For two more weeks artists in East Sussex and Kent are opening up their studios to visitors – with some demonstrating their work and some even offering some teaching, and full details about the South East Open Studios until June 25 are available on the website.
The nearest studios to Rye belong to Anne and John North at Church Farm House, East Guldeford, on the A259 Folkestone Road just outside Rye and they are open on June 16-19 and June 22-25 from 11am to 5pm.
John’s abstract sculptural pieces explore intricate forms while Anne uses a wide range of materials relevant to the particular subject or idea – and an example is shown above.
On the other side of Rye towards Hastings Annie Soudain is is based at 5 Firehills Cottages, Lower Coastguard Lane, and her studio is open from 11am to 6pm on June 16-18 and 23-25. She uses images in her head or in her immediate surroundings as inspiration for paintings, linoprints and collages.
Another worthwhile visit is to the Smallhythe Studio on Smallhythe Road just outside Tenterden on the road from Rye. Smallhythe itself was home to actress Ellen Terry and in times past (before the River Rother silted up) it was a major shipbuilding centre before the sea retreated.
There are six artists based here, some of whom offer teaching and others who can offer a visit at another time if needed. For the Open Studios period the Smallhythe Studio will be open from 10am to 4pm on June 16-18 and 22-25. Two artists will be demonstrating their work throughout these hours. Rowena McWilliams works in oils and mixed media and is inspired by landscape and poetry, while Susan Ramsay-Smith creates original hand-built, sculptural , oxidised stoneware with recycled glass, garden ceramics, and thrown functional earthenware.
The others feature subtle statements in paint and mixed media, bespoke jewellery, garden sculptures, and mixed media with fused glass, bright colours and collage.
(Source: South East Open Studios)
Photos: Rye News Library
Image Credits: Heidi Foster .