'Artist & Maker Spotlights' - Andrew Olly Oliver, Dartmoor Landscape Painter

Andrew Olly Oliver is the co-owner of Moon & Moor Gallery and a very talented Landscape Painter & Lino Print Maker. Studying the surrounding landscape of his home, Dartmoor, Olly captures the ‘essence of a place’ and brings back a view from his numerous journeys across the moorland.

‘Searching for those wild places with a feeling of ancient history and hidden mystery, Olly distils the essence of a place, and transports the viewer into the view.

The subtlety of media emulates textures, lighting and weather wrapping itself over and through forms and layers within the landscape. The application of media has a feel somewhere between the freedom of Impressionism but with areas of realistic refinements and definition you could only achieve in the studio.

The idea of bringing back a view from a journey is an important factor in Olly’s process, that holding on to wilderness and promoting its beauty can offer company, distraction and therapy for the viewer encouraging more support for the great outdoors. Ancient woodlands with gnarled trees, life giving waterways or rock formations all regularly feature in

Olly’s work, exploring present habitats and the way the land has evolved with such diversity. Views are usually solitary and allow for peaceful reflection, to be lost in time, and free of human interference.’ - Andrew Olly Oliver

Olly’s had the delight of bespoke commissions through the gallery, exhibited with the Dartmoor Collective; Having an artwork selected for their latest Zine, ‘Linear’, and currently exhibiting with ‘Destination Dartmoor’ in Okehampton after a recent, Bracken Tor, Artists Residency.

Follow Olly on his journey over on Instagram - @andrew.olly.oliver

To view original artworks and prints for sale in the gallery click HERE

If you have a specific spot you’d like a painting of or to create a bespoke commission to the correct size, please do get in touch via the Contact Page Here

Zoë Lyne From The Wool Gatherers Workshop

We’re so pleased to now be stocking these amazingly cosy woolly hats by Zoë Lyne of the Wool Gatherers Workshop. Locally hand spun wool from Dartmoor sheep and then locally hand machine knit by Zoë in Chagford!

‘Hi, I’m Zoë and the maker behind The Woolgatherers Workshop.

The Woolgatherers Workshop is a knitwear studio based in Chagford, Dartmoor.

The project started with a homecoming and a woolgathering, and a view to do things differently. Embracing slow sustainable fashion, but more than that, a completely local and holistic approach to design. A thoughtful design practice that is based on an appreciation of materials.

After a year interning in the fashion industry I had an increased awareness of the harmful nature of the industry that is based on high-speed turnover, overproduction and waste. Which led me to feeling extremely disillusioned with what I had been working towards throughout my knitwear degree and the realisation that it wasn’t congruent with my values.

I knew I wanted to continue exploring knitwear in a hands-on, process-led way, and opted to return home to Dartmoor. As the landscape and heritage around me is a continued source of inspiration.

Through my connection to local shepherds I started my woolgathering as a way to reconnect to my own knitwear practice and expand my knowledge of the processes behind wool production. Through this connection to the farming community I have seen first hand the pitiful price paid for wool to the local farming community, wool is no longer seen as profitable, with farmers even resorting to burning their wool. It will cost a farmer more in petrol to take wool to be sold to the British wool board than what they are paid for it.

Through the Woolgatherers Workshop I am able to pay a fair price for wool, this honours the heritage of the wool industry of Dartmoor and also provides a lifeline to the local heritage rare breeds; from farms that work in conjunction with nature with commitments to farming in ethical and sustainable ways.

The Wool Gatherers Workshop is a project rooted in a deep connection to process and materials; honouring an ancestral practice. A Commitment to wool production, spinning, weaving and knitting.

The heart of my knitwear design practice is centred around the human body and its connection to its environment, our garments act as a bridge between ourselves and the landscape around us, this connection goes much further than the physical relationship but into the realm of ancestry and tradition and what connects us to our landscape through materials and rituals of making. Through honouring these traditional practices and looking beyond the physicality of an object to the stories which connects us.’ @thewoolgatheresworkshop

'Artist & Maker Spotlights' - Louise Gelson of LG Leatherworks

We’ve met Louise many times on the craft circuit and have always admired her stunning hand stitched leather creations. Her unique vegetable tanned leather comes in a variety of beautiful colours that compliment any outfit (or dog!).

So delighted Louise is part of the Moon & Moor Makers, as well as being magnificently talented she’s the nicest person ever!

New in to the gallery are the amazing two tone coloured hand stitched leather key rings.

Perfect present material!

Hi I’m Louise and I make luxury hand stitched leather goods for humans and their hounds. I work from my shepherds hut workshop at my home on Dartmoor.
My interest in leather started when I was given a leather sandwich box from my grandmother, she used it as a young girl when she went hunting. This box is now probably nearly 100 years old and is still in a great condition. I love that vegetable tanned leather has the potential to last so long when well cared for and to be passed down through generations.
I hand stitch all the leather products that I make using a method called saddle stitch as this gives them a superior strength and durability and looks beautiful. The leather that I use is vegetable tanned which takes a longer time to produce but is hard wearing and has the most fantastic smell. My bags are made to be used every day, the leather develops a rich patina over time and looks better with age and use.

Initially I took part in a weekend introduction to leatherwork course which I loved and from there I wanted to increase my skills.This led to bag making courses, a leather restoration course, advanced leather working and a bridlework course and also hours of practise! Then testing my ideas on family and friends until I began taking my work to craft fairs and events.
As well as making products for these events I also take commissions and do some repairs.

Follow - @lgleather

'Artist & Maker Spotlights' - Ceramicist Marieke Ringel

Over the past few years we've admired Marieke's magnificent animal ceramic sculptures at The Craft Festival at Bovey Tracey, Devon.
Last year after seeing her work pop up again on instagram we plucked up the courage to see if Marieke would like to stock Moon & Moor with her beautiful animal sculptures, to our joy she said yes!

We love having hr work in the gallery, they get so much attention and joyous new homes are now adorned with these creations.

Hello, I'm Marieke,

Animals have always played a major role in my life. They are source of fascination and inspiration. Grown up in the countryside of south west Germany animals have been constant companions.”

Before studying Ceramic Art at Burg Giebichenstein in Halle, Germany, I was trained as a potter in Landshut, Bavaria. It was very important to me to learn as much as I could about clay, designing my own slips and glazes, firing techniques and how to solve problems before my studies of Ceramic Art. In the five year Diploma course at University, I found a way to express myself, to work from the heart - creating animal sculptures and exploring the relationships between humans and (other) animals.
Since 2015 I live and work in Moretonhampstead, a small town located on Dartmoor, in the south west of England.

I work in stoneware clay and locally found clays from Dartmoor. I generally build my sculptures solid, and hollow them out when they are leather hard. This allows me to work the piece with more eypression, I don’t have to be very careful when I add and substract clay in the process.

I consider a piece finished when I can sense a feeling, an emotion, “something” coming across from the animals expression or gesture. This is possibly the most essential part of my work. By creating this kind of connection to my work and ultimately with my work and the viewer, I try to tighten the gap between humans and other animals, I seek to create a sense of essential relatedness between mammals. The equine and canine subject are of particular interest to me, their history and deep connection to human kind are fascinating and compelling to me.

Follow Marieke - @marieke.ringel

'Artist & Maker Spotlights' - Rosie Brewer Woodwork

We found Rosie & her stunning creations amongst the contemporary craft fairs we all exhibited at and the galleries we stocked, way before we were even thinking of Moon & Moor! Quickly becoming close friends, a shared passion for craft, art, woodlands and the environment.

We are so chuffed to stock Rosies wood work at Moon & Moor Gallery Shop and will hopefully be stocking her new ceramics collections in the near future!

‘Hi I’m Rosie and I am an artist and designer-maker working in both wood and ceramics. I create a range of functional works as well as one-off art pieces.

The items I create are thoughtfully considered, minimalist and sleek, taming the wildwood for modern lives.

From classically gnarled British oak to a dusky and mysterious hardwood from overseas: all wood is a natural story and no two stories are alike. The ancient tales of growth, written deep within the grain – the twists, knots and patterns are what make wood a joy to work with. Each quirk of the timber helps me find the piece it will become.

I craft everything from sustainably sourced wood, localy grown where possible. This way I can ensure that you receive something of beauty, and usefulness without spoil to our global environment.

In the time before

As a child my parents ran a busy sawmill by our house, making sheds, beach huts and animal shelters. My memories of home are those of industrial saws whirring, with the fragrant scent of freshly machined trees in the air. I could often be found on top of teetering log piles, or taking on the task of creating little bird boxes. Suffice to say my passion for wood, woodworking, and anything woody started here, in the early days.

As an adult I studied 3D Design at Camberwell College of Arts where, as you can guess, I found myself naturally drawn to working in wood. I wanted to give new forms to a natural product, ones that were perfectly functional and rooted in everyday life – this guided me to develop my own collection of contemporary kitchenware. Upon graduating in 2012 I haven’t looked back. I got myself a workshop, stocked it with tools and started making my designs which are now available in shops and galleries across the UK and Northern Ireland.’ - Rosie Brewer

You can follow Rosie @rosiethebrewer

Artist & Maker Spotlights - Rachael Larsson-Carter Textiles

Starting our ‘Spotlights’ is the lovely Rachael Larsson-Carter Textiles.

We first spotted Rachaels beautiful macramé plant hangers at the Fore Street Flea Market, in Exeter, just after we had opened Moon & Moor Gallery and feel in love with her sustainable ethos, colour combinations and cord she uses and the unique variations of knotting techniques created. . .

‘Hello, I’m Rachael, the maker behind Larsson-Carter Textiles. I handcraft sustainable Macramé homewares and gifts. 

All of my products are made with 100% recycled cotton cord which has been ethically sourced. This eco-friendly cord is a by-product of the fashion industry. I use a variety of colours and cords which are current and on trend from the fashion companies which would have otherwise gone into landfill. 

The ethos of my creative business is all about sustainable textiles, zero waste, zero plastic. The materials I use are environmentally friendly, including bamboo hoops and wooden rings. This means that everything I make is recyclable and biodegradable. Although plant hangers are my best sellers, I also create macramé bottle holders, yoga mat straps and celebration archways.

Yes, you might be right in thinking that macramé is a bit of a 70’s flashback! This craft of creative knotting is now in the midst of an enthusiastic rival...along with some seventies bohemian nostalgia. Plant hangers and wall hangings are hitting UK homes quite literally with rattan and bamboo furnishings against over-sized indoor plants and macramé hangings adding texture and colour to any interior. 

I hope you love my macramé plant hangers as much as I love making them for Moon and Moor!’

-Rachael Larsson-Carter

'Artist of The Month' - Alec Davey

‘Artist Of The Month’ - Alec Davey

‘Bluebell Woods’ By Alec Davey. Oil on Canvas

Born in Okehampton 85 years ago, Alec started his painting career at Belstone art group, after retiring. 

A self-taught artist, Alec uses oils on canvas to create his master pieces. 

Displays of his paintings have graced various local venues and Alec donates many of his art works for charitable causes.

‘Autumn’ By Alec Davey. Oil on Canvas.

Artist of the month - Rebecca Holley

At Moon & Moor we are featuring a local artist each month, this month see’s the textile works of Rebecca Holley.

Rebecca’s beautiful textile works are created from reclaimed fabrics and rag-rugged into stunning textile images. We are so pleased to be representing her for the month of November.

The colourful wall hangings, cushions and cards capture the colours of this month, with fireworks, bonfire night and the autumnal changes in the season.

Rebecca writes;

I am an artist living and working in Mid Devon. My main area of focus is hooked textile works. Following a traditional craft of rug making but exploring from a fine art perspective these are one-off pieces incorporating 100% reclaimed fabrics. I design and hand hook the pieces, some are framed to hang on a wall, the larger unframed pieces can also be placed on the floor and used as rugs.

I support my textile work with paintings, printmaking, drawing and sculpture.

You can see and purchase her amazing art up until the 30th December at Moon & Moor.

www.rebeccaholleyartworks.co.uk

#rebeccaholleyartworks