Going Behind the Scenes – Marion Brandis

Going Behind the Scenes – the 2016 Artist Open Houses Brochure Photo Shoot Featuring the work of Marion Brandis

“Very pleased and utterly surprised” was how Marion Brandis described how she felt when she found out her work had been chosen for this years cover design for the Artists Open Houses Brochure.  Marion is based in Lewes and her work ranges from decorative objects from the home to public installations. Nature and animals feature strongly in her work and each piece has a definite character making them very appealing – a trait demonstrated by the seagulls chosen for the cover of this years brochure.  Her birds are quite life like but slightly smaller than the gulls known to the Brighton seaside and they have a real sense of humour about them.

Last week the seagulls were stars of their own photo shoot at the studio of photographer, Bernard Mills.  Marion brought along several of her seagull sculptures for the shoot and as the space began to fill with birds, you could really feel the personality of these characters!  It was as if they knew they just had to wait until the camera was ready for them.  And when it was – these guys knew how to work on camera.

Choosing a bright Brighton blue back drop, two or three birds were photographed together, making it look as if the birds are in deep conversation about the state of the weather or the importance of the freshness of a discarded chip. (None really – a chip is a chip to a seagull.)

Marion has taken part in the Artists Open Houses since 1990, when she was part of the only Open House in Kemptown.  She plans to continue to develop the gull theme as well as feature other animals such as horses, cats and dogs. You can see some more of her work her work at marionbrandis.co.uk. Look for the spring brochure throughout Brighton and Hove in April.