Jake Lever
Zuleika Gallery exhibition
In recent years I have frequently visited Zuleika Gallery in Woodstock, Oxfordshire. I have loved both the space and the exhibitions that they have thoughtfully curated. This December I am delighted that they have chosen to include some of my recent work in their Christmas exhibition.
Zuleika Gallery was founded in Oxford in 2015 by Lizzie Collins, who has been working in the art world for over 20 years. Zuleika’s focus is on emerging contemporary art and Modern British art.
The Christmas Show will showcase a selection of affordable paintings, prints, drawings and ceramics and will run until December 23rd at the gallery in Park Street, Woodstock (see their website for full details and opening times).
My work on show is a mixture of recent prints and drawings made with black Somerset Velvet paper and reflects my current interest in the ‘web of belonging’ and fascination with tree roots, webs, mycelium and seaweed.
Gillian Lever
Looking ahead
2023 has been a full and creative year. I have enjoyed making new paintings and showing work with Art First, London and I am now working on a new body of work for exhibition in 2024.
I have also loved offering Creative Quiet Days with art therapist Becky Morse-Brown. The response to these days has been very encouraging and we plan to offer more of them in 2024. The days are mostly held in silence with input from the facilitators and opportunities for experimental art making and reflection. At the end of each day we hold space for verbal sharing and viewing of the artwork that has been made. In these uncertain times opportunities for quiet reflective space and creative expression seem to be increasingly sought after. For more information please contact Lever Arts.
Jake Lever
New work Autumn 2023
Recently I have become fascinated by the branching threads of fungus mycelium in organic soil and I have loved discovering the book ‘Entangled Life’ by Merlin Sheldrake. Merlin Sheldrake is a biologist, writer, and speaker with a background in plant sciences. A keen brewer and fermenter, he is fascinated by the relationships that arise between humans and more-than-human organisms. ‘Entangled Life’ is about fungi - most fungi live out of sight, yet make up a diverse kingdom of organisms that support and sustain nearly all living systems. ”Fungi throw our concepts of individuality and even intelligence into question. They can change our minds, heal our bodies, and even help us remediate environmental disaster.” (Merlin Sheldrake’s website).
On local woodland walks I have hunted for mycelium, finding them fascinating and visually inspiring.
I have loved seeking out other fungi too - so beautiful in colour and form.
Back in the studio I have been developing a new body of work - drawings and mixed media pieces inspired by the fungi that I have been studying.
”Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
Gillian Lever
Joan Eardley Creative Quiet Days
Together with art therapist Becky Morse-Brown, I have been preparing to facilitate some Creative Quiet Days inspired by the work of the Scottish artist Joan Eardley. The days will take place on Saturday 28th and Monday 30th October 2023 at Cotteridge Quaker Meeting House, 23A Watford Rd, Birmingham, B30 1JB from 10am - 4pm.
Joan Eardley is one of Scotland’s most popular twentieth century artists. She was a sharp observer of both people and place, and her artist gaze was direct, truthful and unflinching. Her gritty, expressive and vibrant artwork documents the lives and landscapes of the urban and rural communities in which she lived before her death from cancer at the age of 42. As a woman and as an artist, she defied societal norms, forging her own unique and unconventional creative path. Her images from the north-east coast of Scotland will provide a nourishing visual focus for the Creative Quiet Days as participants create their own landscapes and seascapes. Each day will include space to share reflections with other group members on how Eardley inspires creative and authentic living. The days are open to all and Cotteridge Quaker Meeting House is a fully accessible space with ample parking although it is also easy to reach by public transport. We will have sole use of a classroom suitable for ‘messy work’ and access to the courtyard garden. The cost is £65 per person (to cover costs of venue hire, refreshments, and the provision of all art materials). We are also asking that people bring their own packed lunch in order to keep the cost as low as possible.
All are welcome. To enquire about places please contact.
