Basildon Art Trail

Stephen Grayston instructing children how to paint the sign for the "Sun"

 At the beginning of July Stephen Grayston's beautiful Japanese Calligraphy exhibition opened at the Gallery 2 space based in the Eastgate Centre in Basildon. The exhibition by Stephen (who exhibits annually in Japan), contains traditional sho with bokujo and some work with acrylic on canvas. 

On the 14th July Stephen was joined by local children and held a demonstration workshop in front of Stephen Metcalfe MP and Mayor of Basildon Councillor Mo Larkin. Following the expert instruction provided by Stephen the children used black ink and paint brushes to paint various symbols in a traditional Japanese format - including symbols for the sun, happiness and wind.

Stephen was exceptionally impressed with the concentration and talent of the local children commenting " This was an opportunity for school children to come along and try something that they had not tried before."

You can see Stephen's exhibition at the Gallery 2 space next to the BEA gallery in the Eastgate until the end of July 2012. Or if you have been inspired by this blog and would like to try your hand at a bit of calligraphy, come along to the Gallery 2 on Saturday 28th July between 10:00am - 2:00pm for another opportunity to experience and take part in another live demonstration of Japanese Calligraphy by Stephen.

The Basildon Art Trail is delighted to announce that you will also be able to see some of Stephen amazing canvases and calligraphy as part of the Basildon Art Trail in October 2012.

Stephen Metcalfe joins the workshop to see what the children are painting

Sitting patiently awaiting the next instruction

 Alongside the amazing work produced by Stephen, artist Alistair Smith (who has been working at the Eastgate recycling cardboard boxes discarded by local retailers) created a large golden pagodas that stands just over 6 metres. Traditionally pagodas have five stories (one for each element) but the Writtle based artist used his artistic licence to add a sixth floor to represent grandeur and the spirit of  friendship between our nations .

Artist Alistair Smith stands in front of his amazing cardboard pagodas, joined by Yuko Warwick-Yamamoto, Reiko Aitken, Nanae Miller,  Mayor of Basildon Councillor Mo Larkin and Stephen Metcalfe MP

 Eastgate shopping centre has dedicated the sculpture to the Japanese Olympic swimming team, who have used Basildon as a base. It is displayed as a warm welcoming gesture of friendship and thanks to the team on behalf of the Eastgate Shopping Centre and the people of Basildon. 

Stephen Grayson with Yuko, Reiko and Nanae