Momentum for Mayall memorial in Droitwich gathers pace as artist speaks up for his idea.
The Droitwich Standard
The Droitwich Standard
DISCUSSIONS have taken place about having a permanent memorial in Droitwich town centre to the late comedian and actor Rik Mayall.
It follows a proposal made to Droitwich Town Council by an artist called Cal from the Black Country Arts Council who expressed an interest in creating a sculpture and monument in Rik’s memory.
Rik, who died in June 2014 at the age of 56, grew up in Droitwich and performed many times at the Norbury Theatre.
It is believed the first time he trod the boards was at the Norbury in a production of Waiting for Godot directed by his father John Mayall.
As well as making appearances on the stage, he and his brother also also helped behind the scenes with the lighting for some performances.
Rik went on to become famous for a number of roles in hit TV shows, including The Young Ones, Bottom, The New Statesman and The Comic Strip Presents series.
At the meeting of the town council, where the proposal was discussed, members said although they felt it was a good idea if a memorial was going to be created in the town it should involve input from the Droitwich Arts Network and the Norbury Theatre.
Rik’s family still live in Droitwich and councillors were concerned there had been no mention of the family being consulted which would need to happen for the idea to progress.
Anne Lane, the chairman of the Norbury Theatre, welcomed the idea.
“He must be the most famous entertainer from Droitwich and we should be celebrating his links to the town more.
“He wanted to be an actor and he made it so it would also be good for the town’s young people to let them know if they also want to do something like that they can achieve it.”
The town council said it had thanked the artist for his proposal but reached a decision not to proceed with it at this time.
* WHAT do you think? Do you think there should be a permanent memorial to Rik Mayall in Droitwich? If so, what form do you think it should take? Email your views to
editor@droitwichstandard.co.uk
It follows a proposal made to Droitwich Town Council by an artist called Cal from the Black Country Arts Council who expressed an interest in creating a sculpture and monument in Rik’s memory.
Rik, who died in June 2014 at the age of 56, grew up in Droitwich and performed many times at the Norbury Theatre.
It is believed the first time he trod the boards was at the Norbury in a production of Waiting for Godot directed by his father John Mayall.
As well as making appearances on the stage, he and his brother also also helped behind the scenes with the lighting for some performances.
Rik went on to become famous for a number of roles in hit TV shows, including The Young Ones, Bottom, The New Statesman and The Comic Strip Presents series.
At the meeting of the town council, where the proposal was discussed, members said although they felt it was a good idea if a memorial was going to be created in the town it should involve input from the Droitwich Arts Network and the Norbury Theatre.
Rik’s family still live in Droitwich and councillors were concerned there had been no mention of the family being consulted which would need to happen for the idea to progress.
Anne Lane, the chairman of the Norbury Theatre, welcomed the idea.
“He must be the most famous entertainer from Droitwich and we should be celebrating his links to the town more.
“He wanted to be an actor and he made it so it would also be good for the town’s young people to let them know if they also want to do something like that they can achieve it.”
The town council said it had thanked the artist for his proposal but reached a decision not to proceed with it at this time.
* WHAT do you think? Do you think there should be a permanent memorial to Rik Mayall in Droitwich? If so, what form do you think it should take? Email your views to
editor@droitwichstandard.co.uk
We now have the backing from the local M.P. Nigel Huddleston to create a lasting monument to the late great Rik Mayall.
"“Rik Mayall was a very much loved and hugely talented comedian who entertained millions of people over many decades, and Droitwich as a town is rightly proud of him because he grew up in our community.
I would be supportive of a lasting memorial or plaque commemorating him as a son of Droitwich.
I am confident that an appropriate memorial could be proposed that would comply with planning permission and am sure that donations would be forthcoming that would mean such a memorial would not be considered a burden to local taxpayers.”
Nigel Huddleston M.P.
Tristan Harris
THE ARTIST who put forward the proposal for a permanent memorial to Rik Mayall in Droitwich says he is determined to make the project happen. And The Standard will be backing any efforts to remember the comedy legend who grew up in the town. Discussions were held a fortnight ago by Droitwich Town Council about the proposal put forward by Cal.
The council declined his offer ‘at this time’ and said, if a piece was going to be created, it should involve the Droitwich Arts Network and Norbury Theatre and Rik’s family needed to be contacted for their approval. Cal contacted The Standard this week saying although he now lives in Stourbridge and is a fine art representative of the Black Country Arts Council, he did grow up in Droitwich and was educated in the town Boycott First School (now Westlands) and St Richard De Wych (now closed).
The 41-year-old experimental artist works with multi-media, paint, sculpture, av and embroidery. He said: “Rik’s passing was a great loss to the acting community and we all felt we had lost a national treasure. “This charismatic and talented individual was raised in Droitwich and his first acting experience was at Norbury Theatre. “Rik was a massive inspiration to me and many other artists, musicians, actors and comedians and it is only right that such a talented and loved individual be remembered in this way.” Cal has also offered to seek funding for the project which he said was gaining support from lots of different people from all across the UK. “I did say in my original proposal that I would gain input on the design and placement of the monument from Rik’s family, friends and comedy partner Ade Edmonson. “It would be great if we could gain the support of Norbury Theatre and all the relevant art organisations in Droitwich. “This project seems like a win win idea and will act to inspire generations to come.”
Cal has also been contacted by one of Rik’s closest friends and friend of Rik’s family who has also agreed to help him move forward this project. “This project will be of great benefit to my home town of Droitwich and I am very sure it is what the people of Droitwich want. “I hope the voice of the silent majority speaks out and helps me to create a fitting monument to a truly beautiful man.” Cal also said he would be more than happy to present his ideas to Droitwich Town Council and the public. Anyone wanting to get in touch with Cal can email him at cal.artist@yahoo.co.uk or visit calsartwork.co.uk to see examples of his work.
THE ARTIST who put forward the proposal for a permanent memorial to Rik Mayall in Droitwich says he is determined to make the project happen. And The Standard will be backing any efforts to remember the comedy legend who grew up in the town. Discussions were held a fortnight ago by Droitwich Town Council about the proposal put forward by Cal.
The council declined his offer ‘at this time’ and said, if a piece was going to be created, it should involve the Droitwich Arts Network and Norbury Theatre and Rik’s family needed to be contacted for their approval. Cal contacted The Standard this week saying although he now lives in Stourbridge and is a fine art representative of the Black Country Arts Council, he did grow up in Droitwich and was educated in the town Boycott First School (now Westlands) and St Richard De Wych (now closed).
The 41-year-old experimental artist works with multi-media, paint, sculpture, av and embroidery. He said: “Rik’s passing was a great loss to the acting community and we all felt we had lost a national treasure. “This charismatic and talented individual was raised in Droitwich and his first acting experience was at Norbury Theatre. “Rik was a massive inspiration to me and many other artists, musicians, actors and comedians and it is only right that such a talented and loved individual be remembered in this way.” Cal has also offered to seek funding for the project which he said was gaining support from lots of different people from all across the UK. “I did say in my original proposal that I would gain input on the design and placement of the monument from Rik’s family, friends and comedy partner Ade Edmonson. “It would be great if we could gain the support of Norbury Theatre and all the relevant art organisations in Droitwich. “This project seems like a win win idea and will act to inspire generations to come.”
Cal has also been contacted by one of Rik’s closest friends and friend of Rik’s family who has also agreed to help him move forward this project. “This project will be of great benefit to my home town of Droitwich and I am very sure it is what the people of Droitwich want. “I hope the voice of the silent majority speaks out and helps me to create a fitting monument to a truly beautiful man.” Cal also said he would be more than happy to present his ideas to Droitwich Town Council and the public. Anyone wanting to get in touch with Cal can email him at cal.artist@yahoo.co.uk or visit calsartwork.co.uk to see examples of his work.
for sales or info contact
cal 07790 111765
cal.artist@yahoo.co.uk
cal.artist.9@facebook.com
cal 07790 111765
cal.artist@yahoo.co.uk
cal.artist.9@facebook.com
STOURBRIDGE experimental artist Cal is getting set to host an art exhibition like no other which will raise money to bring music to children in occupied Palestine.
The thought-provoking Attack on the Senses interactive art experience will feature paintings, sculpture, installations, audio and visual art, embroidery, live performances and music - all themed around wars in foreign lands and how they are perceived and presented in the West.
Cal, aged 38, and originally from Worcester, hopes it will "leave a definite lasting impression" in the minds of visitors and he said: "Attack on the Senses is like no other art exhibition people will have been to.
"It has been the most upsetting and challenging body of artworks that I have had to create.
"The pain and suffering that some people and nations have to endure on a daily basis is beyond art or words."
The exhibition, which is free, can be seen at Scary Canary, 108a High Street, Stourbridge, on Thursday August 27 from 7pm.
It will also be running at the Boars Head Gallery, Worcester Street, Kidderminster, on Sunday September 5 from 7pm and at the Asylum Art Gallery, Clifton Street, Chapel Ash, Wolverhampton, on Friday October 9 from 7pm.
All the money raised from the open nights and at least ten per cent of all art sales will go directly to the Al Kamandjâti music centre in Ramallah, Palestine, which was founded in October 2002 by Palestinian viola player Ramzi Aburedwan to support the education and schooling of Palestinian children by making music more accessible to them, especially those living in refugee camps and villages in Palestine and Lebanon.
The project encourages youngsters to make music in order to transcend the daily hardships they face living under military occupation by Israeli troops.
Cal said: "To be able to help the children and people directly affected by the issues and conflicts I have often covered in my artwork over the years is an absolute honour and a massive inspiration."
For more information about the artist and the exhibition go to www.calsartwork.co.uk
The thought-provoking Attack on the Senses interactive art experience will feature paintings, sculpture, installations, audio and visual art, embroidery, live performances and music - all themed around wars in foreign lands and how they are perceived and presented in the West.
Cal, aged 38, and originally from Worcester, hopes it will "leave a definite lasting impression" in the minds of visitors and he said: "Attack on the Senses is like no other art exhibition people will have been to.
"It has been the most upsetting and challenging body of artworks that I have had to create.
"The pain and suffering that some people and nations have to endure on a daily basis is beyond art or words."
The exhibition, which is free, can be seen at Scary Canary, 108a High Street, Stourbridge, on Thursday August 27 from 7pm.
It will also be running at the Boars Head Gallery, Worcester Street, Kidderminster, on Sunday September 5 from 7pm and at the Asylum Art Gallery, Clifton Street, Chapel Ash, Wolverhampton, on Friday October 9 from 7pm.
All the money raised from the open nights and at least ten per cent of all art sales will go directly to the Al Kamandjâti music centre in Ramallah, Palestine, which was founded in October 2002 by Palestinian viola player Ramzi Aburedwan to support the education and schooling of Palestinian children by making music more accessible to them, especially those living in refugee camps and villages in Palestine and Lebanon.
The project encourages youngsters to make music in order to transcend the daily hardships they face living under military occupation by Israeli troops.
Cal said: "To be able to help the children and people directly affected by the issues and conflicts I have often covered in my artwork over the years is an absolute honour and a massive inspiration."
For more information about the artist and the exhibition go to www.calsartwork.co.uk
Tuesday 21 April 2015
STOURBRIDGE experimental artist Cal is hosting an open exhibition evening which looks back at almost two decades of work.
The 37-year-old, who likes to shock and provoke thought, will be showcasing multi-media artworks from the past 19 years - many of which have never been exhibited before - at his new studio based on the top floor of the Old Stourbridge Library and former art college building, on the corner of Hagley Road, on Friday April 24.
Art fans are invited along from 7pm to see Cal's work and new studio, which brings the artist back to his roots - as he's now working out of the very same building in which he trained to become an artist.
An array of paintings, installations and sculptures from the late 1990s to the present day will be on display - showcasing Cal's progression from rookie artist to controversial creative.
He said: "It’s been a pleasure preparing for this exhibition and looking at work that I have not seen myself for many years.
"Most of my earlier work was painted on boards found in skips and on backs of wardrobes etc, and always using a mixture of paints, anything I could get my hands on really."
Share article Cal is also offering view by appointment sessions for a week after the open studio event for anyone unable to attend.
STOURBRIDGE experimental artist Cal is hosting an open exhibition evening which looks back at almost two decades of work.
The 37-year-old, who likes to shock and provoke thought, will be showcasing multi-media artworks from the past 19 years - many of which have never been exhibited before - at his new studio based on the top floor of the Old Stourbridge Library and former art college building, on the corner of Hagley Road, on Friday April 24.
Art fans are invited along from 7pm to see Cal's work and new studio, which brings the artist back to his roots - as he's now working out of the very same building in which he trained to become an artist.
An array of paintings, installations and sculptures from the late 1990s to the present day will be on display - showcasing Cal's progression from rookie artist to controversial creative.
He said: "It’s been a pleasure preparing for this exhibition and looking at work that I have not seen myself for many years.
"Most of my earlier work was painted on boards found in skips and on backs of wardrobes etc, and always using a mixture of paints, anything I could get my hands on really."
Share article Cal is also offering view by appointment sessions for a week after the open studio event for anyone unable to attend.
STUFF AND THINGS.
A solo art exhibition and open studio by artist Cal.
Friday 24th April
Location: second floor, the old Stourbridge free library, 1 Hagley road, Stourbridge,
Opening times: Friday 7pm onwards and then by appointment for one week.
37 year old artist Cal is a multimedia artist, working with and exhibiting paintings, sculpture, installations, photography, embroidery and experimental projects. Cal the thought provoking and experimental artist will be exhibiting paintings, installations, and sculpture at the old Stourbridge free library, 1 Hagley road Stourbridge on the Friday evening 24th April at 7pm.
This art exhibition features artworks going back the past 19 years and featuring paintings from the late 90s to present day that have not yet been exhibited. “Most of my earlier work was painted on boards found in skips and on backs of wardrobes etc, and always using a mixture of paints, anything I could get my hands on really”. This exhibition helps paint the picture of how cal came to create the art work he creates today. Sometimes seen as a controversial and diversely creative artist this latest exhibition and earlier work shows the origins of this mentality. ”it’s been a pleasure preparing for this exhibition and looking at work that I have not seen myself for many years”.
The exhibition will take place at cal’s future Studio on the second floor of the old Stourbridge library also the former art college.
This exhibition will give the local people of Stourbridge the opportunity to view cals art work in one of Stourbridge’s most iconic landmark buildings.
A solo art exhibition and open studio by artist Cal.
Friday 24th April
Location: second floor, the old Stourbridge free library, 1 Hagley road, Stourbridge,
Opening times: Friday 7pm onwards and then by appointment for one week.
37 year old artist Cal is a multimedia artist, working with and exhibiting paintings, sculpture, installations, photography, embroidery and experimental projects. Cal the thought provoking and experimental artist will be exhibiting paintings, installations, and sculpture at the old Stourbridge free library, 1 Hagley road Stourbridge on the Friday evening 24th April at 7pm.
This art exhibition features artworks going back the past 19 years and featuring paintings from the late 90s to present day that have not yet been exhibited. “Most of my earlier work was painted on boards found in skips and on backs of wardrobes etc, and always using a mixture of paints, anything I could get my hands on really”. This exhibition helps paint the picture of how cal came to create the art work he creates today. Sometimes seen as a controversial and diversely creative artist this latest exhibition and earlier work shows the origins of this mentality. ”it’s been a pleasure preparing for this exhibition and looking at work that I have not seen myself for many years”.
The exhibition will take place at cal’s future Studio on the second floor of the old Stourbridge library also the former art college.
This exhibition will give the local people of Stourbridge the opportunity to view cals art work in one of Stourbridge’s most iconic landmark buildings.
"To be tethered to “
A solo art exhibition by cal
"An exhibition based on religion, but not as you know it”
The exhibition opens Thursday 3rd July 2014 7pm onwards. At St. John’s church, St Johns road, Stourbridge, dy8 1eh (behind bus station) And will be open on Saturday 1pm till 5pm on the 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th July and 2nd August
"To be tethered to “ An exhibition based on religion, but not as you know” is by Norton based experimental artist Cal. 37 year old Worcester born and educated artist Cal is a multimedia artist working with paintings, sculpture, installations, photography, embroidery, design and experimental projects. This art exhibition is in association with “Black Country Day”
“I felt extremely honoured when asked to be a part of “Black Country Day” I have lived here for 15 years and love the area and consider it as home”. The art exhibition is supported by Dudley Arts Council, Leaps and Bounds, Gigcaritas and artspace.
“To be tethered to” is a multimedia art exhibition based on the word religion and its meaning - to be tethered to. Cal the artist has been working on a new body of work including paintings sculpture and installations for the past six months all based on this theme. “this year I lost my mother and gained a son three weeks later understandably this has effected the recent work I have produced. It has made me look harder and deeper at the things we are tethered to.” Subjects include art, addiction, emotion, economics, media and politics. The artist Cal aims to create debate and provoke thought with this next installment of artworks, never to shock but sometimes be brutally honest his exhibition will be an experience not to be missed.
A solo art exhibition by cal
"An exhibition based on religion, but not as you know it”
The exhibition opens Thursday 3rd July 2014 7pm onwards. At St. John’s church, St Johns road, Stourbridge, dy8 1eh (behind bus station) And will be open on Saturday 1pm till 5pm on the 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th July and 2nd August
"To be tethered to “ An exhibition based on religion, but not as you know” is by Norton based experimental artist Cal. 37 year old Worcester born and educated artist Cal is a multimedia artist working with paintings, sculpture, installations, photography, embroidery, design and experimental projects. This art exhibition is in association with “Black Country Day”
“I felt extremely honoured when asked to be a part of “Black Country Day” I have lived here for 15 years and love the area and consider it as home”. The art exhibition is supported by Dudley Arts Council, Leaps and Bounds, Gigcaritas and artspace.
“To be tethered to” is a multimedia art exhibition based on the word religion and its meaning - to be tethered to. Cal the artist has been working on a new body of work including paintings sculpture and installations for the past six months all based on this theme. “this year I lost my mother and gained a son three weeks later understandably this has effected the recent work I have produced. It has made me look harder and deeper at the things we are tethered to.” Subjects include art, addiction, emotion, economics, media and politics. The artist Cal aims to create debate and provoke thought with this next installment of artworks, never to shock but sometimes be brutally honest his exhibition will be an experience not to be missed.
First published Thursday 3 July 2014 in Stourbridge News
STOURBRIDGE conceptual artist Cal is launching his latest solo exhibition at St John’s Church in Stourbridge tonight (Thursday July 3) from 7pm.
To Be Tethered To is an exhibition based on religion “but not as you know it” according to the 36-year-old Norton based multi-media artist who is showcasing his work as part of Black Country Day celebrations.
Cal, who moved to Stourbridge from Worcester, said: “I felt extremely honoured when asked to be a part of Black Country Day. I have lived here for 15 years and love the area and consider it home.”
The artist, who aims to create debate and provoke thought, has been busy working on a new body of work including paintings, sculpture and installations over the past six months - relating to subjects including art, addition, emotion, economics, media and politics.
He said: “This year I lost my mother and gained a son three weeks later so understandably this has affected the recent work I have produced. It has made me look harder and deeper at the things we are tethered to.”
The exhibition, supported by Dudley Arts Council, Leaps and Bounds, Gigcaritas and artspace, can be seen in the church, located off Stourbridge ring road, between 1pm to 5pm on Saturdays July 5, 12, 19, 26 and August 2.
STOURBRIDGE conceptual artist Cal is launching his latest solo exhibition at St John’s Church in Stourbridge tonight (Thursday July 3) from 7pm.
To Be Tethered To is an exhibition based on religion “but not as you know it” according to the 36-year-old Norton based multi-media artist who is showcasing his work as part of Black Country Day celebrations.
Cal, who moved to Stourbridge from Worcester, said: “I felt extremely honoured when asked to be a part of Black Country Day. I have lived here for 15 years and love the area and consider it home.”
The artist, who aims to create debate and provoke thought, has been busy working on a new body of work including paintings, sculpture and installations over the past six months - relating to subjects including art, addition, emotion, economics, media and politics.
He said: “This year I lost my mother and gained a son three weeks later so understandably this has affected the recent work I have produced. It has made me look harder and deeper at the things we are tethered to.”
The exhibition, supported by Dudley Arts Council, Leaps and Bounds, Gigcaritas and artspace, can be seen in the church, located off Stourbridge ring road, between 1pm to 5pm on Saturdays July 5, 12, 19, 26 and August 2.
Stourbridge artist Cal to showcase work at Netherton Arts Centre STOURBRIDGE conceptual artist Cal will be holding an exhibition at Netherton Arts Centre this Friday (December 13).
The 36-year-old artist's Don't Look at That, Look at This! exhibition will be held at the NAC's new gallery space in Northfield Road from 7pm onwards.
Cal, who was born in Worcester, aims to highlight world political social and economic issues through his paintings, sculpture, installations, photography, design, embroidery and experimental projects.
The exhibition, which runs for a month until January 13 2014, focusses on dreams and realities and features mixed media sculpture Powerless which Cal created as a reaction to constant price hikes by global energy companies following a dispute with his power provider.
He said: "One moment I was being told that I was powerless and trapped within their contracts, whilst they increase prices at any point. Then I realised I was not powerless."
The exhibition will also include live music from a saxophone quartet.
The 36-year-old artist's Don't Look at That, Look at This! exhibition will be held at the NAC's new gallery space in Northfield Road from 7pm onwards.
Cal, who was born in Worcester, aims to highlight world political social and economic issues through his paintings, sculpture, installations, photography, design, embroidery and experimental projects.
The exhibition, which runs for a month until January 13 2014, focusses on dreams and realities and features mixed media sculpture Powerless which Cal created as a reaction to constant price hikes by global energy companies following a dispute with his power provider.
He said: "One moment I was being told that I was powerless and trapped within their contracts, whilst they increase prices at any point. Then I realised I was not powerless."
The exhibition will also include live music from a saxophone quartet.
Stourbridge News.
A POP-up installation by Stourbridge conceptual artist Cal can be seen in the town until Saturday (July 27).
Entitled Unborn Child, the display at indie clothing store Scary Canary in Victoria Passage is a continuation of an earlier canvas painting created in summer 2012 and exhibited at Dudley's Cranstourn gallery.
Cal, aged 36, from Norton, said: "This installation concentrates on the concept that every unborn child is a blank canvas waiting for impressions to be made upon them, also highlights the impact we can make upon lives, both positive and negative."
Worcester born multi-media artist Cal, who works with paintings, sculpture, installations, photography, embroidery and experimental projects, added: “As a civilization we are constantly bombarded with language and imagery so that companies, organisations, governments etc can demand our attention, our time and our thoughts.
“This installation merely asks that you share a thought, a brief moment of time and possibly a way of thinking."
A POP-up installation by Stourbridge conceptual artist Cal can be seen in the town until Saturday (July 27).
Entitled Unborn Child, the display at indie clothing store Scary Canary in Victoria Passage is a continuation of an earlier canvas painting created in summer 2012 and exhibited at Dudley's Cranstourn gallery.
Cal, aged 36, from Norton, said: "This installation concentrates on the concept that every unborn child is a blank canvas waiting for impressions to be made upon them, also highlights the impact we can make upon lives, both positive and negative."
Worcester born multi-media artist Cal, who works with paintings, sculpture, installations, photography, embroidery and experimental projects, added: “As a civilization we are constantly bombarded with language and imagery so that companies, organisations, governments etc can demand our attention, our time and our thoughts.
“This installation merely asks that you share a thought, a brief moment of time and possibly a way of thinking."
First published Thursday 13 June 2013 in Black Country News
STOURBRIDGE experimental artist Cal is getting set for a big solo showcase of his thought-provoking work at Dudley ARTSPACE.
The exhibition, called Revolution, kicks off with an open evening starting at 7pm on Saturday June 15 and it will run at the Birdcage Walk venue until July 15.
It will comprise more than 30 original paintings, sculptures, installations, photographic, embroidered and experimental pieces by Norton based multimedia artist Cal, aged 36, whose work is influenced by world political and social issues.
He said of his latest display: “It’s quite an exciting one. I’m taking over the whole facility.
“It’s about bringing a mix of work together - work that belongs in a gallery and work that belongs in the street.”
Among the highlights is an 11-foot embroidered tree of life piece which Worcester-born Cal said has “taken thousands of hours to create”.
He added: “It was started by my gran Sadie 20 years ago and I inherited it in 2000 and carried it on.
“The tree of life is an embroidery which people used to do a lot in Victorian times, but I’ve politicised it slightly.
“It took me a long time to pluck up the courage to work on it, I didn’t want to spoil the work my gran had done on it; it took two years to do the work.”
Cal’s work can be seen at ARTSPACE from 10am to 4pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and from 10am to 5pm on Saturdays. Admission is free.
The gallery aims to deliver workshops and exhibition space and to inspire borough residents of all ages to get involved in art.
STOURBRIDGE experimental artist Cal is getting set for a big solo showcase of his thought-provoking work at Dudley ARTSPACE.
The exhibition, called Revolution, kicks off with an open evening starting at 7pm on Saturday June 15 and it will run at the Birdcage Walk venue until July 15.
It will comprise more than 30 original paintings, sculptures, installations, photographic, embroidered and experimental pieces by Norton based multimedia artist Cal, aged 36, whose work is influenced by world political and social issues.
He said of his latest display: “It’s quite an exciting one. I’m taking over the whole facility.
“It’s about bringing a mix of work together - work that belongs in a gallery and work that belongs in the street.”
Among the highlights is an 11-foot embroidered tree of life piece which Worcester-born Cal said has “taken thousands of hours to create”.
He added: “It was started by my gran Sadie 20 years ago and I inherited it in 2000 and carried it on.
“The tree of life is an embroidery which people used to do a lot in Victorian times, but I’ve politicised it slightly.
“It took me a long time to pluck up the courage to work on it, I didn’t want to spoil the work my gran had done on it; it took two years to do the work.”
Cal’s work can be seen at ARTSPACE from 10am to 4pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and from 10am to 5pm on Saturdays. Admission is free.
The gallery aims to deliver workshops and exhibition space and to inspire borough residents of all ages to get involved in art.
Cal's next exhibition promises to be a cut above First published Thursday 4 April 2013 in Stourbridge News
A NEW town barbershop has become an unlikely exhibition space for Stourbridge based conceptual artist Cal.
The 35-year-old’s thought-provoking protest art can be seen at cult High Street salon Jimmy Trims for a month from Saturday (April 6).
Artist and keen skateboarder Cal, who moved from Worcester to Stourbridge for its arts and music scene, said: “It’s about doing something that’s not the norm.
“It’s also about supporting local businesses and trying to keep the ethos of Stourbridge alive - the music and the art; the reason I moved here. I don’t want to see that get forgotten.”
Inspired by personal experiences, political injustices, green issues, corporate globalisation, poverty, war and world economics - Cal, who aims to make “art out of anything”, held his first solo exhibition of paintings, skateboard art, photographic and embroidery projects at artSPACE in Dudley in December.
Often used to working on large-scale installations, he said people can expect to see some of his smaller pieces of work on display this time - one of which is created out of a BMX bike frame.
A NEW town barbershop has become an unlikely exhibition space for Stourbridge based conceptual artist Cal.
The 35-year-old’s thought-provoking protest art can be seen at cult High Street salon Jimmy Trims for a month from Saturday (April 6).
Artist and keen skateboarder Cal, who moved from Worcester to Stourbridge for its arts and music scene, said: “It’s about doing something that’s not the norm.
“It’s also about supporting local businesses and trying to keep the ethos of Stourbridge alive - the music and the art; the reason I moved here. I don’t want to see that get forgotten.”
Inspired by personal experiences, political injustices, green issues, corporate globalisation, poverty, war and world economics - Cal, who aims to make “art out of anything”, held his first solo exhibition of paintings, skateboard art, photographic and embroidery projects at artSPACE in Dudley in December.
Often used to working on large-scale installations, he said people can expect to see some of his smaller pieces of work on display this time - one of which is created out of a BMX bike frame.
Cal's artwork to go on show at Dudley gallery this weekend Scott Reynolds from Lighthouse Vending, Lye, with Cal's 'self-portrait'.
First published Wednesday 28 November 2012 in Stourbridge News
THOUGHT-provoking work by Norton based conceptual artist Cal is set to go on display in Dudley this weekend.
Skateboard art, paintings, photography, embroidery and installations by the 35-year-old contemporary artist can be seen in The Cal Solo Art Exhibition at artSPACE, King Street, Dudley, from Saturday (December 1).
The artist and keen skateboarder, who moved from Worcester to Stourbridge for its arts and music scene, draws inspiration from personal experiences and reaction to global political injustices, corporate globalisation, poverty and war to craft his unique pieces - one of which is a self-portrait created from a full-sized vending machine.
Cal said: “To my knowledge this is the first time the concept of a vending machine has been used to create a self-portrait.
“I also have plans to develop and explore this concept further in the future.”
The coin operated machine, loaned for the exhibition by Lye-based Lighthouse Vending, is filled with around 60 6” x 5” painted wooden canvasses, priced £5 each.
Running until Saturday December 22, the exhibition includes some of Cal’s early work from as far back as 1996 - offering art fans chance to see how his trademark style has developed through the last decade and a half.
He said: “A lot of my work is protest art. It's about political issues, green issues and world economics - it's not landscapes and portraits; it's a whole gambit of different styles and genres. I make art out of anything.”
The display will be open to the public from 10am to 4pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and from 10am to 5pm on Saturdays from December 1.
First published Wednesday 28 November 2012 in Stourbridge News
THOUGHT-provoking work by Norton based conceptual artist Cal is set to go on display in Dudley this weekend.
Skateboard art, paintings, photography, embroidery and installations by the 35-year-old contemporary artist can be seen in The Cal Solo Art Exhibition at artSPACE, King Street, Dudley, from Saturday (December 1).
The artist and keen skateboarder, who moved from Worcester to Stourbridge for its arts and music scene, draws inspiration from personal experiences and reaction to global political injustices, corporate globalisation, poverty and war to craft his unique pieces - one of which is a self-portrait created from a full-sized vending machine.
Cal said: “To my knowledge this is the first time the concept of a vending machine has been used to create a self-portrait.
“I also have plans to develop and explore this concept further in the future.”
The coin operated machine, loaned for the exhibition by Lye-based Lighthouse Vending, is filled with around 60 6” x 5” painted wooden canvasses, priced £5 each.
Running until Saturday December 22, the exhibition includes some of Cal’s early work from as far back as 1996 - offering art fans chance to see how his trademark style has developed through the last decade and a half.
He said: “A lot of my work is protest art. It's about political issues, green issues and world economics - it's not landscapes and portraits; it's a whole gambit of different styles and genres. I make art out of anything.”
The display will be open to the public from 10am to 4pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and from 10am to 5pm on Saturdays from December 1.
