Welcome to Open Studios 2012
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hrewsbury Open Studios is back in 2012, with more information and pictures
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s in 2011 the event stretches over two weekends with almost all artists participating on both the yellow (7–8 July) and blue (14–15 July) weekends. However, a few studios are not open on all the days, so take careful note of the colour code shown with each artist’s entry to avoid disappointment
Come visit us! Sat/Sun 7–8 July Sat/Sun 14–15 July open 11 am to 5 pm
O
pen Studios week is a special event, when artists can focus on presenting their work for you, and you can create a ‘trail’ of studios to enjoy. At other times we are, of course, delighted to see you, but would ask you to make an appointment, as most of us work alone and we may be out or busy.
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o whether it’s just to see what we do and chat about the work, or because you are thinking about buying or commissioning something beautiful, we look forward to meeting you.
A printed leaflet with map showing studio locations and a summary of artists details is available from Shrewsbury Tourist Information Centre in Rowley’s House, Shirehall and many other locations in the area. Arriving end of May!
DISABLED ACCESS
Please bear in mind that most venues are studios, and as such, not normally open to the public. Whilst we will do our best to assist, some spaces present insurmountable challenges. In this brochure accessible venues are marked as such. For all others and if in any doubt please contact the participant beforehand.
Major venues English Bridge Workshops are wheelchair accessible via the rear entrance. The Creative Studio, Butcher Row is up a steep staircase and not wheelchair accessible. The Shrewsbury Coffee House is wheelchair accessible.
Participating artists open 7–8 July
open 14–15 July
Katy Alston Janice Barrett Maureen Carswell Alex Case Ian Collett Hugh Cutler Carol Davies Jacqui Dodds Ann Easthope Linda Edwards Helen Foot Footprint Photography Ruth Gibson Richard Hammerton Jill Leventon Nathalie Hildegarde Liège Sara Mai
Associated exhibitions at THE SHREWSBURY COFFEE HOUSE
Pip Bayley Caroline Bucknall Bev Horsley
at THE MARKET HALL, SHREWSBURY
Pat Jones VAN Market Hall Gallery
at THE BEAR STEPS GALLERY
Quintessential Art Group
open both weekends
Millbank & Foot Parker & Arrol Russell Parry Irene Pentelow Heather Prescott Michael Priest Ben Purser Tony Purser Angela Pyatt Sally E K Jeremy Schrecker Caroline Taylor Dave West Stewart Whitehead Judi Willerton John Wragg
OPEN
Katy Alston
Watercolour and pen plus linoprints
Ivy Villa ,Wistanstow, Craven Arms Shropshire SY7 8DQ Tel: 01588 672347 E-mail: katy@katy-alston.co.uk Website: www.katy-alston.co.uk
Artist’s Statement Whilst working as an illustrator, I also make images based on autobiographical aspects of my life. I’m enjoying making maps, and am really interested in exploring a town or village and finding out its stories and history. I’m beginning to see the maps as story-lines with the people, places and folk-lore as more important than where the roads go! However I do take pride in the fact that they are usable maps too - you can find your way around with them. Although I thrive on the detail within the maps, I also enjoy printmaking which provides an escape to lovely bold shapes and the naturally slow way of working with linocutting demands a more deliberate approach - each medium seeming to gain strength from the other.
OPEN
Janice Barrett pen and ink drawings
2 Manor Farm Barns, Wistanstow Craven Arms, Shropshire SY7 8DG Tel: 01588 673225 Mob: 07779579319 E-mail: janicerbarrett@hotmail.com Website: www.janicebarrett.co.uk (soon to be completed!) Artist’s Statement My work has an illustrative quality, is imaginative, spiritual, sometimes a little dark. The theme of the circle of life is something returned to time and again, a bit of a compulsion really. The pen is my favourite tool, ink is my passion, paper my friend and together we release thin black lines onto white paper to create stories and feelings. Lino, woodcuts and Intaglio printing are new enthusiasms, the strong bold lines of woodcuts are exciting and I’m in the process of falling in love with them.
OPEN
Maureen Carswell enamels
Exhibiting at the English Bridge Workshops Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury SY2 6AD Tel: 01743 235458 E-mail: maureen@carswell2.wanadoo.co.uk Artist’s Statement I am an artist–enameller working on copper. I work mostly with very thin copper which I shape into vessels, sculptural forms and jewellery. Because of the nature of the materials I use, each piece is unique.
OPEN
Alex Case photography
Exhibiting at the English Bridge Workshops Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury SY2 6AD Home: 01743 861219 E-mail: a.case219@btinternet.com Artist’s Statement I like to discover an image and be compelled to photograph it, whereupon a process is begun of discovering visual meaning and exploration that is leading me to I know not where; images evolve as I search and see. I may find strange abstract shapes, textures and colours; perhaps these may may reflect the capriciousness of nature, the beauty or cruelty of the seasons, or the deliberate carelessness of man.
OPEN
Ian Collett
paintings and drawings
Exhibiting at the English Bridge Workshops Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury SY2 6AD Mobile: 07582 410119 Home: 01743 861156 E-mail: ircollett@btinternet.com Website: www.iancollett.wordpress.com Artist’s Statement I take inspiration from people that are occupied with some emotion or carrying out activities that are important to them. My aim is to express effectively various moods, of the human figure, often with emphasis on face and hands and the many aspects of body language. To express in paint the poetry of people. Studies of the environment where I live: the landscape, trees and rocks. Favourite places that I know well and which inspire me. I have studied traditional oil painting skills for many years and continue to widen my repertoire by using ever more imaginative methods appropriate to the particular subject. I also hope to gain private portrait commissions. The aim is to provide a satisfying collaboration between myself and the sitter(s), to produce a work of art that will be cherished for generations. These can be undertaken in oil, watercolour, pastel, or graphite. Prices start at £200 for pencil drawing. Terms and conditions available on request.
OPEN
Hugh Cutler
paintings and drawings
36 Albert Street, Castlefields Shrewsbury SY1 2HT Tel: 01743 360917 E-mail: hughc@hughcutler.plus.com Artist’s Statement My pictures are mainly on paper in a variety of media watercolour, gouache, ink, acrylic with some oil paintings.
OPEN
Carol Davies
ink with coloured pencils
Exhibiting at the English Bridge Workshops Abbey Foregate Shrewsbury SY2 6AD Home: 01743 231508 Mob: 07792 720377 E-mail: carol@caroldavies.co.uk Website: www.caroldavies.co.uk Artist’s Statement I’ve been working as an illustrator and animator for over 15 years now and have worked for many household names: Warner Bros, The National Trust, Channel 4, The Really Good Card Company and Oxfordshire County Council as well as many local graphic design agencies. I’ve got my own quirky style of illustration which has been commissioned for a wide range of projects like magazine illustration, greetings cards, children’s books and brochures. I’m based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire where I often hold exhibitions so people can come and see my greetings cards, prints and original artwork, they might even buy some…
OPEN
Jacqui Dodds
paintings, prints, printed textiles & stationery
Exhibiting at The Creative Studio, Abbots House Butcher Row, Shrewsbury SY1 1UW Mobile: 07732 924754 E-mail: jacquidodds@tiscali.co.uk Website: www.jacquidodds.blogspot.co.uk Artist’s Statement My work revolves around memories of places I have visited which I then retrace and relive images and feelings of these spaces. With these ideas I create my own narrative and essence in painting and print. Mainly I am partial to subdued palettes and reductive aesthetics, as well as exploring printing onto diverse materials such as aluminium, Mylar , Japanese and Chinese paper, used on their own, as hangings or incorporated into paintings. Sources of inspiration originate from: Wightwick Manor, Ditherington Flax Mill, Nymans House and Gardens, reflections on glass buildings in Birmingham city centre,Venice and the Welsh landscape. Last year I took part in the Making Art History project at the National Trust’s Wightwick Manor and Gardens which culminated in an exhibition within the house and grounds. Recently I have been accepted onto the Contemporary Visual Artists Professional Development Project for Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery
OPEN
Ann Easthope acrylics on canvas or board
Exhibiting at the English Bridge Workshops Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury SY2 6AD Mobile: 07967894841 E-mail: anneasthope@blueyonder.co.uk Website: www.artoriginal.info Artist’s Statement I grew up in the flatlands of Lincolnshire so moving to the beautiful rolling hills of Shropshire inspired me enormously, and even today they create ideas for my work. A thicket of brambles, a meadow of wild flowers and even a spent dandelion feed my imagination. Even though I taught in various schools and latterly introduced creative therapy to day patients at the Severn Hospice I always acknowledged my inner need to stay in touch with my passion for painting. I now create vibrant flower paintings in acrylic on canvas or board. My inspiration comes from the flowers of field, hedgerow and gardens seen on my daily walks around my home patch with my dog Sam. My challenge is to give my flowers a presence within the boundary of the canvas and to introduce texture and translucency into the quality of my painting.
OPEN
Linda Edwards Original paintings, art prints and illustrated products
5 Quarry Place Shrewsbury SY1 1JN Mob: 07767 828639 Home: 01743 242394 E-mail: linda@lindaedwards.co.uk Website: www.lindaedwards.co.uk Artist’s Statement I am an international illustrator who makes wonderfully optimistic, vibrant images in both paint and digital media. Using intense colour and a decorative style I create uplifting artwork that offers people an escape from their everyday grind. I’m known for greetings cards, prints, kitchenware and books as well as colourful animal and bird paintings. Sunny Side of the Street is a growing series of art and artifacts that celebrate where we live. I love the meandering streets and shuts of Shrewsbury’s old town centre. The street names are idiosyncratic and are evocative of a long history. Here I have mixed up the names with the varied and fascinating buildings, which is the way it feels when you wander around the town. Open Studios is a chance to come and visit my bright, colourful studio in a romantic setting next to the Quarry Park. This year the fabulous sculptor Jeremy Shrecker will be joining me and there may be a few surprises too!
OPEN
Helen Foot
woven and embroidered textiles
The Creative Studio, Abbots House Butcher Row, Shrewsbury SY1 1UW Mobile: 07903103291 E-mail: studio@helenfoot.co.uk Website: www.helenfoot.co.uk Artist’s Statement Helen’s playful style has been described as ‘Rebellious Nostalgia’. With a strong sense of colour and a passion for keeping traditional skills alive, Helen creates beautiful fabrics in harmony with the loom. Using a 16-shaft, computerised AVL loom, Helen hand weaves fabrics for freelance and commissions, as well as for her own collection of scarves and cushions. The Festival Collection of scarves were inspired by 1950s Britain and are a combination of cashmere, lambswool and mohair. Helen accompanies her making with curating (current exhibition at mac in Birmingham) and with lecturing at Hereford College of Arts and Chelsea College of Art & Design. She was supported by the Crafts Council’s Hothouse 2011 scheme for emerging makers.
(no wheelchair access)
OPEN
Footprint Photography photography
The Creative Studio, Abbots House Butcher Row, Shrewsbury SY1 1UW Mobile: 07791 440258 E-mail: richard@footprintphotography.co.uk Website: www.footprintphotography.co.uk Artist’s Statement Richard Foot uses photography to explore his interest in the built environment. Through abstraction, Richard challenges the viewer to see architecture in new ways, with concentration on surfaces, geometry and colour. Drawn to the aesthetic of vintage film processes, but without the use of new digital effects, Richard prefers to shoot with cameras such as the Kodak Box brownie. Amplified by the use of out of date film, the effects on the image are unpredictable and give a nostalgic, almost decayed feel to subjects. His Polaroid series Journey was shot in 2010 around numerous locations in the UK. Richard curated the collection into an imaginary journey through an urban landscape. Devoid of people, there is a sense of emptiness that reflects the modern urban environment’s often unwelcoming persona.
(no wheelchair access)
OPEN
ceramics
25 Oakley Street, Belle Vue, Shrewsbury SY3 7JX Mobile: 07791 902516 Home: 01743 248780 E-mail: ruth@benchart.org.uk Website: www.benchart.org.uk Artist’s Statement For the past few years my work has predominantly involved the creation of outdoor public sculptures, designing and making benches, shelters and sculptures from carved brick often inlaid with ceramic tiles and reclaimed materials. These projects always involve the community who are engaged through workshops to make elements which are then incorporated. In my studio I design and make ceramic garden sculptures in stoneware and carved bricks, as well as screen printed porcelain bowls. A recent opportunity to design new work for Wedgwood has encouraged me to add colour to my bowls for the first time. Another area of work I am involved in is the design and creation of cob Earth Ovens recycling the waste brick clay from carving sculptures. During the afternoon of the Open Studio’s weekend we hope to be baking and selling delicious wood-fired pizza’s from our garden earth oven, (weather permitting!) I will also be demonstrating brick clay carving, and there will be the opportunity to come and have a go!
Collaboration by Ruth Gibson, Tracy Summerton and Wren Miller
Ruth Gibson
OPEN
Richard Hammerton photography
Exhibiting at The Silverton Hotel 9-10 Frankwell, Shrewsbury SY3 8JY Mobile: 07790 111229 E-mail: r.m.hammerton@gmail.com Website: www.hammertonphotography.co.uk Artist’s Statement Richard Hammerton is an independent photographer based in Frankwell with almost ten years experience of working with digital photography. His work is very varied in style and subject but all of the images reflect his instinctive and individual eye for composition and his keen observation of the world around him. He always carries a camera so that he can capture interesting images as he finds them in the course of daily life. This approach to photography, using the camera to record and convey something of what he sees, and how he sees it, has become the basis for Richard’s current project, to take and publish online a photo each day during 2012 (www.blipfoto.com/ richardh). The project has attracted considerable local interest and media attention. Richard’s photography is currently exhibited at the Silverton Hotel and will be on display until the end of July.
The Silverton is accessible by wheelchair
OPEN
Jill Leventon
enamel and small scale metalwork
Exhibiting at the English Bridge Workshops Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury SY2 6AD Mobile: 07817517972 E-mail: jill.leventon@btinternet.com Website: www.jleventon.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/Jill.Leventon Artist’s Statement I am an experimenter, fascinated by the alchemy that exists between enamel and metal, and intrigued by the transformations that can occur at high temperatures. I like to use the materials to achieve effects unobtainable in any other medium, frequently firing my work at temperatures of 1000°C to encourage interaction between the enamel and copper, and between different enamels. I enjoy manipulating metal to create unusual forms for three dimensional work, although I will also use preformed bowls as a base for surface decoration. Bowls encourage some enamels to slide down the sides when fired at high temperatures, so creating additional texture and colour. My design inspiration is drawn from structure, including that which underlies landscape and the more formal lines of the built environment which are the basis of my surface decoration work. I have exhibited widely, both in this country and Europe, and currently my work can be seen at Willow Gallery shop, Oswestry, and the Visual Arts Network Gallery, Shrewsbury.
OPEN
Nathalie Hildegarde Liège fine art and architectural glass
Studio 4, English Bridge Workshops Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury SY2 6AD Mobile: 07846 426080 Home: 01743 354117 E-mail: nlarts06@googlemail.com Website: www.couleurlive.com Artist’s Statement Nathalie is a Fine Artist, who has added to her skills, since 1995, the art of architectural glass design and making. She has completed commissions for domestic, public and sacred buildings, including stained glass windows for the X-ray department at the Orthopaedic Hospital, Gobowen, and St Luke’s Church, Grimethorpe, for the Virgin Mary and in memory of this Yorkshire coal pit community. During 2011 and 2012 Nathalie worked on three main projects. For her, it was time to share with the public her understanding of Fine Art as a mean of telling stories using various media. Following recommendation from a previous client, a design proposal was accepted for two new windows in St James’ Church (Ryhill, Yorkshire) referencing the Walsingham and Compostella pilgrimages. She also researched a theme she has titled, Enter the rocks & hide in the earth for new artwork to be exhibited in a venue in 2013 or 2014.
Nathalie was also invited to create three illustrations for poems The Gathering by Liz Lefroy, published in May 2012. Each day Nathalie will give, at 11.30 am, a short presentation of workshops she has done in the past year and before. It will sum up what she offers to people who are interested to attend the workshops she gives from time to time at her studio, or sometimes in other venues.This presentation is open to schools, group representatives and individuals. In Nathalie’s studio you will also find displayed artwork for sale and other ongoing projects.
OPEN
Sara Mai upcycling
Exhibiting at the English Bridge Workshops Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury SY2 6AD Mobile: 07882 691717 E-mail: sara.mai@phonecoop.coop Website: www.vanetwork.co.uk/saramai.aspx Artist’s Statement
I consider my art conceptual, exploring how intention informs reality, and creating a sense of balance and harmony as an outcome. Currently I am weaving waste. I enjoy taking the invisible and making it visible, creating objects that draw on the beauty of the waste material for form and function. 2011–12 Artist in Residence for Shropshire Mind Local supermarket sponsored installation using their carrier bags. ‘Change your mind’ is spelt out using the colour of the bags as pixels. Self Help Africa funraising fundraising Devising a bottle top mosaics scheme promoting the work of Self Help Africa, while collecting plastic drink bottle tops to trade for cash. Corporate Containers Seeking corporate sponsors to provide waste materials, creating a closed-loop recycling, from corporate printouts to office accessories; pen tidies and desktop wastepaper sorters. Lotus Basket Weaving Versatile weave technique to create rounded baskets from waste paper that have some flexibility, providing protection for delicates, like glass and pottery.
Throughout the Open Studio event I will be running Lotus Basket weaving workshops.
OPEN
Millbank & Foot woven and printed textiles
The Creative Studio, Abbots House Butcher Row, Shrewsbury SY1 1UW Mobile: 07903103291 (Helen) or 07807022317 (Kate) E-mail: studio@millbankandfoot.co.uk Website: www.millbankandfoot.co.uk Artist’s Statement Millbank and Foot is a creative collaboration established in July 2011 between designers Kate Millbank and Helen Foot. By combining their skills in textiles and fashion, along with a passion for sustainable design Millbank and Foot are pioneering a range of innovative woven and printed textiles that celebrate contemporary British design and craftsmanship. Pushing the boundaries and traditional concept of tweed Millbank and Foot are producing a range of contemporary woven and printed textiles, inspired by the landscape, architecture and history of their Shropshire surroundings. Vibrant and acidic colours present in local lichens feature alongside natural hues from the landscape. Patterns and weave designs have been informed by traditional timber frame structures from the area, and combined with inspiration from Darwin’s evolutionary studies.
(no wheelchair access)
OPEN
Parker & Arrol textile designers
The Studio, rear of 38 Wyle Cop Shrewsbury SY1 1XF Tel: 01743 366176 E-mail:  parkerandarrol@btinternet.com Artist’s Statement Parker and Arrol was founded by Meg Arrol and Winifrid Bradley in 1997. It is a studio which designs and makes hand painted fabrics. Specialists in silks and silk velvets, they produce individually designed items for private commission, retail outlets, interior designers and architects.
(no wheelchair access)
OPEN
Russell Parry wood sculpture
Exhibiting at Southfield, Church Road Meole Brace, Shrewsbury SY3 9HQ Home: 01743 359000 E-mail: doc.parry@btinternet.com Artist’s Statement From traditional decorative carved detail to contemporary woodsculpture; the grain and texture of wood imprints its personality on the finished work like no other sculptural material. Russell will be carving at Michael Priest’s house and displaying finished work from a range of traditions, and some contemporary pieces that owe little to any recognisable ‘style’.
OPEN
Irene Pentelow jewellery
17 Claremont Hill Shrewsbury SY1 1RD Home: 01743 354149 E-mail: irene.pentelow@btinternet.com Artist’s Statement Trained at Leeds College of Art and Design (fashion), Birmingham School of Jewellery (jewellery, silversmithing and gemmology) Irene’s jewellery is eclectic in style. She is a member of the Association for Contemporary Jewellery and the Guild of Enamellers. Irene is passionate about all types of body adornment. Taking inspiration from traditional and contemporary production methods she works with precious metals, gemstones, copper, enamel, thread, acrylic and glass. Irene is particularly keen to recycle old, outdated jewellery, give it new life and make it a joy to wear again. An ongoing theme to Irene’s visual inspiration is the wealth of street furniture seen around Shrewsbury. Some of her experiments using photo etching, press forming, enamelling and oxidisation will be on display during Open Studios. She will also be demonstrating chain making. A visit to Irene’s workshop offers a peek into one of Shrewsbury’s ancient, quirky, yet modest dwellings.
OPEN
Heather Prescott original prints and artists’ books
Willowbrook, Church Road Meole Brace, Shrewsbury SY3 9HQ Tel: 01743 249637 E-mail: heather_prescott@btinternet. com Website: www.heatherprescott.com Artist’s Statement A long time ago, in my first year at Art college, I discovered the magic of printmaking and I am still captivated by the processes especially etching, relief and collagraph. I make prints and use print or drawing, combined with digital media, to make unique and limited edition artists books. Inspiration comes from people, their appearance, experience, poetry, memory, myths and stories and I try to catch moments in time and use these to tell new stories.
OPEN
Michael Priest large oils, small watercolours
& medium monotype prints Southfield, Church Road Meole Brace, Shrewsbury SY3 9HQ Tel: 01743 356654
Artist’s Statement Colour is an important part of my work I usually begin with small watercolours, painted in situ, to define sensations of time and place. From these I select and develop ideas in sketchbooks and drawings to clarify directions for my larger paintings. This year new work including watercolours painted in Lake Garda and Croatia will be on show.
OPEN
Ben Purser oil on canvas
101 Copthorne Road Shrewsbury SY3 8ND Mob: 07772 187808 E-mail: brp@shrewsbury.org.uk Artist’s Statement After graduating with a BA hons in Fine Art in 2006 I went on to complete a Masters Degree in Fine Art (painting). I began teaching in September 2008 on a part-time basis. I paint prodominantly in oils and my work is mainly derived from the landscape which is a constant source of inspiration. I work images to the point of abstraction and aim to purge them of all unnecessary iconography and narrative so that they become independent of the need for external reference points, thus trying to emulate the priveleged position of Music.
ďƒŠ
OPEN
Tony Purser paintings
101 Copthorne Road Shrewsbury SY3 8ND Home: 01743 365475 E-mail: antonypurser@aol.com Artist’s Statement Drawing provides the inspiration for a series of studies which develop as a painting in oils or pen and ink images. The Shropshire landscape and architecture are favourite themes. After teaching for many years I now have the freedom to indulge myself and create works that often reflect my training as a textile designer.
ďƒŠ
OPEN
Angela Pyatt
watercolour and gouache, pen & ink and pastel, plus dolls house miniature paintings, maps, quilts and hobby horses and wildlife photography
Exhibiting at the English Bridge Workshops Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury SY2 6AD Mob: 07984 836984 E-mail: angiepyatt@btinternet.com Website: www.angelapyattwildlifeartist.co.uk Artist’s Statement I am a Shropshire artist, who has lived and worked in the area for over forty years. I specialize in wildlife paintings, photography and pen & ink. Having run a wildlife rescue centre for many years, I have an in-depth knowledge of the subject and I write about wildlife and the countryside for various magazines and newspapers. I also create miniature paintings for dolls houses, miniature hobby horses, miniature country cottage dolls house quilts and miniature genuine antique maps. I exhibit regularly both locally and countrywide and am happy to undertake commissions on any subject for your own home, as a present for someone special or for your dolls house. Do look at my website (above) for examples of my work.
OPEN
Sally E K
Oils and graffiti art on salvaged cars, wood, canvas. Sustainable contemporary furniture.
Ekoecodesign, 8 The Crescent, Montford Bridge, Shrewsbury Shropshire SY4 1DZ Mob: 07790 040566 E-mail: sallynamphan@yahoo.co.uk Website: www.ekoecodesign.co.uk Artist’s Statement ‘Something beautiful, an image of nature, a sky seen whilst driving, painted on old rusted metal, something forgotten, an interesting shape, turning it into something beautiful, but not completely, so that some of the original shape and history shows through.’ I am passionate about the natural world and the care of the environment. I design and make furniture using local hardwoods to promote native woodlands. I use salvaged or recycled wood and metal to reduce waste and production miles, therefore reducing energy and the carbon footprint. I studied Foundation Art at Wolverhampton University, then Furniture Design at Shrewsbury College of Arts and Technology with a BA Hons. I have a Masters in Architecture; Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies from the University of East London and CAT, Machhynleth. Alongside my artwork, furniture and raising a young family, I teach art classes in watercolours and oils, and fashion and dressmaking.
OPEN
Jeremy Schrecker works in bronze, granite and stainless steel
Exhibiting at 5 Quarry Place Shrewsbury SY1 1JN Home: 01743 233367 Mobile: 07986 168182 E-mail: jeremyschrecker@talktalk.net Website: www.schrecker.co.uk Artist’s Statement Clearly inspired by the 20th century modernist movement, Jeremy’s art reflects life and a powerful engagement with the natural world. In his sculpture one can find the essence of nature and humanity, purely distilled into beautiful and elegant sculptural forms, which demonstrate both a truth to his subject and his chosen material. Jeremy’s work has an often ambiguous and enigmatic quality also manages effortlessly to capture a very elemental energy. It resonates with optimism and tells of a joyous story of the fusion of man , material and nature, whilst conveying the pure exhilaration of being.
OPEN
Caroline Taylor lino prints
Broomcroft Farm, Kenley Shrewsbury SY5 6NQ Tel: 07773 094303 (please don’t leave messages) E-mail: carolinetaylor@me.com Artist’s Statement My work is mainly based on the animals, birds and environment surrounding the Shropshire farm on which I live. I also have an interest in traditional breeds and horses of all types and love to go to country fairs and seek inspiration amongst the lines of cattle, sheep and poultry. I work from photographs and sketches and do a series of drawings which I will come back to for ideas for a print design. I make linocuts mainly, but have worked with etching, silkscreen, collagraphs and woodcuts.
(Wheelchair accessible – one shallow step only)
OPEN
Dave West photography
4 Gorse Lane, Bayston Hill, Shrewsbury SY3 0JJ Tel: 01743 872430 E-mail: DWest15706@aol.co Website: www.mipgroup.org.uk Artist’s Statement The Earth Moved I tend to work thematically as a photographer. At the moment I am extending my Battlefields theme (first shown at the 2009 Open Studios) with a group of landscapes provisionally called The Earth Moved. These pictures will be on show during Open Studios 2012, alongside a selection of earlier work. I am interested in documentary photographs: how we record the world around us, how we view that world and images of it. I have exhibited at Hereford Photographic Festival, Shrewsbury Music Hall, and with the Marches Independent Photography Group. For me, art is an essential means of human interchange and interaction. Open Studios offers a great opportunity for that sharing to happen. There may even be cake – and pictures of cake – as well.
OPEN
Stewart Whitehead woodland artisan
Ekoecodesign, 8 The Crescent, Montford Bridge, Shrewsbury Shropshire SY4 1DZ Mob: 07791008132 E-mail: Stewart.whitehead@virgin.net Website: www.stewartwhitehead.weebly.com Artist’s Statement Over the last 25 years I have learnt many traditional woodland crafts that go back into our history over hundreds of years. They are all connected with managing the local woodland which has shaped our present landscape. Keeping such crafts alive has been a major part of my inspiration to practice these ancient skills and create functional products from local woodland. Working with the natural qualities of the trees, I make furniture which will last for many generations. I use a pole lathe to turn the parts for traditional and contemporary furniture. Steam bending timber, forms beautiful curves and keeps the natural strength of the wood. I make many products from chairs, tables, hazel and willow hurdles, living willow sculptures, roundhouses, garden structure, yurts and horse drawn wagons, all from local timber. During the weekend I will be demonstrating pole-lathe turning.
OPEN
Judi Willerton Mixed media/pastel
Willowbrook, Church Road Meole Village, Shrewsbury SY3 9HQ Mob: 07790 410436 E-mail: judi.willerton@virgin.net Artist’s Statement Since early retirement from teaching eight years ago Judi has developed her skills as an artist. She works mainly in pastel, acrylic or mixed media. She has exhibited and sold work locally and taken commissions. She produces cards and prints from her original work. Her work is bold and colourful and includes a range of subject matter which reflects her love of the countryside, animals and the people she meets.
OPEN
John Wragg painting, construction, drawing and prints
19 Trinity Street, Belle Vue Shrewsbury SY3 7PF Mob:
07816 941030
E-mail: art@johnwragg.net Website: www.johnwragg.net Artist’s Statement The principles of space and light never ceased to thrill me as an artist. Colour is a property of light and once an object is illuminated, it requires a space to be seen in. My work is crucially underpinned by higher-dimensional geometry and enhanced by colour, two elements which combine forces to enable the viewer to exist in more than one place simultaneously. The perceptive viewer can see, from these different viewpoints, that what appears to be a solid geometrical object may slide through itself and turn inside out… this allows the viewer a glimpse of the sublime mystery of four dimensional space.
Associated exhibitions At the Market Hall open market days only: Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 10 am – 4 pm
Galleries Live
Associated exhibitions At the Bear Steps Gallery
Quintessential Art Group Exhibition July 1st – 14th
10 am – 4 pm daily
Bear Steps Gallery St. Alkmund’s Place Shrewsbury SY1 1UH Tel: 01743 344994
Outside exhibition times contact Angela Baker: Telephone 01743 357825 E-mail QuintessentialArtGroup@mail.com We are a group of six artists working in various media, including painting, drawing, photography and sculpture. When we came together 8 years ago under the inspirational guidance of art therapist, Michael Barnell, the six of us didn’t consider ourselves artists. Since then we have journeyed together exploring, amongst other things, the ‘natural’ world and the work of acclaimed artists, each of us developing our own styles and interests in the process. We have all come to value the support of the group and to realise the essential role Art plays in each of our lives. This is our first exhibition.
Associated exhibitions At the Shrewsbury Coffee House Pip Bayley pen and ink
Exhibiting at the Shrewsbury Coffee House 5 Castle Gates, Shrewsbury SY1 2AE Home: 01743 242610 E-mail: pipmonkeyuk@yahoo.com Website: www.pipbayley.com Artist’s Statement Midlands based cartoonist and illustrator Pip Bayley is never happier than when he is drawing. Inspired by a wide range of genres from fine art to comic books and sci fi films to theatre, he can usually be found, sketchbook in hand, at some event or another. Pip’s favourite things to draw are girls,Victorians and animals, but he is always looking for new things to capture. He regularly attends ‘Dr Sketchy’s’ drawing and burlesque events and has an extensive collection of drawings of burlesque artistes and the affection he has for the scene shows in his work. His quirky, fun style has earned him respect and support from many of the performers he has captured. Working mainly in pen and marker Pip lives by the mantra ‘Draw Every Day’ and encourages others to do the same. He has an infectious passion for art and is very much looking forward to meeting and chatting with everyone during the Open Studio weekends.
Associated exhibitions At the Shrewsbury Coffee House Caroline Bucknall artist, illustrator, sculptor
Exhibiting at the Shrewsbury Coffee House 5 Castle Gates, Shrewsbury SY1 2AE Mobile: 07981 394 747 E-mail: Carolinebucknall@hotmail.co.uk Artist’s Statement I have always needed variety and diversity in my work and since leaving art school (Goldsmiths) I have been able to enjoy just that. Over the years I have worked in many fields including film, TV, design and manufacture, making prototypes for casting in anything from soap to bronze, and writing and illustrating children’s books, but in every case I have been able to indulge and exercise my first and greatest passion – drawing! This remains as true today as it has always been. I still do a lot of three dimensional work and am currently working on a set of Greyhound sculptures for clients in France but I always make time for drawing, whether out and about, in my Belle Vue studio or with the excellent Shrewsbury Life Drawing group. I think recent huge advances in the choice and quality of materials have made drawing an even more exciting, expressive and satisfying activity so there has never been a better time to be an artist. How lucky am I!
Associated exhibitions At the Shrewsbury Coffee House Bev Horsley
mixed media; mostly acrylic and collage
Exhibiting at the Shrewsbury Coffee House 5 Castle Gates, Shrewsbury SY1 2AE Mobile: 07582 692194 Home: 01939 232956 Email: bev@ryebank.co.uk Website: www. bevhorsley.com Artist’s Statement Colour is my inspiration and forms the basis of my work exploring form, light and texture. I am a graphic designer and illustrator and worked for many years in advertising as an art director. Moving from London to rural Shropshire has focused my art on the beautiful countryside I live in. My work includes vibrant, quirky portraits of animals, still life and semi-abstract rural textures and landscapes. Recent projects included a 28-day drawing challenge where I experimented with a more immediate watercolour/acrylic style using incidental elements of collage. I am happy to use a variety of media including acrylics, oils, pastels, collage and a variety of tools from feathers to bamboo sticks, sandpaper to old credit cards…not forgetting paintbrushes (both ends!) and fingers in the process of creating a picture. I strongly believe that life drawing is the mainstay of an artist’s practice. Rendering flesh, blood and bone through a variety of techniques and materials is both a discipline and a joy. I regularly attend life drawing classes at The Hive and English Bridge Workshops in Shrewsbury.
Day 19 Pomegranate
Day 24 Cherry cupcake
Participating artists P Q X X X G X K X
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opening days
Katy Alston Janice Barrett Maureen Carswell Alex Case Ian Collett Hugh Cutler Carol Davies Jacqui Dodds Ann Easthope Linda Edwards Helen Foot Footprint Photography Ruth Gibson Richard Hammerton Jill Leventon Nathalie Hildegarde Liège Sara Mai
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Millbank & Foot Parker & Arrol Russell Parry Irene Pentelow Heather Prescott Michael Priest Ben Purser Tony Purser Angela Pyatt Sally E K Jeremy Schrecker Caroline Taylor Dave West Stewart Whitehead Judi Willerton John Wragg
Associated exhibitions at THE SHREWSBURY COFFEE HOUSE
Pip Bayley Caroline Bucknall Bev Horsley
at THE MARKET HALL, SHREWSBURY
Pat Jones VAN Market Hall Gallery
at THE BEAR STEPS GALLERY
Quintessential Art Group
to Montford Bridge follow B4380 (5 miles)
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For cycle route around town centre studios see:
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www.cycleshrewsbury.co.uk
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