I'm really excited to be a part of this exhibition running from 21st November at All Saint's Media & Arts centre. I will be exhibiting some of my original zine pages and also running an illustrated creative writing masterclass as a part of the events surrounding the exhibition. We will be having some private viewings with performances so look out for Facebook invites. It has been amazing working with Simmi, Craig, Gillie and Eddie on putting this exhibition together!!
To books tickets for my masterclasses go to:
Simmi in front of a detail from her featured painting, Upon Reflection.
Here's the info:
Acrylic Painter Rosalind Sandhu aka Simmi examines Human interconnectedness to Botany and nature:TO BE OR TO BURGEON at
All Saint’s Media & Arts centre, Monday 21 st November, 2022
Female-led art exhibition in brand new local venue, featuring the work of prominent Staffordshire Moorland artist, Simmi, with guest artists. Entitled To Be or To Burgeon, opening in a group show at All Saint’s Media & Arts Centre, Hanley on 21 st November and continuing through to December 16 th . The opening and press night, takes place on Monday 21 st November 2022 from 6pm-9pm.
The 5 paintings comprising Simmi’s series, awash in vibrant colour are sure to dazzle visitors to her unique approach to themes of nature and plants. Simmi explores consciousness, synergy, meditation, breath and the domestic environment. Noted for her studies of botany using a semi abstract, Fauvist style, Simmi’s work is inspired by surrealist Abdul Mati Klarwein, who designed album covers for Miles Davis and Santana. Simmi herself has been commissioned to design album covers through a major client in London after having bought her art.
Simmi also explores a complex subject; her work calls attention to our role as human beings amongst our botanical surroundings and cosmic connections.
“When I was a child, I asked lots of questions about creation and where we came from…an integral part of my artwork is still that little 4-year-old girl asking questions about existence. I am attempting to interpret the human experience through researching a connection between sentient beings and mother nature and the symbiotic relationship between people and plants…I liken my art to the Buddhist practice of Tonglen that involves taking another’s pain as you inhale and exhale your happiness to them.”
The exhibition also includes a creative writing masterclass inspired by Simmi’s work, led by writer and punk ‘Zine creator Marina Red. Combining visualization, breathwork and writing practices from a variety of poets and authors, participants will be guided through the creative process to write and produce their own, unique piece of zine-inspired art.
Weekend art workshops will also be led by Craig Gilman aka Painty. His established classes will be based on his exhibition pieces and will give attendees an opportunity to gain an understanding in contrast of light and shadow, drawing on the Chiaroscuro technique. Participants will be invited to work in soft light, as well as considering form. Producing drawings, prints and acrylic paint studies from a selection of replica skulls.
Gillie Nicholls is an accomplished sculptor and pottery artist from Stafford, whose characterful portrait work “hints at the human experience through heads, faces, gestures and movements”.
The exhibition will also showcase the artwork of Staffordshire University alumni and visual installations by local film makers.
The opening night on the 21 st of November at 6 pm, will include music from local artists and a variety of musicians and performers will take part in the exhibition during its four-week run.
The arts centre is based around the All Saints church in Hanley. Director Eddie Bammeke aims to bring “creative professionals such as artists, film makers and performers to the heart of the community, while providing local talent with a unique arts venue.”
Gillie, Simmi, Craig and Marina at All Saint's
Rosalind Simmi Sandhu was born in Wolverhampton in 1979 and moved to London aged 7 where she first discovered her artist skills. She received her BA honours in 2003 at The University of East London. She then moved to Manchester in 2002 to and was later awarded an MA in Contemporary Curating from the Manchester School of Art, Manchester Metropolitan University
All Saint’s Church offers a public space. Located in
Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, the All Saints Arts and Media centre is a fully operational, Gothic revival church, plus a large community centre. It provides space for events, filming, performance, photography, gallery and rehearsal.
512 Leek Road, Hanley, ST1 3HU
info@allsaintsmedia.co.uk
For more information and high-resolution images contact:
Rosalind.UnveilingArts@outlook.com