Megalithic Art Exhibition 2009
 The Megalithomania art exhibition is now in its second year, and runs in conjunction with the conference. The curator of the exhibition, Kate Masters, had previously attended and spoken at the conference and felt the experience could be enhanced by the presence of art because there is no better way to let your mind wander in the footsteps of the ancients than by pondering beautiful artwork whilst listening to the revelations of the speakers. What ties all the artists involved together is their interest in the mystery of the stones. Whether it be the subtle marks of man on rock as suggested in Nadine Harberthuar’s prints, or the stone itself which is the main focus of Simon White’s photography, the magic of the fairy world referred to in Mina Braun’s prints, the stunning and intertwining symbols of the Celtic world seen in Matthew Billington’s stone carving or the power of sacred landscape captured in Phillip Tonkyn’s photography and Kate Masters ceramics. Each artist here strives within their medium to express something of the awesome atmosphere of spiritual places. If you would like to exhibit at future events please contact: info@megalithomania.co.uk |
FEATURED ARTIST - MATTHEW BILLINGTON
Stone carving seems to have been something I was born with, self taught (except for one lettering course) I have mostly carved by instinct. My first works were on pieces of stone I found whilst out and about and lugged home on my shoulder. The art of the Celts was the main flavour then and is still something of a speciality. Actually my very first piece was quite small and a kind of morphing multi-faced tribal affair. The last few years have seen me produce quite a number of large standing-stones for public parks and walks - modern day megaliths adorned with various motifs ancient and modern.
Since doing the public work I became inspired to start sculpting from the heart again and with the improved equipment and techniques I found I was able to carve in a flow of consciousness, unplanned way responding to the stone and to the shapes as they develop. I like my work to keep a strong sense of the original stone, it’s raw natural form, so that sculpture emerges from it. I find this approach gives my work a timeless aspect, ancient and tribal. This is certainly the core of my inspiration, I want to make work that whispers of long-lost cultures, mystery and magic. This seems to come through and people often site ‘Easter Island’ and descriptions like ‘spiritual’ and ‘serenity’. I find this fascinating as I think it is an unconscious intent rather then something I focus on.
Having lived in Wales for the last few years much of my recent work has been in slate a stone I have found surprisingly responsive. The other Welsh stone I have found exciting and inspiring to carve is Preseli Bluestone, whilst rather hard the beautiful starry night patterns released when polished are mesmerising and I often wear a piece whilst carving.... Matthew Billington
Megalithic Art Exhibition 2008
