The Art of Storytelling

And so another chapter begins in the illustrious career of Welsh artist Kerry Darlington. Kerry's hauntingly beautiful artworks and stunning unique editions, with their high gloss resin finish, have made her work instantly recognisable!

Some pieces, like the breath-taking 'Ophelia' are desirable to the point where they now change hands for many times their original price.

So for this year, Kerry has released four superb new editions, with elements including stylised ice crystals and snowflakes which have yet again left us in awe of her creative abilities.  

The Snow Queen

'The Snow Queen' is resplendent in shimmering blue with her powerful polar bear companion. This image was inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia, written by CS Lewis, who believes that myths are not just stories but alternative histories to our own existence. 

The bear hibernates associating it with dreaming and offers a reminder that it is good to sometimes slow down and reserve our energy. The blackbird is a bird of high symbolism, a keeper of secrets who watches us as we learn to navigate the paths of light and dark...

The Call of the Trees

This stunning piece is covered in details from the winding trunk and magical gold leaves through to the beautifully painted animals. The roots reach down into the earth, enhanced by shimmering gold and silver highlights that sparkle as the light catches... 

Trees are the keepers of the Earth, providing shelter for animals and birds, running their roots deep into the soil to keep them strong. From ancient times the call of the trees has covered the earth with a mystical calm keeping us in tune with nature and helping us stop and catch our breath in this often mad world...

Flying Home

Kerry's motto is that she 'paints everything she can't see and a little of what she can'. The fairy folk feature strongly in many of her works and this piece is no exception. The immaculate presentation and attention to detail is incredible, 

Romeo and Juliet

Shakespeare's tale of the star-crossed lovers is the subject of this final piece, with a stunning array of swirling colourful galaxies and bright shining stars... 

 Who is to know which will be the next Ophelia...?

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!

York Lifestyle Exhibition 2014

Turn Your Dreams into Reality!

Having just celebrated our 6^th Birthday we have decided to venture into the world of outside exhibitions!

Two months ago we were delighted to accept an invitation to join the York Lifestyle Group, a select group of independent businesses in and around the York area who each offer a specialised service to their clients. Together the group aims to raise awareness of the fantastic expert advice that is available freely on your doorstep from each of these independent businesses.

A very successful exhibition was held last February and building on its success we are now putting together the 2014 York Lifestyle Exhibition to be held at Dean's Garden Centre, Stockton on the Forest, York YO32 9UE on the 1st-2nd February 2014. This is a FREE EVENT and everybody is welcome! 

Each of the businesses taking part in the exhibition will be available to talk with you about projects you are considering for your home. From elegant fabrics to stylish flooring, beautiful bedrooms and bathrooms and artful finishing touches for everywhere! You can even get a bespoke landscape design for your garden!

The York Lifestyle Group are there for you! A showcase of top quality, stylish products with expert advice available. Come along and help us to help you turn your dreams into a reality!

Whether art is the start of your journey or the end and however many stops there are in between, The Acorn Gallery and The York Lifestyle Group are there to help!

For more details about the exhibition or to register for a free entry in our GRAND CHARITY RAFFLE then please visit www.yorklifestyle.co.uk