The spotlight at Thames Art Gallery for the month of April shines brightly on two exceptional artists: Kay De Blaauw and Kathryn Russell.
Renowned for her distinctive mixed media creations, Kay De Blaauw captivates audiences with her modern eclectic style, characterized by bold colors, intricate textures, and fluid forms. With a childhood steeped in an environment that celebrated art and encouraged boundless expression, Kay’s artistic journey began early, often finding solace and inspiration with a paintbrush in hand. Her exploration continued into adulthood, delving into the realms of textiles and paint, while formal training in watercolor, life classes, and modern art further honed her skills. Kay’s recent ventures into layering and mixed media have added new dimensions to her work, drawing from her extensive travels and encounters with masterpieces by revered artists like Klimt, Van Gogh, and Gaughuin.
Impressionism and abstraction stand as Kay’s preferred genres, where vibrant hues and intricate textures converge to evoke a sense of depth and emotion. Employing techniques such as painting over old canvases and utilizing cold wax methods, she achieves a rich tapestry of texture and color, infusing her pieces with a palpable sense of vitality and movement. Drawing from her experiences in Japan, Kay seamlessly incorporates collagraphs, enhancing her work with an additional layer of tactile complexity.
Joining Kay in the gallery spotlight is Kathryn Russell, an accomplished jewelry maker whose passion for her craft radiates through her exquisite creations. Kathryn’s journey into jewelry design began with a single class in beading, igniting a passion that would drive her to explore new techniques, materials, and forms. Entranced by the allure of semi-precious gemstones, Kathryn’s designs exude elegance and sophistication, drawing inspiration from the natural beauty and diversity of the stones themselves.
Driven by a commitment to quality and craftsmanship, Kathryn meticulously selects each stone, embracing their unique colors, shapes, and textures to create pieces that transcend fleeting trends. Mindful of the need for accessibility and comfort, Kathryn employs nickel-free silver over brass, ensuring her creations are not only aesthetically pleasing but also suitable for those with sensitivities to metal. Her dedication to producing timeless pieces is evident in her array of freshwater pearl jewelry, offering elegance and allure at an affordable price point.
For this special exhibition, Kathryn will showcase her exquisite collection of semi-precious gemstone jewelry, each piece crafted with precision and passion. These are not merely accessories for a season, but timeless treasures to be cherished for a lifetime, embodying the enduring beauty and artistry of their creator.
Thames Art Gallery invites art enthusiasts and aficionados alike to immerse themselves in the captivating worlds of Kay De Blaauw and Kathryn Russell throughout the month of April, where their remarkable talents and unique visions promise to inspire and delight all who behold them.
