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.
Michael Gibson, New York Topiary Art!
In the New York Times earlier this year was a lovely interview with Michael Gibson, who makes topiary and gardens in New York. The article is here but you may not have access… however, search the internet, find it and have a read. It is great! His philosophy of pruning is especially worth it… Sacred geometry in topiary? Yes please! What a phrase! I think (and speak) of balance, of major and minor, of leaf volume… but sacred geometry might well make it into my topiary teaching lexicon! And the idea of directional trimming? I realise I do this, but …
Topiary Library
I do a lot of teaching topiary. I had the opportunity from my mentor, Charlotte Molesworth, to work on her garden and experiment and test techniques and generally try making shapes without the worry of failure, or being fired, or being sued and run out of business for getting it wrong. This opportunity was essential (along with Charlotte’s insistance that pruning standards had to be high!) in becoming better at topiary. When I look around the world at our cultural vitamins, what we see in the media day in and day out, I see the stupidest and grossest of people …
Clipsham Yew Tree Avenue
With Chris Poole of the European Boxwood and Topiary Society we visited Clipsham Yew Tree Avenue in Rutland. Do you know it? Amazing place! Chris and I were teaching a topiary workshop in order to give local people the skills and technique, and tenacity! to help with the pruning of the avenue and elevate it to something even more special than it already is. Read more about the workshops here. We hope to run a further workshop in September 2026, as well as teach an advanced course too. Check the teaching page through the year as it will be updated …