It isn't Art that's elitest - it's all the hangers on!

A fascinating read from Middlesbrough artist Mackenzie Thorpe, 

who once promised never to get too big for his boots...

Click the image for the full article!

The Search - An Interview with Mackenzie Thorpe

Q, What was your inspiration for the title 'The Search'?

A, The title was from the 1956 John Ford Movie 'The Search' What makes a man to wander, what makes a man to roam, what makes a man turn his back on bed and board, what makes a man turn his back on home.

Q, Is the duffle coat characters search over?

A, No the search lasts forever.

Q, What music were you listening to when you painted this piece?

A, Vera Lynn's 'Harbour Lights'

Q, Is the painting set in a particular place?

A, No

Q, Is the path red for a reason?

A, Yes, it is the passion of the journey.

Q, The colour spectrum in the sky is amazing, how did you know it would turn out so powerful?

A, I knew because I painted the rainbow colours of the sky as homage to Tom Wall, my tutor and my friend.

Q, Do you think you will use new techniques after using lacquer and varnish on this piece?

A, Yes! I have just found new metallic inks with patterns such as fish scales, which I am really excited about using!

Q, Can I buy this piece?

A, You can buy the original! It's big, like you!

This interview took place by phone whilst Mackenzie was drawing new works for his November show in New York and Mackenzie likes quick conversations on the phone so it was pretty good that it lasted this long!

Bid Now on the 'Game of Life'!

Today sees the launch of a very special CHARITY AUCTION which will not only capture the attention of  Mackenzie Thorpe collectors but which may also catch the eye of the stars of the Game of Life itself!

The Game of Life Book was released in 2003 to accompany the set of paintings of the same name. Ten years on the book has sold out and artist Mackenzie Thorpe has managed to keep one to himself for long enough to sketch and annotate it all the way through! 

You will find quotes and little drawings on ad hoc pages and in places you will even see him fill in a little more of an otherwise complete painting!

This is your chance to own this very UNIQUE book by placing a bid in the auction. It is very easy to do and we will stay in touch the whole time to let you know if are outbid.

Ten Charities will benefit from the proceeds including York House Ventures which has been nominated by The Acorn Gallery. York House helps people with a non-progressive acquired brain injury who need help and support to live more independent lives.

BID BY EMAIL to info@theacorngallery.co.uk 

BID BY PHONE on 01759 307652

or

BID IN PERSON here at The Acorn Gallery, 5 Market Place, Pocklington YO42 2AS.

BIDDING STARTS 19th March 2013 and BIDS CLOSE 15th May 2013. 

Good Luck!

To view the book on-line PAGE BY PAGE please CLICK HERE 

To learn more about York House Ventures please CLICK HERE 

Morning Grandad!

As John and I walked into the gallery this morning we couldn't help but smile at 'Snowy Tops' which looks amazing hanging on the end wall beyond the desk... seeing it there just reinforced how proud we are to be working with Mackenzie Thorpe. 

After hanging the original yesterday we also unpacked and placed two sculptures. 'Grandad's Little Finger' is a gorgeous bronze sculpture. It shows a little boy and his Grandad walking along deep in conversation, each with their over-sized boots and carefully poised hands, leading you to wonder what could they possibly be talking about? The bronze is smooth and curved and has a beautiful depth of colour... it calls out to you to touch it...

'Grandad's Little Finger' by Mackenzie Thorpe

It's probably best you don't tell the world but I couldn't help myself but call out 'Morning Grandad' as I walked past!

First thing this morning the excitement continued with the arrival of an enormous box! It had three layers and I almost expected to find a goodie as I unwrapped each one! Finally the polystyrene packaging was removed and there they were, waiting to be lifted clear... 

'The Apostles' is a stunning sculpture cast in parian. It is an impressive size at 31 inches long and standing 10.5 inches tall it is a stunning piece of work! Of course there were 12 apostles in Biblical terms but there are 13 here... each carefully crafted by Mackenzie with a gesture, a bicycle, a stick or a dog...

Each man is deep in conversation or deep in thought... they are having a laugh, telling a tale and all the while they are following their daily routine... and as such 'The Apostles' are the followers of life...

'The Apostles' by Mackenzie Thorpe

A Snowy Surprise...

Yesterday evening we had an appointment at Mackenzie Thorpe's Gallery in Richmond to collect some work for our new display having recently been approved as a Mackenzie Thorpe Partnership gallery.

Wendy as usual was a complete oracle of information about Mackenzie and his work and everything we were expecting was ready and waiting for collection... but not before she invited us to join her in a cup of coffee and some tales of adventure.

By the time we left we had acquired another print and a gorgeous bronze sculpture! You know when you just close you eyes and wish... well it happened! 'Grandads Little Finger' was coming home to the Acorn...

'Grandad's Little Finger' in bronze by Mackenzie Thorpe

To our surprise Wendy had also planned on including an original for our display and to our total delight the piece she had in mind was one which we had admired on our last visit!

Entitled 'Snowy Tops' this magnificent pastel work has bold but simple colours and a strong message that even in deepest winter when the snow falls and the leaves are gone, the Shepherd will always take care of his flock. 

Of course the Shepherd and his sheep are not only a literal representation they also make a symbolic reference to the family and those in all places who take care of others...

'Snowy Tops' by Mackenzie Thorpe

Mackenzie's use of warm gold colours in stark contrast to the cold you know there must be, reminds us of the force of nature and yet in the strong and calm presence of the shepherd we feel comforted and safe.

My heart sang as we took a steady drive home although I'm sure the car was a little heavy on its axles!

April Has Sprung

Well March has ended and for the gallery it has been its best month since opening!! So a big thank you to all those customers that bought in March. We have had a mixture of sales from Limited Editions to Originals from traditional to contempary.

Since opening the Gallery our best seller was Alexander Millar, sorry Alex but you have been overtaken by Peter Smith. Well done Peter!!!

Our top 3 sellers are as follows:-

Peter Smith
Alexander Millar
Mackenzie Thorpe

However we have Paul Horton & John Waterhouse tied for 4th spot with Pele, Peter Hildick, Sarah Jane Szikora and Caroline Shotton fighting for 5th spot. It will be interesting to see if the positions change after the release of Alex's new pieces.

On a personal front I do have to wear glasses for reading so I am afraid to say my daughter has disowned me and will not even be in the same room as me when I wear them!!! Good job Diane still loves me and my son still tolerates me just!!!

I am going to make a plea at this point to all those people that stop look in the window and then walk away. I DO NOT BITE, I may look scarey but I am a very nice person honest!!!