Sebastian Pedley on imaginary saints and unsung heroes – and exhibiting his student daughter’s artwork
Sebastian Pedley: Boy with a Paper Crown
Hi Seb, You’ve taken part in AOH many times before as part of Ditchling trail, but this is the first time you have opened your own home. What lead you to make that decision?!
I have moved from a top floor flat to a cottage which has made it possible – for space and access reasons.
Would you like to tell us a bit about your own work?
I have been drawing caricatures and portraits for many years and about 13 years ago decided I would draw them using paint, on a larger format and typically leave the subject as a generic. This year the series of portraits are that of imaginary saints and unsung heroes you may be able to identify with.
Sebastian Pedley: St Duster and St Dibber
Jana Pedley, who is in her first year of a Fine Arts degree at Central St Martins, is one of your guest artists. Would you like to tell us about Jana and her work?
Jana, my eldest daughter of two, did her foundation year at MET in Brighton and now is in her first year at CSM. I have asked her to write a piece about her work:
‘Since moving to London, I’ve realised it is exactly what I expected. There’s lots of people and noise and movement. My work is inspired by my surroundings and day to day experiences, while living in London and the special moment I have coming back home. Having fun with drawing and painting and short film is my way of playing. Working in this naïve style allows me to be imaginative and playful, working from no reference can be challenging but that’s something I will continue to practice in my drawings.’
Jan Pedley -Baby Head
How did you select your other guest artists who are showing with you?
Former collaborators were my first choice. Our group work so well together and the mix is not competitive, but is honest and professional.
They include:
Katja Garood (Biro)
Roberta Young (Spring 6)
and Rachel Galbraith (leather craft)
What are you most looking forward to and hoping for in opening your house?
I’m looking forward to establishing a regular venue people will look forward to revisiting!
Sebastian Pedely: St Naperon
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
Its so great to witness people’s reactions first hand when they see the new paintings!
I have been reluctant to leave the house at the weekend despite having plenty of us!
Sebastian Pedley: St Denimes and St Yarn
Visit Sunnyside 19 at:
19 Lewes Road, Ditchling, BN6 8TT
No 1 on the Ditchling trail