Background to ‘Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain’

Embrace Tiger Base Imaage 030215

This film was shot on location at Rhosygilwyn mansion. The following quotations are taken from the DVD cover, further information about Glenn and Sean is below.

“Taiji is so much more than the physical form-the energy, chi, flows through and beyond the body filling the space around. Andie’s work reflects the ebb and flow of that energy in a way that no other medium can, giving a sense of that continuous stream of universal energy that we can all immerse ourselves in.” Sean Dowdall

“What interested me here was the contrast between Andie’s rapid energy and the measured concentration of Sean’s slow movements. The situation crackled with creative intensity-which even a sudden downpour failed to dampen. Indeed, Andie incorporated this chance intervention into the work.” Glenn Ibbitson

“The quiet energy of Sean’s Taiji, together with breathtaking vision by Glenn resulted in a Zen-like experience that was far beyond my wildest expectations. Thank you both.” Andie Clay

Further details about Sean and Glenn below.

Tai Chi, Sean Dowdall. http://www.dragontherapies.co.uk/

Glenn Ibbitson:

Painter and Film-maker. Worked as a scenic and storyboard artist with BBC before turning freelance to work in film and theatre. Moved to West Wales to develop his own painting and  film projects. “Tatsuko” [2012: silent; B/W] has been shown in London and Tokyo. “A hauntingly beautiful, dramatically gripping yet enigmatic film ..the shots breathe the artistry of Antonioni, while the enigmatic yet intense story echoes Tarkovsky.” -Gillian McIver-Tanbouli: co-director Studio 75 London

www.smokingbrushfineart.com

Short filming showing me painting a scroll, depicting movement through Tai Chi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxWY-c3jA88

embrace tiger return to mountain youtube image

This short film called ‘Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain’ was filmed as a three-way collaboration between myself, Glenn Ibbitson (film maker and painter) and Sean Dowdall (Tai Chi). The film was used in support of my recent successful application to the RWSW.

 

 

Royal Watercolour Society of Wales exhibition at Oriel Y Parc, St Davids

This July, my work will feature in a Royal Watercolour Society of Wales exhibition at Oriel Y Parc, St Davids. Due to the pandemic, the exhibition will be initially held online.

The theme for the show is ‘Vision and Heritage’, displaying work showing the landscape and life of Wales in all it’s varied forms and including images reflecting the diverse beauty of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

We are hoping the exhibition will physically be able to happen either later in the year or next year.

Land Marks-Cliff 5

 

 

 

 

 

Image: ‘Land Marks – Cliff 5′

Honoured to be selected for membership of the Royal Watercolour Society of Wales

I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to exhibit alongside other professional artists whose work contains a focus on the versatility of water-based media on paper.

Showcasing my work within the Society’s lively exhibition programme at quality exhibition venues both within Wales and internationally, will bring new audiences to my work.

https://www.royalwatercoloursocietywales.com/

Being Inquisitive

 Image: ‘Being Inquisitive’

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SBP Sketchbook for America- 88 Form Yang Style Tai Ji sequence

sbp drawing sbp second drawing

Have been busy filling my SBP Sketchbook for Brooklyn Art Library in New York (see earlier Blogs). I have drawn the Yang 88 Style of Taijiquan as it was being performed in front of me. No time for details, just focusing on grasping the essence and the energy flow of the form. I have been studying Tai Ji for 25 years now so this is a celebration of my quarter century. I do however still consider myself to be a beginner. It is supposed to take several lifetimes to master the art of Tai Ji.

‘Birth/Rebirth’ Exhibition at Boundary Art, Cardiff

Very pleased to have four paintings selected by Cate Cheng, gallery director, for the forthcoming exhibition ‘BIRTH/REBIRTH’ at Boundary Art in Cardiff Bay, a unique combined gallery and tea room.                                                                                               Exhibition runs from 25 March to 6 May 2017, gallery open Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 6pm. (Closed Monday and Tuesday.) www.boundaryart.com   Photos will be posted as soon as available!                                                                                                  The East/West philosophy of the gallery links in with my long term personal interest in Asian culture, and my study and practice of Tai Ji Quan and Qi Gong.                                 Further Information about Boundary Art                                                                           Cardiff’s newest art space, Boundary Art opened in 2015 and devotes itself to the fusion of communication and promotion between Western and Chinese cultures. The gallery is fast developing a reputation for dynamic and distinctive programming to support artists from across the visual spectrum and from across Wales and beyond. Visitors have the unique opportunity to browse original art works and to relax in their Chinese tea room.

The core ideology of Boundary Art has always been about the communication and trans-boundary of the arts, culture and thoughts. The gallery offers an international platform for artists, curators and writers and welcomes all audiences, aiming to encourage everyone to engage with art, prompting questions and supporting debate.

French Musician Philippe Lauters composes music inspired by my paintings

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmWnxD2_HG8&feature=youtu.be

Call of the coast - 61cm by 61cm - mixed media

Click on the link to view the video. So touched that she found my work of interest, do look at her other YouTube films.

‘Spring Collection’ exhibition at Art Matters Gallery, Tenby

Just delivered 4 paintings to John and Margaret in sunny Tenby for the first show after their winter break. Always good to feel Spring is on its way!   Exhibition runs from February 11th to 28th March.  The gallery winter opening hours are 10am to 5pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. (Gallery closed on Sunday and Wednesday.) Further information including images of the entire exhibition are on the website https://artmatters.org.uk/ 

Chrysalis

FREE SPIRIT off to new pastures

Free Spirit copy

A painting that is very dear to my heart recently set off to her new home. Bought by a couple who were visiting Cardigan whilst walking the Ceredigion Coast Path, Free Spirit shows a horse enjoying being able to run freely, mane and tail flying,  unencumbered from control by man.

The following piece was written when I first became aware of being drawn to horses, about ten years ago:

“Horsepower entrances me.
Their spirit, energy and essence are a constant draw.

To see horses running free with their lively fluid grace and majesty is an uplifting sight. When grazing on rugged exposed open moorland it is possible to observe in them a strong sense of inner ease and freedom of spirit.

Years spent absorbing and learning to ‘see’ them, not knowing how, why or what I had to say, have started to repay me. Seizing the challenge of drawing them from life, I have started on a journey – the resultant quick sketches barely able to achieve more than to grasp at their essence.

Back in my studio, using the power of mark and line it is this distillation of spirit that I strive to express and develop.”

 

 

 

View my previous SBP sketchbooks here

See a page-by-page view of my previous SBP sketchbooks by clicking the link below. In 2012 my first sketchbook was titled:’ My Mother’s Last Christmas’, a diary of the week I spent with her when she wasn’t expected to live for much longer. Two years later I submitted a sketchbook called ‘Inside Out’ which was a series of self portraits.

https://www.sketchbookproject.com/library?utf8=%E2%9C%93&q=andie+clay