Devon Open Studios
7-22 September 2024
Artists all over Devon will be throwing open their doors and inviting people to look behind the scenes of an artist’s studio.
The county’s creative people will be demonstrating and showcasing their work in attics, sheds, galleries and other creative spaces. The art and craft on display will include drawing, painting, sculpture, tapestry, ceramics, jewellery and glasswork.
Open Studios are all free to attend, and visitors are encouraged to support local artists and makers by buying their work – anything from a large sculpture to a small greetings card.
Artists range from new talent to experienced professionals, all keen to share their inspiration and creativity with visitors. Many of the artists have taken their inspiration from the natural world – flora and fauna, coast and countryside.
Artists include:
In Teignmouth, Angela Rimmer explores the mystery and beauty of the ocean through her paintings which invite the viewer to imagine what might lie beneath the waves. “Like the mind”, she says, “the nature of the ocean can seem turbulent, with crashing waves everywhere, but as you move below the surface, you will find great beauty and stillness.”. During Devon Open Studios, Angela will be showing her Making Waves collection and hopes to inspire conversations about the marine environment.
Four potters will be exhibiting together in Totnes. Georgi Gilpin uses black clay with nature-inspired glaze to make functional table wares and gifts. Despina Karaeleftheriou‘s work is inspired her Greek heritage and the British countryside. She uses traditional techniques and hand paints her pots with colourful glazes. Tracey at Wren Pottery uses green, blues and whites, inspired by the Devon coastline which she can see every day from her home. Katie Joy Hickling hand paints her ceramics using cobalt blue and vibrant orange, drawing from traditional European and Asian pottery cultures and modern illustration styles.
Willow Taylor who will be showing her work in Bideford on the North Devon Coast. She enjoys the meditative nature of the sea, and tries to capture the feeling of calmness in her work. Willow meditates with the waves, infusing her creations with a sense of spirituality. She’s also inspired by the intricate patterns in nature and how these can be reflected in our own bodies such as our veins resembling the branches of a tree.
Octavia Madden has been exploring the ecological intricacies of Wistman’s Wood on Dartmoor. The work, which she’ll be exhibiting in Ottery St Mary, focuses on exploring the interconnectedness between art, science, and nature. Her expressionist paintings capture the landscape through the visual qualities of pattern, motif, colour and layering.
Devon Open Studios Guides will be available from community venues, libraries and tourist information offices from August. An online version will also be also available, along with more information about each of the artists.