Stella Cardew and her twin sister would draw illustrations to make their own stories and create their own world while growing up in Kent. Those early days spent involved with art led to a scholarship at Beckenham Art School for Stella, from where she went on to the Royal College of Art. Now, Stella has an exhibition coming up in East Dulwich, writes Michael Holland.
It was while studying that Stella met and married artist John Underwood and had two children, Emily and Gabriel. Alas, John died at a young age and Stella went on to marry Cornelius Cardew, the founder of the Scratch Orchestra, an experimental music ensemble, who also died too soon. They had sons Horace and Walter. Those life-changing setbacks, plus bringing up four children, did not hinder or deter Stella’s love of art.
She joined the Vanguard Studios and exhibited there many times. She has shown and sold at the R.A. and lectured at art colleges over the years. Stella Cardew, unwilling to be pigeon-holed, has also participated in performance art. Even now, she still draws every day.
The young Stella was initially influenced by the Post-Impressionist Pierre Bonnard, which showed in her early artworks. Nowadays her preferences are for more primitive art and names Rose Wylie as a current favourite. This change in style now informs her forthcoming exhibition.
She says of her work, ‘I want to paint when I see a subject that is so full of possibilities. I gather my materials, and my energy; and, full of enthusiasm, I start with a predominant tone and colour to set the mood.’
For Stella’s upcoming show the theme will be based on the paintings of flowers exhibited at Dulwich Picture Gallery. Stella says, ‘The Dutch flower paintings there have fountain compositions, and are in stone jars, with insects and often theatrical backdrops such as looming clouds and thunder.’
How Ms Cardew will interpret these is something I can’t wait to see.
Jeannie Avent Gallery, 14 North Cross Road, East Dulwich, London, SE22 9EU, from Wednesday 25th May to Wednesday 1st June. Open Sat & Sun 11am – 5pm. Preview Sat 28th May, 6-9pm. Admission: Free.