‘Adventure Mode is much more exciting’
The sun came out for Stella Cardew’s exhibition, Painting for Pleasure, as did the art lovers because I saw four paintings bought within two hours of the launch at Jeannie Avent Gallery, writes Michael Holland.
Ms Cardew was in her element when discussing her art with visitors, talking of where the inspiration comes from and how she finds her motivation to work each day. I asked her and the answer was pure Stella Cardew: ‘When I wake up I plan either a Face-Up-To-The-Day Mode or an Adventure Mode. My Adventure Mode is much more exciting.’
At 97, her work these days is more gardenscape than landscape, but still has her distinctive style that includes the abstract, the avant-garde and, perhaps, the playful. All her usual motifs are there amongst the flora – butterflies and birds, with the occasional angel hovering. There was one she described as ‘gypsies wandering through mist’, which was bought by Ben, a local artist. It was one that grew on you as it slowly revealed its depth of colour beneath the ochre haze. Atmospheric was the adjective that came to mind. The artist had a lot more to say on this one painting, but then this review would have turned into an essay.
There are several still lifes of flowers in vases, but there is nothing still about them. They are not just alive, but seem to grow as you look into the colours and become mesmerised by the wild, free brushstrokes. And then she tells you that the vases are very old and made by her potter father-in-law, and they take on another meaning; another creative aspect is drawn into the thoughts of the viewer. This is modern art with history.
Jeannie Avent Gallery, 14 North Cross Road, East Dulwich, London, SE22 9EU until 27th May. Open daily 11am – 5pm. Admission: Free.
