Warwickshire Open Studios has started! There are 149 venues across Coventry and Warwickshire involving over 400 artists. In Kenilworth and Leek Wootton we are really fortunate to have 12 venues and 37 artists showing their work. Its a wonderful opportunity to meet some of the local creative people and to see the amazing variety of work from well-known professionals to some new and emerging talent.
I'm still discovering new talents and this year there are plenty of people I've not come across before. As an indication of the variety there are cabinetmakers, feltworkers, calligraphers, collage and mixed media artists, photographers, printmakers, potters, glassworkers, textiles, sculptors and painters. Of course, within each of those categories there are a variety of styles to enjoy.
I visited the exhibition by Kenilworth Artists at the St Johns Church site which is a beautiful venue to show them. The Church is open from 18th to 26th June between 11am and 4:30pm Monday to Saturday and 12 non to 4:30pm on Sunday.
The first thing to note is just how accessible this event is. Artists generally are a friendly bunch and there are no pretentions here.
The second thing I notice is that compared to other local art events I have been to there is a high confidence about the work here. There are thoughtful and intriguing abstract works all over the place. Some that always catch my eye are Joost Lohman's amazing 're-imagined' photographs where he manipulates photographs to create new, bright and fascinating images with a wide variety of effects.
I always admire Paula Perry's work and there is a series here which I haven't seen before. I like the way that she creates texture and movement and the palettes that she uses - in this case the little hints of white are intriguing.
The third observation is about the sophisticated techniques being used. I already mentioned Joost's photography where I wouldn't even know how to start to create something similar. Gary Eite's linocuts and Barbara Kenny's screenprints are a similar story - the thought which must go into the process to create the images is beyond me. Jan Norrish's acrylics which manipulate liquid acrylic to create images which can appear like brightly coloured galaxies or micro-organisms are beautiful. Jo Rickett's fused glasswork is beautifully lit to see the details. She has some lovely organic sculptures which show the material to its best.
As a painter I feel best able to assess the quality of painting and this is very high - this is not a village hall club art show.
My favourite painting of the exhibition is this acrylic by Helen Woodcock. I love the letter box format that she uses. It puts a huge demand on composition but she really knows how to use it well. I like the crispness of the lines, the fresh light and the subtle handling of shade - beautiful.
Of course not everyone has hundreds to spend on an artwork, especially in the current climate. There is no obligation or pressure to buy - its very relaxed and you can get a cup of tea and biscuits while you are there. If you do fancy buying something there are pieces for all pockets. Jacqui Smithson and Jo Ricketts both have drinks mats for sale, Natalie Thurman has greeting cards and prints, Jim Elliott has some very reasonably priced ceramics but I really loved Di Shores medals. A great idea which really shows off her mixed media and textile skills in a very affordable package and a reminder that art makes a great gift as well as a decoration.
There is also even a raffle with a chance to win a bundle of the donated artworks.
This show is always worth a visit but I think this year is exceptional and a great advertisement for Kenilworth Artists.
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