My True Love Gave to Me by Set Of Drawers

Preview 14^th November 6-8pm. Exhibition 15^th November -31^st December , 9am-5pm Monday –Saturday, Free admission. Newcastle Arts Centre. 67 Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne. NE1 1SG. 0191 2615618. www.newcastle-arts-centre.co.uk As we approach the festive season, Newcastle Arts Centre Gallery welcomes you to the preview of our next exhibition, My True Love Gave to Me by Newcastle based Illustrators Set of Drawers on Thurs 14^th November 2013 6-8pm (free). Set of Drawers will be exploring the festive theme through a diverse range of illustrative mediums including print, inks, textiles and collage. Set of Drawers are a group of freelance illustrators who love stories, books and all other clever, lovely uses of words and pictures so much that they come together to talk about them, show work and arrange exhibitions. The group began in 2007 when Bethan Laker went in search of other illustrators who, she knew, must be doodling away on their lonesome nearby. She dreamed of people who would talk, share and celebrate illustration and was lucky enough to meet with Clare Armstrong, Josie Brookes, Lara Robinson and Deborah Snell. The Drawers: Bethan Laker I love drawing from observation and work with bold line and collage, incorporating lots of printed pattern into my work.   I am inspired by literature, with phrases and type often becoming part of the finished artwork I make unique imagery that celebrates small rituals and the joy of little things.  I work to commission and produce work for sale and exhibition. I like random shop signs, charity shop cutlery, netball, my bike, composting and a real fire. www.bethanlaker.co.uk Lara Robinson I’ve drawn naughty little girls with a sparkle in their eye and a bow in their hair since I could lift a pencil. I am the proud and happy owner of an incredibly kitsch collection of world dolls from which I draw most of my inspiration. When I’m not drawing (or colouring in) I like spending time with my lovely friends, making cakes, scouring flea markets for ‘perfects finds’ and taking long country walks accompanied by camera and a pair of wellies. Josie Brookes I am a freelance Illustrator, Printmaker and Pattern Designer based in my hometown of Newcastle upon Tyne. I like observing quirky personality traits and applying them to my characters and I have a strong fascination for interesting colour combinations. I have been regular Illustrator for The Crack Magazine since 2005 and have worked on Illustration commissions including those for PR company Hundredth Monkey, Marmalade Magazine and the Royal Sussex Hospital. In addition to my Illustration work, I am a member of Northern Print, I also have my own company Prod, with my partner Tom Madge, making one-off screenprinted Leather accessories of our own pattern designs. I am very inspired by vintage patterns and the beauty in print mishaps and mis-registration. When I am not drawing I can be found foraging in second hand shops for 1950s/60s printed lampshades and shot glasses, or baking carrot cakes. www.josiebrookes.com Deborah Snell I like to capture a moment, usually an unexpected one and I use mainly printmaking, drawing and pen and ink. I love the atmospheric qualities of etching and mezzotint for the way they capture the spontaneity of a drawing. I am a member of Northern Print in Newcastle and I also exhibit and sell my prints. Old toys and puppets inspire me and musty old boxes full of secrets from the past. I admire the work of artist Paula Reggo, the film maker and creator Oliver Postgate and the animator Yuri Norstein. When I’m not creating art I like to collect puppets and tin toys, visit old traditional pubs, watch Russian animation and grow giant pumpkins. Clare Armstrong I draw, print and collage, creating work that merges words, lettering, numbers and imagery. I love to hand and machine stitch and these are important elements within my work. I am inspired by handwriting, lettering and words, stories, signs, children’s drawings, old handicraft books, recycling, old knitting patterns, 1960’s and 70’s architecture, scribbles, doodles, furry beasts and mad moments! I like to Knit and stitch, play scrabble, bake cakes, swim in the sea, climb small Welsh mountains, camp and look at the stars. www.hooboobunny.co.uk www.setofdrawers.co.uk