Swindon Open Studios 2009

artists

The response from artists wanting to join Swindon Open Studios 2009 has been fantastic, with over sixty participants! Those who have signed up and provided their information/image are shown below and, in some cases, you will find links to individual artist or art group websites (Please note that Swindon Open Studios is not responsible for any external content).



		TWIGS - Various The Craft Studio at TWIGS provides a space for people recovering from mental illness to discover or be reminded of their creativity. This forms part of their journey of recovery as it restores their sense of self worth. During Open Studios celebrate their work in the fabulous gardens of TWIGS. Felt making workshop on 12th September. For further information and to book a space on felt workshop phone 01793 523294 or visit: Website: www.richmondfellowship.org.uk/twigs VENUE 1 - click to see map.



		VIKKI LOEBER-HUGHES - Pastels, charcoal, acrylic I am a professional artist specialising in painting life-like animal portraiture. My preferred medium is pastels as it lends itself beautifully to the soft fur of the animals.At the other end of the spectrum I love to paint nudes and often bribe my friends and family to model for me. I use charcoal or acrylic for these paintings. Website: www.wikkiart.co.uk VENUE 2 - click to see map.



		KAREN MILLER - Acrylic, oil pastels, water soluble oils and collage Although Karen's early years were spent in Swindon, she spent many holidays with her grandparents who lived near Savernake Forest. Her love of the Wiltshire countryside is now reflected in her painting. She works mainly in acrylics and oil pastels. Her favourite subjects are landscapes and seascapes, but she also creates collages using recycled materials and acrylic mediums. VENUE 2 - click to see map.



		CRISTINA STEEL - Mainly acrylics I have just been working on a series of abstract paintings where the main inspiration was colour. The styles and what I developed came from that original idea. Some of this work captures a feeling or an idea rather than depicting a specific form. My next projects may follow the same path for a while, but without forgetting my flowers. Website: www.paintedforyou.co.uk VENUE 3 - click to see map.



		DIANA CRAFER - Pastel I usually work in pastel. I am constantly thrilled by aspects of landscapes, seascapes, animals and the plumage of birds. Painting water and its reflections delight me also. Website: www.swindonartistsforum.co.uk VENUE 4 - click to see map.



		ERNEST EVANS - Watercolours, oil, acrylic and pastel I studied at Harrow College of Art and spent my working life as a graphic designer which encompassed a great deal of illustration work. Now I am liberated from the demands of commercial work, I can concentrate on painting whatever inspires me; mainly local landscapes in any medium. I accept commissions of any subject, and find the challenge very exciting. Website: www.swindonartistsforum.co.uk VENUE 4 - click to see map.



		ANN GAMBLE - Pastels, pencil, watercolours, oils and acrylics Having been sent to art college part time at the age of 14, my work has evolved over the years. Commissions are usually from recommendations from happy clients; they are of children, pets and wild animals. I work from photographs and like to portray the soul/character of my ‘sitters’. Other work includes still life, landscapes and abstracts. Website: www.swindonartistsforum.co.uk VENUE 4 - click to see map.



		LIBBY GASH - Acrylic and pastel I work in acrylic and pastel, and enjoy capturing landscape and equine images. I am particularly interested in creating atmosphere in my work, and also like to experiment with light textures. VENUE 4 - click to see map.



		ELIZABETH HABGOOD - Oils, acrylic, watercolour, gouache I paint mainly in oils, on quite large canvases. Oil is my favourite media, it has such freedom with mixing of colours. I paint local scenery, and scenes form places visited. Most of my painting is locally done, mainly from photographs. VENUE 4 - click to see map.



		MARGARET JARVIS - Acrylic, oils, pastel and coloured pencil I paint any subject that inspires me, quite often flowers, fruit and vegetables, still life and landscapes involving water, particularly coastal scenes, lakes, and waterfalls. I am attracted by shape and colour and the way light influences them. Website: www.swindonartistsforum.co.uk VENUE 4 - click to see map.



		ROBIN WOODFORD - Watercolour, acrylic, oils and pastels I spent my early years in farm cottages at the edge of Savernake Forest; this has given me a love of the countryside which is reflected in the rural images found in my paintings. My first preference is for watercolours or acrylics on paper, but I have been equally successful when using oils or pastels. I have a wide selection of Kennet and Avon canal paintings which have been sold in large numbers as Giclee prints and greetings cards. Website: www.swindonartistsforum.co.uk VENUE 4 - click to see map.



		SHERYLL DATTA - Oil paint I started painting again three years ago, after a long break. This painting of my daughter shows that I have a passion for realism and portraiture, and is influenced by the commercial illustrative work that I did many years ago. My style is evolving, and I am intrigued to see where it goes from here. VENUE 5 - click to see map.



		MARION DEACON - Mixed media and watercolour. Art and textiles have always interested me. Over the years I have begun to discover the fascinating versatility of watercolour, acrylic inks and mixed media. My work is a celebration of our beautiful and diverse landscape and natural surroundings. The amazing richness of colour, movement and texture in the natural world continually inspire me and provoke me to capture its essence, and I want my work to remind people of the beauty around them so they are challenged to protect it. Also, on a more personal note to give glory to the creator God. I hope you enjoy looking at my work. Website: www.touchingcolours.com// VENUE 5a - click to see map.



		SUE DICKINSON - Clay. I make my own porcelain pendants and brooches. Each piece is unique and most of them reflect my love of the ocean. My pendants are very tactile, some resemble washed up pebbles on the beach that are very smooth from time spent being buffeted around at sea, others have holes in them that represent erosion from the elements. VENUE 5 - click to see map.



		ANIL BARTHKUR - Oil, watercolour, acrylic, pastel, pen, pencil, charcoal, clay and plaster sculpture I am a member of Swindon Artist's Society. I studied human anatomy to gather knowledge for my drawing, painting, sculpting and cartoon drawing. Nature and art galleries with animals, birds and all creatures have given me ideas for my 'work' which I keep 'simple' so it can be understood easily. I find pleasure in my work and like to share it with spectators. VENUE 5 - click to see map.



		MAX HALE - Acrylic , Watercolour, Oils, Conte Crayon I paint from the heart with speciality of figure, portrait and life. I like the female form specifically and paint from life always I do not use photographs as the compression into 2D by the camera does not enable me to gain the best from the subject. Faces fascinate me and I spend a considerable amount of time drawing them. Website: www.maxhale.co.uk VENUE 6 - click to see map.



		TERRY HUMPHRIES - Acrylic, oils, watercolours, pastels Terry works mainly in acrylic and oils, using sgraffito, impasto, gestural and other techniques to express; light, form, colour, texture and movement. He enjoys producing representational and abstract paintings. Terry is often inspired by specific locations, a certain light or purity of colour. He has a deep appreciation for architecture and uses architectural elements within his paintings. Website: www.terencehumphries.co.uk VENUE 6 - click to see map.



		DAVID H JONES - Acrylic, oils, watercolour Inspired by observations of urban and natural forms, my paintings explore the cognitive response to pattern and colour. The sensuality and excitement of the visual experience and my response to it is paramount. With the use of pattern, colour and texture, I aim to simply pass on this excitement to the senses of the viewer. VENUE 6 - click to see map.



		RACHEL MARKWICK - Oils, pastels and collages Netscape is part of a series of paintings based on the theme of fishing nets and the sea. I love to visit the fishing villages in Pembrokeshire for my inspiration. The beauty of our local landscape has also been one of my favourite subjects for oil paintings and pastels. Website: www.rachelmarkwick.com VENUE 6 - click to see map.



		BARBARA MASON - Glass I work coloured glass in a torch flame to make beads and decorate them with dots and stripes of glass of other colours. Glass is a durable medium and beads will last for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. I like to think that my glass beads link me to the individuals of future generations who may handle them. Website: www.glass-beads.co.uk VENUE 6 - click to see map.



		JANE MILNER-BARRY - Oils RA exhibitor Jane Milner-Barry will be showing some of her small still-lifes and landscapes and hopes you will like them. VENUE 6 - click to see map.



		BENOIT PHILIPPE - Oil, watercolour, pastel I am a French artist living in Swindon. I paint with oil, watercolour and pastels, depending on the subject and the type of effect I want to bring. If I had to choose one sentence to depict my art, whatever medium I use, it would be "drawing with light". I bring the subject to life by tuning colours, tones and shapes. Lines emerge from the encounter of shades and lights, not the other way around. I like to paint quickly, free hand, to keep my work fresh and build a sound structure. Highlights and details are only added at a later stage to create the illusion of a more complex reality. Website: www.benoitphilippe.com Blog: myfrencheasel.blogspot.com VENUE 6 - click to see map.



		MARGARET SADLER - Mixed media I am a mixed media artist with a particular interest in textiles, collage and recycling. I also enjoy 'working big' with charcoal, especially the human form, and trying to make watercolour work for me. Consequently, my work is diverse! VENUE 6 - click to see map.



		ARTSITE - Various Artsite Ltd is an artist led group which is housed at the Post Modern (a former post office ) in Theatre Square, Swindon. There will be an exhibition of Artsite member's work in the gallery, and access to view the ten studios where you can meet the artists and view more of their work. Studio artists include: Paul Exton, Vicky Silver, Maria Holohan, Sally Taylor, Paula Sullivan, Lynette Thomas, Martin King, Sue Wigmore, Bill Cox and Tracey Baker-Stewart. Website: www.artsite.ltd.uk VENUE 7 - click to see map.



		STEVE DIXON - Acrylic, pen and ink, photography I am inspired by the beautiful local countryside and exotic locations and architecture from my travels to India, Morocco, Jordan and Cuba. I paint landscape scenes mainly in acrylic and produce limited edition photographs on glice paper and canvas prints. VENUE 8 - click to see map.



		SUE WHELAN - Clay and mixed medias I work with clay and other materials to express my interest in the body and skin textures. Website: www.suewhelan.co.uk VENUE 9 - click to see map.



		JENNIE ANDERSON - Gouache, pen and ink I'm an artist & illustrator living and working in Swindon and have just completed a Master's Degree in Archaeological Illustration. My background is in the fine arts, textiles, costume making, photography and drawing & painting, as well as having worked within the Heritage industry for the past seven years. Website: www.jennieanderson.co.uk VENUE 10 - click to see map.



		TONY ORWIN - Photography Having journeyed through photography's many enticing avenues for over 40 years, my focus and direction was finally provided when I started to work with Rosemarie to deliver images to back her modelling career. My work now is solely directed at creating images that challenge and stimulate the mind - but are all "In celebration of the Female Form". From that stuttering start, my photographic endeavours have expanded and now the web sales of my work are driving me on with a vengeance to create images that inspire the mind, provoke comment or discussion and augment the environments in which they are displayed. Website: www.fineart.me.uk VENUE 11 - click to see map.



		KEN WHITE - Oils, lino cutting, etching The subject of my work is the place where I was born and grew up in, particularly my early working experience in the GWR. Those images and experiences have left a lasting impression on me.. Website: www.kenwhitemurals.co.uk VENUE 12 - click to see map.



		CHRIS HINTON - Clay (with Bea Menier) This is an eclectic exhibition exploring the untraditional use of clay to explore the theme of the green man and other ethereal ideas, at the Wanborough Pottery. VENUE 13 - click to see map.



		BEA MENIER - Mixed media The Unusual, The Secretive, The Puzzling. These elements have formed the basis of my latest work, and the essence of these themes can be seen together or separately, in my paintings, hand-bound calligraphed books and in my sculptures. Also on display will be this year's journals documenting my journey through 2009. Read an interview with Bea Menier: http://swindonopenstudios2009.blogspot.com VENUE 13 - click to see map.



		DAVID BENT - Painting in oil, acrylic, watercolour; photography. I think of myself as an image maker whose interests and subjects are the human condition and the Big Issues of our day. I have also a special niche interest in aviation. I am primarily a painter and still believe that the skill of painting and drawing should be valued and maintained. I also use photography and printmaking. Website: www.bentartgallery.co.uk VENUE 14 - click to see map.



		SUE MANSFIELD - Acrylics and pastel Apart from seascapes and figure work, my other paintings, like music, stir the soul and, just as those who play beautiful music feel the emotions of what they sing or play, I want to transfer the rich, colourful tapestry of creation to the viewer, to enjoy and ponder the mysteries of the world we are part of. VENUE 15 - click to see map.



		TIM CARROLL - Acrylic, watercolour, pencil, ceramic. Currently I'm producing work based on observational drawings of the buildings, crowds and art of Rome. Italian renaissance art is an inspiration. There will be plenty of other work apart from that inspired by my recent half century celebration in Rome to look at around the house. Refreshments and garden viewing are included as an optional extra. Website: www.timcarroll.co.uk Read an interview with Tim Carroll: http://swindonopenstudios2009.blogspot.com VENUE 16 - click to see map.



		NIGEL FERRIS - Photographic images I have my own photographic studio where I take my contemporary portraits. The gallery within the studio also displays my own style of work which includes landscapes and abstract images. Website: www.ferrisphotographics.co.uk VENUE 17 - click to see map.



		MARY THORNE - Ceramics I work in ceramics throwing bowls on the wheel in earthenware and stoneware. These are decorated with carved or painted landscapes inspired by the Wiltshire countryside. I particularly like the clumps of trees on the Ridgeway and the patterns created in the rolling fields. I also make domestic ware including bowls, jugs and mugs. Commissions welcome. Optional refreshments will be available in the garden.(Weather permitting!) VENUE 18 - click to see map.



		KIM PETHYBRIDGE - Tetbury limestone On display in the garden this year will be a collection of new works which are inspired by organic shapes formed by the weather and its impact upon the shoreline. Experimenting with surface and texture Kim particularly loves to make pieces that capture the play of light, bringing them to life, as it moves across the work. VENUE 19 - click to see map.



		MOLLIE GRATLAND - Textiles Inspired by a recent textile art course, I am experimenting with ideas using fabric to decorate and create vases, vessels and canvasses. I work mainly with silk, muslin and other natural fibres and sometimes embellish with beads or photographic images. VENUE 20 - click to see map.



		CHRISTINE RATCLIFFE - Clay Inspired originally by a story of Chinese concubines need to attract wild life into their beautiful gardens for company, coupled with a large garden, but not green fingers, inspired me to create garden sculptures that have form and function. VENUE 20 - click to see map.



		MELINDA SMITH - Mixed media Mostly my ideas start from the garden, or natural environment. I use the medium that I feel suitably illustrates my ideas. VENUE 20 - click to see map.



		MARJORIE SNELL - Clay My work is about the erosion and weathering of rocks and landscapes, interpreted in the natural elements of clay and oxides. VENUE 20 - click to see map.



		NICOLA WEIR-BLANKENSTEIN - Mixed media, mainly ceramics I am inspired by the landscape - rural, urban or coastal- the colours and the lines. VENUE 20 - click to see map.



		VANETTA JOFFE - Oils, acrylic, dry media. This year my main theme is the Four Elements: AIR, EARTH, FIRE, WATER. Some works have their origins in last year's cosmic theme, but have developed in new and exciting directions. Drawing from life continues to fascinate; there are lots of recent drawings on show. There will be refreshments and an opportunity to stroll through a lovely garden. Website: www.vjoffeartist.com Read an interview with Vanetta Joffe: http://swindonopenstudios2009.blogspot.com VENUE 21 - click to see map.



		SANGITA KAPADIA - Water, powder, rice, lentils, pulses, pasta, coconut, thread, wire, heena, bindi, paper, wax Sangita is an artist, dancer, poet, linguist and tutor. Her passion for India reflects in her work where she mixes traditional and contemporary styles/materials to create 3D Rangoli art, paintings, handmade cards, animated poetry cards, Heena tattoos and Bindi art. Sangita offers cross cultural workshops on above to all ages. She held an exhibition to mark Diwali in Swindon. Website: www.sangita.co.in VENUE 22 - click to see map.



		RUTH VAUGHAN - Jewellery designer/maker Contemporary jewellery handmade with care and attention to detail using precious metals, semi-precious beads, freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals. Designs are inspired by the shapes and colours of the gems showing how beautiful natural stones can be. Commissions are welcomed. Website: www.ruthvaughanjewellery.co.uk VENUE 23 - click to see map.



		YOLANDA CRAY - Watercolour Since moving to Wiltshire, the creative seed that has lain dormant has begun to grow, as can be seen in the landscapes influenced by trips to Cumbria, France, Portugal and Australia. I enjoy experimenting with texture and colour to give a mood to each piece. With a background in interior design, I feel paintings play an important role in pulling together a scheme. VENUE 24 - click to see map.



		JEAN RAMSDALE - Acrylic My work makes many statements because of its boldness and colours. It takes influence from many areas, but a beautiful sunset is to me the ultimate in painting pleasure. VENUE 24 - click to see map.



		RAY CASTELL - Stone, resin Most of my sculptures are based on natural shapes that are to me flowing and calming. I attempt to strip away detail, but still encapsulate the essence of the forms that evoke in me, and hopefully in others, a mostly pleasing emotion or reaction. Website: www.raycastell.co.uk/ VENUE 25 - click to see map.



		PAT ELMORE - Stone, wood and clay I am a compulsive carver in stone, wood and clay. Inspiration comes form my immediate environment – 6 children, chickens, ducks, sheep etc. Venues : Paris, London, Monaco and many one man shows around England. Member of Royal British Artists. There is over an acre of sculpture garden and gallery to enjoy at Nutford Lodge, and it's next door to the King and Queen pub. VENUE 25 - click to see map.



		DEREK GALE - Fine art photography I am fascinated by the way cameras can see things that the human eye can't. If you look closely enough, or from far away, you can discover an extraordinary level of beauty. I have developed a new way to make images that are fabulously abstract and richly coloured, yet are unmanipulated images of real things in the natural environment. In these images, colours swirl into each other, and edges are undefined, yet we can imagine shapes and forms. Whether the shapes we imagine reflect reality, really doesn't matter Website: www.lifestylephotos.co.uk VENUE 25 - click to see map.



		VITAL PEETERS - Glass, stone I use fusing glass to create texture and colour combinations. The work is an exploration of light, rhythm and movement. I often include the fused glass in my architectural work for private and public buildings. I also carve stone. Website: www.vitalpeeters.co.uk VENUE 25 - click to see map.



		SHARON RICH - Stone Stone carving for me is soothing and therapeutic as well as creative. Stone is a beautiful medium, and often a line or shape in the stone will inspire creative images. I hope my sculptures will encourage people to appreciate that art doesn’t have to be sophisticated or serious and can be just a vessel to release individual creativity. VENUE 25 - click to see map.



		EMMA ABLITT - Stone I have been carving for several years and carve directly into the stone without having a clear idea of what will emerge. I follow the dictates of the stone and any fossils, shells or veins of crystal in it. My carvings are figurative and semi-abstract and I prefer to convey a mood or feeling rather than a faithful representation. VENUE 26 - click to see map.



		CLARE PAKEMAN - Paper I have always loved books and I make sketchbooks in a variety of sizes, bindings and different papers; practical objects to treasure and use. VENUE 26 - click to see map.



		HELEN PAKEMAN - Charcoal, inks My work is often about how the eye 'fills in' details which are missing, and how we struggle to recognise shapes in even the most abstract marks in an effort to make sense of things. VENUE 26 - click to see map.