It was the ultimate artistic challenge!
Three Birmingham artists were set the daunting task of creating a single piece of artwork based on crime novelist Paul Finch’s latest thriller.
And now art and book-lovers alike are being invited to watch a video feature which shows the whole story of the unique ‘paint-off’ competition.
The 20-minute video about how Paul’s novel, called Never Seen Again, was interpreted through art, will be premiered at the Crescent Theatre in Sheepcote Street on 2 February, with the author and artists due to attend.
The video captures the difficult judging process when Paul was asked to choose between three outstanding works of art created by Paula Gabb, Helen Roberts and Helen Owen, all members of the Birmingham Art Zone community group.
Judging took place at the Velvet Music Rooms on Broad Street last November, with Paul travelling from his home in Wigan for the occasion. And, after much deliberation, he chose the visually stunning artwork of Helen Roberts before presenting her with the winning cheque of £500.
The video also features an interview with the best-selling author in his home, as well as footage shot in the surrounding area.
Paul, who was a former police officer before turning to crime-writing, came to the notice of Westside BID when he wrote about the Brasshouse pub in Broad Street in an earlier novel.
He has since been a guest during Meet the Author sessions as part of the Birmingham, Sandwell and Westside Jazz Festival.
Paul, who has hung Helen’s winning painting in his living room, said: “I love when an artist interprets something I have written. As well as filming the judging, the video also includes me talking about my work, including background influences, and footage of local landmarks around my home.”
The novel Never Seen Again tells the story of a former crime reporter who fatally compromises a police operation. The runners-up, Paula Gabb and Helen Owen, each received cheques for £250 for their artwork.
The video premiere is private, by invitation only. However, anyone wishing to attend is asked to email elaine.weir@westsidebid.co.uk.
Main picture: Paul Finch presents a cheque for £500 to Helen Roberts in front of her winning artwork.
