Beyond the Level House Number 10 - Jennifer Beresford 115 Ditchling Rise

By Katharine Butcher

Introducing myself as a blogger for the Artists Open Houses has been really fascinating as many of the artists have been very helpful when describing their work and the way they make it. One such artist is Debbie Green who hand builds ceremics. She explained to me the process that she uses for her slab pots.

Debbie Green’s slab pot

She slab moulds the clay to begin with, then hangs it over something to get the form - this is called ‘the slump’

Debbie Green’s demonstration of a ‘slump’

It is then all smoothed off before being biscuit fired at 1000 c. This transforms the clay into a ceremic substance. Taking the ceremic shape, she glazes it, fires it again at a higher temperature and then applies the lustre. It is then fired again albeit at a much lower temperature. She says that her favourite bit is applying the lustre as there are lots of lustres that you can use mother of pearl , gold, silver, orange, yellow….the list is endless. Debbie also showed us the effects of a different form of firing whereby she smokes the ceremic pot in a dustbin with combustible material - this gives lovely markings on the pot and on pebbles which she sometimes adds, so giving pretty swirly patterns.

Debbie Green’s smoky pebbles

One of the smoked pots features in a piece of work by Jennifer Beresford who is a classically trained artist who works ‘big’ Her work is mainly 7ft by 4 ft on wood and canvas. Jennifer works with a professional photographer who photographs her work meaning that her work as digital prints can be reproduced to whatever size is needed.

Jennifer Beresford - Aubergines 2013

Part of this house’s exhibits is work by Tara Grant. Her etchings are based on the UK Extinct Short Haired Bumblebee.

Tara Grant - Etchings

Wondering through the house to the garden, my daughter was tickled pink by the pigs in tiaras and considered how they would look in our garden. I would have picked one of Howard Johnston’s wooden sculptures myself but there is no accounting for taste.

Howard Johnston’s wooden sculpture

katehelmer:

I had so many plans for this weekend - I was going to visit loads of houses but unfortunately I had been coping with a stinking cold all week so only managed a few and all fairly close to home. All worth visiting though!

2 Knoyle near Preston Park is an Independent venue run by five sisters…

ond the Level House number 11 - 99 Ditchling Rise

Katharine Butcher

“Any discussion of English conversation, like any English conversation, must begin with The Weather.” So starts the book ‘Watching the English’ by Kate Fox. Well what can I say about the weather on Sunday - it was just ghastly! So to be honest, I did not venture out until late in the afternoon and then panicked when I realised that time was marching on.

However on entering house number 11 on the www.beyond-the-level.org.uk 99 Ditchling Rise, my spirits were lifted with the welcome from Barabara Jones. She was very friendly, amiable and immediately gave me a guided tour of her house describing it in three words, colour, textile and fabrics! She makes ‘frocks’ while Mary Dean works with felt. There were vintage inspired cards from Madame Treacle, artwork by Sarah Burgess, Woodcuts from Sue Johnston, pretty jewellery from Hoity Toity, Fine art photography from Harry Crampton, exquisite illustration from Alfie Dwyer, gifts from Siobhan FitzGerald including this delectable smoked chilli jam…..

There were sweet rag rugs and quilts and lovely clothes from SULA…. ps there is also a rummage rail of great bargains …..but don’t tell everyone!

Sweet Rag Rug at 99 Ditchling Rise

As my daughter was with me, I asked her to take all the phtographs as a ruse to keep her busy while I talked to Kathy Laird who makes beautiful ceremics. I was taken with the charming little penguins who have petite wings and feet, which gives them an individual personality. Obviously I had to buy one!

She was also showing her plant holders in the garden which are frost-proof and have little holes at the bottom to allow the rain to fall through.

Kathy Laird’s Ceremics

As I was leaving, Barbara pointed out Eric Pearson’s pottery on the side and that was it, my credit card had to come out - we needed new mugs! Luckily Barbara has a credit card machine!

Eric Pearson’s Pottery

By this time, it was getting late so my daughter and I took our leave. There is so much to discover at this house so make sure you include it on your visit!

katehelmer:

Sunday morning was very quiet at our house as our youngest child was away on a birthday sleepover and wouldn’t be returning home until late afternoon. So Mr. Helmer and I decided to take advantage of a child-free trip to some out of town open houses. We began with a visit to Blind Veterans UK, No….

Post By Emily Kenneally

Arch 229 is a studio shop located right on Brighton beach, just by the pier. Once a fisherman’s workshop and at the heart of the Artist’s Quarter, this open studio offers heaps of character and a selection of unique handmade gifts. I found it super exciting venturing off trail to discover this gem. I love the fact that as a working studio, it’s not just open at the weekend, but Wednesday-Sunday, perfect if you’ve got a busy weekend ahead this festival!

Sir Terence Conran described Mike’s microvases, designed to take daisies and other tiny flowers, as ‘delightful’. His products have featured in the Times, Guardian and Grand Designs magazine and even won awards. Not letting all the success go this his head, Mike always makes time to chat with visitors, it’s what he likes best he tells me, ‘My favourite thing about this place is that the workspace is part of the shop, with people coming and going throughout the day’.

Mike showed me the plaster moulds he uses to make his ceramics. He takes found objects such as glass Victorian poison bottles and early 20th century milk bottles, making a cast of each object to re-create the shapes in ceramic. Check out his exciting new range of vases inspired by vintage glass bottles. Each design has a hint of the nostalgic while staying fresh and contemporary.

Image courtesy of Mike Moran, www.mike-moran.co.uk

Below, Mike sits in his workshop hand applying vintage designs to his ceramics. Mike only uses non toxic materials and glazes and fires in his super-efficient kiln using renewable energy. Mike discussed his ethos of sustainability and creating products with an environmental conscience; supporting UK manufacturing and limiting carbon emissions. His work is eco friendly but also super chic and stylish.

It’s tricky to show the tiny scale of these quails’ eggcups! They are so adorable and Mike suggests delighting dinner party guests with an exquisite starter or making a boutique breakfast in bed. The quail’s eggcup, with matching spoon and gingham tablecloth, comes in a cute blue gift box (made from recycled card). A truly unique gift know one will forget in a hurry.

Open throughout May as part of the AOH festival and beyond, discover quirky new designs and a showcase of top local makers. Mike has chosen a selection of local talented ceramicists work, my favourite being these butter and milk jugs by Katie Brinsley. There are also some beautiful pieces by Rowena Gilbert, Ken Eardley, Holly Bell and Beatrice Von Preussen.

-229 Kings Road Arches, Brighton, BN1 1NB, open between 10am-6pm, Wednesday-Sunday (weather permitting).

- See page 72 in the AOH Brochure for details, or number 16 on the map on page 7.

- Open all year round as a studio shop you can also head down to 229 Arches after May. Although I think the experience is made that extra bit special during the buzz of the festival!

- Mike Moran’s ceramics are also available from Not On The Highstreet: www.notonthehighstreet.com/229ceramics

Like a magpie, I am drawn to shiny, sparkly things so on entering The Hummingbird Studio my eye was caught by Vanessa Pease’s ethic inspired sterling silver jewellery. It was displayed on small pieces of artificial turf which was really effective in showcasing how beautiful her jewellery is.

Jane Davison is also exhibiting here and she uses vintage fabrics to create bags and cushions that are all individual. Her bags are perfect for slinging over your shoulder & hold lots …can you guess that I bought one?

While I was there, I was lucky to meet Karen Risby who creates simple, contemporary ceremic figures and brooches. She was delighted to be exhibiting in Brighton as part of the Artists Open Houses and we ended up in discussions about the constant juggling that goes on when one has a young family and a successful business.

The Hummingbird Studio is owned by Barbara Spurr who is famous for her Sussex landscapes and prints and I was glad to see that one of her painting’s had ‘snow in it’, so varied has our weather been this year.

Work is also shown from Bebe Bird who creates unique hand built ceremic scuptures….these can be seen all the way through the studio and out into the garden.

There had already been quite a giggle over the label of one of Clare Pyant’s paintings and it was great to see children going round Artists Open Houses and having the opportunity to meet ‘real live’ artists.

The Hummingbird Studio is displaying work by Ali Boyle (photographic images), Tim Gill (Stained Glass) and Rebecca Jenkins (Ceremic animals). It also happens to be right opposite The Preston Park Tavern so you can partake of a little beverage while you go round the trail.

Enjoy Katharine Butcher

Post By Emily Kenneally

I like to think all the open houses involved in AOH are usually family friendly, but I love the fact that illustrator Lisa Holdcroft has made a real effort to involve children in her open house - for £2 you get a ‘Where’s Wally?’ style quiz with prizes to entertain the little ones. I thought this was very in keeping with the spirit of AOH, making art accessible and inclusive for everyone (no matter what the age!).

For older offspring and fun-loving adults there’s a huge selection of Lisa’s colourful illustrations and paintings on sale depicting all our favourite spots in Brighton. She clearly has a keen eye for detail and picks up on those aspects of Brighton that make it special to the people who choose to call it home -  like the cloud of starlings that flock over Brighton Pier in the evenings.

Lisa’s most recent painting pays homage to the late skate park on the level – this would look great in your teenagers bedroom (or your own, if like me you also have fond memories of the ‘old’ level before the bulldozers arrived!) There are also posters for sale of famous Brighton scenes and even little clay seagulls.

Lisa moved to Brighton 20 years ago to study an MA in Narrative Illustration. Lisa is inspired by ‘Brighton’s vibrant colours and optimistic air’ and she is an avid people watcher.  She says her favourite observation spots are Brighton beach and the front seat, top deck of the 49 bus!

These comical caricature style illustrations from Lisa’s ‘Brighton Peers’ series lining the hallway really made me laugh and I want to get some for my own hallway.

Lisa has printed all her illustrations on to postcards available to buy, great for that letter you’ve been meaning to write to an old friend, for sending out some invites to a party or to decorate a pin board. I would buy a whole bunch of them as they’re sure to make any recipient smile.

A house filled with fun cartoons suitable for children and adults alike, everyone is certain to enjoy exploring Lisa’s Open House this festival. This is the first time Lisa has opened her house to the public and I’m sure you’ll agree she’s done a marvellous job. Well done Lisa!

- Lisa has a fantastic website with all her cartoons and a new ‘blog’ section:  www.lisaholdcroft.com

- Open every weekend in May, between 11am-5pm

- 18 Belgrave Street, Brighton, BN2 9NS

I went along with my blogging friend to see a beautiful house and was greeted very warmly and enthusiastically by owner and artist Marie-Anne Ganpatsingh. House at No 23 is very close to number 24 on the trail map, in fact just round the corner with a big sign outside the leafy front garden. Anne-Marie below with a few of her vibrant paintings

We couldn’t resist the warm cheese scones that had just come out of the oven, a definite perk to blogging, and admired the collection of 10 artists work. One of my favourites was Amy Hope and her beautiful wildlife papercuts illustrations.

Two jewellers are exhibiting at the house, Aine Henson with her beautiful semi-precious stones which you can choose as a mix and match to make a necklace and the very unusual and striking jewellery by Fway Lawn pictured below

This beautiful, colourful cabinet makes a very eye catching display for Fway’s jewellery and Laura Long’s knitted textiles

Lots to see and one this weekend and next, refreshments available

If you’re planning to take your kids (or some that you’ve borrowed) along with you to Artists Open Houses this May, you simply must visit 49a Hova Villas. From the magical, whimsical, umbrella-filled entrance to the flying fox mobile spinning in the breeze by the door, I can promise you that young people and the young at heart will be enchanted by the wonderful work of Andrew James Hofmeyr and Liz Ikamba.

49a Hova Villas is also the first exhibition I’ve ever seen with a sign like this on the wall :) Which is just as well, really, as Andrew’s paints onto old scaffolding planks which are incredibly temptingly tactile.

Andrew and I spoke about the inspiration behind his paintings, including the controversy that foxes cause within the UK- such as the divide between pro- and anti-fox hunting. Andrew also hopes to shed some perspective on the “issues” faced by Brighton residents due to local wildlife in comparison to problems faced in other parts of the world (such as those Andrew experienced himself growing up in South Africa). Although, to be fair, when I lived in Brighton I used to curse any seagulls that attacked our rubbish bags and strew them all over the pavement. Now I live in Lewes, where our local scavengers ignore the Tesco-produced-filled rubbish bags outside our house in favour of the neighbours’ bags filled with leftovers from Waitrose. I secretly think the foxes in Lewes are so fancy they wear top hats and monocles.

Andrew wasn’t at all offended when I said his paintings reminded me of a vulpine version of Where’s Wally. In fact, Andrew is currently planning to create a coffee table book of his work along that very theme! I had a brilliant time trying to spot all the little creatures in his paintings, from slinky cats to loved-up seagulls, and admiring painted versions of some of my favourite Brighton residences spanning from Seven Dials to Hanover.

Liz Ikamba’s pieces incorporating model cowboys and indians are incredibly dynamic, and induced a wave of nostalgia for me as they reminded me of the children’s adventure book “The Indian in the Cupboard”. Liz’s pieces definitely appealed to my inner child, and they cost pocket money prices too!

I’m incredibly tempted to go back and snap up this beauty for myself:

Katie x

P.S. Not art-related, but whilst in Hove Villas I was introduced to a gorgeous little lady and her favourite doll – who was sporting some rather excellent facial hair. After complimenting the doll’s owner on it’s incredibly follicles she explained her sister had drawn them on in permanent pen- so she now always imagined her doll was on it’s way to a fancy dress party. Too. Cute. 

I arrived at 43 Hove Park Villas with a battered umbrella and rather soggy shoes, thanks to the weather taking a turn for the worse. Entering the hallway, painted a stunning sunflower yellow, was like stepping into a welcoming ray of sunshine.

My favourite pieces inside the house were the intricate and amusing wooden carvings of John Baldwin, and this amazing bust by Jackie Summerfield with a modern take on a very traditional pose.

John Baldwin’s wooden sculptures include a portrayal of his childhood memory of hiding under the stairs during an air raid in Second World War,. The piece reminded me of a play I watched during the 2012 Brighton Fringe festival, about a family hiding under the stairs during the Blitz with a rather flatulent little boy, in which the mother joked “If we’re not bombed tonight, we’re all going to be gassed!”. I particularly liked the plane-printed wallpaper decorating the staircase.

Another of John’s pieces is displayed above the fireplace, and shows what he imagines to happen on the London Underground at night once it’s closed to the public.

I braved the rain once more to go out into the garden (the things I’ll do for a review!) and I’m so incredibly glad that I did. The sculptures in the garden at Collectors’ Selection are absolutely stunning- and the rain simply added to the atmosphere by suggesting movement and emotion.

Two fantastic sculptures by Eve Shepherd. I’ve never seen a “crying” panther before!

Incredible owl by Olivia Ferrier

This sculpture was one of my favourite pieces in the house, due to the contrast between the girl’s bronze hands and the white crane.

Apparently, the statue is of a little girl who was dying of leukaemia because her mother was a victim of the Hiroshima bombing. She had heard the ancient Chinese proverb that anyone who created 1,000 paper cranes would be granted one wish, so she made 1,000 cranes and wished she could live. Her wish was not granted. Needless to say, after I heard the story behind the statue, it wasn’t only the art that was crying in the garden.

Katie x

katehelmer:

As I had to make a trip into Brighton town centre on Saturday morning I grabbed the chance to pop into the Friends’ Meeting House to check out The Lee Miller Archives Print Room Sale. It was really nice to meet the team responsible for setting up the exhibition of Lee Miller Prints. Anthony…

Post By Emily Kenneally

The Church on Washington Street opens its doors again this year to showcase the work of nine different sculptors from around Brighton and Sussex. This hidden away church, clinging to one of the steepest hillsides in Hanover was founded by the Revd. Arthur Douglas Wagner on 15 August 1864 as ‘a little church for the poor’. Describing the parish in 1877 an observer wrote:

‘50 years ago there were only a few houses scattered here and there, among the market gardens. … now there are 16 streets of small modern houses; two streets are occupied by small shopkeepers of various trades. At 1pm the streets are thronged with men returning from the station works for their dinners; this shows the occupation of very many of the inhabitants. Others are employed in various houses of business, or do shop work at home. There are also a great number of small laundries. With the exception of the bottom row of houses the whole parish is essentially poor. Many of the houses contain two or more families.’ www.annunciationbrighton.org.uk

Since 1994 the Church has supported various artistic and musical talent with exhibitions and concerts throughout the year and it’s great to see them involved with The Artists’ Open House Festival again. The vastness of a church building lends itself perfectly to the exhibiting of sculpture, with the smell of incense and light from the stain glass windows just adding to the experience.

The sculptures on show were eclectic, with small figurative pieces for the home to large fossil like structures, ideal for outside. Open every weekend in May, you can expect to see work by Lesley Stepney -  Inspiration for Lesley’s work comes from natural forms and texture and she enjoys experimenting with processes to develop her work. 

Valerie N’Doye creates tradition sculpture with a twist and Alison Parker creates delicate wire sculptures. The open church is a great little spot to sit and reflect while on the trail. You might also be lucky enough to meet George the cat, a frequent visitor to the church. Or grab a pot of homemade jam to take home. Also a good place to refresh one’s self with tea and cake aplenty.

Open every weekend in May, 11.00am-18.00pm, Sats + 12.15-18.00 Suns.

The first thing I noticed on arrival at 49 Hove Park Villas, after the giant wolf sculpture in the front garden, was a room full of smiling faces. The Wolf at the Door is brimming with friendly artisans all too ready to welcome in visitors (umbrellas and all, in my case) and explain the inspiration behind their crafts.

I fell head over heels for the stunning silver and glass jewellery creations of Campoli and Nelson, and was equally enchanted by the makers themselves. Philip Nelson, the silvery-haired silversmith half of the creative duo, answered my barrage of questions with patience and enthusiasm whilst I admired the intricate pieces of jewellery he makes with Joe Campoli, glass-worker extraordinaire.

Joe designs and shapes the glass pieces, which include metal compounds that look like glitter, and then gives them to Philip to be transformed into pieces of wearable art. The brilliant part is they don’t communicate about the finished article at any point during the process; Joe has no idea what his glass will end up looking like, or whether it will become a ring or a necklace or something totally different! They’ve only had one disagreement throughout their collaborative career, which I think is pretty impressive.

Philip told me how he’d come to forge (get it?!) a career in silversmithing (for the warmth, basically!) and explained what each of the tiny hallmarks inside every piece of jewellery stood for. I felt like a code-cracking member of the Famous Five. The year the piece was hallmarked is represented by a teeny tiny letter, with a different person in charge of verifying and stamping the silver each year; so if a particular year’s “silver” is found to be dodgy they can figure out who was taking bribes!

Joe Campoli’s fantastically colourful glass bowls on display.

After admiring the light-hearted paintings of Sharon Hannah (“Powercut Shadows” was a particular favourite- even though it reminded me how rubbish I am at shadow puppets!), I headed upstairs to see what else I could find.

Chatting to John Gilbert about the passion behind his ocean-coloured raku ceramics I discovered he’d harboured a dream to create pottery since his school days, carrying it with him until retirement- when he’d finally had the time to set up a workshop in his cellar. John showed me the different effects that could be created after firing his pieces, by moving them from 950º heat into a bucket full of leaves, shredded newspaper, or torn up bank statements! I loved the soothingly coloured glazes John had created with his combinations of cobalt and copper. John doesn’t have a website- so if you want one of these beauties you’ll just have to head down to Hove :)

I hadn’t realised before I visited, but one of my favourite local artists is actually exhibiting at The Wolf at the Door this year- some fan I am! Jonny Hannah (husband to Sharon of the excellent shadow puppets) runs the “Cakes and Ale Press” from his garden shed where he screenprints posters and books. I love the Coney-Island-Kiss-Me-Quick vibe of his amazing screenprints; if I ever win the lottery I’m definitely going to commission Jonny to print me some nautical wallpaper.

The Wolf at the Door has something for everyone – paintings of Lego men, kinetic metal sculptures in the garden, and a tabby cat who takes his role of Art Guardian very seriously- staying still as a statue whilst keeping an eye on his visitors. What are you waiting for? Go, go, go!

Katie xx

post by Kate Helmer

On Sunday morning the weather was glorious so I changed my plans to visit local open houses and decided to go to Ditchling with my sister and her family to see a few there. 

Sculpture Garden at Skelton Workshops, Streat Lane, Ditchling

It was almost lunchtime so we took a picnic with us to the first venue, Skelton Workshops in Streat Lane, near Ditchling, where they have a sculpture garden you are welcome to use for picnics. It was so beautiful and to sit in this tranquil spot surrounded by sculpture reminded me how lucky I am to live so close to the Sussex Downs. Once we’d had our lunch we wandered back up the lane to the workshop to look at the sculpture and stonecarving displayed around the garden and conservatory. If you fancy a go at carving a piece of stone they are offering tuition sessions - find details for this on their listing in the brochure or on their website.

Hare by Deryn Bell at Skelton Workshops

Once we’d bribed the children back into the hot car (freaky sunny day), we drove a bit further down Streat Lane to Streat Place Barn. I have been here before and I was really excited to have the chance to visit again. It’s one of those places where you feel like you really could spend a whole day and wish that the family would befriend you and invite you back for Christmas! Jinks McGrath’s family home which has been lovingly restored is very welcoming.

The work on show, which is dotted all over the barn, is really interesting. Jinks told us about her project working with Nepalese street children, Nepali Reflections. She taught them silver jewellery making, and some of her designs made by the children are for sale. They are very original pieces inspired by the  flora and fauna that Jinks saw walking through gardens on her way to work with the children every day. It is also very affordable.

Nepali Reflections Jewellery at Streat Place Barn

After admiring all the work in the barn we bought some delicious cakes made by Jinks’s daughter to eat in the garden. 

The Garden at Streat Place Barn

As it was such a beautiful day we decided to visit The Handmade House on the edge of Ditchling. I have heard a lot about this house and wanted to visit before but have never been free to do so. When we arrived, the house was very busy with visitors both inside and out. New Zealand artist and designer Ralph Levy, who lives in the house, has gathered together artists to showcase their work alongside his. This year they have all decorated ceramics in the spirit of Charleston Farmhouse to show with their paintings, sculpture, jewellery, lighting and furniture. Everything in the house that is handmade from the doorknobs to the beds is for sale! 

Everything is for sale at The Handmade House

The garden here is really special. Tucked away at the back in the woods is a Hansel and Gretel hut which is available for overnight stays from this June. It is an idyllic little spot. Contact Ralph for details.

In the woods behind the Handmade House

When we got back to Brighton and I was dropped back home I decided to squeeze in one more house - The Yellow House has Moved!, which is not far from where I live. I had a really warm welcome from Jehane, whose house it is and I enjoyed chatting to her and ceramicist Ken Eardley about their work.

The Yellow House Has Moved!

Helen Musselwhite

Jehane has been opening her house for quite a few years but this is the first year in Waldegrave Road. She has had many return visitors who used to come and see her old house and you can easily see why they want to visit again. 

I am afraid that I now have serious garden envy as well as house envy after this weekend!

post by Kate Helmer

My weekend began with a dash to get to the Children’s Parade to watch my youngest daughter, dressed as a soggy sheep (it rained), bang a tambourine on her leg for 2 hours (she complained). It was, as usual, an amazing parade and great to see Michael Rosen leading the children with Bill Randall, Mayor of Brighton and Hove.

Once we dried off back at home, I headed out to see two Artists Open Houses on the Kemp Town Trail that I’ve never managed to see before. Arundel Mews, at the back of the East side of Lewes Crescent, is home to both Cardigan Ltd. and bip-Art Printmaking Workshop. 

Cardigan Ltd.

Cardigan Ltd. houses the full collection of Kate Jenkins’ work; crocheted art, knitted fashion and accessories. I am a big fan of her food pictures, especially the crocheted sushi and fish. Her other big fans are Jamie Oliver, who has one of her pictures in his home, and Alan Carr who has a picture of hers hanging on the stage set for his Chattyman show. Some of Kate’s new work is also on show as part of the Illustrated Recipe, Gallery 40, Gloucester Road, which is on the Central Trail of the Artists Open Houses.

Cardigan Ltd.

Stepping inside bip-Art. which is almost next door to Cardigan, was an assault on the senses (in a good way); the smell of printmaking equipment, heat coming off the presses and the buzz of activity. bip-Art is a fully functioning printmaking workshop offering courses for adults and children. During the open houses it is possible to see the presses in action, artists at work and printmaking demonstrations. Several of the artists were on hand to chat to, and they were very keen to show me around the workshop. There is a lot of work on show and for sale here as well as the chance of buying a piece of art for £1 from the Bouley machine. I would tell you what that is but I think you should visit them and find out for yourselves!

Prints on the drying rack at bip-Art

Lithography equipment at bip-Art