Stanley Eales

I was born in New Zealand. I moved to Europe in 1986, lived in France for a year and a half. For the last 20 years I havebeen living in London. During this time I worked as a graphic designer for major feminine brands such as Clarins, Bourjois and Christian Dior. I now divide my time between London and Krakow. Krakow is a people-sized city. And the architecture is so full of soul-lifting aesthetic pleasures.

For the moment I have left behind the corporatism that bedevils most contemporary design. I am concentrating on my own interpretation of beauty and aesthetic pleasure. To date I have had two exhibitions in Krakow. Future projects for Krakow include an Art Deco exhibition and a move to oil painting in the form of portraits of some of Krakows women.


I have often wondered what the common point was linking my pictures together. I love riffing off different styles and periods, just as Galliano or Westwood would do in their fashion design. Recently I tried to separate out my 'Art Deco' pictures from the others. (Or at least add to the ones that are deliberately Art Deco styled). So I began adding to the Art Deco pile. And adding. And adding. And then it struck me. ureswere almost ALL Art Deco . Or at least they all ...

Graphic design degree from New Zealand. 2009. Exhibition at Wieliczka Salt Mine, Southern Poland - July 2009
From July 28 2009 I will be exhibiting in the world famous Wieliczka Salt Mine. The exhibition, entitled 'Goddesses and other women' will last for around three months. Quite possibly until the end of the year. On the right is a poster for the exhibition (in Polish) that I designed. All of the pictures on show are for sale as limited edition giclee prints.

The Wieliczka mine is a UNESCO site and is a magical subterranean world of tunnels, underground lakes, stelagtites and labyrinths. It attracts around 4,000 to 6,000 visitors every day. So by the time the exhibition closes, well over three hundred thousand people will have seen my pictures.

We are trying to extend the scope of the exhibition by organising a 'ladies night'. "Goddesses Underground" will, as well as my exhiition, feature the singer Jaga Wronska performing Edith Piaf songs. Also we are currently looking for a fellow participant for the evening, quite possibly a perfume maker, a fashion house, a couturier or fashion designer. A company or individual who wants to show their feminine wares and to utilise the magnificent backdrop of the underground ...

July 2009. Goddesses and other women. Wieliczka Salt Mine.

May 27th 2011. Goddesses and other women 2. Niepolomice Royal Castle, Poland.