| Art for art’s sake |
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For lovers of art June has become the best month of the year. The idea is simple, local artists open the doors of their studios and visitors get a chance to see the work, talk to the artist, and buy a piece of work. Every June the South East Open Studios open their doors to thousands of visitors right across Kent and Sussex. This year I thought it was time I sampled the work on offer around Edenbridge.
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| First port of call was Mary McCarten, whose studio is located in Fairmead Road in Crockham Hill. Mary produces a range of glassware, which is practical and beautiful, she uses fusing and slumping techniques to produce her unique range of pieces. When I arrived the sun was shining and Mary’s studio, at the bottom of her garden looked wonderful with all the pieces on display. Mary had already been busy that morning, and shewas soon telling me all about her work and the how much she was looking forward to this year’s South East Open Studios (SEOS). “This is the second year I have participated, last year was really successful and I am looking forward to this year’s event.” She said. After an all too brief visit I was off to my next appointment with Jane Wharrad and Liz Stace in Four Elms. Once again I was greeted with a lovely garden and a studio full of fantastic work. Jane and Liz have been doing the SEOS together for six years, and as Liz said, “It makes you get stuff done, because of the deadline. It also inspires me to try new techniques and use different glazes.” Liz is a potter whose work is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Liz is particularly fond of blue and green glazes. Jane’s work is sculptural, she works in Papier Mache and her fun sculptures tend to feature people and animals. “My work is meant to reflect life.” She says. Once again my stay was all to brief, as I left for my last visit of the day, to Bough Beech to visit three artists who are all showing together. Cathy Bird, Georgina Roberts and Felicity Williams. The studio is tucked away off of the main road to Tonbridge, and the space is light and airy, with a vine growing in the studio. Cathy Bird’s work is energetic and lively; her ‘Women & Washing’ series is particularly eye-catching. Felicity Williams produces a wide range of paintings and drawings, her microscopic patterns are fascinating and her colourful landscapes capture the essence of the countryside around her. Georgina Robert’s work is colourful and full of movement, she paints using oils, and loves to mix colours and produce work, which connects with people on an emotional level. My day, which took in six different artists, with six very different styles and approaches was a real pleasure and one which I would recommend to anyone interested in art, or anyone who has ever wondered how artists get their ideas, and how they translate ideas into reality.
Story and pictures by Daniel Huckfield |
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