life style State of the Art
Island artists throw open their doors
A RECORD 125 artists are participating in the popular Isle of Wight Arts ‘Open Studios’ event.
Painters to photographers, ceramicists to digital artists invite the public to take a rare peek behind the scenes. Thirty four artists will demonstrate their talents in south and west Wight between Friday 15th and Monday 18th July.
Venues hosting events include Freshwater Parish Hall and Afton Apple Farm, while others are held in studios and homes. From Friday 22nd to Monday 25th it’s the turn of artists in central, north and east Wight.
Group displays will be held at Quarr Abbey, Gurnard Village Hall and Jubilee Stores, Newport. Another 30 artists are worth visiting in the Bembridge, St Helens and Nettlestone areas. Chairperson Mandy
Bangerter said: “We’re receiving great feedback about the quality and variety of the work on show this year and are looking forward to welcoming a record number of visitors.”
A directory of participating artists is available from outlets across the Island. Style of Wight looks at some of the artists showcasing work during ‘Open Studios’...
Kimiko Ure - Jeweller - Carisbrooke Brian Marriott - Glass artist - Cowes
Brian says: “After 40 years in the profes- sional design industry, hosting my first Open Studio should have been a breeze.
“However, because my Glass Art is so different, I kept asking myself if anyone would appreciate or understand it.
“When the weekend arrived I nervously hung out the flags and constantly rear- ranged my work. “The first visitor was keen to see how I had morphed from de- sign consultant into artist.
“The second wanted to know when I was holding a ‘workshop’ while the third sug- gested exhibiting my coastal pictures at ‘The Isle of Wight Coastal Artist’ ex- hibition.
“After an excellent weekend
of positive feedback and sales, I applied and was accepted. “I exhibited alongside a respected group of Island artists - and won first prize. “Open Studios provided me with a positive platform on which to build my new creative future.”
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Nely Verdier - Jewellery from textiles and found items - Cowes
French-born Nely lives on the Island with her family and husband who works in Southampton.
She has been here for five years and is based in a former factory near the Ham- merhead Crane in Cowes. Nely studied industrial design to degree level before completing a course at art school.
She sees herself more as an arts/crafts person than someone interested in mass production. Nely prefers to use re- cycled material in her work, and trawls the Island for suitable things.
She loves the people who live here and is a huge fan of the unique culture. Nely admits to having a passion for nature - especially flowers, gardens and forests.
As well as taking commissions, she cur- rently feeds to galleries and also attends various markets.
Kimiko has a light, airy and well-equipped workshop in the spacious grounds of her house.
She will be exhibiting jointly with painter Lester Hewitt. Kimiko launched her ca- reer 12 years ago and was taught by her mother and a Japanese tutor.
She loves working with precious silver clay and gold but has evolved to also using bronze. Kimiko draws inspiration from the Island and the themes of nature and new colours.
She is currently producing ranges which include rings, earrings and necklaces. Half of her work is commissions and piec- es also go abroad to two galleries.
A favourite piece of Kimiko’s is her Am- monite pendant. Her style varies but she feels her work is forever moving forward. She is passionate about her jewellery and thinks of each item as a piece of art that can enrich life with its beauty.
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