Milne Publishing is proud to present Artist Talk Magazine issue 16. This issue is dedicated to celebrating all aspects of art.

Everyone featured within this issue have given interesting, in-depth, honest accounts about themselves, their work, views and ideas. In addition to the amazing images of the work they have produced, which I know you the reader will enjoy and be inspired by. Thank you to everyone who entered our open call.

The cover of this issue is by Sally de Courcy, titled Colour of Mourning. In 2020 the closure of air and lorry routes to the UK during the pandemic increased four-fold the number of refugees crossing the English Channel in small boats, one of the most dangerous shipping channels in the world. At least 8,400 people crossed in 2020, 10% of whom were children. Since 1999 three hundred asylum seekers have died including 36 children. 

Contextual cast objects rendered like bone, are arranged in an ironic mandala, representing the circle of life. The circle reflects the movement of wheels and journeys made, cogs functioning because of actions by others. White is the Colour of Mourning in many cultures.

The precarious Channel crossing attempts are symbolised by a sardonic life buoy and the reality of cast dinghies and symbolic paddles. Weapons represent the violence of war and persecution and adult and child lower limb bones (used to flee) reflect mortality and vulnerability. Children are represented by Teddy bears, often left where children have met a tragic end. Tiny trainers acknowledge the iconic photo in 2015 of Aylan Kurdi that made global headlines and a subsequent international response to the refugee crisis in Europe. Finally cast driftwood with faces are emblematic of the waves of refugees arriving on English beaches.

Thank you to everyone involved.

Grant Milne,
Founder of Artist Talk Magazine

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