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.
Monty Don British Gardens Episode 4
I hadn’t seen the new Monty Don series ‘Monty Don’s British Gardens’ but I was sent a message one evening to say stick it on – episode 4 especially! On the episode were three gardens I make and clip the topiary in… the photo above is my quizzical boxwood emu… which looks ridiculous out of context of the wider topiary garden it sits in… but hey! Showcases what you can do with boxwood, when given enough time to let it grow! But also on the episode were Waltham Place, one of my favourite gardens and a place I teach topiary …
Topiary Art In Hong Kong, The Henderson
Here are a couple of photos of the topiary work I have been doing in Hong Kong for the Art Garden at the bottom of the brand new skyscraper, The Henderson. The building has been designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and this November 2024 the garden at the base of the structure will be planted up, with lots of topiary originally designed by Gillespies Landscape Architects, grown by Tarzan Nursery in China, and then clipped and refined into shape by…. me. Will update with photos from The Henderson Art Garden when all is completed and the garden is opened, but …
EBTS Boxwood Growers Forum
Through the European Boxwood and Topiary Society I worked with Chris Poole and Sue Mesher, members of the EBTS board, and we set up a Boxwood Growers Forum. This was to discuss how to make sure this wonderful topiary plant stays in the public conscioussness – we know many growers, suppliers and distributors have stopped selling it as the cost of replacing boxwood that has blight, or is nibbled by the boxwood caterpillar, makes it unviable to offer to clients and gardeners. But Boxwood is a phoenix plant, and there are ways to deal with the problems associated with Buxus. …