Creatures Great and Small – Exhibition at 45 Southside, 8th April to 23rd May 2017

At one time or another we have all had our hearts touched by furry or feathered friends. And so have our talented artists. Gwen Vaughan and Tracey Benton together with 45 Southside continues its series of exhibitions. Both artist are well known for their humorous and collectable work.

Tracey Benton is predominantly felt making and her favourite subject is our native wildlife, such as hares, foxes and more recently bees. Each piece takes hours of precise needle felting which gives them their shape. In the last stage she adds the defining features of the face, forming each creatures individual and adorable character.

Gwen Vaughan a ceramic artist is equally captivated by creatures great and small. Her quirky animals are captured with minimalistic features nevertheless they are very recognisable species. For her latest range she created cashmere jumpers for her figurines, making them softer to the touch. There are polar bears, whales, foxes, badgers, owls, dogs and of course little birds. Each of her creatures cleverly conveys a element of the nature of each animal. Gwen’s wolf in a sheep’s coat is a beautiful example.

The exhibition will run from 8th April to 23rd May 2017. The opening view will be held on Saturday 8th April from 3pm to 6pm, all are welcome.