Lovely to see everyone who braved the rain last Friday to join us for the opening of "Beneath the Canopy". Thanks as ever to Peter and Jeff for keeping the drinks flowing and to Flic for her role as paparazzi - click on the images to look closer. An enduring fascination with trees: their majestic forms and graceful branches, the abundant wildlife they support.
There is a quiet moment when all manor of colours can be found in the hedgerows reflecting the intensive light and stormy skies. Then suddenly the harsh winter skeletons are replaced with a haze of spring green as the new leaves hurry to catch the warmth. Bird calls echo from tree to tree and across the fields as they search for nesting sites and forage for their young. The vibrant daffodils make way for lush greens, pinks and blues as food becomes more plentiful for emerging insects. There is a buzz in the air as fruit trees burst into bloom and the longer days entice us outside again to enjoy the countryside in this corner of England. Such an emotional response must be captured and shared and it’s little wonder then that artists throughout time have been enthralled by their majestic forms. The new exhibition at Artichoke Gallery brings us right up to date, from intricate black and white prints by Sue Scullard to vibrant landscapes from Anne de Geus, Caroline Chappell and Herme Bellido. Tim Pryke is outside capturing the local views throughout the year while Susie Monnington spends her time on the banks of the river Ouse. The ethereal beauty of works by Melanie Goemans and Louisa Crispin invite us to look closer. But no exhibition about trees would be complete without the wildlife they support. In amongst the foliage searching for the birds is wildlife painter, Esther Tyson with her collection of sparrows, while Sue Brown develops her affinity with feathered garden visitors back in the studio. Kate Kato brings insects, faithfully reproduced in paper. Rusty metal features in Sarah Walton’s cast iron bird bath and David Mayne’s delicate sculptures. You’ll be forgiven for thinking there is a Kestrel in the Gallery, although not an exact replica, Simon Griffiths ceramic bird captures the essence of this beautiful bird. Jazmin Velasco-Moore takes us back to the life and times of the great painters with a contemporary twist. This is just a taster of the latest exhibition at Artichoke Gallery opening on 31st March. Ticehurst falls within the High Weald area of outstanding natural beauty, a medieval landscape of wooded hills and ancient routeways. Believed to derive from Anglo Saxon “wood where the young goats feed”, Ticehurst is surrounded now by orchards and small fields edged with hedges, copses and magnificent standards. A trip to nearby Pashley Manor Gardens will reward you with a graceful old Oak, it’s ageing branches now supported, and thousands of bulbs planted for the tulip festival in April. A short drive brings you to Bedgebury National Pinetum, home to one of the Worlds finest conifer collections and beautiful woodland walks. Whatever your plans, include a break in Ticehurst to see the delights “Beneath the Canopy” at Artichoke Gallery: Paintings, Sculpture, Ceramics and Jewellery inspired by our love of trees, birds and insects.
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A big thank you to everyone who braved the dark eveing last Friday to join us for the opening of "Through the Window". Thanks as ever to Peter and Jeff for keeping the drinks flowing and to Flic for her role as paparazzi - click on the images to look closer January brings a new exhibition to Artichoke Gallery in Ticehurst as Vicki, Liz and Louisa invite you to look “Through the Window” to their latest selection of paintings, sculpture, ceramics and jewellery.
If we’re lucky the views from our homes encompass the wide open spaces, the fields and woodlands so typical of our countryside. Maybe you are thinking of weekend walks across the countryside or bracing days by the sea. Kate Penoyre, Caroline Chappell and Ian Rawnsley specialise in painting these scenes so you can enjoy them whatever the weather. Perhaps you are cosy by the fire, watching birds flitting from branch to table, feeding in the fading light. Think of Anna Dickerson as she captures their jewel like presence in many fine layers of paint and Chris Moss, whose wire birds make a welcome return to the Gallery. A trip to town brings glimpses into the bustling coffee bars, animated conversations played out as silent movies. Robert Pugh is watching and creates lively etchings that make him feel what they are feeling. As evening draws in we can peek into other lifestyles, catching impressions of their treasured objects on the shelf and arrangements on the table, a Still Life ready to be painted. And who better to represent this than Rosemary Vanns, Vicky Oldfield, Raymond Sheldon and Paula Sharples, four very different interpretations. Creating your own still life arrangements is made easy with such a fine selection of ceramics and sculpture. New for January includes Cat Santos, Richard Baxter, Kate Garwood, Jo Davies, Sean Gordon and the long awaited By The Line Pottery. The jewellery is unexpected: silver, wood, enamel, gold, beads and precious stones combined in a vibrant collection, as much art as craft and a great opportunity to find a statement piece. New for January are Tracey Falvey, Rachel Brown and Jennifer Wall, and a welcome return for Cristina Zani, Ulli Kaiser, Laura Bennett and Caroline Findlay. Whatever your plans, include a trip to Artichoke Gallery in Ticehurst to see the delights “Through the Window”, a mixed show and another sensory treat. "The Elements" is now open. Lovely to see you all on Friday night. Thanks to Peter and Eamonn for serving the bubbly, and to Flic for taking the fabulous collection of photographs. (click on the images for a close up) when all that glitters is not gold but that doesn’t stop us dreaming
An underlying connection between science and art forms the basis for a show that, at first glance, may appear to be somewhat eclectic. The jewellers continue a long tradition of alchemy, using fire to fuse and form and texture. Searching for rocks formed by intense natural forces, their chemical nature, beauty and rarity determining their worth. Silver, gold and copper are all thrown into the mix with tiny glass spheres reflecting the light, paper thin porcelain, enamels and pearls. The process as compelling as the end results. Controlling the elements is a constant challenge for the ceramic artist. Combining earth and water to create each unique piece through the long process of observation, hand building, incising and burnishing. Oxides and glazes reacting to the heat, waiting for that exciting moment when the kiln is opened and the soft clay becomes everlasting. The magic of fire fusing powder into glass, creating a tactile object, enticing to the eye as well as the hand. The painter reacts to the elements: depicting light and atmosphere from the stillness of night, racing clouds or the forces at sea. A connection with our landscape, whether the long view or looking closer, using materials created with a scientific mind. A touch of fairy dust (or is it a dusting fairy) adds a reminder of the season to come. "Across The Water" is now open. Lovely to see you all on Friday night. Thanks to Peter and Jeff for serving the bubbly, Flic and Paul for taking the fabulous collection of photographs. (click on the images for a close up) July brings thoughts of holidays: trips to the seaside, swimming and diving, searching rock pools while collecting shells to take home. Old fishermen tell stories handed down the generations, truth or myth, sparking the imagination as we explore. Seabirds keep us company seeming to enjoy the dramatic weather and changing light, the rhythmic beat of the waves which shape ancient craggy rocks. Muffled misty days give a softer edge to the coast but no less inspiring for our painters.
We're leaving the garden to fend for itself as we fly to foreign lands, gently absorbing the language, culture and history of these exotic landscapes. Warmer waters bring tropical birds but also more familiar ones who spend our winters there. Fascinating to observe animals in unfamiliar habitats, I wonder where Murtle will be spending her holidays? Those left in the cities during the summer months migrate to the rivers for a cooling breeze. Swans and ducks drift idly past the old industrial wharfs, now quiet places away from the tourists. We're not far from the coast, just a short detour off the A21 as you head down to Hastings Old Town, the Jerwood and a fresh fish and chip supper or you can enjoy a walk to Bewl Water with dinner at the Bell or the Bull, both interesting establishments (apparently!). "In The Garden" is now open. Lovely to see you all on Friday night. Thanks to Peter and Jeff for serving the bubbly and Flic for taking the fabulous collection of photographs. (click on the images for a close up)
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