Artwork has always been a popular and thoughtful wedding gift, but tastes differ and it's not always easy to find something that will guarantee to appeal to the couple in question. Now it's easier than ever (and much more fun) to collaborate on unique, affordable artworks that boast hand-picked palettes and personal details.
Pick of the pop art
Most of us have considered who we might choose for our dream dinner party; which of our favourite comedians, rockers and film stars we would most like to break bread with. But have you ever considered inviting them to your wedding? No, this is not a feature about look-a-likes - as much fun as they are - this is about something much longer lasting than a cheeky guest appearance!
Jenny Birchall, Cornwall's most vivacious popular culture artist, stays abreast of what's current in order to produce canvases that burst with colour, movement and famous faces as iconic as Marilyn and Elvis or as modern as our glorious London 2012 Olympians! But the best part is: you can stand alongside them, perched atop a Cornish lugger or nestled among your nearest and dearest in your favourite spot.
I say canvases, but the finished pieces are distinctly different from the seaside prints you might find in a coastal town gallery; painted in gouache on wood, then varnished (to make them bathroom and kitchen friendly), each original painting is entirely unique and, when commissioned for a special event, personal details spill from the compositions in a palette as brilliant as the overall concept.
Asking Jenny about the evolution of her unusual and whimsical style, she explained, "Inspired by Bryan Pearce and Peter Blake, I had moved from the still life of watercolour flowers to populated scenes - one day I was painting a group of people walking the causeway to St Michael's Mount, and I thought, 'I'll add Elvis Presley!'" With the immediate sale of this painting, things escalated for Jenny, who now undertakes private commissions, as well as exhibiting her work in galleries and homes throughout Cornwall.
It's very apparent that her enthusiasm for her craft extends beyond the "inspiration of peculiar juxtapositions of modern pop culture" - which might find her creating a tapestry of Royals dancing with the Sex Pistols - to those 'ordinary' people for whom her pictures are lovingly created. "I like to have a chat with people and help them to generate ideas, like including special places, scenes from childhood and, if it's a wedding, put in little details like the proposal scene or the venue."
It's a collaborative process that is often undertaken via email or phone conversations. She laughs as she tells me that, in many cases, she doesn't get to meet the people who receive her bespoke paintings as a gift and yet she's privy to lots of quirky details about their lives - even down to family pets! In one recent commission with a royal twist, the couple's pet dog is depicted dancing with a corgi! Little wonder then, that a Jenny Birchall original might feature Miss Marple getting her groove on with James Dean or Eddie Izzard sharing his eyeshadow tint with Ziggy Stardust!
If you're interested in commissioning a painting that packs a punch (featuring Arnie, Sly or Bruce), or shimmers with star power (Luke Skywalker, Captain Kirk, Dr Who...) you can contact Jenny on 01736 740483 or www.jennybirchall.co.uk. Commissions start from £200, payable only after you're happy with the proof drawing, so don't hold back! As Jenny says, "Anything is possible - no matter how crazy!"
Blooming talented
Bursting with vibrant abstract motifs and floral themes, Abi Withers' paintings are a miasma of candy coloured canvases and sun-dappled scenes that shimmer with coloured varnishes and glitters. Her flair for tone and texture is evident in every piece - each one inspired by the wild flowers and grasses of the Cornish countryside, in which she grew up.
Although it is possible to browse Abi's gallery and order a painting in a similar style to one online, every painting she produces is unique and carefully considered. Every picture is undertaken with a fresh perspective and can be tailored to suit the colour theme or mood that you would like to create, as Abi explains, "Even though I have a colour palette on my website, people like to send me things in exactly the right shade; I've had everything from cushion covers to photos of kettles - even a pair of knickers! There is never a dull moment when it comes to a personal commission."
"I feel a painting represents a lasting memory of a very special event in someone's life." One such event is a wedding and Abi is committed to creating a piece that will be treasured as a keepsake for many years to come. Using the bridal bouquet or colour scheme as a starting point, Abi develops her final piece in collaboration with the person responsible for the commission, whether this is the bride and groom or a thoughtful guest. Working from the specifications of the room in which the painting will be hung, Abi uses shape and tone (from soft summer pastels to warm, golden tones) in order to produce a piece as organic as the commissioning process itself.
With six sizes of canvas in stock and the option to order an alternative, Abi's paintings can sprinkle a little magic into a neglected space or light up a room entirely.
A gallery of Abi's work is available online at www.abiwithers.co.uk or you can contact her at abi@abiwithers.co.uk. Commissions start at �35 for a 10x10 canvas, but if you're not sure about whether this sort of gift will be appreciated by the bride, wife, daughter, friend in question, Abi believes you should ask yourself this question: "What woman doesn't like sparkle?" It's so true.
Devoted to design
And now for something a little different... Launched in 2010 by creative designer Lisa Long, More Than Words offers a bespoke service and a unique creative experience, comprising text and graphics. The beauty of language meets contemporary artwork in an affordable medium. Simply put, it's a beautiful mixture of words and pictures that will appeal to everybody.
Having created her own 'memories canvas', in custom colours to match her room, Lisa found that friends and family were keen to request their own 'word art' canvases, featuring evocative phrases or quotes, entirely personal to them. Proof that necessity is the birthplace of invention, Lisa recalls,"I was struggling to find artwork that had it all - contemporary, premium quality yet reasonably priced, a great talking point and something that was unique and meaningful." With the success of her own prototype, it wasn't long before More Than Words came into being.
Driven by Lisa's creative passion and her love of interiors, graphic design and typography, the online company offers a huge variety of products, including plain canvases, reclaimed wood, vintage frames, acrylic and screen prints, all in gorgeous colours that create a subtle finish or pop with vibrant hues.
Now an award-winning global brand, More Than Words is home to creative designers that will take key words, wedding details or written excerpts from readings or poems and arrange them with careful selection of font and layout or incorporating special pictures or graphics to create an original gift to be treasured forever. To find out more, log on to www.morethan.words.uk.com.
words Charity Wilson
Copyright Wed magazine 2013
