Renowned Sculptor Exhibits in St Andrews

Heralded by many in the art world as the next Henry Moore, Alexandros Arabatzoglou’s sculptures have been sold to private collectors all over the world, and demand for his work has been such that he has not exhibited in a gallery for nearly nine years, despite offers from some of the worlds most prestigious galleries. However, after striking up a relationship with Artery Gallery, Alexandros decided to end his gallery exile by exhibiting one of his hand carved sculptures in their St Andrews branch.

Born in Heraklion, Crete in 1970, Alexandros came from an artistic family and has therefore been involved in art since a very early age, beginning with designing and creating his own unique jewellery. It was during this period that he was chosen as “Finest Modern Greek Artist” by the BBC. Later he discovered his passion for harder materials, and started to work with bronze and different kinds of stone, clay and glass. After many years of work and experimentation forging these materials together, Alexandros invented his own style of modern sculpture – a unique ability to craft bronze and stone into a single organic form. Every piece is a one-off and can take up to four months to create. There are no moulds or copies and each comes with individual certification from the Greek government.

"The Golden Fish” sculpture was commissioned especially for Artery Gallery to be displayed at their St Andrews branch and is seen as a coup for the Scottish gallery. Jason of Artery explains “After meeting with Alexandros in Crete last year, I was amazed at his drive, passion and enthusiasm for his work and his art. For him, creating his sculpture is like breaking down to the bare bones of his inner soul, using his hands to carve into the stone and creating an extension of himself within each individual sculpture”. He adds “Here at Artery Gallery, we are always looking to expand on the superb catalogue of talent we exhibit, and inviting Alexandros to join us, knowing of the interest he has gained, is exciting for the gallery, for St Andrews, and for world art exhibited in Scotland”.

Artery Gallery at 43 South Street, St Andrews (01334 478221)

http://www.arteryuk.com/

Scotlands Bold Landscape

Scottish artist Martin Devine has launched his latest exhibition of work at Artery Gallery in both St Andrews and Crieff.

Martin, of Linlithgow, Employs colour theory, varying the use of tone and differing brush strokes to present a contemporary image of the Scottish landscape, aiming to change the perception of the landscape seen by the viewer.

Martin explains, “I originally discovered an artistic ability in portraiture and wildlife, moving onto landscapes which have now become my recognized field in a distinctive style”.

Inspired by minimalism, spare with detail, encouraging a regard for simplicity, the strengths of his watercolour paintings lie in the boldness of the colours he uses, perfectly outlined with Indian ink.

His paintings have proved a huge success in his short time with Artery Gallery, selling out his previous two exhibitions.

The work of Martin Devine can be viewed online at www.arteryuk.com or by visiting Artery Gallery in St Andrews and Crieff

www.arteryuk.com

Mythical Sculpture! - "The Golden Fish" by Alexandros Arabatzoglou

In some cultures a fish can be a potent sign of fertility, signifying abundance, movement and creativity. For example, in Roman mythology a fish can be a symbol of love – fetching Venus to mind – or the power of the waters, mighty Neptune. Fish in baskets – as in meals of plenty, bread and wine, the foods of redemption – and fish in association with an axe as in Assyria and Crete, or perhaps with moon shapes in many of the fishing cultures, all represent blessings and confer magic fertility on the catch or upon the whole community.

In China. Great Mother Kwan-yin was often portrayed as a fish. In India the Goddess Kali was called ‘the fish eyed one’, and in ancient Egypt, Isis was called Great Fish of the Abyss. In Greece. the Greek word ‘delphos’ meant both fish and womb. The word is derived from the oracle at Delphi, who worshipped the original fish goddess Themis.

Alexandros Arabatzoglou at Artery Gallery

"Alexandros, is giving everything to get into his sculpture, the same amount of hummanity and seriousness, nobility and experience, acceptance of life, distinction and aristocracy.With absolutely no tricks, no effection, no self conciousness, looking straight ahead, no movemant...but more alive than a real person."

Alexandros Arabazoglou was born in Heraclion, Crete in 1970. He comes from an art family, and from when he was a child, he got involved in the art of jewellery. He was designing and creating unique pieces and he was selected as a fine artist from the BBC channel. Soon he discovered his passion for harder materials, and he started to work with Bronze and different kinds of stones, clay and glass. After many years of work, he had managed to match these materials together, and create his own style in modern art. All his pieces are unique (editions of one). He has taken part in many exibitions all around the world, and many of his sculptures are in private collections.

Visit the Artery Gallery website at :www.arteryuk.com

The Hooded Monks

These are new hand crafted, ceramic 'Hooded Monks' by highly respected Cretian sculptor Manolis Patramanis. The monk figures represent how people in everyday challenging roles are putting themselves forward to serve the world by devoting their energies into helping those in need, often going unnoticed and unpublicised,

The work undertaken by these unknown ‘Hooded’ Samaritans is ever more highlighted over the increased Christmas period, yet their endeavour continues throughout the year. A hooded monk on the mantelpiece can act as a nice little reminder.

Most of the sculptures by Manolis Patramanis are developed from his thoughts on life, and his work is exclusively available in the UK through Artery Gallery at 43 South Street, St Andrews (01334 478221) and 22 King Street, Crieff (01764 655722), priced from £75

www.arteryuk.com