Work of local photographer Richard and artist Judy on show
The work of photographer Richard Heald, from Horsforth, and artist Judy Merchant, from Roundhay, is now on display at Preston Baker Estate Agents new premises in Roundhay Road, Leeds.
Preston Baker Estate Agents recently moved to new premises on Roundhay Road, Leeds, and with large expanses of blank white walls, it was decided to invite local artists to show some of their work.
Currently on display is the striking photography work of Richard, capturing some of Richard’s favourite locations in and around Roundhay and Leeds, and the artwork of Judy, who uses fabric, paint, gesso and machine stitch to create beautiful abstract pieces.
Richard Heald
Richard fell in love with photography when he started taking evening classes at Park Lane College in Horsforth 19 years ago, when he first began working with black and white film. He became completely hooked and knew he wanted to cultivate his craft further.
“I love the fact that my photographs are unique to how I see something; everyone has a different viewpoint,” said Richard.
He is a husband and father of two in his 40s, a seasoned gig-goer, and a staunch follower of Leeds United Football Club, and he enjoys blending his love for photography with aspects and interests of his own life in his hometown Leeds.
Richard said: “There are so many great locations in and around Leeds, and many of them hold special memories for my family and I, and also when I attend local markets with my photography work, it sparks memories for other people and we then have conversations about the places. There is something really special about that.”
Some of his favourite locations, including Brudenell Social Club in Leeds (where he has seen Tom Jones, among many others, perform), Ilkley Moor, and Roundhay Park, feature in the photographs on show.
“Photography really doesn’t feel like a job,” said Richard, who also does pet portraits and brand photography, alongside the full-time job he has held for 28 years as an Assistant Store Manager.
“I am taking two months off work this year to fully explore my photography work and I can’t wait,” said Richard.
His photographs range in price from £17.50 to £95 for a mounted print.
You can find out more about Richard at https://rjhealdphotography.co.uk/
Judy Merchant
Judy initially studied Dress and Textiles at college, where she discovered a love of free embroidery; using a machine in a free way to create patterns. She later did a Fine Art degree, and went on to work in art therapy, social services and counselling, before deciding to do her artwork full-time in 2011.
“My work is very much about the process of working,” said Judy, who always has a number of pieces on the go at any one time.
She is drawn to the idea that nothing is permanent, that everything is in a transient state and that there is beauty in imperfection.
She is inspired by marks evidencing the passing of time in the ageing urban environment and the changing seasons, such as ageing walls and fallen leaves. She loves the surfaces and texture which seem to hold that sense of history and mystery. Her work echoes this process of change as she works in layers which conceal and reveal what went before.
A qualified art teacher, Judy loses herself in her work: “I love my work, it takes me into another zone where I do not have to think about anything.”
Judy does have time for other interests, including an allotment, playing the piano and gardening.
You can find out more about Judy and her work here: https://judymerchant.com/
Pictures show Richard, Judy and examples of their work.
