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September 01, 2023
“Creativity takes courage” ~ Henri Matisse
Open studios have become more and more popular over the years and at Skylark Galleries many of our artists exhibit their work not only online, in our gallery but also by opening their homes or studios over a couple of weekends where their work can be viewed and bought by the public.
Groups of artists often show together in venues such as community halls and many give demos of their practice, whether it's printmaking, painting, photography, sculpture or ceramics. This gives an added insight into what it takes to be an artist. It's great to look around and have the opportunity to buy local art.
There's a wealth and variety of talent to see and if you're a west London local or want to hop on the tube to Ealing, BEAT, which is the Borough of Ealing Art Trail is coming up this September. There are 72 venues showing the work of hundreds of artists. www.ealingbeat.org.uk
Checkout their website to access the BEAT brochure with artists’ details, maps and venue locations. Two weekends to discover, browse and buy local art - 9-10 and 16-17 September!
It can be a wonderful experience for artists and visitors to meet up and talk about the creativity behind the work and you may find an artwork that resonates with you. Buying direct from the artist is always special and you are supporting the artist's practice and livelihood. You'll certainly get your steps in and have a great day out!
“Creativity is contagious, pass it on” ~ Albert Einstein
Here at Skylark Galleries I asked Stella Tooth https://stellatooth.co.uk/ Sarah Knight https://sarahknightart.com/ Vivien Phelan https://skylarkgalleries.com/collections/profile-vivien-phelan all of whom are Ealing artists showing in open studios with BEAT about their experience of past events and any tips they'd like to pass on
Stella Tooth with her performer and bather artworks
Stella Tooth
Stella Tooth says, “I’ve taken part in BEAT each year from its start. It’s a way of connecting and building relationships with art loving neighbours and those who live further afield in the borough and beyond. Before BEAT I thought I was one of the only artists in Ealing. How wrong I was and how many art friends I’ve made with whom to compare notes. This year I’m exhibiting with fellow Skylark member Sarah Knight who creates beautiful seascapes providing contrast for my performer portraits. Our work will “touch” in my bather series. We are calling our collaboration ‘From rolling waves to rock n roll - Art that brings blues to your walls.’
“Learning about our art and processes may find you falling in love with a piece that brings joy to your walls. Do come. You’ll find our work at Venue 50+.”
Stella is also taking part in the neighbouring borough of Brentford’s Art Trail this coming weekend, also known as the Creative Mile. She will be exhibiting at the Musical Museum with Getty rock photographer Sol N’Jie, whose photos of iconic ‘80s rock stars she has reinterpreted into stunning digital paintings. To discover the Creative Mile map https://www.creativemile.org/
Artist Sarah Knight
Sarah Knight
Sarah Knight has exhibited with BEAT since its inception. She is one of the team organising BEAT and works hard to coordinate all the artists, meetings, brochure and venues as well as being an exhibiting artist herself. She is both a painter and a printmaker.
Sarah creates oil paintings which are loosely based on land and, as Stella mentioned, beautiful seascapes inspired by her travels, and from imagination. She rollers thin layers of colour as a base and then paints the surface using palette knives. These paintings can take a long time to dry so getting organised early for open studios is key.
She says, “making sure I have a good display of work which is labelled neatly is important. I like to present my work in an uncluttered way and work mainly on a blue colour palette. I am looking forward to exhibiting with Stella in her beautiful home over two weekends where people can chat, browse and buy our art.”
Ceramicist Vivien Phelan
Vivien Phelan
Vivien Phelan is a ceramicist who creates unique and quirky sculptures. This year she is showing at OPEN Ealing studio with other artists, Venue 28 in the BEAT brochure which you can find at www.ealingbeat.org.uk You can also download the BEAT app.
Vivien was one of the artists who instigated Ealing's open studios in 2015, She has loved seeing how it has grown. In the past she has used her grand house with a bespoke garden studio to exhibit her ceramics and says, “I've loved showing at home and, in the past, I've invited other creatives to exhibit with me. It's always nice to be with other artists as sometimes it can be quiet and other times busy. My amazing husband is well trained in sandwich making which is an added bonus!“
“This year I'm looking forward to exhibiting alongside others in OPEN Ealing's large studio which has fantastic light. I will be launching my new ceramics.”
Vivien plans well for the event. She is hands-on behind the scenes. “My dog likes being my companion when delivering brochures as she gets extra walks. I am helping a young artist at present whose concern is public liability insurance, which many artists are unaware of. I'm helping her get organised.”
Helen Trevisiol Duff’s tips and checklist for artists opening their studio.
As I've participated in many open studios and visited heaps, I thought I’d share my top tips and checklist to help artists who may not have shown in open studios before.
Some of these tips may seem obvious but there may be a few that come in handy. Above all, enjoy yourselves!
Plan early
Plan your space
Publicity
Customer care
Enjoy yourself, relax and smile. Don't worry if you don't think of everything. It's great to meet new people and share your creativity.
Have a really happy open studio.
“Creative work is a gift to the world and every being in it. Don’t cheat us of your contribution. Give us what you've got.” ~ Steven Pressfield
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February 14, 2025
We are delighted to hear that Skylark artist Diana McKinnon's work has been accepted for this prestigious exhibition at the Bankside Gallery, on London's South Bank.
Over 150 art pieces that evidence the highest standards of embroidery have been selected to be exhibited, so it's a great honour for Diana to have been selected.
January 21, 2025
The January Sale is on at Skylark Galleries. Come along and pick up a bargain.
October 25, 2024 1 Comment