Pop Art Artists-Canvas Paintings-Pictures-Prints-Modern Canvas

15.12.2009
Coffee and a portrait please
The Edge Café in the Endcliffe Village at the University of Sheffield is not just offering a coffee and a cake to students returning from their Easter break. It has now been transformed into a Café of Art, offering students the chance to buy the prints on display.

Three local artists have been invited by Accommodation & Campus Services at the University to display their unique work on the walls of The Edge Café - giving staff and students something eye catching to look at as they sip their morning coffees. Matt Wood, a former student at the University, and former resident at Sorby Hall of Residence which was demolished in 2006 to make way for the Endcliffe Village, is displaying his vibrant paintings of various famous figures in the café. Matt has never formally studied art and only began painting when he wanted to decorate his first year bedroom in Sorby. Using Dulux paint and some materials from his father who works in the sign industry, Matt uses his fingers and thumbs to create 'photo-realistic' portraits. The University is working with Smart Art Galleries, who look after six local Sheffield artists, getting their work displayed around Sheffield. Following the success of the art display in The Edge Café, the University is planning to branch out into other cafés and venues in the future.

Other artists displaying their work in The Edge Café are Jasper Prachek and Kate Jackson. Jasper Prachek is a photographer with a passion for music. His passion began when he starting taking pictures in the late 70s of iconic punk bands such as the Clash and the Jam. His photographs capture the moment punk broke out in the UK. Kate Jackson is the former lead vocalist from the Long Blondes and created all the band's artwork for them during their six year career. Her style is edgy, with a pop art feel. Matt Wood commented: "I feel very proud to see my paintings up in The Edge Café at the University. Although Sorby is no longer standing, I think it's great my art is being displayed near where I first began painting. I hope students visiting the café will enjoy the art and maybe decide to decorate their rooms with it, like I did." Peter Anstess, from Accommodation and Campus Services at the University commented: "We're really excited to be working with Smart Art Galleries on this project. It's great to be able to support local artists and give students, staff and visitors to the Endcliffe Village the chance to view the work of such talented people. We've had lots of positive feedback on the art and hope to display other local artists' work in more eatwithUS cafés around the University in the future."

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