Kentish Express - 2 October 2003 - Commission an Original for Your Home or Office

How many people realise that they can commission an original piece of artwork locally at no extra cost?

Most artists are happy to accept commissions and create a unique piece of artwork especially for a client and a specific location.

Ashford Visual Artists member Mandy Munroe said: "The beauty of commissioning a piece of local art is that it is relevant to the area and made by a well known artist who is living and working in the borough."

She creates site-specific pieces to commission inspired by themes relevant to the client. Mandy uses hand-dyed cotton and silk alongside commercially pritned fabrics collected on her travels.

Liz Garnett is a photographer who has a passion for abstracts and experimenting with different photographic processes and films.

She was an established travel photographer before branching out into the fine art field. Having lived and worked in the UK, France and Australia, Liz has now settled in Kent, a county which she loves and which allows her easy access for working in Europe. She has exhibited in the UK and Italy.

Liz recently decided to use her individual style of photography in portraiture and launched her portrait portfolio at the studio open day.

For the last four years she has been photographing and recording her two children as they grow up. From these photographs she has produced: photo montage following in the footsteps of David Hockney; small and delicate emulsion lift portraits; and large scale abstract tapestry portraits as well as large scale cross processed photographic portraits.

Liz said: "For a long time I have avoided portraiture as I didn't want to copy or compete with high street portrait photographers - I now feel I have work that is significantly different to offer to clients."

Her portraiture is not just a means of record taking but is also an art form.

Both artists took part in South East Open Studios in June this year and found it a great success.

"I thoroughly enjoyed meeting people and discussing my work and art in general. I met many interesting people and am looking forward to doing so again on Saturday." said Liz.