The rugged cliffs, rolling waves, and sandy beaches of the Devon and Somerset coastlines provide the perfect inspiration for creativity. The sea and coastal landscapes feature in the work of many of the artists taking part in this year’s Devon Open Studios and Somerset Art Weeks. Across the two counties, hundreds of artists will be opening their doors to exhibit their work and give visitors the opportunity to see behind the scenes.
Willow Taylor will be showing her work in Bideford on the North Devon Coast. She enjoys the meditative nature of the sea, and tries to capture the feeling of calmness in her work. Willow meditates with the waves, infusing her creations with a sense of spirituality. She’s also inspired by the intricate patterns in nature and how these can be reflected in our own bodies such as our veins resembling the branches of a tree.
In Teignmouth, Angela Rimmer explores the mystery and beauty of the ocean through her paintings which invite the viewer to imagine what might lie beneath the waves. “Like the mind”, she says, “the nature of the ocean can seem turbulent, with crashing waves everywhere, but as you move below the surface, you will find great beauty and stillness.”. During Devon Open Studios, Angela will be showing her Making Waves collection and hopes to inspire conversations about the marine environment.
This year’s Somerset Art Weeks is inspired by themes of flux and flow, inviting artists and visitors to examine their relationship with land and sea. A series of walking and cycle routes guide visitors along the coast with spectacular views and artists to visit along the way. One of the venues to drop into is Albatross Print Studio in Watchet, where ten printmakers will be showing their work inspired by close observation of the ever-changing light, shifting tidemarks and minute detail of nature’s forms. Luminous screenprints, delicate etchings, sharp linocuts and richly-textured collagraphs are elaborated by stitch or enriched by the quality of hand-made papers. Underlying the work is an awareness of seasonal cycles, erosion of landlines and the indelible imprint of humanity, from prehistory to the uncertain present.
Devon Open Studios takes place from 7 to 22 September. The Guide is available online and fromcommunity venues, libraries and tourist information offices.
Somerset Art Weeks Festival takes place from 21 September to 6 October. More information is available on the Somerset Art Works website.
Gillian Taylor PR 
You must be logged in to post a comment.