Swindon Open Studios tour sat 03/06/06

OPEN STUDIO TOUR - Saturday 3rd June

Swindon was awash with glorious sunshine as I set off for the first of the open studios. My husband Andy, keen to catch up with Gordon and intrigued by Scott's video game themes, offered to accompany me.

First stop, No Added Sugar's studio in Purton, via a lovely drive through timeless countryside, windows down, sunroof open, on a perfect English Summer's day. We were warmly received by couple of friendly dogs who were delighted to see us.

Wine and clear blue sky awaited us in the garden. Toni and Gordon's home is a visual feast. These prolific artists have between them produced the most amazing collection of work. Ranging from exotic sculptures in the garden to paintings of all shapes, sizes and styles.

No matter how many times you visit them you always find something new. It was a mission to leave this oasis of colour but we must press on leaving Toni making modroc sculptures with two little sisters and dragging Andy away from more wine with Gordon on the garden bench.

Next stop, across the other side of town to drop in on Scott McGrath's studio in Eldene. Scott is a young man with a great deal of talent. Much of his work is inspired by gaming technology and as in this image , his series on gamers captures the essence of racing minds and static bodies that typify players the world over.

Scott is currently working on the idea of metaphorical and physical holes partly as a comment on the hollowness and homogeneity of the 'throw away society'. Working in re-cycling he sees how much is being wasted and voices his frustration through his art. His tiny flat is filled with thought provoking work.

Leaving Andy happily chatting about changes in technology I explored dozens of drawings on re-cycled card. Scott is submitting to the Jerwood competition and he is certainly a contender. A Swindon artist to watch out for.

From an emerging artist to an established one. Around the corner in Liden you will find the cultured hospitality of Helene Howse's studio. Making the most of the weather Helene had set up her gallery in the tiny but perfectly formed garden in front of her house complete with tranquil pond. To the soothing sounds of a trickling fountain we admired dozens of watercolours that were vibrant yet relaxing .

We found ourselves surrounded by rolling hillsides, trees silhouetted by sunsets and stone circles around every corner. Inside were yet more paintings, to say that Helene loves to paint would be an understatement. Her new Vitrail technique of painting on glass in front of a background adds a third dimension to her zen like work.

Following the trail of paintings up the stairs we came to Helene's compact yet fully functional studio with rainbows of pencils in cut crystal glasses and still more paintings. It would take a very particular person not to find one to fall in love with.

Having filled up on carrot cake and coffee we took our leave though Andy seemed particularly attached to a glowing stonehenge by night. I have no doubt that he won't be parted from it for long.

The last leg of our journey was Belinda Gizzi's studio in Old Walcot. We arrived late afternoon, hot and tired only to be handed a cold Sangria and shown into a lovely cool garden surrounded by trees and bathed in much needed dappled shade. People were milling around, nibbling on quiche and admiring Belinda's studio which comprises of a kiln on one side and a lovely little display room on the other.

Wooden shelves and counter tops against whitewashed walls were an ideal canvas for the variety of colourful, intricately decorated ceramics on display.

Wheel thrown containers nestled in amongst vases decorated with vibrant slips. On one shelf sat a group of delicate porcelain pristine in their simple white designs. Elsewhere framed tiles jostled with each other for your attention.

Back outside was a table laden with stylish crockery. I could just see myself filling them up with spicy noodles al fresco on a cool summer's evening. Time to grab Andy out of his deck chair and head home for dinner, the perfect end to an artistic buffet.

To view galleries please click on the artist's studio button.

For more information please contact us at

info@swindonopenstudios.co.uk

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