A Tinder-inspired art exhibition created by a new art publishing venture is set to arrive in Torquay next month.
Designed to connect art lovers with their next match, SwipeRight4Art will be hosted at the Artizan Collective Gallery on Fleet Street from April 18 to May 4. An opening night celebration will take place on Thursday, April 17, from 5pm to 9pm.
The debut collection from Sienna Editions will showcase work from a range of talented artists, offering an evening of art, conversation, and perhaps “the one” for your wall.
Above: SwipeRight4Art poster
Sienna Editions is the latest venture from Print2Wall, a Torquay-based creative workshop on Belgrave Road. Co-founded by Kevin Cowell and Hannah Leadbetter, Print2Wall specialises in artwork documentation, printing, and custom framing for artists and photographers.
The business expanded following a successful Innovate UK grant application — an achievement Hannah describes as “a miraculous validation of our coffee-fuelled brainstorming sessions”.
“I still think they mixed up our application with someone else’s,” Kevin jokes, whispering when he thinks Hannah can’t hear him.
The grant has enabled Print2Wall to explore new print presentation styles, inspired by gallery visits across Europe, including sleek aluminium artwork in Düsseldorf and textured resins in London.
The Torbay Weekly spoke to Hannah about what to expect from Sienna Editions and how, as a former hotelier, she came to launch a creative business with a photographer boasting 20 years of experience.
How did you come to live and work in Torquay?
After years as a yacht stewardess in the Mediterranean, I couldn’t bear the thought of returning to my landlocked Cotswolds hometown when it was time to come back to the UK.
The sea truly gets in your blood! I fell in love with Torquay’s beautiful coastline and discovered this charming guest house in need of a full refurbishment, which felt like the perfect way to bring my love of hospitality ashore.
Everyone thought I was mad – on maternity leave with my newborn son, packing up and starting a whole new adventure. But sometimes your heart just knows what it needs, and Torquay felt right with its coastal paths and nearness to Dartmoor. I love the outdoors and being in nature, and Devon was exactly where I wanted to raise my children. Looking back now, following that instinct was one of my best decisions. I wake up every day grateful for the coastal views that remind me of my sailing days while giving my family roots to grow.
You transitioned from hotel management to the art world — what was that shift like? How are you feeling about this new adventure?
The art world found me when I least expected it! During lockdown, with a newborn daughter in my arms and suddenly homeschooling my son, I rediscovered my absolute love of creating. There’s something magical about watching a child discover art, isn’t there? Their enthusiasm encouraged me to pick up a pencil after a 20-year break and start drawing my children.
What began as simple art projects at the kitchen table became my sanctuary during those strange, uncertain days. Before I knew it, I was staying up late after the kids were asleep, creating my own pieces and falling head over heels back in love with art.
The journey from renovating and running the B&B to the art world feels like it was always meant to be. Both are about creating moments of joy and connection for people. Each chapter of my life – from sailing the Mediterranean to running a guest house to this art adventure – has prepared me for the next in the most wonderful way.
How did you and Kevin meet, and what was it like working together in the early days?
Meeting Kevin was one of those pivotal moments that seemed small at the time but changed everything!
I simply needed my artwork photographed and printed — little did I know I’d found not just an extraordinary professional but a future business partner. Kevin, a professional photographer who had evolved from printing and framing his own work to supporting other creatives, immediately impressed me with his expertise and vision. Having recently sold the guest house and begun working at a local art gallery, my entrepreneurial spirit was still searching for its next adventure.
The decision to partner up unfolded naturally — over cups of coffee and conversations that would stretch for hours.
What I treasure most about working with Kevin is how we genuinely value each other’s strengths and contributions. There’s a profound mutual respect that forms the foundation of everything we create together. We’re building something far more special as a team than either of us could have imagined on our own.
How do you select the artists you work with? What makes someone a great fit for Sienna Editions?
Finding artists for Sienna Editions is a bit like falling in love. We’re looking for that spark – work that makes you stop mid-conversation, catch your breath, and need to look closer.
There’s something incredibly special about discovering pieces that speak to you on an emotional level while also showcasing remarkable skill.
Beyond the artwork itself, we’re building a family of creators who share our passion for quality and authenticity. We love artists who pour their hearts into their practice, who are excited to collaborate, and who bring unique perspectives to the table. The relationship is so important – we’re on this journey together for the long haul.
We believe art should reflect the beautiful spectrum of human experience. Each artist brings something precious and unique to our collection, creating this wonderful tapestry of creativity that continues to evolve and surprise us.
What makes your printing style innovative?
We’re like kids in a sweet shop with our printing innovations.
We were so fortunate that Innovate UK could see our vision and provided grant funding that has allowed us to experiment with extraordinary print styles that truly transform how artwork is experienced. Imagine seeing a landscape mounted on aluminum behind quality acrylic glass – the depth and luminosity are simply breathtaking.
Our textured and smooth resin canvas approaches are another passion project. There’s something magical about the tactile experience of art – that instinctive urge to reach out and touch. We’ve developed methods that enhance this connection while simultaneously protecting the artwork.
Above: Print2Wall gallery
How do you think Torquay’s art scene has evolved over the years you’ve been here?
Torquay as an art hub – doesn’t that just feel right?
The English Riviera has this incredible quality of light that artists have always been drawn to, plus breathtaking landscapes around every corner. But what truly excites me is discovering the amazing creative talents already working here, often quietly creating extraordinary things.
I get goosebumps thinking about what’s possible. Much like St Ives transformed into a renowned artistic centre, Torquay has all the ingredients to become a vibrant creative community that draws visitors specifically for its art scene.
We’re absolutely thrilled to be part of this blossoming movement. Every time we discover another talented painter, photographer, or sculptor in the area, it reinforces our belief that something special is happening here.
Can you tell us more about the exciting plans you have coming up?
We’re counting down the days to our SwipeRight4Art event.
It’s going to be such a joyful celebration – two weeks of showcasing our print styles and introducing everyone to the gorgeous artwork from our Sienna Editions artists. We’ve had so much fun with the concept – it’s like a playful matchmaking service where art lovers can discover pieces that speak directly to their hearts.
The excitement of seeing someone connect with a piece of art – that moment when their eyes light up and you can almost see the emotional response happening – that’s what this event is all about.
We’ll be expanding our online presence too, so art lovers across the country can experience that same magic of discovering work that moves them.
Where do you see your business in five years?
In five years? Oh, I have such wonderful dreams for where we’ll be! I see Print2Wall as the go-to place for artists throughout the South West. A place where creatives feel supported, understood, and inspired.
For Sienna Editions, I imagine representing around 30-40 remarkable artists whose limited editions are treasured by collectors nationwide. We are in the process of making our current gallery space a place where people can experience the artwork in person, complemented by fun pop-up exhibitions that bring our artists to new audiences.
But more than anything, what would make me happiest is knowing we’ve built a nurturing community that truly elevates artists’ careers and connects beautiful artwork with people who fall in love with it.
Success for us means creating those magical moments of connection between creators and collectors, and knowing we’ve helped both artists and art lovers experience more joy and beauty in their lives. That’s the heart of everything we’re building.
You can request free tickets for SwipeRight4Art’s opening night online at: https://SwipeRight4Art.eventbrite.com
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