Polly Gardiner
About the Artist
Polly Gardiner lives and works in Cornwall producing textiles, paintings, prints and cards. Having completed a Foundation course at Falmouth School of Art in 1992 she went on to do a BA in Textiles at the Surrey Institute of Art and Design, Farnham from 1993 – 96.
Through continuous experimentation and research, Polly has amassed a wealth of personal dye recipes and an extensive range of vibrant and unusual colours for her textile work. She creates one-off large silk banners and also produces luxurious silk velvet and silk satin scarves and bags which are embroidered and beaded. Large abstract works on canvas are a natural progression for Polly, enabling her to work in a more solid medium and without the limitations of painting on fine silk.
Inspirational Cornwall
Whatever the medium her passion for colour is apparent. Her work is bold and contemporary, reflecting the spontaneity and energy she puts into each piece. Her starting point is the wealth of inspiration that Cornwall offers. The vibrant colours, the variety of light and textures. She then goes on a journey of instinctive response and experimentation, allowing the work to evolve and change, often breaking the traditional rules until the painting reflects her emotional response to her environment.
Art Exhibitions & Galleries
Polly Gardiner’s work (textiles & paintings) has been exhibited in Dancing Beggars Gallery in Dartmouth, High Tide in Mevagissey, Over The Moon in St Agnes, Mimi Interiors in Derbyshire, Turn of the Tide in Teignmouth, Seagroves Gallery in Marazion, Falmouth Art Gallery, Chase Art Gallery in Wadebridge and Barkhouse Gallery in Newquay.
Prints & Greeting Cards
Polly and her daughter Emma also produce bright and quirky watercolours which bring a light touch to the images of Cornwall. These are also available as prints and cards which are sold in many outlets throughout the UK and USA and a gallery in the middle of Tokyo!