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There
are several studios open in the border area including two in Whitney
on Wye, one in Dorstone and another in Kington.
"It’s
the artistic equivalent of the National Gardens Scheme," commented
sculptor Richard Gilbert, who is opening his studio in Lugwardine
over the two Herefordshire Art weekends.
"The
prospect of visiting a studio, like somebody’s private garden, awakens
the curiosity in all of us. You don’t know quite what you are going
to find but it is always a fun experience."
He
added that open studios events are one way of dispelling the mystique
about artists – the perception that artists live in garrets wearing
berets and smocks, " which is a load of tosh!"
For
many of the artists opening their studios, Herefordshire Art Week
has provided the chance to introduce their work to the local community.
Potters
Jack and Joan Doherty are opening their shared studio in Lea Bailey
near Ross.
"Our
work sells all over the world, in the US, Japan - but we suddenly
realised that very little of our work is actually seen here in Herefordshire,"
Jack said.
We’ve
been living here for 20 years and wanted to take this opportunity
particularly to invite local people to come and see the work we
do here."
"I
think the open studios section of Herefordshire Art Week is about
the most exciting," said Herefordshire Art co-ordinator Kate Bull,
"It’s
one that I am sure will grow and grow in future years. The great
thing about visiting artists in their studios is that there really
is no expectation on you to buy the work.
Of
course it’s a bonus if you take a special piece of art home with
you, but the main thing is to go out and simply enjoy it."
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