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JULY 2022, AC Gallery, Harrogate
ORIGINAL ARTWORK BY EVE MELIA, CELEBRATING POPULAR COASTAL TOWNS AND SCENERY ALONG THE YORKSHIRE COASTLINE
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There's something incredibly unique about the culture of the British seaside holiday; the frivolous arcades, famous Fish & Chips, donkey rides, deckchairs. the '99' icecream, splashing in rockpools and inevitable sand-in-the-sandwiches. These are just some of the quirks of the British seaside day out.
For this collection, I wanted to delve into exploring Yorkshire seaside towns which bring back vivid, nostaglic memories for many families. Some of my best childhood memories were the annual, day trips to the beach with my family! Packing up the buckets and spades, a big picnic and some rain coats just in case.
As a kid, you can fit a whole lot of fun into a day. We used to travel about in our old landrover in the 90's, and screech with joy as soon as the first of us could exclaim "I can see the sea!" And the first time the ice-cold North sea grabs your toes is another unforgettable feeling. Not to mention, the sweet, grainy melting of candyfloss sugar on the tongue. The smell of suncream.
JUNE 2021, AC Gallery, Harrogate
ORIGINAL ARTWORK BY EVE MELIA, DEPICTING A SELECTION OF THE MANY BEAUTIFUL PARTS OF HARROGATE AND KNARESBOROUGH
The theme of "Cherished Homescapes" came so easily to me when I was thinking of what kind of scenes I really wanted to paint and show the world for my first public exhibition. Knaresborough is the home of my childhood and Harrogate the home of my adulthood. Both holding such cherishable memories and beautiful days out. This part of Yorkshire is notably picturesque and known for it's history and outstanding natural views. To me it holds flashes of memories from hot sunny evenings after school, and exciting days out.
From the quaint town of Knaresborough I chose to paint the famous Castle ruins, the stunning view of the viaduct along the riverside walk, and the recognisable thatched cottage which is the last one left in Knaresborough. From the spa town of Harrogate I chose to paint the Cherry tree walk which people come to see from far and wide, the Magnesia wells cafe in Valley Gardens, and, I painted the North Yorkshire moors covered in purple heather. A green landrover parked up - a nod to the vehicle we had when I was little.