Woodbridge by Chris Forsey
I love the build up to the Open Studios. In sheds, halls, bedrooms, and even the odd studio across Surrey, artsists and craftsmen are hard at work putting their final pieces together before they throw their doors open to the public in June.
There's a sense of excitement, but also an element of 'lull before the storm' in some places. I witnessed some of this yesterday lunchtime when I visited Chris Forsey at his new studio in Dorking. The fact that he was sitting in a deckchair enjoying the sunshine was deceptive. He had, he assured me, smoothing his impressively paint-splattered apron, been up with the lark and been very productive all morning. A quick nose inside his studio confirmed this was true. There were pictures everywhere, all bearing the very distinctive Forsey style. I have 4 or 5 'Forseys' already and i wanted to get my mitts on some more but in order not to deplete his stocks, I will have to wait until June 9th and the start of this year's Open Studio event.
Chris now works out of Sandstone Studios and shares the space with ceramic artist Stephanie Wright and sculpture Nikki Taylor. It’s a fascinating place to visit as their work is so incredibly different.
Chris’s paintings are expressive and colourful; he is inspired by rugged landscapes, changing light and atmosphere. Stephanie’s ceramics are cool, calm - inspired by the sea, a movement in time. Nikki works freehand in woven wire mesh, producing sensuous figure sculptures from small torso reliefs to life-size full figures. Her fascinating array of improvised tools will be on display during the Open Studios.
One studio, many styles - well worth a visit on your Open Studios trail. Sandstone Studios is No 123 in the Open Studios brochure which is available from libraries, galleries, art shops and other art related outlets.
Or visit the website: http://www.surreyopenstudios.org.uk
Further Open Studios updates to follow in this blog.......
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