South West Illustrators  -  The Picture Tree Exhibition

Tuesday 30th September  -  Sunday 5th October  2014

jan Nesbitt: Dimensions

‘Picture Tree’ is the intriguing title of an exhibition by members of South West Illustrators (SWILL). It showcases the original artwork of 14 talented local artists including picture book illustrators, a stamp designer and a prop and model maker.

The work is jolly and diverse. There is something for all tastes - fantasy, nature, whimsy, humour, magic, eccentricity - in media including traditional pen and ink, vibrant watercolour, exciting collage and contemporary digital. A variety of work is offered for sale, from original artwork to signed prints, books and cards.

SWILL is a group of professional illustrators formed in the early eighties to share information, organise events and promote their practice.

Participating artists are Jane Veveris Callan, Ivana Svabic Cannon, Kate Davies, Richard Deverell, Mary Hall, Tony Hitchcock, Penny Ives, Scott Joyce, Lisa Kelly, Jan Nesbitt, Anna Popescu, Nick Shewring and Nadine Wickenden. One member of the group will be represented by her work but will not be present. Frances Cony died last year after a brave battle with cancer. A longstanding, energetic member of SWILL, she was a wry illustrator, whose work included children's books for major publishers in UK, USA & Europe, and artwork for charities, magazines, NHS, BBC and greetings cards.

The ‘Picture Tree’ theme emerged from the idea of a tree strewn with illustrations of birds, butterflies and bats from the various artists. It was a way of uniting styles that are very different. The tree is featured in the poster design, appearing again within the exhibition display, where there will be some surprises for children of all ages.