See work by artists Tina Gordon and Ian Shillcock on display at Weston’s Old Town Quarry

The Old Town Quarry will be graced with the presence of stunning works of art this month as Exhibition Pendulum gets underway, showcasing the work of local artists Tina Gordon and Ian Shillcock.

Tina is a semi-abstract mixed media landscape artist who captures the drama, shape and atmosphere of landscapes in her paintings.

Originally from Essex, Tina moved to North Somerset in 1986 and worked from a converted chicken shed in Wrington where she also taught painting and ceramics.

Art has always been in Tina's heart. After leaving school in the 1960s, she attended Southend College of Art and Design, studying fine art and graphic design. She then returned to the college in the 1970s to study ceramics.

Tina said: "I ran my own small studio pottery in Essex for several years and taught in adult education, but my first love has always been painting. I cannot remember not painting. I am inspired by the shapes, patterns, colours and textures of landscapes and try to capture some of the atmosphere of the moment."

Before retiring to concentrate on her art, Tina taught art and ceramics in the Bristol area including at the Bristol Folk House for a number of years where she became manager for 10 years.

To find out more about Tina and her work, visit www.tinagordonart.com

Ian Shillcock is a Weston born artist who currently works for Royal Mail. Ian started painting in 2012 as he prepared for a kidney transplant donated from fellow postman Chalkie Czajkowski.

Since starting to paint, he has enjoyed creating a varied selection of pieces using different mediums and styles.

Ian said: "The most enjoyable aspect of the creating process is observing what develops from a blank piece of paper or canvas. I am influenced by a wide range of artists both past and present, enjoying how the time and historic events influence the artists in their time. I hope anyone looking at my art enjoys it as much as I have enjoyed creating it."

Tina and Ian both belong to the Uphill Art Club, which will be exhibiting at The Quarry in August.

Background information

Originally used by local villagers, the Town Quarry in South Road, Weston, was extensively worked during the 19th Century to produce stone for the building of the Victorian town.

An exhibition depicting this part of the quarry's history is a permanent fixture inside the main building.

Quarrying ceased in the 1950s and 1980s, and Weston Civic Society obtained a lease on the site from the local authority.

Nature has reclaimed much of the site, which is now managed as a nature reserve.

The exhibition space at The Old Town Quarry maintains a professional display of art, with a range of different artists exhibiting throughout the year.

Cafe

The Rowan Tea Room, also open Wednesday to Sunday, is cool with outdoor seating during the summer and cosy with a log burning fire in the winter months.

It offers teas, coffees and delicious homemade cakes, as well as a varied lunch menu, which includes sandwiches, paninis, jacket potatoes and a specials board.

Exhibition Pendulum

Tina and Ian's work will be on show at The Old Town Quarry July 12-August 1 - Wednesday to Sunday, 10.30am-4.30pm.