Artists on Art: Sam Vicary by Martha Lloyd Morgan
“…it was a bit reckless to buy art, but that’s what we did,
and we’ve loved it every day since…”
In this, the first of a new series, Artists on Art, Cardigan based artist and regular Canfas exhibitor, Sam Vicary, contemplates artistic influences, beloved works, and her own creative process. Like her artworks, Sam’s words are insightful, varied and thought provoking, delving into her art loves, old and new, and offering meditations on creativity in the time of Covid and the value of insight, encouragement, and support.
Which work of art/ object in your collection would you never part with?
I am really enjoying my new purchase; a beautiful landscape of County Tyrone by Irish artist Jason Rouse. I bought it through the #supportartists scheme which I follow on Instagram.
Sam’s latest acquisition, a stunning landscape by artist Jason Rouse
This year continues to expose human vulnerability, but somehow artists find creative ways to stay in touch, collaborate and show work amid COVID-19 hardships. Making art in isolation can be a privilege because not everyone is able to do it. Without social interaction, funds, freedom and space to work, ideas can’t progress. We all have our own story but loads of us have turned to digital technology in the making of and presenting new work. I’ve genuinely loved seeing and reading artists’ posts this year. Jason’s work resonates – it is about converging digital and traditional arts and that about sums up the
year for me.
I will never part with a small triptych by my artist husband Seán Vicary in 2012. Seán spent time away that year working on Lament, a film about longing and belonging to the Welsh border lands where he grew up. He was also staying with his Mum who was suffering from dementia. The triptych is of her apple orchard and the Shropshire landscape. The painting signifies his homecoming for my birthday.
A personal and much cherished artwork, Séan Vicary’s Triptych (2012)
What would you say has had the greatest influence on your work?
Education undoubtedly. Being at college and university was exciting and the first time I’d knowingly spent time with professional artists. My peers were similar to me, we shared experiences and somehow survived/ thrived. It was a revelation. I owe a great deal to artists Osi Osmond, Jayne Bingham and Eliza Bonham Carter who taught me far more than drawing and painting skills. Being a teacher is an amazing gift if you can do it.
Environment is another key influencer. There have been periods when I haven’t been able to make the work I wanted to, but I have always found ways to remain creative. Contributing to social change is important to me and working with Small World Theatre, I am recognised for my creative contribution and I am fulfilling one of the roles of an artist.
The greatest people influencers are those who have offered encouragement, support and an insight into their own working practice. I look to all art forms for inspiration, but I keep returning to my painters; Cotan, Chardin, Gwen John, Frankenthaler, Susan Sluglett and Merlin James.
What was the first art/ object that you ever bought? Do you still have it?
This question immediately made me think of all the bits of ceramic, vintage clothing, fossil and shell collections etc. that I haven’t necessarily bought, but that I value as art objects and use in my paintings.
I started buying affordable art from Pictures on Walls and we have a great set of prints by Italian street artist Erica IL Cane. Next was an Osi Rhys Osmond painting bought with Seán. We had just been made redundant and it was a bit reckless to buy art, but that’s what we did, and we’ve loved it every day since. It’s a dark seascape of the MOD testing site at Pendine Sands (which incidentally was also the Urdd camp when I was a kid). There’s a thin shoreline of golden sand between heavy land and surging sea. It’s a precise, beautiful, brilliant strip of hope.
Something to look forward to in 2021 – Canfas will play host to Sam Vicary’s newest exhibition. We look forward to seeing what Sam’s been working on and hope you’ll join us for what is sure to be a beautiful show.
Craft Festival Wales 2024 Call for Entries
Applications are invited from makers working to the highest standards. You make ceramics, glass, textiles, jewellery, metal, wood, plastics, mixed media, leather, recycled materials, printmaking and paper. Your work shows a dedication to quality of making, presentation and originality. You live anywhere in the world.
Craft Festival Wales / Gŵyl Grefft Cymru –
Cardigan. Craft Festival Wales will be held over three days at Cardigan Castle from 6 – 8 September 2024.
Embracing A Wonderful Summer & Exciting Times Ahead!
Canfas has had a very busy summer and is looking forward to upcoming events as well as some exciting news we want to share!
Iwan Bala ‘Ethnograff(r)ica’ Review by Cathryn Gwynn
For several decades. Iwan Bala’s raw, unflinching work has shone a light on issues of culture, national identity, history and politics. One of its hallmarks, of course, is the integration of text – as slogan, poetry or comment – in strong black lettering, in paintings where landscape and figure merge in powerful, urgent messages.
Sam Vicary Interview 2022
Sam Vicary talking about here June 2022 exhibtion here at Canfas
Affordable Art Fair – Hampstead Heath 2022
Canfas has been chosen to exhibit at Affordable Art Fair - Hampstead Heath 2022 - 5-8th May 2022
Interview with Elizabeth haines – February 2022
Elizabeth Haines talking about here February 2022 exhibtion here at Canfas
Lucy Burns ‘Folklore ‘ Interview
Lucy Burns talking about her February 2022 solo exhibition at Canfas
Film with Adrian Bradbury
Adrian Bradbury talking about his December 2021- January 2022 solo exhibition at Canfas
Film with Alison Lochhead
Alison Lochhead talking about her October 2021 exhibition'What's Happening?' at Canfas
Pete Bodenham – Neptune’s Bin Bag
Artist Pete Bodenham talks about his current exhibit at Canfas for the Art Of Protest gallery take over.
Angharad Taris – August 2021
Interview with Local artist Angharad Taris about her August 2021 exhibition at Canfas
Pete Bodenham – August 2021
August 2021 interview with Pete Bodenham about his ceramic exhibition
Adam Taylor – August 2021
Interview with Adam Taylor about his August 2021 window show in Canfas.
June 2021 window display interview with Natalie Chapman
A bright and vibrant window display with Natalie Chapman
ArtDrop 2021 interview with Natalie Chapman
Interview with ARTDROP curator Natalie Chapman
Natalie Chapman interview
Interview with Natalie Chapman about her social documentary photographic exhibition
Interview with Sam Vicary May 2021
10 minute film with Sam Vicary talking about her new exhibition at Canfas
Cymry ar Gynfas 2: Meinir Mathias and Iolo Williams S4C
Meinir Mathias paints wildlife expert Iolo Williams
Pauline Latham Interview April 2021
Interview with Pauline Latham about her 2021 show in Canfas.
Come and work with us at Canfas
Are you on Universal Credit and aged between 18- 24years? Would you like to work at a busy independent contemporary art gallery in the old market town of Cardigan in South Ceredigion?
Jonathan Retallick – short film
A short film of Jonathan Retallick introducing his exhibition at Canfas, December 2020
Rose Sanderson – December 2020
Interview with Rose Sanderson about her exhibition of 'Lichen' paintings at Canfas in December 2020
Suzanne Harris – Film November 2020
Interview with artist and painter Suzanne Harris about her November 2020 exhibition at Canfas
Ag Cain – October 2020
Ag Cain talking about his October Exhibition at Canfas - October 2020
Elizabeth Haines filmed Interview 2020
Filmed Interview with Elizabeth Haines talking about her exhibition at Canfas in September 2020
Carole Hodgson film October 2020
A filmed Interview with Carole Hodgson in October 2020 talking about her work and her solo exhibition at Canfas Gallery in Cardigan.
Meinir Mathias – Introduction
This is the first of a series of short films by Meinir Mathias
Artists on Art: Sam Vicary by Martha Lloyd Morgan
In this, the first of a new series, Artists on Art, Cardigan based artist and regular Canfas exhibitor, Sam Vicary, contemplates artistic influences, beloved works, and her own creative process.
Open Call for New Artists for 2021/2022
Once a year we invite Welsh artists or artists based in Wales to submit their work for future exhibitions. Deadline extended due to Covid 19 lockdown until February 28th 2021
Exhibition review October 2020 – Carole Hodgson
Carole’s exhibition at Canfas is a masterful celebration of texture, form, light, and shade. Simply but effectively displayed, Carole’s works are allowed to speak for themselves, without interference, and invite contemplation from every angle.
Elizabeth Haines – Review by Caroline Juler
Elizabeth Haines has a new show at Canfas. It consists of a handful of relatively large, confidently handled abstract paintings which she has made over the last 18 months and during the pandemic lockdown this year. She says the enforced isolation allowed her to focus better on her work which has so often relied on…
Unaiza Ismail talk at Canfas, 6pm Friday 13th December 2019
We are delighted to welcome artist Unaiza Ismail to talk about her practice and show artwork from her 2 week residency in CreateSpace Wales in Ferwig.
Meeting 7.30pm Sat 9th November @ Stwdio 3
On Saturday 9th November at 7.30 in Stiwdio 3, Cardigan, I will be giving a talk and facilitating an open discussion along with Suzi and Beth on ‘what and how do art schools teach?’
‘Other Voices’ at Canfas
We are very excited to be part of the 'Other Voices' Music Trail, and to be hosting these two wonderful artists: 5pm - Friday - Particpant 5pm - Saturday - Accü
Pembrokeshire Online Review
One of the latest winds to blow into Cardigan’s flying sails is Oriel Canfas. It’s not the only art space here, but the gallery which opened in July is offering something different enough to make it stand out.
Talk by US artist Julia Rymer Saturday 12th October 2019 at Canfas
Artist Julia Rymer to talk about her work and showing drawings and paintings from her 2 week residency in CreateSpace Wales in Ferwig.
Ian Phillips – 28/9/19 – 22/11/19
New exhibition from Aberystwyth based printmaker Ian Phillips
10% discount on Fine Art Materials for ‘Friends of Canfas’
10% discount on Fine Art Materials for 'Friends of Canfas' at Y Wiber
