This week's post has been specially created with the input and responses from artists taking part in Somerset Art Weeks Open Studios 2012. I hope it gives you a taste of what to expect, be inspired from and encourage you to explore the fantastic array of artistic talent that Somerset has to offer! There are many exciting locations, events and workshops taking place this year, so please have a look on the SAW website (link below) for more details.
From September 15th to the 30th you can visit REAL LIFE ARTISTS in their studios, galleries and in some cases tithe barns and woodlands throughout the county! If you'd like a SAW Art weeks guide, or an Education Pack or just to have a browse through the 221 venues on offer this year then have a click on the link here: http://www.somersetartworks.org.uk/art_weeks_2012
Lastly, a BIG thank you to all of the artists who contributed to this weeks post, enjoy!
Kate Noble – Venue 31, Godney, Wells
'Paintings by Kate Noble and Susanna Lisle, explore the use of dazzling
colour within contemporary themes.'
“I enjoy Art Weeks because people come to look at my work, who otherwise
I should not meet.”
“My special preparations will be to clean out and re-paint my studio
space, so that the studio, which is 21' x 11' can have more of a gallery feel.”
Fiona
Campbell – Venue 10, West Cranmore 
“It will give me a chance to clear up my studio
(much needed!), garden and meet new and regular SAW visitors.”
“I'm just starting on some new work, so there'll be something fresh for
visitors to see as part of my SAW exhibition - a mix of drawings and
sculptures. I'll also be offering taster wire workshops each Sunday lunchtime*.”
*Click on link above for more details or
artists website below
Chris Jelley/Story Walks – Venue 110,
(locations vary visit link for more details)
“My studio is a little fluid as I do the
digital storywalks, often the walk itself becomes the studio which I then work
into sketch pads and I fiddle / tinker with the tale. I posted a blog last week
with images from the Dulverton Walk http://storywalks.blogspot.co.uk/”
“As for special preparations I am hoping to have the new web walker
ready for art week, which still might happen (fingers crossed if testing goes
well!). Basically it's a very easy way for people to access my walks just
through one click on my website. So very excited about that and possibilities
there in.”
Join Chris on the 22nd September at 10.00 at the Tantivy in Dulverton for 'The Watching Way' walk!
Join Chris on the 22nd September at 10.00 at the Tantivy in Dulverton for 'The Watching Way' walk!
I have been in contact with Jane as she organises this special event and
installs her bed in the woods. She sent me these images as a sneak preview of
the work and location www.janemowat.co.uk
“We
[Tracy and Mark Nesbit/two artists at this venue] had plans to renovate an old
boiler house to extend our studio space to create a welding/metal workshop and
provide wall space for exhibiting, but the terrible weather in spring and early
summer meant that these have had to be shelved for perhaps next year. However,
to circumvent the problem, we’ve bought a 10 x 3 metre marquee to house our
exhibition so there will still be loads to see, probably more than originally
anticipated. I have new work as yet unseen by the outside world as well as
stuff made specifically for Art Weeks earlier in the year (as well as some old
favourites from 2011) which can be seen on my Facebook page and website www.marknesbitfineart.com.
As one of the new South Somerset reps it has been great to meet many of the
other participants, make a lot of new friends, to chat about what everyone is
doing.”
Judith Champion – Venue 65, Burnham-on-Sea
“My ‘studio’ (aka the garage) was originally in
fact a piggery....mmmm looks a bit like it too at the moment – I am going to
have to have a bit (?) of a clear up before I dare open the doors to the
public. The pig pen walls are useful for my paint pots and the rest of the
space has become taken over with the things that fill a garage over the year.
The photos here are very much the ‘before’ versions – I need to clear out
the rubbish and get out the white emulsion!
However, I am very much looking forward to the art weeks – I am doing it
on my own this year which should be a challenge but I always enjoy meeting the visitors...so
roll on Sept 14th!”
Simon Ledson – Venue 30, Lower Godney, Wells
“Opening my studio, this will be the first time in
three years I’ll be opening my studio, I took time out to finish my MA in fine
art. I enjoy having my studio open to the public you meat interesting
characters. It is beneficial to me as an artist to get a response from my work,
it’s how work moves on and is also the time to visit other artists in there
studios.
And finishing the work on time!”
“A new body of work, started this work in November
Decorating and a good clean out.
Working on an installation art piece – in a way of
showing the work.
Producing small and more affordable works.
Make the studios and venue space interesting, a new piece of work will
be installed in the river by the studio.”
www.simonledson.co.uk
Tony
Davey – Venue 115, Minehead
Thanks, Andy who sent me this image of his
studio today!
Jenny Graham –
Venue 80, Moorlynch
"I have been trying to finish my new photo-etchings
for SAW and get them all framed. Plus tidying out the studio. What a lot of
work, but worth it in the end. Here's one of my latest prints; I'm doing a
series based on British woodland."
