A Lancaster writer has published a new book about the works of her acclaimed artist husband - celebrating their life together which began when they met more than 50 years ago in Eastern Europe.
‘Fields of Marks’ by Roz Ivanič blends the story of her life with her husband of more than 50 years, Milan Ivanič, with details of his working practices as an artist.
It begins with Milan's childhood as ‘the boy who couldn’t stop drawing’ in the 1950s in the Socialist Republic of Czechoslovakia, and his life-changing decision to leave in 1970 for a future with the author.
Every page of the narrative is illustrated with Milan’s paintings, drawings and prints, with their style, lines and colours bringing vivid immediacy to the accompanying words.
In partnership with Lancaster-based Gavagan Art, English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues also hosted the book launch event at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, where Milan's work has been on display.
“This is a pathbreaking biography of a great talent, a first-hand account of one painter’s passion for capturing the world around him," said Mary Gavaghan of Gavaghan Art.
"It also tells the heart-warming story of Milan’s decision to settle in England and marry Roz, and how he went on to make a name for himself as a freelance artist here.”
Milan was born in Slovakia just after the end of World War II. His parents moved to the Sudetenland to take up jobs in an industrial city on the banks of the river Elbe.
His talent was recognised by his teachers at an early age and he was encouraged to give up football and apply to the Hollar School of Art in Prague. From there he gained a place at the highly selective Academy of Fine Arts.
He was on course to become a state-recognised artist, when he met Roz, a gap-year student from the south east of England.
In 1970, Milan left everything behind and came to England to marry Roz. Here he had no contacts in the art world. Navigating social, cultural and political differences, he began life as a freelance artist from scratch as an immigrant to this country.
They lived in Sussex, Devon and London, unable to travel outside the UK until Milan got his British passport in 1977.
In 1986 Milan and Roz moved to Lancaster, following their love for the northern landscape. He continued to work as an artist alongside bringing up their two children.
His work over the past six decades consists of what he calls ‘drawing-paintings’ in a wide range of subjects and media.
His work became more well known when one of his large-scale pen and ink drawings was selected for the 2011 Royal Academy Sumemr Exhibition, and his portrait 'The History Men' was selected for inclusion in the 2015 National Portrait Gallery's annual portrait award exhibition.
Before writing Fields of Marks, Roz Ivanič worked in secondary, further and higher education, including in the Linguistics Department at Lancaster University, and specialised in the teaching of writing.
She has previously published books and articles about her research on identity in academic writing, and on everyday literacies as resources for learning.
“Fields of Marks is a real collector’s item for art enthusiasts, especially those keen to support fine art and artists in the North West,” says Simon Berry from English Lakes Hotels.
“With Roz’s book being published during Milan’s gallery exhibition at Low Wood Bay, it was perfect timing for us to host the launch and celebrate their success.”
'Fields of Marks' is on sale at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa at a reduced price during Milan’s current exhibition, Capturing the Northern Landscape, which runs until the new year. Copies can also be ordered by contacting info@gavaganart.com
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