Our Autumn exhibition at the Heritage Centre’s ‘Inside Out Gallery’ is with designer and illustrator Steve Pardue.
About Steve Pardue and his work
Nestled in the serene landscapes of Northumberland, Steve Pardue crafts art that bridges the natural world with personal expression. His work, predominantly ink and watercolour on small concertina sketchbooks, transforms everyday observations into poetic visual narratives.
Steve’s nature journals are more than mere sketches; they are immersive records of his walks with his dog, Jess. Each page captures fleeting moments—be it the intricate patterns of a spider’s web or the delicate petals of a wildflower—often accompanied by snippets of poetry, song lyrics, or personal reflections. This blend of observation and introspection invites viewers to experience nature through his eyes.
When I’m not designing, I combine my love of walking and nature with my art – filling my sketchbook journals with poetic and immersive responses to nature and the world around me. Often my work includes words from music and literature … as well as my own words that spring from nature.
Workshops and Teaching from Steve Pardue
Beyond his personal artistry, Steve is dedicated to nurturing creativity in others. Through his workshops, he encourages participants to develop their unique artistic voices. Rather than focusing solely on technical skills, Steve emphasises the importance of personal interpretation and expression, helping individuals connect with nature and their own creativity. We often host these workshops at the land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre, keep an eye on our events page for future events.
Public Art and Community Engagement
Steve’s artistic reach extends into public spaces, with notable projects like the “Figures of Tyne” mural, commissioned for the new HMRC building in Newcastle.
Did you know he also created various pieces surrounding the Land of Oak & Iron? This beautiful steep sided valley has an abundance of natural woodland, rare and iconic wildlife. However, the natural beauty that you can see today was not always as it appears. Not so long ago the area once hosted a world-leading iron and steel industry in various forms from the 1690s up until the 1980s; in the early 18th Century it was the heart of British sword making and was home to the great industrialist Ambrose Crowley. Such industry attracted wealth and culture to the area, including Mary Eleanor Bowes, known as the ‘Unhappy Countess’ living at Gibside Hall, the artist Thomas Bewick, the poet Tommy Armstrong and is famed for the local traditional rapper dancing across the globe.
He spent two years researching and developing panels around the many local stories that abound within this colourful, post-industrial area. We also commissioned a local artist to create a linocuts for each location and these have been presented onto sustainable interpretation panels. The fabrication was done using local workshops and he supervised all aspects of this including the carpentry of the supporting oak and installation of each of the interpretive installations across the area.
To find out more about his design and artwork for public spaces, visit his website below:
A Continuous Exploration
For Steve, art is an ongoing journey of discovery. His nature journals serve as both scientific records and personal reflections, capturing the ever-changing beauty of the natural world. Through his work and workshops, he invites others to embark on their own creative explorations, fostering a deeper connection with nature and self-expression.
Steve Pardue’s art is a testament to the power of observation, creativity, and community, offering a window into the world as seen through the eyes of an artist deeply attuned to the rhythms of nature.
Inside Out Exhibition
Come along and take a look at Steve’s exhibition in our Inside Out Gallery windows at the Heritage Centre (as seen from the Courtyard).
All Steve’s exhibition work, along with unframed prints and cards are available to purchase from the Heritage Centre, please speak to a member of our team if you’re interested.
His art work will be displayed in our Inside Out Gallery from Monday 8th September until Sunday 11th November.
