MARIANTHI LAINAS HELEN SMITH
Having spent most of her life living at the tip of the Wirral peninsula , a stone ’ s throw from the shifting sands of Hoylake beach , Marianthi ’ s artwork is inspired by the transient beauty of the coast . Working out at the tideline and then back in the studio , she combines photographic techniques with mixed media processes to visually interpret cycles of ebb and flow .
“ Most days , as I have done for years , I walk the sands of the Dee Estuary and have become familiar with its tidal patterns , observing the frequent changes in this dynamic environment . Our shore is in a constant state of flux . Temporary lines and textures are created by wave and wind ; dunes and foreshore are re-sculpted twice daily . My work is an attempt to mark some of those moments in time ”
Using the cyanotype process , an early photographic printing technique , lightsensitive papers are exposed to the elements out on the Estuary sands and at Hilbre Island . Waves and wind , sunlight and sand all leave their imprint , the tiniest of details permanently etched upon the papers . Each print is the result of a unique set of conditions at one particular point in time – a fleeting representation of an ever-changing landscape . Back in the studio , pieces are selectively embellished with acrylic , fibres , gold leaf or wax . Marianthi exhibits her work regularly in solo and group shows across the UK , and is currently represented by galleries in London and Scotland . Closer to home , a selection of her limited edition photographic prints can be purchased at Blue Moon Framing & Gallery in Heswall . Original mixed media artworks are currently only available via her website .
For the past 10 years Marianthi has taken part in the popular Wirral Open Studio Tour , joining the many artists across the peninsula who open their studios and workspaces to the public for one weekend each year . After the cancellation of the 2020 event due to the pandemic , she is looking forward to welcoming visitors back into her home studio for this year ’ s Tour on 11th / 12th September 2021 .
www . marianthilainas . com
Glass artist Helen Smith works with kiln formed glass in her Wirral studio . Describing herself as an ‘ accidental glass artist ’, she studied for a degree in Design & Applied Arts at Glyndwr University , Wrexham where she expected to specialise in ceramics ; but there was something about the material qualities of glass that captivated her and she continues to explore these qualities some 8 years later .
Helen draws her inspiration from walks along the local Wirral shoreline , noting the shifting light and weather patterns as well as the varying patterns and textures left by the retreating tide .
“ I feel very lucky to live where I do , just a few minutes away from the shore . The instant I put my foot on the sand it is like stepping into a different world and I want my work to capture the feel of that peaceful other world down by the water ’ s edge .”
Helen ’ s work includes wall panels created by building up layers of coloured glass powders before firing them in the kiln , and decorative dishes formed by allowing the glass to flow and stretch in the kiln . In both of these techniques there is an element of unpredictability ; for example , even the most brightly coloured glass appears grey in powdered form , so that achieving the colours she is aiming for in her panels is a mixture of instinct , experience and sometimes guesswork .
In keeping with her coastal theme the majority of Helen ’ s work is sandblasted to give it a surprisingly tactile surface , reminiscent of sea glass :
“ I realise that stroking a piece of glass is not most people ’ s first reaction , but it is something I positively encourage !”
Together with a small dedicated team , Helen organises the popular Wirral Open Studio Tour which returns this September . As part of the tour she will be opening her glass studio to show her work and to give visitors an insight into the processes involved . Her work is also available via her website and she will be taking part in the Open Culture Summer Arts Fair at Liverpool Cathedral on 5th June .
www . helen-smith . com
LIVE FOREVER
Live Forever is a new touring production celebrating “ music that will never die ” and comes to Liverpool this Autumn with a stellar line up .
The show at the Eventim Olympia on Saturday September 11th sees the live return of Oasis UK - the world ’ s number one Oasis tribute act . For any Oasis fan this is not to be missed . The band sold out their previous tour of London , Dublin , Belfast and are the world ’ s only officially recognised Oasis tribute with ( accreditation from Liam Gallagher himself !).
Featuring video wall and projector light show using the official Oasis visuals as used on their last tour the band were described by Radio 2 as “ the next best thing now that Oasis have split ” whilst Nicole Appleton confirmed “ Liam was very impressed ”. Also joining the bill is the official Oasis and Noel Gallagher HFB tour DJ Phil Smith . Having also been guitar technician for The Stone Roses and toured the world DJing for Oasis , it ’ s fair to say he knows a thing or two about tunes .
Support comes from Laid – A Tribute to James . Playing all the hits including “ Sit Down ”, “ Come Home ”, “ Laid ”, “ She ’ s a Star ”, “ Tomorrow ”, “ Getting Away With It ”, and “ Sometimes ” Laid have received high praise everywhere they play and have marked their territory as the leading tribute to one of the best bands to come out of Manchester .
Completing the line-up is Stipe – A tribute to R . E . M . R . E . M . remain one of the world ’ s most enigmatic bands . With a string of peerless albums ; one eye on the underground and one eye on the soaring chorus ; it ’ s safe to say we will never see their like again . From The One I Love through to The End of the World and more besides . Whether it ’ s playing major festivals or appearing on the One Show , performing for Michael Stipe himself , Stipe are the definitive R . E . M . tribute – a complete band , and encyclopaedic knowledge of the back catalogue . The boys from Athens ’ legacy is in good hands .
For more information on LIVE FOREVER ( A Celebration of Music That Will Never Die ), please visit : www . liveforeverlive . com wirrallife . com 63