Irene Sanderson

How would you describe the work you do and why?

Works vary from studies to completed works as a progress into line and pattern. I aim to create images in which the ink and the colours run and act together to give an image of fascination for the eye.

For you what does being an artist mean?:

Rather a struggle and great joy.

Describe what you call yourself/your practice?:

Artist specialising in Far Eastern ink painting (sumi-e) and calligraphy (sho-do)

Your practice & activities include e.g workshops, teaching:

I often hold workshops to encourage and explore ink painting and calligraphy with particular reference to the methods and techniques of Chinese painting (guó huà) and Japanese ink-painting (sumi-e, suiboku-ga).

CV & Education, relevant & leading to your artistic practice:

2021
Collaboration with Noriko Ogawa performed at Netherby Hall alongside exhibition of work
Through the Locking Glass The Gallery, Rheged
Exhibiting artist with Eden Valley Artistic Network
hArt BD Fownhope, Hereford HR1 4PU
2020
Exhibiting artist with Eden Valley Artistic Network
Cumbria Open 2019 Upfront Gallery, Hutton-in-the-Forest, Penrith www.up-front.com
Exhibition in support of Treasures of China, Tullie House, Museum and Art Gallery, Castle Street, Carlisle
Through the Locking Glass The Studio, Morland
2019
Shrines Solo exhibition of ink painting. Upfront Gallery, Hutton in the Forest, Penrith Cumbria (Event for Japan-UK Season of Culture 2019-2021)
Cumbria Open 2019 Upfront Gallery, Hutton-in-the-Forest, Penrith
2018
Lead artist for project with artist members of Making Space
Summer Exhibition, Lake Artists Society, Grasmere
hArt BD Fownhope, Hereford HR1 4PU www.bdporcelain.co.uk
2017
Designer and illustrator for blossom. A novel by Masako Saito translated by Don Sanderson published by Donko Books www.donkobooks.com
Fluidity Joint show with ceramicist Bridget Drakeford. The Ice House, Holland Park, London. In Association with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's Arts and Leisure Services
Summer Exhibition, Lake Artist Society, Grasmere
hArt BD Fownhope, Hereford HR1 4PU www.bdporcelain.co.uk
2016
Cumbria Open 2016 Upfront Gallery, Hutton-in-the-Forest, Penrith www.up-front.com
Designer and illustrator for Katie and the Floods published by Joellen publications www.joellenpublications.co.uk
Spirit in the Eden Armathwaite, Carlisle
2015
Cumbria Open 2015 Upfront Gallery, Hutton-in-the-Forest, Penrith www.up-front.com
hArt Venue 7 Fownhope, Hereford HR1 4PU www.bdporcelain.co.uk
Lead artist The Big Draw Florence Arts Centre, Florence Mine, Egremont CA22 2NR
Designer and illustrator for Joe and the Camera published by Joellen Publications
Borderlines Workshop with author Sue Fox for the Carlisle Book Festival www.borderlinescarlisle.co.uk
2014
Guest artist: Alston Art Group Summer Show, Alston, Cumbria
Spirit in the Eden Armathwaite, Carlisle
hArt Venue 43 Fownhope, Hereford HR1 4PU www.bdporcelain.co.uk
C-Art: Ground Florence Arts Centre, Florence Mine, Egremont CA22 2NR www.florencemine.com
Upfront Gallery Hutton-in-the-Forest, Penrith Exhibition by resident artists
Chinese Landscape Approaches "The Grot", Rydal Hall, Rydal ("...this beautiful retreat" Wordsworth)
The Big Draw Florence Arts Centre, Florence Mine, Egremont CA22 2NR www.florencemine.com (awarded commendation)
Designer and illustrator for Joe and the Window published by Joellen Publications
2013
Contemporary Cumbria Upfront Gallery, Hutton in the Forest, Penrith, Cumbria
Borderlines Joint show with ceramicist Bridget Drakeford. The Ice House, Holland Park, London. In Association with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea’s Arts and Leisure Service
2012
2013
Contemporary Cumbria Upfront Gallery, Hutton in the Forest, Penrith, Cumbria
Borderlines Joint show with ceramicist Bridget Drakeford. The Ice House, Holland Park, London. In Association with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea’s Arts and Leisure Service
2012
Gallery II Rheged, Penrith
Rock Solid? expo Kendal Museum, Station Road, Kendal
Public Art Collection, House of Lords (Two works selected for the permanent collection)
2011
Twelve (Cumbrian Artists) The Gallery, Rheged, Penrith
2010
hart (Hereford Art Week) Artist in residence: Fownhope, Hereford
Love Carlisle – Love/Hate Banner Artist-guide for youth project
The Rock Currock Youth Project, Currock, Carlisle
2009
Eden Mural: Cranstons Food Hall, Cranstons, Ullswater Road, Penrith
At the Eastern Gate Joint show with ceramicist Bridget Drakeford. The Ice House, Holland Park, London. In Association with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's Arts and Leisure Service
Ink & Stone Solo exhibition: Hip Gallery, neo’s, Cockermouth, Cumbria
2008
The Mustard Seed Garden Path to Blencathra FRED (Art Invasion of Cumbria) fold gallery, Market Square, Kirkby Stephen
Art in Action Ireland Exhibitor and demonstrator Townley Hall, Dublin
2007
Contemporary Open Art Exhibition Circle Gallery, Theatre by the Lake, Keswick
Light & Dark Joint show with photographer Robert Blomfield: Freeman College, Merlin Gallery, Tintagel House, Sheffield
Pig in Japan Award from the Arts Council England
Exhibition: Gallery St Ives, Tokyo
Artist in residence: Kawane Arts Centre, Shizuoka
Workshops: (on drawing) for Fujisawa Civic Centre and for Autism Society of Japan, Tokyo
Research: landscapes of the urban, rural and spiritual
Women’s Arts International Festival (Ink-painting instruction) Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal
Society of Lake Artists Exhibition Grasmere New Hall, Grasmere
Windows on our Mind Lead artist for exhibition celebrating creativity of those whose lives are affected by mental health issues. Bluebell Bookshop and shop windows throughout Penrith In association with Eden Mind
1993-present Studio in Cumbria.
Freelance illustration for various publishers (Paul Norbury Publications, Ward Lock etc)
Tutor for Cumbria County Council, Higham Hall College, HF holidays, Tullie House Museum, Eden Arts, Creative Partnerships Cumbria
1981-93 Studio in Sheffield
Graphic artist: University of Leeds
Lecturer: University of Sheffield, Sheffield School of Art
Tutor: Leeds Municipal University, Dept of Visual Studies
1978-81 Studio in Kyoto, Japan
Illustration and design for the British Council
Lecturer: Seika University of the Arts (International Design)
1976-78 Studio in London
Freelance illustration for various publishers (Chatto and Windus (Random House Group) etc)
Lecturer: London City University Adult Education
1974 Graduate student: University of Fine Art, Sapporo
1972-76 Studio in Tokyo, Sapporo then Kyoto
Disciple of Mushin, Master Painter of the Shijo School (Maruyama-ha), Kyoto
Graduate Student: Kyoto Municipal University of Fine Art
Publication The Teaching of Writing in Japan (ISBN 0 7049 0478 0)
1971-72 Travelled overland to Japan
1969-71 Associate: Sutherland-Hawes and Associates (Graphic Art and Design) Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, London (clients included the Post Office, the Royal Academy)
1969 Graduated University of Reading B.A.Hons, Fine Art (Typography and Graphic Communication)

Exhibitions in the last 3 years:

hArt 2025
Summer 2025 'Late and Soon' Solo exhibition at The Hub Hallbankgate, Carlisle
2024
Winter Collection EVAN
September Talkin Tarn Alex Gallery
hArt 2024
Summer Upfront Gallery, Unthank near Penrith The Summer Exhibition (larger works)
June 'MiBi 'at the Ice House Gallery, Holland Park, London W8
2023
hArt 2023
Summer collection Eden Valley Artistic Network

Your gallery outlets/stockists:

Upfront Gallery, Hutton in the Forest, Penrith Cumbria

Artwork for Irene Sanderson

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