Couple exhibit together to celebrate Edge Hill’s 125th birthday

Loved-up artists Derek and Zoe Boak show the ‘Layer of Meaning' to life and loss in a brand new exhibition showing at Edge Hill University as part of the Institution's 125^th anniversary celebrations.

It is the first time the married painting duo from Southport have exhibited their work together but thought it would be a fun project to join up on to help mark the University's milestone anniversary.

For Derek it also brings back fond memories as a former student of the University. He said: "I've been an artist for many years but it is the first time that I've come back to Edge Hill to exhibit. It's nice to be able to show that what I have learnt here in the past has come to fruition and is a reflection of the excellent tutoring I received there."

They say that opposites attract which is clear from the couple's contrasting paintings, prints and mixed media currently on display at the University's Faculty of Health Building.

Derek's pieces focuses on history, places and the traces that people leave behind. His inspiration came after losing a number of loved ones in the family, with his work showing signs of hope overcoming feelings of loss or abandonment.  

Derek, who is Head of Art at Rainford High Technology College, explained: "My work is concerned with marking time in the environment and through the changes we go through as people. I try to give a hopeful message and show how traces of people and places linger on after they have gone."

His wife Zoe is a newcomer to the art world as she wasn't allowed to take it up as a child. She has been practicing just five years after enrolling on a felt-making course but now lectures in the subject part-time at Southport College.

Her work looks at current patterns through weaving and photography and explores the different patterns she notices during longs walks in the countryside, such as colours and textures. Zoe said: "My works try to evoke a sense of place. Through pattern, colour and texture I try to communicate what it felt for me to be in that place at that time."

The exhibition is showing in the foyer of the Faculty of Health Building at the University until 7^th April, between 9am and 5pm.

Joan Steele, Edge Hill University's Arts and Culture representative, said: "We have a great exhibition programme lined up as part of the University's 125^th celebrations and I hope that residents take advantage of this and come and see what we have to offer in the way of arts and culture. It is also fantastic to be able to use the University's facilities as public open spaces to promote the work of local talented artists like Derek and Zoe Boak."