Hotting up the Creativity.

What an extraordinary summer we having with 3 heatwaves already and more forecast. I know those days of over 30 degrees are difficult but its not long ago we were all sick of the rain, give me sunshine any day of the week. I get more energy when the sun comes out and my creativity goes into overdrive. I have discovered cyanotypes and have been doing some experimental work by spraying the fluid onto the paper over the top of plant material and paper masks. This one is work in progress.

The Art in June weather this year was also extreme with several days of torrential rain but surprisingly it did not keep our visitors away. Mary, Sam and I would like to thank every one of you that made the effort to come and see us. We had a total of 233 visitors with many familiar faces and some came 2 or 3 times! It seems there was so much to see and absorb they couldn't take it all in, in one visit although I think Jilly's fantastic homemade cakes were a slight influence! We raised £525.76 for Hospice in the Weald and Ken, my husband and studio assistant, now calls himself a barrista. We were delighted to be invited to Hospice at Pembury for a cheque presentation.

It was great fun working with Sam, her ceramics were very popular with one visitor buying Sam's work as she was unloading her boot! Sam brought with her new art lovers and we had some wonderful conversations about arts and crafts. Mary's glass is always a hit and this year her garden flowers, lollipops and hanging mobiles flew out the door. My little museum display based on family history research generated a lot of interest and triggered conversations about my ancestry and also our visitors. I was humbled by the words visitors used to describe their experience. I showed some experimental ceramic books as prototypes and intend to make some ceramic journals for next year's open studios. Sam is helping me in between her very busy family life and teaching commitments, see https://www.handsonclay.co.uk for details of her classes at her studio in Edenbridge.

We were visited by two artists from ArtHouse which was such a lovely surprise. I was thrilled that Elli Woodsford @embexstudio on IG and her grandson drove all the way from Hampshire to see us and Sally-Anne Ashley, leader & founder of Arthouse drove from Southend-on Sea especially. Not easy journeys for either, I was touched that you both pulled out all the stops to support me. Thank you. ArtHouse is such a great place to meet with like minded people from all over the world.

If you fancy joining an online community that is stimulating, inspiring and very friendly where you can join workshops, clubs and chat with artists 24/7 take a look at Sally-Anne's membership group https://www.sally-anneashley.com/the-arthouse You can join free for a whole month to see if you like it. Sally-Anne will be opening her course Creative Shift very shortly and this will be my third year. If you are wondering what it is all about and why so many artists return year after year take a look at this You Tube Video where Sally-Anne chats with me and 3 other alumni about our experience. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wba-q1WY7Jo

I am currently in the middle of David Mankin's online course "Remembering in Paint". It is proving to be very challenging but I have set myself targets to work through the modules methodically. I am doing a lot of painting on paper at the moment using drawings, photographs and collages based on my garden to create compositions that are abstract but meaningful to me. My chosen theme is an ancient Celtic poem called "The Hermit's Wish"; the text describes exactly how I feel about Longmeadow. I am so lucky to have lived here happily for 45 years and hope to stay here for many more years to come. I hope you enjoy reading it.

The Hermit's Wish - Translated by Kuno Mayer.

I wish for a little hidden hut,

That it may be my dwelling.

A meadow by it's side,

A beautiful wood around it to nurse many voice birds.

A southern aspect for warmth.

A little brook across its floor.

With fragrant leek, trout, hens and honey bees.

A choice land with raiment and food enough for all.

Best wishes JaneS