A Taste of Deia ArtMay 14, 2015

Charles Marlow has teamed up with Deia’s The Village Café and local artists Stephanie Moog, David Templeton, Arturo Rhodes and Leila Ward to help promote their work using the novel media of restaurant placemats.

Supporting Deia artists

The idea came about when Patrick and Charlie at Charles Marlow were exploring ways they could give back to the Deia community. “We realised that, although Deia is known as the artists village, it’s sometimes hard for the artists to make people aware of their work and where it can be seen,” says Patrick. “We wanted to give visitors to Deia a taste of the work of some of our favourite village artists while promoting them and their work in an entertaining way. We also wanted to celebrate the artistic spirit of Deia.”

“We describe ourselves as a company that is ‘mastering the art of real estate’,” Patrick’s brother Charlie adds, “so it’s a nice, appropriate, fit”.

After talking to Barna of The Village Café, a popular, laidback restaurant in Deia, the idea of placemats featuring artists’ work came about. “We loved the idea”, Barna added. “It’s a great way for us to support the people who help make Deia what it is.”

Inspiration comes in different flavours

 Although the work of featured artists Stephanie Moog, David Templeton, Arturo Rhodes and Leila Ward is very different, it does perhaps share a certain energy inspired by Deia.

Stephanie moved to Deia in 1998, captivated by “the wonderful light, intense natural fragrances and, of course, the sunshine and the sea”. Each week, Stephanie leads a tour of the artists’ studios of Deia and everyone’s welcome.

 David Templeton came to Mallorca in 1978 for what was meant to be just a couple of days but “immediately fell in love with Deia and its funky vibe and I’ve been here ever since. When he’s not painting, David is the singer of Deia rock and roll band Pa amb Oli, known as “the most famous unknown band in the world”, which David takes as a compliment.

“Deia has a very special energy,” says Arturo Rhodes, who arrived in the village in 1981. “It’s also very supportive of anything creative,” he adds.

For the fourth artist in the quartet, Leila Ward, it was a case of love at first sight. “I came across Deia in 1974 while travelling,” she explains. “I fell in love with the place. A year later I came back and, although I love to travel and find inspiration in other countries, I’ll always come back to Deia. I love the ever-present artistic vibe.”

Soaking up the vibe at the Village Café

 The Village Café is one of the most pleasant places in Deia to enjoy a mellow long lunch in the shade or dinner under the stars while feasting on the fantastic view, which stretches all the way down the valley to the sea.

And, perhaps you might be inspired to consider attempting to capture the landscape that has captivated so many artists over the years.

Meeting Stephanie, David, Arturo and Leila

The artists would love to meet you in their studios. When you visit the Village Café you’ll find their details on the placemats but, if you’d like to arrange a visit here are their contact details:

Stephanie – +34 615364171

David – +34 649312753

Arturo – +34 607327818 

Leila – +34 630512433

The Village Café is very easy to find. Walk down the main street to the Centre Holistic Deia and turn right. The Village Café is on your left.