melvyn evans

Vine Magazine Interview

2011-12-19T17:52:00.000Z

Our wonderful local magazine 'The Vine' asked if they could interview me for an article.

Prints Charming
First published : December 2011
Fascinating local artist Melvyn Evans opens up his studio to Vinereaders, sharing his creative processes, why Knole is so special to him and how he became an award-winning artist
'Pools of Light'
In a humble studio tucked down the tranquil Hitchen Hatch Lane, artist Melvyn Evans is quietly creating his next piece of art. This modest artist is one of Sevenoaks’ greatest assets and you may well recognise his work from some of the local galleries, but while generally keeping a low profile, Melvyn’s art has received very high praise. He has exhibited in some of the best galleries in London such as the Bankside Gallery, studied at the Royal College of Art and won awards for his illustrations.
Despite his talent, there’s no pretentiousness to Melvyn’s art; his work is simple yet striking. “I like developing ideas using lino relief printing; this form of printing places limitations upon the artist because of the inherent restrictions of the medium. It necessitates a focused consideration as to what is essential in conveying an idea, how the composition, tone and colour work in harmony. Colour interests me a great deal, the Scandinavian and northern European use of colour, the greys and whites, the colour that is inextricably linked with tone and light.”
Melvyn’s work reflects his personality, consciously or not; there’s a quiet sense of thought and compassion that goes into his illustrations, which is conveyed in particular through his print series of a little character with no name. His story is one of insecurities and worry as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Eventually the timid character gives up the ‘worry’ that he had been carrying around in his bag for so long. Melvyn’s work is chiefly based around stories such as this one that he has created through continuous detailed sketching, giving his work substance and meaning.
(left) 'The Worry' lino print; (right) Melvyn in his studio; Preparing the lino for print
It is undoubtedly Melvyn’s relationship with the Kent landscape that makes his work so special, however. There is certainly a focus on capturing the essence of the British countryside and its spirit. “I am drawn towards exploring the landscape’s figurative representation, and then looking deeper into aspects that interpret the mystical and spiritual elements of its nature, conveying a sense of history and folklore into a narrative, and imputing the image with a sense of place.” This can clearly be seen in Melvyn’s series on Knole Park. Fascinated by the ancient forest of the deer park and the complex beauty of light and shadow amongst the trees, Melvyn has really captured this enchanting landscape that is an important part of Sevenoaks’ heritage. Melvyn recalls: “Time seems to stop when you walk into the park; you feel different and there’s a sense that it’s a very special place. I am especially drawn to the dew ponds; I think they’re fascinating, especially those in ancient woodland. Their age and shape give them a mystery, their reflections are a window into another world.”
While Melvyn is now doing what he loves best, it hasn’t always been this way. Under the influence of his naval father, Melvyn began his early career as a marine engineer working on submarines and destroyers, but underneath he always had a burning desire to become an artist. After his five-year apprenticeship he took the plunge and left the dockyard to study art in Wales at Carmarthen College of Art in 1981. Completing a BA in illustration at Exeter College of Art and Design, Melvyn moved on to Goldsmiths College London and afterwards attended drawing classes at the Royal College of Art.
As a young artist Melvyn kicked off his artistic career at a design company and began illustrating in 1992 with a commission by Chatto & Windus to create the artwork for the cover ofIndigo by Marina Warner. This started a creative foray into publishing, which has included commissions from Channel 4 to illustrate a poetry anthology Visible Voices; Duncan Baird Publishing for a series of books Positive Business and Ebury Press cookery books by Amy Wilcock. “I was young and had no ties so I worked on everything I could. I have illustrated for all sorts of companies from the big magazines like Elle, Red and Cosmopolitan to Waitrose, Halifax and Vodafone. I even did a commission for the Church of England – I was asked to create a ‘modern’ illustration that turned out to be rather controversial; even The Times got wind of it!”
(left) 'Thames People and Tides' digital print; (top right) 'Light through the trees' lino print; (bottom right)'Swallows Leaving' lino print
Melvyn’s work certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed; perhaps one of his most notable pieces is his illustration ‘Thames People and Tides’ for the Transport for London competition. Harking back to the great travel posters designed by the likes of Edward Bawden, Edward McKnight Kauffer and Paul Nash, Melvyn’s busy London scene sits well amongst these modern classics and he has truly captured the spirit of 20th-century poster design. Melvyn’s artwork was used to advertise and promote the awards event at the London Transport Museum and won an Association of Illustrators’ silver award for the illustration this summer. While Melvyn finds it difficult to pinpoint where his inspiration comes from, mainly drawing on the natural landscape around him, key 20th-century artists do play a part in how he approaches his work. “I admire the work of John Piper; David Jones; George Henry, especially his oil painting ‘A Galloway Landscape’, 1889; James Dickson Innes; I love John Craxton’s work; and the Glasgow School. There are so many, but all their printing and artistic processes are so different.”
Despite the influence of 20th-century artists, Melvyn’s work has a unique contemporary edge while continuing the ever-popular demand for traditional printmaking. With such a print resurgence, now is the time to invest in contemporary artists who have embraced printmaking as their primary medium. To look forward to in the New Year, Melvyn will be opening up his studio to the public as part of the established South East Open Studio event in June and he will also be exhibiting a new selection of work at Knole next autumn. If you fancy a go at printmaking yourself, Melvyn will be offering a two-day lino-printing course at Chart Farm from January 20-21 and Art Angels now stock affordable Christmas cards displaying Melvyn’s work. If you’d like the real thing, why not commission Melvyn to create your own piece of art, whether it’s for you or a gift. One thing’s for sure; it will be a timeless piece of art worth keeping.
Visit www.melvynevans.com

Drawing at the V&A

2011-12-08T20:03:00.000Z

The Society of Graphic Fine Art organised a drawing day at the V&A and I spent a wonderful few hours lost in scribbling and catching up with members.

Open Studio

2011-11-24T16:03:00.001Z

I'm having an open studio this weekend, starting on Friday 25th November until Sunday 27th November.

The Society of Graphic Fine Art Exhibition, Draw 11.

2011-10-10T18:07:00.000+01:00

The Society of Graphic Fine Art is holding their 90th Annual Open Exhibition at the Menier Gallery at 51 Southwark St. The exhibition runs from the 3-15 October. Looking around the exhibition reveals some superb drawing and mark making. This year I am thrilled to be exhibiting with them. For more about the Society please visit their website at www.sgfa.org.uk

Images 35 silver award in the self promotion category

2011-08-26T10:45:00.000+01:00

It was a great start to the Images 35 exhibition last night at the Bankside Gallery, and very inspiring to see some great british illustration. I was very honoured to be among the prize winners, with a silver award in the self promotion category. It was for an illustration entitled 'The Worry' and is an idea I'm developing for a book. Jonny Hannah won gold in the same category for a fantastic piece entitled 'A Bed Of Sea & Dead Men's Suits' a poster for a one man show at St Judes Gallery, Norfolk.

The Worry

Linoprint

26.5 cm x 37.5 cm

The award winners at the Bankside Gallery, London

The old beech tree

2011-08-10T16:57:00.000+01:00

I thought I'd spend some time drawing this old beech tree, the roots make it look as if it's trying to grow legs.

Pools of Light

Linoprint

28 cm x 35 cm

Here's print based on dew ponds. I think they're fascinating, especially those in ancient woodland. Their age and shape give them a mystery, their reflections are a window into another world.

Parallax AF 8th-10th July

2011-07-05T09:10:00.000+01:00

I'll be taking part in the Parallax AF at La Galleria, Royal Opera Arcade, Pall Mall from 8-10 July. I'll be selling prints, so if you're in London and would like to take a look please come along.

Open Studio

2011-06-06T10:36:00.001+01:00

If you would like to visit my studio I've linked up with the South East Open Studio to open the studio from the 3rd - 19th June. The photos show the studio as a gallery, the paintings on the floor were hung outside in the garden. It's a great event and a good way to get to know other artists. Even our dog Bessie is getting involved.

I was so pleased to win a bursary award from the SEOS along with Claire Palastanga who makes beautiful ceramic art sculptures. Here's a photo of me looking awkward at the event held at The Art Room, Ashford taken by Rod McIntosh the SEO chairman, and a great painter.

Serco Prize for Illustration Silver Award

2011-05-14T18:10:00.002+01:00

Thames People and Tides

Here's an image I submitted for the Serco Prize for Illustration Competition organized by the AOI, and is now part of an exhibition held at the London Transport Museum. It's called Thames People and Tides, and my intention was to show the tides of people that use the bridges and the paths along the River Thames, and the boats that use the tides for work and for pleasure. I wanted to capture something of the spirit that exists from quieter stretches with willows, swans and rowers, to the excitement of the jugglers and performers along the Thames path.

2011-03-30T11:46:00.000+01:00

Upon Reflection

He knew the pool was deep, but he stood, and upon his reflection he reflected.

Upon Relection
Linoprint
25 cm x 40 cm

2011-02-09T16:09:00.000Z

Bonfire

This morning the smoke from a large bonfire rose through the trees in the wood partially obscuring the rising sun, which glowed red through the dense smoke.

Bonfire and the sun (sketch) pastel on paper

2011-02-03T10:36:00.005Z

A Frosty Sunrise

We've had some frosty mornings with wonderful sunrises, it's very cold but I thought I'd take a sketch pad with me when I walk Bessie our dog.

Sunrise through the trees, with frost on the ground

The reflected light

2011-01-27T14:38:00.000Z

Stags in Knole Park

I have finally got around to starting my blog page. These new prints are part of a series inspired by Knole Park, it's on my doorstep and used to be the haunt of Henry VIII, maybe I should include him in the next one.

The prints are for sale as a limited edition, if you are interested in purchasing please contact me at info@melvynevans.com or call on

+44 (0)1732 455 823.

I will have a dedicated page for print sales on my website soon.

www.melvynevans.com

The Stag in Knole Park

Linoprint

Image size 30 cm x 32.5 cm

Roots and Branches
Linoprint
Image size: 35 cm x 28.5 cm