Ian Carr

I studied at Leeds College of Art and Manchester University. After enjoying some early success as a full time painter the arrival of children required a more regular income and so began my involvement in art education. I have taught and lectured in various schools and colleges in the UK and Zambia. But there have also been diversions from education, where I have worked as a copywriter, gallery director and mural painter.

I have exhibited widely including the Arnolfini Gallery Bristol, Walker Art Gallery Liverpool, The Whitworth Art Gallery Manchester, The Roundhouse Chalk Farm, Leeds City Art Gallery and since moving to Kingsbridge – Harbour House, Birdwood House Gallery, Dartington and The Crypt Gallery St Ives.

I get a lot of pleasure from putting on exhibitions and, since moving to the South Hams organised the very popular and successful annual Bunker Project at Soar showing the work of twenty artists in a unique setting, and the Salcombe Contemporary Art Fair at Cliff House.

My paintings are responses to my environment. I endeavour to paint the experience of looking with a passion for colour and surface. A painting removes most sensual pleasures so those losses must be compensated for with heightened visual impact.
Starting points are mostly landscape or plant based. I find the versatility of oil paint and pastels the most exciting and suitable media.

Although it may have begun expediently, I have always enjoyed teaching and the fulfilment it can provide for all parties. It was a chance meeting at a Pilates class with a SAC member who asked if I would be interested in running a class, I said that I would give it a go (I’m still giving it a go).

Sailmaker Studio Salcombe