BRANDSBY photographer John Illingworth and York artist Jo Walton will showcase their work at Pairings Wine Bar, in Castlegate, York, from May 7 to August 7.

Venturing into the realms of abstract landscape creations, their joint exhibition will encourage the viewer to look at the beauty of the natural world in a new light.

Illingworth has travelled extensively to expand his portfolio, creating pictorial and abstract interpretations of his view through the lens. "Sometimes it is not sufficient to present an accurate record of a beautiful landscape and I have to try, in addition, to capture the feeling of being there," says the Licentiate of the Royal Photographic Society photographer.

York Press:

Brothers Water, Cumbria, by John Illingworth

Walton, who has her own studio at Rogues Atelier in Fossgate, York, will show original work ranging from seascapes painted on gold metal leaf, through prints created using rusty metal objects, to rusted metalscapes.

"My paintings attempt to capture memories, an intrinsic feeling, a distant dream," says Jo. "As a child, I travelled to and from Australia by sea. In my adult years, I sailed around the Mediterranean, across the Atlantic, in the Gulf of Aqaba, the Red Sea, the Irish Channel and Bay of Biscay. Each day and night provided a wonderful visual feast of clouds, sea, sunsets and moon-rises

"I've always been fascinated by rust; the colours from burnt orange to umber; its weathered, changing surface and slow development. The colours resonate with my childhood; memories of Australia with its red earth, running around farms with metal shacks, rusted corrugated roofs, broken machinery."

York Press:

Abstract Steel 2, by Jo Walton

Pairings Wine Bar is delighted to be working with Illingworth and Walton. Co-owner Kate Latham says:"We change our exhibitions every three months, so that we can showcase a variety of work created by local artists and photographers. We were thrilled when Jo and John expressed an interest in exhibiting with us as their artwork is unique yet it complements one another well.

"On the opening evening of May 7, we’ll be having a launch at Pairings where guests can view the work on display, as well as ask the Jo and John questions. This event from 7.30pm to 10pm is free to attend and will be an enjoyable evening of art, photography and wine."

York Press:

Holding Tight, by John Illingworth

Illingworth and Walton's work is for sale and can be bought directly from the artists. Pairings is open from Sunday to Thursday, 12 noon to 11pm, and on Fridays and Saturdays, 11am to 12 midnight.

Any artists or photographers seeking to exhibit at Pairings in late 2019 or early 2020 should email Ellen Cole at ellen@pairings.co.uk.