It is June already and nearly time for Brockley Open Studios. Brockley Open Studios is a local event where nearly 50 artists open their studios to visitors. On the weekend Brockley is filled with art lovers clutching red & white maps which lists all the details. There is also a dedicated website with images which is helpful for visitors planning which studios they want to visit.
Visitors can meet and buy the artworks directly from the artists.Textural artist Gill Hickman has lived and worked in Brockley since the 1980’s and has taken part in the Brockley Open Studios event for more than 25 years. Gill often invites guest artists to join her.
I am delighted to welcome textile artist Helen Japes to exhibit with me this year
Silk scarves with eco printing by Helen Japes
Helen has been experimenting with various natural dyes. She uses leaves, flowers bark etc. many which she sources from her garden. She uses steam to dye the fabric rather than the harsh chemical dyes that are used in the textile industry.
The effects that Helen achieves are quite remarkable, sometimes there are patterns visible and sometimes unexpected colour surprises. Helen will be showing some of her unique silk scarves and also some lengths of silk for dressmaking.
I have been working on two new projects which I hope will be finished; “Who will speak for the trees?” about the Amazon rainforest. These will be mounted on black mount board so the vibrant colours can sing out like forest jewels.
“Forest Jewels” Work in progress by Gill Hickman
The second project, “Prayers for the Planet” or “Dance for the Planet” or “Sing for the Planet” I began in springtime. It is an ongoing series of miniature paintings of our amazing, wonderful planet that desperately needs our help.
Miniature paintings of the planet
The paintings are mostly smaller than 5 x 3 cm and each one is different. They are all for sale by donation of £5 or more. All funds raised will go to Client Earth : a Non-profit Organisation that uses the power of the law to protect people and the planet.
The paintings ca be a little reminder that the planet needs our love, support, songs etc., whatever we can give. If you choose one, you can hang it somewhere you will see it every day and find your ways to “Pray for the Planet.”
