Artists

Denise Swanson

Photographer, printmaker, curator and co-founder of Oxheys, Denise pursues a series of investigative, research-led projects inspired by a passion for and understanding of the natural world and our place within it. Her work has won several awards, been published and exhibited widely and sells as fine art prints. See abstractsofnature.com 

Denise has an MA in Fine Art from UCLan and Fellowships in both Fine Art and Cultural Heritage photography from the BIPP. In 2013 she completed a 1 year AA2A residency at UCLan investigating experimental printmaking techniques using wax. Denise provides consultancy and professional artwork and arts event photography services for a growing number of artists of all disciplines, including work for Art UK and galleries.
See artworkphotography.uk

Her involvement with Oxheys has also developed an interest in curating and project managing art activities. 

Evelyn Rose

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday Life” Pablo Picasso

Evelyn’s practice is inspired by engagement at the social interface and is expressed in print, installation and artist books. Evelyn is constantly striving to capture that ephemeral moment when the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

Recycled and found materials have interest in their own right, becoming fascinating in the context of their history. Never more so than in the relationship with personal memory and identity of those influenced by them. 

In 2013 Evelyn completed an MA in Fine Art at UCLan and has recently completed a residency in Malta, working on a community project involving memories.

Robin Fanner

Robin became a resident during 2015 having worked with us at Oxheys for almost 2 years previously, running Life Drawing sessions in the upstairs meeting room, with a regular group of artists. An RAM registered life model, Robin is known for his long poses which allow artists to slow down and take a more considered approach to life drawing. Often seen modelling for the Life Drawing sessions held at the Harris Museum in Preston which are co-hosted by Oxheys.

 Robin is also qualified as a yoga instructor  for which he is takes bookings for individuals, couples and small groups.

Embarking on a BA in Fine Art at UClan to pursue an interest in drawing, Robin achieved ‘Student of the Year’ for 2017 so now also paints and draws.

Gordon Ashworth

Gordon studied fine art at Sunderland Polytechnic, obtaining a first class (Hons) degree. Although specialising mainly in photography he always continued to paint and draw and later took a ‘photography: critical practice’ course at Falmouth College of Art, achieving a postgraduate diploma. Painting is the main medium he chooses to work in at the present time.

His work takes the form of a kind of mapping, building on shapes, symbols and animal totems, and draws upon the unconscious and dreams, attempting to connect the spirit world with the physical.

Gordon’s recent drawing and painting is based around colour, pattern and repetition. He has also begun to incorporate words and their meanings into his work in the form of symbols and totems, creating a map of the human psyche. Gordon’s visualisation of the Art Map of Lancashire was a central feature during 2018’s Making A Mark event and has become a work in progress.

Caroline Finnigan

Caroline is an established visual artist, specialising in fibre arts including spinning, weaving, dyeing, stitching and knotting. She has a special interest in local fleece and natural plant based dyes and she is pleased to share this passion with local groups and schools. Much of her work is community based and Caroline has facilitated craft workshops for Preston Markets, Preston City Council, UCLan and Lancashire Adult Learning, as well as offering knitting and crochet classes to individuals and groups. Often found at Ravenous on Canon Street holding workshops. Visit her Etsy shop at HappyMakesArt or see happymakes.org

Holding a degree in Computing, Caroline loves to combine old and new technologies. She enjoys taking unusual or challenging commissions which will benefit individuals or the community, like the time she was asked to design and knit interactive body organs.

Bernie Velvick

Having studied at UCLan, Bernie runs the community arts project ArtFull and is experienced as an artist using drawing but also in crafts and often refers to herself as a ‘Folk Artist’. She also delivers workshops and is experienced in running a variety of community arts participatory events. Bernie also runs the Big Picture drawing sessions held in Preston at various venues.

We are delighted to welcome Bernie as a member artist having enjoyed her support at Oxheys over many years.

Lubaina Himid

We are very proud to include Lubaina as a supporter of Oxheys, ever since the idea was first proposed. She has curated shows for us, been on hand to offer advice and barely missed an event throughout the period we were at the old mill, often supporting or sponsoring activities.

Lubaina is the 2017 Turner Prize winner and celebrated Professor of Contemporary Art at UCLAN, under whom many of us studied.

We are delighted to welcome Lubaina as an Honorary Member in 2018 and so proud of her achievements. See lubainahimid.uk

Julie Saul

Long-standing Oxheys member, Julie studied an MA in Fine Art: Painting and Printmaking at UCLan. Her work combines screen printing with paintings, usually on large canvas.