The Last 3 Exhibitions of The Year Are................

Stephen Bishop

I am disappointed that Google/Blogger have made it so difficult for people to leave comments on blogs. If only you could just press comment and a blank white box appeared that you could fill with your comment without having to join anything and generate your 100th password for the internet.

I am looking into different blogs that will let you do just that. From next year my blog will be fully integrated into my website anyway and it should not be a problem.

I am however intrigued by the article that I posted yesterday and I am yet to have a discussion about it. Will somebody either come in and talk to me about it or at least comment on the gallery Facebook page.

I have put my foot down today and does it feel good? Yes, but only because it was up in the air before I put it down. Just kidding! I am unleashing my inner professional business woman. I don't like her much as she says no more often than she says yes. But she does have my best interests at heart (I think!). It is so difficult to say no because the generous part of me wants to say yes. My business head and my bank manager are both saying 'But are you going to get paid for doing it?' If the answer is no then I am not doing it.

If anyone is any doubt about the logic of this then just ask yourself this simple question, 'would you work for nothing?'. Need I say more.

As usual it is time to shamelessly plug the current exhibition and the next two that are lined up. Stephen Bishop is now entering his final week. If you haven't seen it then you should come along and take a look.

Next up I have Group 7 who have such a daunting wealth of artistic experience between them that are like local art royalty. They pack a huge art punch with an eclectic mix of styles and approaches. That starts on Saturday 19th October.

Then straight after Group 7 I have Piers Rawson who I mentioned earlier in the week. This stunning photographer who captures those beautiful images I posted will be starting his exhibition on Saturday 16th November.

The final exhibition of the year is for the artist contributors to the PURBECK magazine over the last few years. that will be a massively diverse mix of people and works. Do make sure you get to that exhibition. There will be plenty of unique work to buy for Christmas presents. I'll post some pictures when I have some.

An Absolute MUST READ For ALL Creative People. Then We Will Discuss It!

1. Creative people are more dishonest

Creativity researchers Paul Silvia, James Kaufman, Roni Reiter-Palmon, and Benjamin Wigert put together a recent study that indicates a correlation between creative thinkers and dishonesty. The participants in the study with reportedly lower levels of honesty and humility were able to boast more creative accomplishments. Furthermore, a study constructed by Francesca Gino and Dan Ariely tested whether or not creativity directly causes an increase in dishonesty, by creating a trial that prompts creative test takers to lie about their responses in order to make more money. The participants being evaluated were told that by selecting a certain response, they would make more money, even though that response was clearly incorrect. As expected, the test-takers made the less ethical decision, causing Gino and Ariely to attest that creativity was a better predictor of dishonesty than intelligence.

2. Creative people have fewer leadership skills

University of Pennsylvania Assistant Professor Jennifer Mueller wrote an academic paper entitled “Recognizing creative leadership: Can creative idea expression negatively relate to perceptions of leadership potential?” The paper outlines that creative people are viewed by others as having less leadership potential than their non-creative counterparts, unless they have the added value of engaging charisma. Mueller explains the findings by reasoning that, while people see creative types as visionary, they also see them as wildcards, less likely to adopt conformity. People associate rigid thinking and conformity with accomplishing goals, which is a necessary strength of a leader. While the study does not address whether or not creative people actually lack leadership potential, it makes explicit that their peers may think of them as weaker candidates for such a position.

3. Creativity can indicate promiscuity

In a study published to the academic journal The Proceedings of the Royal Society, The University of Newcastle upon Tyne and the Open University in the U.K. indicated a link between creativity and sexual promiscuity. In the study, 425 creative types such as working artists and poets reported having twice as many sexual partners than their unimaginative peers. The participants in the study were given a questionnaire that not only addressed the participant’s inclination towards creative activities, but also a section that inquired as to their sexual history. They were also asked a series of questions helping to identify a presence of schizophrenia, as mental illness and promiscuity are also thought to be linked. The study not only reflected that creative types had more sexual partners in all, but that their sexual activity with multiple partners was most prominent during times of creative fertility.

4. Left-handed people are more creative

St. Lawrence University’s Dr. Alan Searleman presented a study to the American Psychological Association’s annual conference showing that left-handed people have a better vocabulary and are more intelligent, leading them to pursue more creative occupations. The study’s findings only displayed such results for “true” left-handers, or people who use the left side of their body for all things, unlike some left-handed people who talk on the phone on the right side of their ear or cut with their right hand. The study commanded 1,200 people to answer a series of questions concerning activities that they engaged in with their left hands, followed by a series of problem-solving questions and vocabulary tests. The true left-handers scored one-third more highly on vocabulary tests and twice as high on problem-solving tasks than others involved in the study. Searleman reasons that this may account for the large amount of the left-handed population that partakes in music, art, and writing.

5. Creativity is linked to mental illness

In a study published to the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, researchers showed that creative types are more likely to possess low levels of latent inhibition, which is a person or animal’s unconscious ability to filter out stimuli that experience has shown are irrelevant to its needs. While some scientists have associated this phenomenon with psychosis, others have argued that low latent inhibition may be good when combined with high intelligence and the ability to multitask. It has been shown that latent inhibition is lost entirely in the early stages of schizophrenia, so some consider creative types to be more disposed to madness. Indeed, more than 20 studies have indicated the prominence of depression and other mood disorders in creative types, according to Johns Hopkins University professor of psychiatry Kay Redfield Jamison. Ruminating, reflective people may become more creative, depressed, or both.

6. Creative people remember more dreams

A study published in Personality and Individual Differences attempted to bring light to the fact that some people recall virtually none of their dreams, while others recall them often and in vivid detail. When testing 193 college students over both personality traits and dream recall over the span of 14 weeks, the students with personality traits more commonly associated with creativity remembered more of their dreams and in better detail. Some of these traits include daydreaming and imagination. The researchers reason that these creatives, which define their world by imaginative means during the day, will be just as imaginative while sleeping. Such people may have less of a distinction between waking hours and dreaming, experiencing both realms with an aptitude towards the vivid and unusual. Interestingly, factors such as sleep quality and length of sleep did not appear to have much resonance on the ability to recall dreams.

7. Clutter increases creative thinking

According to the Daily Mail, German researchers have found in a study that a messy desk increases the propensity toward creative problem solving. In fact, whether the chaos emerges in the form of a messy desk or messy storefront, the studies indicated that people were able to think more clearly amidst disarray. The untidy environment prompted them to want to simplify the tasks at hand, boosting employees’ ability to solve problems in a creative, efficient way. The study also showed that conservatives were most affected by the study, given that they are less comfortable with disorganization than liberals. As a result of their uneasiness with the chaotic situation, they will attempt to simplify other aspects of the working environment in order to maintain a sense of structure.

8. Children are becoming less creative

Educational psychologist Kyung Hee Kim participated in a question and answer session for Britannicaaddressing the widespread, creative decline in America. Kim attributes the downfall of creative whims to the large populous of children in America who have abandoned creatively engaging activities for sterile technology and hours of mind-numbing television. She argues that while video games may take place in fantasy environments, they do not foster actual creativity because there are a set number of solutions within the game, and children are playing them at a prime time for creative development. Stern parenting may also contribute to the problem, by depriving children of the opportunity for self-discovery when parents overbook their schedules or forbid them to partake in certain activities. Likewise, by over-diagnosis of ADHD, modern children are being prescribed drugs like Adderall that hinder creativity and repress daydreaming in exchange for superior focus

Are You In The Market For Some Marketing Advice?

Piers Rawson

I have been researching 'Marketing Strategies' as I told you I would and I am a woman of my word. Well there is a lot to take on board, I have actioned at least three of them today. This is actually the third, they reckon that you can push traffic your way by writing several blogs a day. That is never going to happen. I would lose the will to live and actually I have got other jobs that need doing.

Apparently an eBay shop is another great way to drive people to your website. I am having a little think about how I can do this. It's not like I don't have stuff to sell, by stuff I do mean art work of course. But it has to be in keeping with my gallery 'brand'. Oh yeah, that's marketing lingo baby!

The other thing they suggest is making podcasts and youtube videos. That is definitely going to take a lot more thought. I'm thinking maybe some 'How To' podcasts. We'll see, I think there is some mileage in it it is just ensuring that my energies are focussed in a way that reaps financial rewards.

I am also thinking about Art Appreciation classes and blog. I want to call it 'I want a Blue painting!'. What's wrong with wanting a blue painting? Absolutely nothing but with the right tips you could buy a blue painting really worth owning. An investment for the future, not to mention matching the carpet and the curtains. (I am being deliberately provocative before anyone asks).

I could easily sleep my way through the rest of the day as it has been quiet. Where is everyone? It is mild enough out for mooching, so where are the moochers? Maybe the moochers are smooching? I just like those two words.

Piers Rawson

I have featured Stephen Bishop and Group 7 for the past couple of weeks so now I am moving on to my next exhibitor. Don't worry I will revisit the others in due course.
In November I have the photographer Piers Rawson exhibiting at the gallery. I really do find his work enchanting. I should also make it know that I am not a huge fan of photography but there are always exceptions. Piers is one of them, check out some of his pictures. I hope that you like them as much as I do.

My Galleries Map Bites The Dust :(

Stephen Bishop

Everybody likes to get something new and in my case it was brand new paintings from Stephen Bishop. He is super productive and it is nice to know that his creative impulse is live, well and thriving. Please do come and see them. I have included my not great photographs they are better in the flesh I promise. There are a few in this exhibition that I wouldn't mind owning, but my Bank Manager may see it slightly differently.

Stephen Bishop

It's been a day of mixed emotions as I have had to admit defeat in the world of map making. Sadly, I couldn't get enough people on board to make it financially viable. This is a shame as I have spent quite a lot time on it already. It is now officially on the back burner. I still believe in it as a concept but only time will tell. It will be available on my website as a downloadable PDF in due course. I hope that people will still access it. I think Stoneworks also plans to promote it via their website.

Stephen Bishop

I am going to be focussing all of my attention on growing my own business as that is what matters to me first and foremost. I am ploughing ahead with a whole variety of this that you will start to see the fruits of my labour early on in the new year. I hope that you will enjoy what you see.

Stephen Bishop

I am still looking for some 3D artists to climb on board the exhibiting bandwagon for 2014. If that's you, then you know what to do. I have signed up three already so I am only looking for another three.

I have an exciting afternoon of research lined up so I am off to get started on that.

I Am Looking Forward to 2014!

Stephen Bishop

I am hoping to make the whole experience of my blog richer and a little more interactive in 2014. I hope that I can keep my audience for long enough to make it that far.

It has been a fairly quiet week at the gallery which is quite surprising as it has been really busy. I have no idea what to blame so I'm going to play it safe with the weather.

I think I mentioned the other day that I am entering my analysis stage of the year. This is looking at what I can do better and how I can provide more value for money in terms of bookings. I am hoping that people will like the changes.

I am going have virtual gallery online that you will be able to 'walk' round and hopefully make purchases. This will parallel the exhibition that will be on at the gallery at the time. I know how to give myself a lot more work.

 Now I have a gallery assistant I am hoping that she will be helping me out with some of the behind the scenes activities. I am not sure whether I have mentioned this in my blog, but I am pleased to announce that I now have a member of staff Shirley Walker. Her official title is 'Gallery Assistant', she has already proved to be an invaluable member of the team. Her ability to brainstorm ideas with me is just what I need. I new set of eyes to cast over my increasingly ambitious ideas.

In the future, if you come to the gallery and I am not there please don't be afraid to ask Shirley any questions. She is fully briefed on what is going at the gallery and she should be able to answer your enquiry.

I have set a date for my Open Studio Printmaking Day I am planning to it on Tuesday 5th November. I will be opening the Studio for people to come and print an old etching plate that they have kicking around. Please do contact me if you are interested as the places will be limited.

Also just to mention that 2014 is now fully booked, I am taking bookings for 2015.

I Know What I Am Doing In January, Do You?

Well, I now know what it feels like to start a list of things to do for January 2014. No, I am not joking I am deadly serious.
You may well wonder why I am doing that? As you know I am closed in January for some much needed refurmbishments. My acne pocked walls, my coffee stained carpet, new blinds that need fitting, studio floor that needs repainting, need I go on?

Every time I look around I am logging jobs that can only really be done when the gallery is closed hence the list writing in my 2014 diary. Yes I already have one of those and a year planner that is already full for next year.

It has been really quiet for the last few days which is so strange as it is generally a nice steady flow. That being said though I have had confirmation that my sign on the ferry is working. People who are regular visitors to Swanage (true) are seeing the sign and go on a mission to find the new gallery in Swanage. Ah Bless them, when they ask how many months I've been open? The look on their faces when I tell them three years.

I hope that you can get to see this exhibition because it is the perfect antidote for the current damp patch that we are experiencing. It is truly miserable. I could happily live with sunshine that you see in the picture above. It is a stunning image.

About Stephen Bishop - Reposting In Case You Decide To Catch His Exhibition Before It Ends Saturday!

Between Two Waves 

L'Artishe Gallery Exhibition Statement 

by Stephen Bishop

Whilst staying in an artist’s studio in Andalucia in 1988 I made the life changing decision to live and work in Dorset.  Taking my cue from the Impressionists I have sought my inspiration directly from nature.  Dorset with its rich coastline, heath and woods has sustained my art since 1989.

In my work I am always searching, yearning for a connection which I can’t quite grasp.  I really hope that my paintings are “the song of the hearts desire” to quote from a favourite Van Morrison track.  My satisfaction in painting comes from exploration, working hard and intense intuitive moments that I can only describe as an “otherness”.  Music and poetry have strong influences on my work.  I am actively involved in Flamenco, dancing with the group Luna Flamenca.

Many of the paintings in this exhibition were created on location.  The collage works with sand, shells and other found objects were assembled during 2013 on South Beach at Studland.  These works are made of the beach itself.  The colour of the buoys and rhythm of the tides influence paintings in a musical way.  Time, memory and place are central to my paintings.  The assemblages with ceramic pieces were collected along Poole harbour in the 1990’s and are imbued with memories.  I like the fact that these ceramic shards had other lives and have been discarded and lost to the sea.  Broken and shaped by it’s action and conjured up on the shore.  To begin a new life in an art work reflective of the sea.

I have been drawn for many years to explore abstract qualities inspired by observation.  I feel that I am between two waves, one a figurative and the other an abstract world.  The push and pull of these two forces continues.  The results can be seen in this exhibition.  It may well be that I am moving towards a new kind of abstraction.  I have always strived to make my paintings stronger and communicate emotions in a powerful way.  I feel that a loosening of the ties to the figurative motif and transition into deeper abstraction may provide the key to achieving this.

The following lines taken from Four Quartets by T.S. Eliot have particular resonance for me.

We shall not cease from exploration


And the end of all our exploring


Will be to arrive where we started


And know the place for the first time.


The voice of the hidden waterfall


And the children in the apple-tree


Not known, because not looked for


But heard, half-heard, in the stillness


Between two waves of the sea.