|
Rebecca trained in Fine Art in Bristol Polytechnic and at the Royal College of Art (RCA) in London where she completed an MA in Visual Islamic and Traditional Arts in 1991. Whilst at the RCA she learnt the technique of Indian Miniature painting working with pigments mixed with gum Arabic on paper In the last few years through her interest in working with pigments she has taken up egg tempera painting and became a member of the Society of Tempera Painters in 2003. In 2004, along with STP members Rob Milliken, Maz Jackson and Peter Murphy she worked with TV artist Rolf Harris as part of his BBC1 programme ‘Rolf on Art’ helping recreate a full size version of ‘The Birth of Venus’ by Botticelli in egg tempera.
Rebecca takes her inspiration from images of sacred art: primarily Islamic geometry, Christian Orthodox Icons, Indian and Western miniatures and illuminations, and early Italian Renaissance painting. Most recently she has been drawing inspiration from Russian folk art and Art Nouveau.
The work itself is colourful, intense and with a strong narrative content. All of it depicts an archetypal, symbolic world where the ideals of things exist. To this end, all the pictures are based on geometric patterns that give them their innate harmonious quality. The colours too are carefully chosen, to give a sense of musical composition, an idea drawn from Indian miniature painting, where images are often painted as a mirror of a musical mode. Recurrent themes are spiritual and romantic love, Christian saints and the seasons and cycles of the year. Latest work is includes depictions of Bible stories and a series of works based on the Alphabet.
Selected Recent Group Exhibitions
Frivoli Gallery, London, December 2005
Unthank Gallery, Norwich August 2005
Lena Boyle Fine Art, Chelsea Fine Art Fair London, 2005
Byard Art, Cambridge, 2003 – 2005 (ongoing gallery contract)
Haddenham Galleries, Cambridgeshire, 2004
Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour, Mall Galleries, London 2003
Whittlesford Gallery, Miniature Show 2003
Cambridge Contemporary Art, Christmas show, 2002
Solo Exhibitions
Barbican Library, London 2004
Ealing Abbey, London 2002
B is for Boatman
14 x 17cm
Egg Tempera and 24 carat gold.
|
Autumn
16 x 20cm
Egg Tempera and 24 carat gold.
|
St. Ambrose
13 x 13cm
Egg Tempera and 24 carat gold.
|
C is for Courtesan
14 x 17cm
Egg Tempera and 24 carat gold.
|
Summer
16 x 20cm
Egg Tempera and 24 carat gold.
|
St Barbara
13 x 14cm
Egg Tempera and 24 carat gold.
|
www.rebeccamerry.co.uk
|