This summer we’re shining a spotlight on artists working in North Devon. Inspired by the beautiful location many artists find North Devon the perfect base to live and create, and as a result North Devon has a rich and vibrant art scene. We interviewed two of our Artist Members about their experience of living and working in North Devon.
Rosie Burns
Rosie trained in Archaeological illustration, and with published drawings within the field, completed a degree in Archaeology and Sociology in the late 1990s. After qualifying to teach Art and Design, she taught in many educational establishments. Rosie exhibits with a number of galleries across the UK, regularly participating in selected national and international open exhibitions; supplementing sales with teaching and running workshops and life drawing days.
In collaboration with Reds Raw Taw Tan Adam Morrigan (AKA Red), Rosie set up a new Arts Business called Rosie and Red Art and Leather, at No2 Nutaberry Yard, East the Water, Bideford, EX39 4EA – open by appointment since late August 2023.
Reds Raw Taw Tan Adam Morrigan (AKA Red) developed his love for leather work over many years – initially with traditional leather workers in London, as the trade was diminishing in the 1980’s. Then working with indigenous practitioners, from the Sami in Sweden to Native Americans. He went on to work at the Ruskin school in Gloucestershire – as a tutor, teaching the processes of leatherwork from animal to finished product.
Llinos Gale
Llinos is a ceramicist based in Bideford. She relocated from Hampshire to Devon permanently four years ago having spent almost twenty years visiting the area and spending time with family here. The amazing beaches and countryside were a massive draw to the area but also the vibrant creative community, beautiful places to visit and familiar favourite places.
Inspired by the colours and textures found along the North Devon coast, Llinos creates hand built functional or sculptural forms based on delicate shells, smooth pebbles, knarled driftwood and textured corals. Her work can be seen at local events including: RHS Rosemoor, Connect and Create, and further afield at The Maltings, Farnham and The Barony centre, West Kilbride, both have ‘Craft Town’ status and are regarded as centres of excellence for craft.
Setting up the London House Gallery & Studio in Bideford
A major part of the relocation to Devon for Llinos was the purchase and renovation of a Georgian town house and shop space, now London House Gallery & Studio, where I showcase my ceramics and offer pottery classes. The gallery is located near Bideford’s historic Pannier Market and Butchers Row, home to a community of painters, wood workers, a potter and stained glass window maker and the upper market area often hosts small indoor craft markets.
Created 2024
Llinos is involved in Created 2024, a new festival launching in September at The Big Sheep, Abbotsham, Bideford, on the 21st & 22nd September. Clay is this years focused material. Applications are open unril 2nd June. Discounted spaces are offered for demonstrators and workshop tutors. Contact [email protected]
North Devon is buzzing with creativity
Within walking distance, and still in Bideford town, Llinos tells us you will find a guitar maker, glass art studio, tannery, print studio, designer jeweller, belt maker, resin artist, several haberdashery shops and two other galleries, Art Upstairs run by Artmakers and The renowned Burton Gallery. Several of these locations also offer a programme of varied art and craft workshops.
In the wider vicinity you have The Plough Arts Centre in Great Torrington and Studio KIND an artist-led contemporary gallery space in Barnstaple.
Rosie and Llinos are two of our guest speakers at the North Devon Artist Networking event hosted by Devon Artist Network and Studio KIND on Thursday 20th June at Studio Kind, Barnstaple.
Studio KIND.
Studio KIND. is an artist-led contemporary art space in Barnstaple, North Devon. Founded as a community interest company in Braunton in 2020, Studio KIND. recently moved into The Corn Store, part of Barnstaple’s historic Pannier Market.
Studio KIND. presents the work of both local and national, early-career and established artists through an ambitious and diverse programme of exhibitions, curated to excite imaginations, challenge perceptions and create connections.
Studio KIND. also hosts an exciting programme of workshops and events, designed to bring people together, learn new skills, and try something new. Our outreach programme brings together communities, charities and groups from across North Devon, using art as a valuable tool for mental health and wellbeing.
Coming up this summer at Studio KIND
15th June to 6th July: Devon Mental Health Alliance presents: Art and Mind
A community exhibition hosted by the Devon Mental Health Alliance showing a collection of work by local artists showcasing the beauty and potency that artistic expression holds for our lives.
13th July to 17th August: Slow painting by Contemporary British Painting
A duel-site exhibition at Studio KIND. and The Plough Arts Centre by the Prestigeous Contemporary British Painting group, as well as invited local artists.
24th August to 21st September: Studio KIND. Summer Open
Applications will soon by opening to the second ever Studio KIND. Summer Open, showcasing the best that the South West has to offer.
Workshops:
- Make a Photo Album with Megan Stallworthy – Sunday 2nd June
- Introduction to Suminagashi with George Rayner – Thursday 6th June
- Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving with Jessica Cutler – Saturday 8th June
- Introduction to Oil Painting with Amy Jobes – Sunday 9th June
- Hand-crafted Jewellery with Ania Wawrzkowicz – Sunday 14th July
- Hapa-Zome Tote Bags with Ellie Baddick – Thursday 18th July
- Woodcut Printing Masterclass with Merlyn Chesterman – Sunday 28th July
- Art of Intuition with Ruth Bateman – Sunday 4th August
- Pastels on the Beach with Georgie Stewart – Tuesday 6th August
- Paper Collage Still Life with Ruth Bateman – Sunday 25th August
- Weekly life-drawing every Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning
Free social sessions: Makers Meet, Say What You See, Emerging Creatives and Photo Social. Head to www.studiokind.org.uk for more information.
Verity is a stainless steel and bronze statue created by Damien Hirst. It stands at around 20 meters tall and it is located at the entrance of Ilfracombe Harbour, overlooking the Bristol Channel.