there has been a three day art trail here in the channel. So I have spent two days heading up small country roads in search of art studios. It was a great chance to explore roads I would never have driven up before and an even better chance to see artists at work in their studios. I love to listen to artists talk about their work and what inspires them, and to droole over their wonderful studios. One of the stops was for the quilting exhibitions which just happened to be across the road from this wonderful shop.
Nearby we visited a wonderful gentleman, Joe Ottevanger. He is printmaker, using lino cuts. What an inspiration to talk to and listen to his wealth of knowledge.
Then on Saturday we headed out as a family and started off at Simon Pankhurst's studio.. He has a truely amazing blacksmiths forge. My boys though this was really exciting and #2 child was already coming up with ideas and sharing them with Simon. Simon was a delight to listen to and so generously shared his ideas and thoughts with us. Some of his work is below. He had wonderful seats, benches, bookshelves and even a spectacular wood basket. What a treat for the senses, and the ears when he fired up the metal. And I have to mention the beautiful gardens.
