THE MODERN MINT BLOG
Artist in Residence
We take great pleasure in announcing the first ever Modern Mint Artist in Residence – the wonderful photographer Andrew Yates!
What is Andrew’s story?
At the age of six, with his first camera in hand (a Kodak Brownie, if you’re asking…) Andrew began developing his passion for capturing the wonderful moments of our lives.
After studying fine art and design Andrew travelled, his camera always with him.
Exploring the world and developing his style, he landed back in London in the early 90’s where he debuted in fashion and editorial photography, before moving into portraiture.
This technical nous and experience can be seen in some of his latest work, that we are so pleased to have available for you here at Modern Mint…
A move to Scotland ensued where his focus turned to wildlife, the countryside and its inhabitants.
Recently Andrew has made a new base for himself in Salisbury. This is where we met him when we presented the Modern Mint shop at the Christmas Market in 2015. We laughed at lot with him. His personable manner and strong spirit is reflected in the work puts into each photograph.
It is his choice to embrace the fine art Giclee printing process which seems to bring out the depth and vividness of his compositions.
We admire so much the themes he captures and his instinct for a striking moment, caught from behind the lens. It made him the stand out choice to be the first Modern Mint Artist in Residence.
We hope you will love these art works as much as we do. They are available signed, mounted and in several sizes to suit your home. Please note some are limited editions (and so well worth buying quick!)
Enjoy the wonderful countryside art work of our first Artist in Residence, Andrew Yates.
See more/Buy now.
Topiary, The Art Garden at The Henderson
The Art Garden at The Henderson in Hong-Kong has now opened to the public. I joined the project last March, to work with Gillespies Landscape Architects on the topiary that had been designed for the Art Garden, which gives a calm, green space below the extraordinary Henderson skyscraper designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. The garden has been designed with butterflies in mind, so lots of nectar plants, and has other art projects and installations within its footprint. The history of the site is interesting too – it was originally the first cricket ground in Hong-Kong! So still a green space….! …
ClipFest 2025
On Sunday June 22nd there will be Clipfest 2025 at Ichi-Coo Park in Surrey. It is a celebration of all things pruning and topiary, and I will be there in my capacity of teacher at the European Boxwood and Topiary Society to demonstrate tool cleaning and sharpening, and how to clip. Tickets can be found here on Eventbrite. We are hoping for great weather and to see lots of keen pruners getting their shears out and joining us at this amazing garden! And for more on topiary…
Secateur Holders
A present arrived from Norway today, from a student who visited last February to work with Chris Poole and I on learning topiary. His new hobby – a beautiful and neatly stitched secateur holder. Thrilled with this! The holder will save me keep losing my secatuers too…! Thank you Bernt! It was the same student who introduced me to the APA with whom I am doing a talk at the end of March. Tickets can be bought here for ‘Defining The Essence – Aesthetic Pruning in the Garden’. Do join the European Boxwood and Topiary Society for that!