LAUNCH DATE: Wednesday 1 November 2023, 6–8pm | All welcome
A joint exhibition of artwork from Cara Macwilliam and Candice Swallow entitled Instinctive Energies, invites you to share the spirit and vitality of their art. Their work unfolds, nothing is planned, instinct and senses come to the fore. Layering is intrinsic to their work: the subtle quietness of Macwilliam, the eruption of energy from Swallow, their work flourishes and evolves over time. United in their use of distinct colours and revealed marks, Swallow uses both hard and soft lines in subtle tones or rich juxtaposing colours whilst Macwilliam uses the layering of paler shades to create rich vibrancy, with just the gentlest, intricate touch, featherlike at times. Through the monochromatic works the focus shifts to the powerful presence of the line, with Macwilliam’s work revealing hidden depths.
Cara Macwilliam (b.1972) is a self-taught, disabled visual artist. She started being creative in 2018 during a severe relapse. Living with an energy limiting illness, her work allows her to reconnect to something lost long ago. The repetitive patterns and meticulous details in watercolour pencil and pen, evoke a sense of rhythm and meditation, allowing her to travel into surreal landscapes and mythologies. Macwilliam finds solace and tranquillity within the creative process.
Candice Swallow’s (b.1975) primary practice features layered marks in delicate lines or eruptions of energy across her drawings. Losing her sight aged thirty-one, Swallow has developed a unique way of working with a paper block, allowing her to maintain her independence. When drawing, all her senses work in tandem especially her sense of touch, often touching her face when working. Swallow is part of the pARTtnership, an art studio linked to the Grundy Art Gallery in Blackpool.
This exhibition is a Jennifer Lauren Gallery take-over of Mura Ma.
This exhibition will be held in tribute to Cara Macwilliam’s father, who recently passed. "In loving memory of my father, Ged Macwilliam 07/12/1941-12/10/2023, a man who was the epitome of love and kindness. He truly appreciated my work, and would have adored Candice and her work too. I know he’s with us in spirit. Love you so much dad, a man with the warmest smile, a glint in your eye and a bit of mischief in your step. Go gently now Poppa Mac.” – Cara Macwilliam
Venue: Mura Ma, 15 Stockport Road, Marple, SK6 6BD
Opening Times: Thursday–Saturday, 11am–4:30pm
Appointments for other times can be arranged, please email: info@jenniferlaurengallery.com
Venue access: Ground floor access, ramp into space and ramp into back space
Access: BSL video coming soon. Audio descriptions of the artists styles of work can be found below from audio describer Harry Baxter. Each one gives an overview of that artist’s style of work.
Installation photographs at the top of the page from Roscoe Rutter
Click here to listen to Cara Macwilliam’s artwork descriptions
Click here to listen to Candice Swallow’s artwork descriptions
EVENTS
Friday 3 November, 7–9pm – Supper Club with local chef Claire Woodier - Join local chef Claire Woodier for an intimate 3-course dinner inspired by the artworks and themes explored in Instinctive Energies. This is a one-off event for just 12 people. Cost is £45, with fizz on arrival, and BYO wine/beer – full menu on Claire’s website, but it looks delicious!
Book your ticket hereSunday 5 November, 11am–12:30pm – ‘Connecting to the unseen through touch’ workshop, led by exhibiting artist Cara Macwilliam, looks at your internal self and emotions. After being asked to connect closely with different art materials and objects and the feelings and emotions they evoke, you will use oven-dry polymer clay to create your response to this. This workshop is about play, intuition, and your feelings drawn from the unseen. The clay and simple refreshments will be provided. Cost is £10
Book your ticket hereThursday 9 November, 6:30–8:30pm – In this richly illustrated talk, that will lay the foundation for looking at Cara Macwilliam's art, curator Vivienne Roberts (from the College of Psychic Studies in London) will delve into the history of automatic drawing whilst sharing some of the fascinating art produced by its greatest exponents including: Georgiana Houghton, Anna Howitt Watts, Ithell Colquhoun, Alice Pery and Madge Gill. A Q&A with Cara Macwilliam will follow.
Cost is £10
Book your ticket here
Top image: Exhibition poster featuring drawing by Candice Swallow
Cara Macwilliam, Midsummer’s Veil, Gouache, watercolour and ink on paper, 56.5x76cm
Candice Swallow, Untitled, Graphite on paper, 24x32cm
Cara Macwilliam, Free Living Slider, Stacked polymer clay, 9x10x12cm