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art

To see more of Sian’s work have a look at her Harrow Open Studios’ page here, and for further information please contact Sian on sianfenwick@hotmail.com

Sian Fenwick is a mixed media, fabric, paper and community artist.

I am inspired by vintage suitcases overflowing with memories, keepsakes and heirlooms. Sewing boxes filled to the brim with old haberdashery, albums of sepia photographs and a nostalgic childhood of nursery rhymes and storybooks.

Sian is interested in the way that small fragments of lace, colour or image can evoke nostalgic memories. By visiting antique fairs and junk shops to collect her treasures she gathers inspirations from the intriguing discarded fragments that offer a secret past.

I stitch, collage and journal using my vintage haberdasheries and nostalgic ephemera. I add my own narrative to the collection of precious finds by collaging in distressed layers suggesting passing time. My artwork is thread painted with machine or handstitched often giving it a painterly like quality.

Sian gained a BA (Hons) from the University of Hertfordshire she exhibits and sells her artwork locally and overseas. Artist in Residence at the Watford Grammar School for Girls for eight years she now teaches for various community groups including the Embroiderers Guild, Mencap, ASCEND Charity UK and Three Rivers District Council. Sian also conducts workshops via Zoom, at artist retreats and from her home studio.

Artist of the Week: Sian Fenwick Read More »

Art classes for beginners and experienced artists, Smita will help you take your skills to the next level. Build your artistic abilities and nurture your creative side and have fun along the way. Smita’s students range from beginners to more advanced learners and she tailors her classes based on the expertise level of the cohorts that she forms.

The classes focus on creating a strong foundation, particularly for beginners. For example learning about shapes and forms, step-by-step guidance on how to draw and colour, what material is required, etc. Smita covers a range of art topics and styles such as sketching, drawing, painting and colouring using various media including pencil, ink, watercolour, pastel and paint (oil or acrylic). The emphasis is on the technique and concepts. Smita also teaches various art forms like folk art, figurative, floral and abstract and conducts dedicated workshops. This brings variety and keeps the excitement levels high.

Smita Sonthalia is an artist, art-teacher and a creative thinker, who blends extensive art experience with modern teaching style to deliver highly impactful art lessons. She has been teaching art for 20 years and has consistently been highly rated by her pupils.

“The classes really helped open my creative thinking”

“I am better able to focus and concentrate”

“I feel very relaxed when I am doing art with Smita”

“It is a lot of fun”

Group classes for children & adults at Harrow Arts Center

For more details or to book:

email: hello@smitasonthalia.com

text: 07377908365
www.smitasonthalia.com

Art Lessons with Smita Sonthalia Read More »

I am fascinated by the landscape of the body. It inspires me to depict my life drawings as metaphorical portraits. I have a range of subject matter which I use to enhance and challenge my creativity. I am a gestural mark maker and love to experiment with mixed media such as charcoal and ink and am equally at home with the more traditional medium of oils.

My long term attendance of life classes has developed a passion to run and teach my own life drawing sessions to nurture others in their artistic expression. This has progressed my character no end and has become a powerful tool of empowerment.

To find out more about Humay, visit his Harrow Open Studios page here.

Artist of the Week: Riecha Kapoor Read More »

I am an established artist, specialising in glass and textiles. My work is heavily influenced by flora and nature and, being a keen gardener, there is a never ending source of inspiration surrounding me.

My glass pieces are kiln formed and I often use sandblasting, saws, drills and polishing to achieve the finished pieces. My textiles are mainly felting where I incorporate fabric within wools to create interesting layering and shaping. I like to use layers in both, which can produce intricate imagery.

To get in contact with Harriet, email her at: harrietpelham04@gmail.com. To see more of her work have a look at Harriet’s Harrow Open Studios’ page here.

Artist of the Week: Harriet Pelham Read More »

Harrow Open Studios’ artists Samantha Harvey and Colette Moscrop will be taking part in the online Contemporary Textiles Fair, which runs from the 19th – 28th March 2021. The event hosts over 30 textile artists and makers who will be selling their artworks and products online.

There will also be a programme of online events such as talks, workshops, demos and Q&A sessions.

Head to www.landmarkartscentre.org/events/exhibitions-and-fairs.php to find out more and enjoy the Fair.

Colette and Samantha will be taking part in the Online Contemporary Textiles Fair, 19-28 March Read More »

See more of Gordon’s work on his Harrow Open Studio’s page here. Contact Gordon by email gordon.cookson1@btinternet.com or phone 020 8567 7548

I am a woodturner making decorative and functional pieces. I particularly enjoy the challenge of making one-off items either from builders’ offcuts or unusually shaped wood, especially those with wild grain patterns. The wood is mainly from trees, which have fallen naturally or have been taken down because they have grown too big for their surroundings.

Recently I started making dishes with straight and curved grooves on the top surface, which I have developed into different designs.

I show my work at exhibitions organised by the Middlesex Club, Harrow Open Studios, BEAT (Borough of Ealing Art Trail) and by appointment at my home in Ealing. I also accept commissions. You can see pictures of my work are on my various clubs’ websites.

I give small public demonstrations at the Middlesex Club’s exhibitions. I really enjoy getting the spectators involved in designing the piece, which they often take home after giving a donation to Harrow Gateway, the club’s charity.

I have led critique discussions of a wide variety of turned items for the Middlesex and Cheam Clubs. I am happy to do this for other clubs too.

I have been the subject of four films by trainee documentary directors for the BBC Academy, and as an observer at the North London Group’s excellent AWGB Demonstrator Training Day.

Artist of the Week: Gordon Cookson Read More »

I was born in Italy, graduated from university in Milano and have a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from Aberdeen College of Education. Later I received a Diploma in Fine Art from Hertfordshire University. I have worked as a language teacher both in Italy and in the UK.

I make paintings (mainly in oil and acrylics) inspired by poetry (especially that of T.S.Eliot), nature, memory, myths and geometry, but also still life and portraits.

Drawing is a continuous interest and the basics for all I do in art. A more recent interest is also making artists books.

You can find out more on my Harrow Open Studios page here and my website address is: www.gabriellahargraveart.co.uk.

Artist of the Week: Gabriella Hargrave Read More »

I had my introduction to pottery almost by chance when I enrolled for an evening class at the local college, I very soon found myself completely addicted to the medium and its versatility. When I sat at the potter’s wheel for the first time, I was mesmerised by its soothing effect on my mind. Several years on, pottery is my treat and my escape from the busy modern life.

My work is mostly thrown stoneware vessels; I prefer making functional objects that can be used for everyday life. I like sitting at my wheel and letting my hands create an object. I sometimes like to modify the shape of this thrown pieces by carving into it at leather hard stage or using glazes to accentuate the maker’s marks.

My inspiration comes from nature, Japanese and Italian pottery tradition but also from the work of all the artists that work around me.

To see more of my work have a look at my Harrow Open Studios Page here.

Artist of the Week: Elisa Garimberti, Studio Potter Read More »

I design and hand screen print onto linen and cotton fabrics for use in embroidery and sewing projects. I practice slow stitching and appreciate the benefits this meditative process brings. I encourage other makers to add their own personality to my fabric through stitch, appliqué and quilting in order to make their own useable textile treasures for their home.

Using rich colours my simplistic designs have a retro feel to them. I take inspiration from the 1920s – 50s, architecture and urban nature. I hand draw all my designs and enjoy drawing with thread as part of the design process. I design and produce a range of home accessories such as purses, eye pillows and tea towels, these are beautiful additions to the home, designed to be used freely while adding a little luxury to everyday life.

Passing traditional skills onto others is vital to keep skills alive for future generations. I run screen printing and sewing workshops and encourage others to turn to these hobbies as a way of connecting with the moment and spending some time away from fast pace of modern life.

You can see more of my work on my Harrow Open Studios page here and my fabrics and accessories can be bought online, head to my website to learn more.
www.colettemoscrop.com

Artist of the Week: Colette Moscrop Read More »