handmade

The Maker’s Art at the Heath Robinson Museum is a contemporary range of ceramics, jewellery and printed textiles that complement the imagination and enchantment of Heath Robinson’s work. The makers change every six months. Harrow Open Studios’ artists Nicole Lyster and and Lizzy Chambers have been selected for the tenth group who will be launched in mid-October just in time for the museum’s 5th birthday.

The Heath Robinson Museum introduces the new makers:

Nicole Lyster who lives on the Pinner/Rayners Lane borders, will be our next ceramicist. Her work is full of intriguing ideas that tell a great story. Our jeweller will be Lizzy Chambers from Wembley, who specialises in the highly original use of unexpected objects such as dandelion seeds and watch pieces. Thirdly we will welcome Jess Chan from South-West London, whose work, including scarves and bags, focuses on printed textiles and natural dyes.

www.heathrobinsonmuseum.org
Heath Robinson Museum
Pinner Memorial Park
West End Lane
Pinner HA5 1AE

Two Harrow Open Studios Artists will feature in Heath Robinson’s Maker’s Art October 2021 Read More »

I am delighted to have my 3-D glass piece Copper Bird in Copper Tree selected for the 160th annual Society of Women Artists Exhibition. The exhibition is online again this year.

The piece, entitled Copper Bird in Copper Tree is Cheryl’s homage to yet another sacred journey from Africa to Harrow and back to Africa of the tiny Wren & her fledglings. You can see the exhibition at: www.society-women-artists.org.uk
The piece is for sale for £875.

Artist of the Week: Samantha Harvey Read More »

Inspired by Music, I paint life.

Music is a universal medium, connecting to the hearts of humanity, free from the bounds of language, culture and creed. It has an extraordinary power to soothe, heal and regale.

Music is close to my heart. I enjoy painting with music playing in the background. Gradually, the influence of music grew on me and I took to painting music itself.

I developed a visual grammar and syntax for depicting music on canvas. And started singing my own melodies through colours.

The essence of music appears on my canvas, utilising harmonious mixtures of colours representing tonal harmony, wave motion – the rhythm, and the progression – the eventual merging of the notes into the infinity of time and space.

Over the years, I realized that the rhythms are not unique to music- one finds them in entire universe. That set me out on an extended trip of exploration in nature, in life and even in human emotions!

That explains my art.

I hope my art spreads lasting message of harmony, peace and positivity to my audience and to humanity in general.

To buy my art please contact me on email or whatsapp.
Email – artistsandhya@yahoo.co.in
Whatsapp – 07398036070

Artist of the Week: Sandhya Singh Read More »

As a watercolourist I have shown my work with the Royal Society of Marine Artists for many years and  I have been a member of the Society of Women Artists since 2000.

My inspiration comes from the outside world, usually the coast of Cornwall but more often than not a picture from my sketchbook. I have always enjoyed painting with watercolour, but recently I have moved into acrylics including mixed media.

Collage is a favourite and though it takes more time it brings another dimension to my work.

My contact is rodandmary@blueyonder.co.u

Artist of the Week: Mary Pelham Read More »

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 »

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 »

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 »