Showing at Tobermory Art Gallery for the month of July is new work by local artists Andy and Helen Mortley. The artists are renowned for the diversity of meduims used in their artworks ranging from metal work sculptures to oil paintings, etchings to wood carvings and painted panels to shadow boxes. Both artists have a long standing love of nature and a passion for the seashore and all its inhabitants. Their house on Mull overlooks the Sound of Mull , Ardnamurchan Point, and the Inner Hebrides. Though they live in an isolated spot they are very active members of the artistic community and strive to extend their work creatively by continually exploring new themes, meduims and subject matter.

Andy Mortley's first recollection of painting was at primary school, painting the animals of the nativity. Birds and animals have always taken a big part in his life. He is a keen 'birder' plus he has been fortunate to have had the experience of looking after a variety of wildlife over the years including orphaned fox cubs, injured badgers, and has hand reared two otters. This intimate knowledge has given Andy a deeper understanding of behaviour and anatomy, invaluable to the artist, and hugely satisfying. Andy's pictures record a moment when light and pattern, and contrast are truthfully captured through observation. His favourite subjects are found close to his home on Mull, the shore, lochs and burns offer an endless supply of inspiration.

In addition to painting Andy produces three dimentional studies in steel at his Iron Workshop. A self taught blacksmith and welder, he uses these skills to produce original objects working from nature. Through working in this new meduim Andy has brought a new freedom of expression to his painting work.

An Arts Graduate, Andy regularily exhibits at the Royal Exchange, Manchester, Medici gallery and Mall Galleries in London, Tyrone Gallery, Edinburgh as well as contributing work to galleries throughout the inner and outer Hebrides.

Helen Mortley has exhibited widely in London and New York, attracting commissions for her work and illustrations. The couple share a love of the countryside but for Helen especially it is the sea that provides a rich sourse of inspiration for her work. Old cine film bares witness to this, she is seen at an early age searching for shells, pebbles and general flotsam on a remote Irish Shores. This has not changed, you will still find Helen scouring the shores of Mull for treasure brought in with the tide.

A self taught etcher, her limited edition hand coloured prints demonstrate her natural talent as a designer and illustrator. Helen always works directly on to the plate with little need for preliminary sketching. Helen has been developing her work using new meduims this can be seen in her beautiful painted wooden panels. More recently Helen has created unique mosaic panels incorporating many of the treasures from the shore.

This is Andy and Helen Mortley's first solo show at Tobermory Art. Exhibiting together is an extention of their close working relationship and demonstrates their very different styles which complement each other.

New Work by Andy and Helen Mortley from 5th - 30th July  at Tobermory Art, Portmore Place, Tobermory, Isle of Mull

If you would like any more information about the exhibition, the artist or the gallery please contact Alicia Hendrick
Tel 01688 302 777 Mobile: 07766 023 552 Email: lee@tobermoryart.com Website: www.tobermoryart.com