There is some debate about whether we should be celebrating the Chinese Year of the Goat or the Ram, but we're all for claiming the Goat, not least because they are one of Sculptor Vicki Atkinson's favourite themes.
Her recent Goat Fountain design has been commissioned to be cast in a Rusty Iron finish for placement in The Bell Inn gardens, recently refurbished to include their Love Nest and lodges with the outdoor planting designed by Jo Thompson.

Of course, we're not forgetting that "Ticehurst" comes from the Old English "ticce(n) + Hyrst" said to mean "the wooded hill where young goats graze" according to the Oxford Dictionary of English Placenames.
Take a turn around the 7 mile Ticehurst Walk but we doubt you'll spot any goats grazing at present, the nearest local producer is at Hailsham!

Enjoy your Year of the GOAT

Louisa has dibs on the gorgeous bee ring by Lucy Jade Sylvester. "I first came across Lucy's designs at Art in Action where her stand was filled with specimen bottles of dead creatures." Not to everyones taste we understand, but worth a closer look as these pieces are cast from life. Dead fly earrings? Of course you do!

Liz will point you towards Emily Thatcher. In fact she has already bought at least one pair of Emily's gold leaf oxidised Xylem earrings and can vouch for their quality. Local girl Emily is inspired by studies taken from electron microscope images of cellular forms which she transforms into beautiful compositions of silver and gold.

It has been wonderful to follow Stuart Jenkins career as he has established himself as a "Master Smith" recently showing at The Goldsmiths Fair in London and we are thrilled to have one of his vessels in the Gallery this month (although sadly not this one yet!) alongside his gorgeous pipe rings, belt buckles and other jewellery.

Unique hand crocheted beads set in unexpected sterling silver forms.
Austrian Ulli Kaiser is now firmly settled in the South of England showing with the highly regarded Sussex Guild as well as at Art in Action in Oxford and The Goldsmiths Fair. We love the vibrant colours created from her selection of beads, often vintage, irreplaceable, delicious...

And last but by no means least, Caroline Reynolds. Also inspired by natural forms, Caroline has developed a delicate range of necklaces and other jewellery featuring her distinctive leaf motif and set with beautiful quality gemstones. A local Sussex Guild member, Caroline is now venturing further afield to show her meticulous work across the Country.