Michael Isles, photographer
Antonella Scarpa-Isles, fine artist
Antonella Scarpa-Isles
Antonella was born and grew up in Italy, where she first studied art. She moved to the UK in her early twenties and later continued her studies, gaining a BA(Hons) in Fine Art. As part of the degree course, she returned to Bologna on a student exchange and spent three months at the Academy of Art.
For many years whilst living in Bath, Antonella was a member and company secretary of Bath Artist Printmakers; during this time, she used monoprinting as a way of beginning her paintings on paper, following on with layers of acrylic to finish them. She still uses this technique but is now increasingly moving towards a more painterly approach and working on canvas as well as on paper. Antonella now works from a studio in Cheltenham.
“My paintings are inspired by Nature, although the images are a direct response to the landscape, they attempt to capture a mood rather describe a specific location and they invite the viewer to interpret the image in such a way as to be meaningful to themselves.
I don’t paint outdoors; I take photographs and make small sketches but mainly rely on my memories when painting back in the studio. What I love about painting from nature is its power to evoke hidden memories and forgotten impressions, always surprising me with unexpected and sometimes unintended results”.
Michael Isles
Michael Isles has been taking photographs since the late 1970s, when he was tutored and mentored by an esteemed exhibition photographer, the late Richard Ravensdale FRGS, and studied photography at a local arts and technology college. He’s currently a member of the Royal Photographic Society and is working towards a distinction in contemporary photography with the society.
Minimalism and mindfulness are two descriptors that Michael feels work well with his photography and his work as an education consultant in social work and mental health. Mindfulness can be said to be the conscious awareness of the moment, Michael’s intention being to provide a space for the viewer to become absorbed in. Minimalism is perhaps summed up as an appreciation of simple forms and a recognition that, to quote a well-used adage, “less is more”.
All of the photographs on display at the exhibition are signed and printed by Michael, who also mounts and frames each one. Some are limited editions, please check the label for details.