgasimonemiller.com

Beatrice Bromley

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