The Art of Oh

We are very excited to introduce to you our new Featured Artist, Oh , whose paintings in pastels encapsulates her unique style. Oh’s work emanates from her deep spiritual connections, resulting in series of 12 highly original and captivating paintings.

Oh has exhibited internationally including, Barcelona, Paris, Miami, Lagos, Istanbul, London, Los Angeles through to  New York read more

                

Click here to view the whole collection 

These original paintings are exclusively available at The Art Ministry. We hope that you as mesmerised by them as we are.

We have secure on-line payment options and can deliver anywhere in the world. We also offer framing options, including bespoke for originals. Contact us for further details by using the form below.

Free Delivery Offer
Originals are delivered anywhere in the UK for free.
For international deliveries contact us to discuss options.

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Mark Scott’s River Scene and Skye Rainbow

Anita Casari wrote this article whilst with us at The Art Ministry on an internship through Professionals UK.com. Originally from Italy, Anita was captivated by Mark Scott’s photographs, in particular River Scene and Skye Rainbow. Here, Anita Casari presents us with an illuminating and unusual way of looking at these images.

“River Scene” had a particular impact on me and the first impression that I had about this image has been about movement. It’s like being on a train journey going threw the country and, out of the window, you see this image, just for a second, its impact is so great that it stays in the mind.

I feel this sensation when I look at this photograph it comes principally from the blurred aspects of the image; the leaves, the grass and the sliding water. The same three elements form three horizontal lines, all playing an important role. These lines are given by the yellow leaves (in the top of the picture), the green grass (in the bottom of the picture) and the white waves (which are the focal point and it is easy to understand their importance because they are the subject of the picture appearing in the centre). The two lines of the leaves and the grass look like a frame for the waves so that they attract the attention of the viewer. Another function of these two lines is given by their colour; this is because yellow plus green gives a clear blue colour (the symbolic colour of the fresh water of a river) and thus acts like the two lines of the frame thereby becoming the essence of the subject to the viewer subconsciously. 

The only visible element which is present all around the image are the light brown leaves that you can see on the ground or on the branches, working as a united element.

Correlated to this impression there is another important element which contributes to enforce the effect of power in this picture; it is the game of light and colour created by nature that Mark Scott has been able to capture and impress so it can be enjoyed by all.

The sunlight from the right hand corner highlights the yellow of the leaves and the green of the grass so that they become the boundary in which you can see the water.

The shadows and the dark colours originated by the light become very important to define every single element and their function in this photograph. In particular, this kind of effect on the water makes it powerful. Mark Scott has been able to capture the sense of strength that the image of this water makes you feel how you may if you were descending into the river without obstacles. So I think it’s possible to say that the main subject of this picture is not only the water (as the series name indicates) but it’s about the dynamic, equilibrated, powerful and elegant movements within it. The series has been called “water”, it’s obvious, because it is the main visual subject but I think that it could also be called “the sense of water” because by this and the other images you can’t just see water but you can see all the intensity of its movement which adds to its gracefulness.   

This is one of many works by Mark Scott about nature and its power; from Asia to Africa, and from the United Kingdom to Europe he has always researched the soul and the strength of nature in completely different situations. For example, in the Cambodia Series you can find the victory of the nature on the residue of humanity; or in the Skye Full Colour Series where there are impressive vast European landscapes which apparently look calm, but the tranquillity makes you think about something hidden beneath.

Back to the photograph I have chosen, while I was examining it, it reminded me that what is in the picture, taken in 2005, can never be seen anywhere and at anytime again because nature constantly changes its landscapes and these images in the end act like a witness to these changes.

Another photograph about the power of nature and its changes is “Skye Rainbow”. This second image by Mark Scott that I have selected is because for me it emanates tranquillity, the quietness after a storm. This serenity is the product of a combination of elements which ultimately find a balance.

Talking about the composition, the opposite directions of the forms, the lines created by the objects and by the relation between light and shade (the little wall, the second part of the track and the clouds are in the left while the trees, the first part of the track and the rainbow are on the right) gives the picture a sense of balance.

This sense of balance is enforced by the colours and the light and shade effect.

If it would be possible to mix the two predominant colours, the orange and the blue, we would have a medium grey which is the only colour that doesn’t stress the view; so having these two complementary colours in the same photograph, complete each other and give the sensation of calm and tranquillity to the viewer.

And then the light, it looks like it arrives from the back of your left shoulder and it enlightens the right hand bottom of the picture showing up the small wall made with simple stones and the dry branches. The rainbow, which appears as a spectrum produced by the reflection of sunlight, here also looks as a vertical reflection of the small wall, giving to the entire image a primitive and balanced structure.

Taken in a Scottish island called Skye, in this photograph Mark Scott has been able to capture the feeling that is only possible when the sun comes out after a strong storm: you can see colours more clearly, everything looks neater, you can smell the refreshed air, feel the breeze, and the birds’ singing is the only sound that you can hear because everything is in a state of complete silence.

Both these photographs, River Scene and Skye Rainbow, gives us the opportunity to perceive things and feelings that usually one can only see for few seconds and in remote and unusual locations.

For further information on Mark Scott visit his website and view his full collection.

© 2007 Anita Casari/The Art Ministry. All rights reserved.

Hurry 20% Off Your Christmas Shopping Offer – Ends in 2 Days

Sign up to the Art & Design Zone and get a massive 20% off your 1st order. It’s 20% off everything, even original oil paintings, limited edition prints and original textile art.

To use your discount, you simply need to shop as normal and enter the Discount Code when you are at the checkout.

Timed right, this offer could save you a small fortune on your Christmas shopping. If you haven’t taken advantage of this yet, or browsed the collections, hurry and visit now as this offer closes Monday 18th December. And don’t worry about “is what you see on screen what you get”, we have a 14 day money back guarantee, so if your not satisfied return for a full no quibble refund.

Plus everyone joining the Art & Design Zone receives a free gift worth £12!

Perhaps you know a friend who also wouldn’t mind saving £20 in every £100 spent at this time of the year, so why not forward this mail to tell them of the opportunity, available to all who join the Art & Design Zone.

Last Order Dates Christmas 2006

To ensure you receive your orders in time for Christmas please place your order and ensure payment has cleared before the dates below:

UK                    16th December
Rest of world   12th December

Gift certificates (postal) can be ordered up to:

UK                    18th December
Rest of world   14th December

Orders over £1,000 Special arrangements:

Items over £1,000 can be ordered up to:   20th December
These items will be shipped via DHL

Last minute gifts:

If you still need a gift after the 18th, a great option is e-mail gift certificates which you can order right up to 6pm on 24th. 

Please note:

If your order needs to arrive on a specific date please call us on 0208 581 2328 to check availability and processing times. Or drop us an email with your contact details and the items you are interested in purchasing.

If you are ordering items with different processing time, use the longest time as your guide. We have taken into account ordering processing times in our dates above.

Order Processing Times for your information:
Ceramics/Originals 1 day
Prints/Photographs 3 days
Gift Certificates (Postal) 1 day

We work closely with our suppliers and delivery carriers to ensure each delivery arrives on time, however, some delays may occur which are outside our control. We will contact you immediately if any delays occur and keep you informed throughout.

Wishing all our customers and subscribers a very Happy Christmas

The Art Ministry Team

Claim your Free Welcome Gift worth £12

To Welcome you we have a great Gift worth £12, wrapped and ready to send you.  To claim it click here. 

On joining our mailing list, you will:

• be the first to know about Special offers
• be on our Gift List and be in line for lots of freebies
• be on our Guest List for invites to special events and to meet the artists
• get free access to articles and guides on the art market, trends and interior design

For access to articles and guides go to Articles & Guides Zone or from www.artministry.co.uk click on Customers Services Zone.  You will need a password which will also be sent to you on joining our mailing list.

We hope you like your Welcome Gift and look forward to your next visit.

Free Shipping on Gift Certificates

Need a gift in a rush but still want something special and unique, not sure what to buy, gift certificates are the perfect solution more info.

The swift option is e-mail gift certificates delivered as soon as payment is confirmed for use straight away. However we also offer paper gift certificates that can be posted anywhere in the world for FREE.

Gift Certificates Now Available

A new service for our customers, our Gift Certificates can be purchased for any sum of your choice with a personal message from you to the recipient. This service is also available as an e-mail gift certificate, delivered as soon as payment is confirmed and ready for use online straight away. We also offer paper gift certificates that can be posted anywhere in the world.

 

Corporate gift certificates are the perfect solution if you’re buying for a large group.

 

Each gift certificate is valid for one year and retains the un-used balance for that time.  For example, if a customer has a gift certificate valued at £100 and only spends £30, they can return later and use the remaining £70. For more information click on Gift Services. 

Introducing our New Collections

Sunil Gupta Collection
We are delight to introduce an exclusive collection entitled “Delhi Series” by the photographer, Sunil Gupta. Sunil has been at the forefront of contemporary photography in Britain. Recently, Gupta has been spending more time in Delhi, where he grew up and has been working in a series of projects. The “Delhi Series” explores territories of the everyday in Delhi and juxtaposes Delhi’s Moghul inheritance, with monuments and building and modernity of the city today. This collection shows the daily lives of the citizens of Delhi, in their localities set side by side to the great Moghul architecture. Sunil Gupta captures a city architectural splendour as he seeks out the daily routines of people and the places they inhabit.

This collection of Limited Edition Photographic Prints range from £50 to £200

Sunil’s work has been shown internationally and include exhibitions at  The Hayward Gallery; Fotograifie Forum International & Kommunale Galeria; Museum Ludwig; Metro Pictures, New York; CUNY, Staten Island, New York; Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography; The Prowler Project Space, London; Lighthouse Gallery, Poole; London Print Workshop; City Art Gallery, Leicester; University of Connecticut Museum; Habitat Centre, New Delhi; Stephen Bulger Gallery and Toronto; Sepia International New York.

Judi Barrowman Collection
Joining us this month is the painter Judi Barrowman. Internationally acclaimed for her paintings of Egyptian Tombs and Temples, Judi’s work is fresh and compelling. Her passion for Egypt and ancient Egyptian art knows no bounds.  Based in England, Judi spends the half of her time trawling the deserts of Egypt in search of new images amongst the ancient ruins.  A visit to Egypt in 1985 struck a cord when Judi embarked on an extensive trip across the desert exploring ancient tombs and temples. The tombs and temples that she visited inspired her to pursue an unusual creative direction. She decided to re-capture and interpret what the ancient Egyptian scribes and artists were trying to achieve, she explains that “the paintings in the rock-cut tombs at Luxor speak directly of their owners’ lives, showing an idealised version of what they had achieved in this life and what they longed for in the next – modern life, contemporary aspect of art, and how they mingle with and are influenced by the ancient – this is what fascinates me”.

Judi’s paintings are available at www.artminsitry.co.uk.  In addition to the paintings, also available is Judi’s collection photographs of tombs and temples taken over a period of time. Her photographs are available as Limited Edition Photographic Prints.  

Judi has exhibited extensively and includes exhibitions at Travers Rohbuck gallery, USA; Kingscott Gallery USA; Barnabee Library USA; Viavi Trades Park Studio, USA; Education Department USA, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts USA; travelling Exhibition to schools, libraries, art institutes, museums throughout Michigan;  Lectures on the History of Ancient Egyptian Tomb Painting and present lunch-time lectures at KIA, Western Michigan University, South Western University; Exhibition at Egyptian Embassy, Washington DC; Dogwood Festival in Michigan; Developing and exhibit as Artist.  Research and develop series of representations from the private tombs in Southern Egypt;   Present paintings both contemporary and tomb representations at shared and solo exhibitions at The Gatehouse Gallery, Glasgow; Egyptian Society, Glasgow University; Edinburgh Festival;  Open Eye Gallery, Edinburgh; McCechnie Museum, South Ayrshire and Egyptian Cultural Bureau, London. 

Karl Locher Collection
Karl Locher is self taught and dedicated to perfecting his craft of photographing wildlife and landscape. His stunning images of wildlife and landscapes demonstrate his passion for photography. A plumber by trade, Karl devotes his free time travelling and in finding locations to capture challenging images such as the Dragonfly and the Kingfisher. 

Karl is fast developing a language with his pictures that describes a world of wonder.  His first collection takes us around the Far East, Central Asia, Britain and Italy.  Taken whilst travelling, images such as the Setting Sun on Sukothai, are compassionate and welcoming, inducing tranquillity and peace in the soul.  Through his photography of Britain and its wildlife, Karl expresses a deep affection and respect of his new homeland and delves into its romantic beauty, cherishing what we often take for granted.  He takes his time to, separate and justify each colour in Scottish granite, to capture the undeniable regal beauty in the pose of a May Fly and to catch the sky’s reflection in the delicate eye of the Emperor Dragonfly.  His images of the Alps taken in the early morning reflect his great love of the place. They are a breathtaking study of the earth and through his work Karl brings a new perspective on the way we classify things in our natural habitat. 

This collection of Limited Edition Photographic prints range is available from £45 onwards.

Mark Scott Collection
Although this is Mark Scott’s first collection, he has been interested in photography since a teenager, having perfected his craft through attending courses in photography and printing.  His interests are varied and elements of his first collection can be seen to be every part of the tradition of “concerned photography” when he comes into contact with people. Through his photography, Scott works to engage with the subject matter and compels their participation. Although the collection is primarily made up of landscape images, when Scott ventures into people and places, the mood changes dramatically.  The Jungle Temple series have resulted in a strange and profound revisiting of a much photographed location. Scott’s photos are a fresh perspective on the tourist map. Each photo appears awesome in nature and stresses the folly of man.

The nature of the forest in Cambodia rendered man’s attempt as being futile. Is it a thing of strange beauty? Scott’s eye reveals it to be so, with deep melancholy in hot pursuit. In the eerie Jungle Temple series, the excavated stone structures hold over-baring tree roots as they desperately try and maintain their integrity. In Africa, natures sculpture in the deserts of Namibia wait for the end of time; and the heavily congested streets of Phnom Penn in Cambodia, choke with the fumes of human and mechanical traffic. Available exclusively at The Art Ministry, Mark Scott’s images are compelling and original.

A month long exhibition at Zara’s Restaurant in Hampstead showcased Mark’s photographs from Cambodia and Laos. And as part of his end of course show, Mark’s work was showcased at the Islington Arts Factory in 2004 and 2005.

Shipping Discounts on Ceramics

From this month on we are giving generous shipping discounts on all ceramic items in our Store.

Shipping costs are determined by weight and location. So on all heavy items such as ceramics we’ve applied a £4 discount to the shipping rate, keeping prices low for you.  This discount is deducted automatically, appearing in your shopping cart in the sub-total.  There’s nothing you need to do to claim it.

Let us know the kind of offers you would be interested in.

Welcome To A New Experience In Buying Art

Every piece or print sold at The Art Ministry has a story to tell.  Therefore we would like to introduce you to some of the artists creating works for The Art Ministry and where the inspiration for these works comes from.

We carry works by established ‘names’ in the art world, complemented by the work of new and exciting artists you will come to know. We only select the finest creative talent to represent, and all our artists and designers are masters of their craft, creating work of only the highest standard. To us, these artists represent our belief in diversity, equality and freedom of expression. With our support, their passion to create is honed to produce unique and exciting work, fulfilling your growing demand for contemporary art and your desire to define and compliment your personal space.

Yousif Naser Collection
This exciting collection covers three series, The Missing Mediterranean, The Village Series and The Head Series, and explores his countries history, Iraq, and his time in exile through paint. This exclusive collection of 27 vibrant and compelling abstract paintings, consisting of mixed media and oils, ranges from £96 to £1,120 and is available to purchase now at www.artministry.co.uk.

Yousif has exhibited world-wide, in Britain, across Europe, the Middle East and Japan. He is co-founder of the Ark Studio in West London. To Yousif, no one can understand the gravity of exile until they experience it. Every morning, he begins a painting using black and dark tones, as represents his status and feeling. To escape the darkness, and to connect with light, hope and happiness, Yousif brings in colour, sweeping the canvas with layer upon layer of vibrant paint. He employs lush and layered mixed media and vibrant colours to highlight the complexity of his experience. The urgency of his brush strokes express pure emotion, erupting with an intense and painful energy, which combined with a skilful use of chiaroscuro, reflects a life of uncertainty spent in exile.

Tony Ogogo Collection
Having exhibited world-wide, with works housed at The British Museum and V & A. Tony is at the forefront of his craft. The collection of earthenware he has produced exclusively for The Art Ministry is available as exclusive Open Editions and consists of hand thrown sculptural vases and decorative/serving plates, distinctive of the renowned Benin style of pottery. Prices range from £40 to £260.

Tony grew up in Benin, centre of the distinctive Bini culture that developed unhindered by Islamic or Western influence, a region famed for its bronze work, woodcarving and pottery. Highly original, Tony doesn’t rely on the use of hi-tech equipment, preferring to embrace the personal and tactile feel of his materials.

His collection of “Iyo-Oba” vases and bowls uses traditional smoked firing and glazing techniques, creating beautiful sleek effects that prove very aesthetically satisfying. Tony also works across all styles – abstract, ritualistic and industrial – he doesn’t mind which just so long as the work is challenging. We are delighted to have on board one of the countries most acclaimed ceramicists.

Amarjeet Kaur Nandhra Collection
Amarjeet produces vibrant and provocative original pieces, ranging from wall hangings to free standing three-dimensional sculptures, using all types of materials including fabric, paper, metal and glass. As an accomplished textile artist a.k.a. fibre art, she has produced a lavishly embroidered collection in lush pigment exclusively for The Art Ministry that embraces the visual richness of both her Asian and British heritage.  This collection of original works ranges from as little as £20 and goes up to £1,100 for more substantial and intricate pieces. Amarjeet’s work has been shown at The Jersey Galleries Osterley, The Ark in Ealing, Art Van Go Gallery, Contemporary Textiles Fair, Linda Blackstow Gallery in Pinner, Pitshanger Manor Gallery.

Over the years, Amarjeet has developed a unique style and technique that embodies both eastern and western traditions of textile art. She builds her pieces layer by layer, using textiles and other materials in the same way a painter uses paint. As she works, she comments on her life and the world around her, capturing moods and feelings of specific times and events within the layers. The use of cloth from her wedding dress for example, or images of her father’s funeral, add depth and purpose to her work. Ancient texts and philosophies, images of rites of passage, are often worked into the fabric, whilst images of loved ones are just visible under the mesh.

Houria Niati Collection
Houria Niati has over the years, produced a wonderful collection of abstract water colours, oil pastels and mixed media paintings that are now exclusively available to buy at www.artministry.co.uk as originals or limited edition prints. The collection consists of three series; Arab Andalusian Songs, Oil Pastels and Aquarelle and starts at £500. Houria’s work has exhibited internationally and includes Barcelona, Algeria, California, Atlanta, Florida, London and most recently at the British Museum.

The tone of Houria’s work has become an expression of her wider family and cultural history, and considers the notion of art that is committed to a cause or the ideals of different societies. In her paintings Arab-Andalusian folk songs she makes rich use of mixed media, pastels and oils, applied in thick layers, to represent the conflicts of eastern and western history. Other elements in her work include African- Algerian myths and legends, French romanticism and surrealism, and European post-impressionism and expressionism. Her time in England has developed a growing interest in the International Avant-Garde Movement.

Marita Banfield Collection
Our exclusive new collection of ceramics by Marita Banfield incorporates her sense of humanity and unity with her skills as a ceramicist, particularly evident in her Harmony Fusion range; a series of functional eating and drinking pieces in earthy colours that is full bodied and wholesome. Marita’s technical skills as a lithographic printer and potter, with her life experience and natural artistic talent, have combined to create a unique collection of earthenware exclusively for The Art Ministry. Available as Open Editions her pieces range from £9 to £240.

Marita’s explores her own style of Caribbean, British and African pottery with great compassion. Her ability to reflect her feelings in her work is what sets her apart from her contemporaries. Such compassion is very evident in pieces like ‘Vase with Face 1” where a dignified and beautifully sculptured face stares out from the ‘belly’ of a deep earthen coloured vase, drawing the viewer in to this perfect fusion of sculpture and pottery. Marita’s earlier works have sold at John Lewis, Halls of Kensington and Covent Garden.

Odion Ogogo Collection
Modest about his ability to create stunning ceramics, Odion Ogogo’s work is fast gaining the levels of recognition attained by his brother and fellow ceramicist Tony. Odion is prolific and original in his work and this collection explores both contemporary and indigenous Benin themes, the area of West Africa that developed unhindered by Islamic or Western influence, a region famed for its bronze work, woodcarving and pottery.

Aesthetically, his pieces are at once masculine and feminine; his choice of colours ranging from subtle to bold. The lilac and purple colours used in his vases, bottles and plates highlight the feminine and sensitive side of his work, and his skilful creations show elements of both the Benin style and European pottery traditions. Odion’s dedication to his art was recently recognised in his homeland, when he was made patron of the Ceramic Potters Association of South West Nigeria. His work is now widely sought after in both Britain and Nigeria. His work has sold at John Lewis, Halls of Kensington and Covent Garden.

Odion has produced an extensive collection of Open Edition items for The Art Ministry that includes vases and bottles, and functional pieces like dinner plates and even cooking crockery. Prices range from £12 to £90. A skilled ‘thrower’ Odion is constantly producing new work, from his colourful and striking ‘Y-Shaped Vases’ to the deliciously named ‘Blue Honey Glaze’ range featured in this collection.