Featured Artist - Faye Bridgwater
Hello, I’m Faye Bridgwater. I’m a Brighton based artist. I run a Facebook Group called Brighton Skies, with 10,000 members, sharing photos of the joy of looking up. I use those photos to influence my landscape paintings.
How did you get into art, and why?
It is all I was ever interested in throughout my education; from infant school to Art college in Hertfordshire, and then to Sheffield for my Fine Art degree. Since leaving University I have always worked in or around art, whether it has been working in galleries, running studios or painting.
Tell us about the area of art you specialise in…
I’m a contemporary landscape artist focusing on the Sussex coastline and rolling Downs. My paintings capture those fleeting and dramatic moments of light, playful movement and thrilling feelings. I make marks using objects I find on the beach; from fisherman’s knots and driftwood to feathers and bottle tops.
The Chalk Line
What is it that you enjoy about art?
The connection with people. When someone enjoys your work, it makes your heart sing!
140 Monochrome Studies of Sussex
Tell us about one of your projects/your work
I recently appeared on Sky Arts – Landscape Artist of the Year 2019 as a wild card. The whole experience was fantastic and, if you are an artist, I urge you to apply. Here is a blog that I wrote about the whole adventure.
On the telly with Stephen Mangam!
Tell us about your recent and upcoming exhibitions
At the moment, I have my work in the Independent on Queens Park Road in Brighton and that will be there until January. I also have the Brighton Artists Open House, this Christmas, and will be exhibiting at a beautiful house on West Drive: The Photographers Conservatory. I will be at the Contemporary Art Fair in Surrey in March … with Suzi Lowe. I will be opening my own home in May for Brighton Artists Open Houses; part of the Brighton Festival. My top tip is always to visit Brighton in May. There are so many marvellous events on and the city is buzzing with excitement!
We are the Sisters
If you could offer one piece of advice to aspiring artists, what would it be?
If you’re going to art school take advantage of all the equipment, technicians and studio space. Once you leave you realise how very lucky you were to have access to all that knowledge and space.
Riding along the Cliffs
What are your goals for this year?
I’d really love representation from a few more galleries and of course, like every year, get a painting into the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition!!
Where can we see your work?
Come and visit www.fayebridgwater.com
Taste the Sea Air at The Independent, Brighton
