Nestled amidst the picturesque charm of Clevedon Craft Centre, Studio 3 is an inviting contemporary haven that serves as a creative sanctuary for a collective of resident artists and a dynamic exhibition space. The ever-changing roster of guest artists ensures a constant influx of fresh perspectives and innovative works, transforming each visit into a unique experience.
Visitors will discover an eclectic tapestry of artistic expression featuring a vibrant array of paintings, prints, ceramics, handcrafted clocks, captivating photography, exquisite batik lampshades and cushions, luminous fused glass creations, skilfully turned wood pieces, and thoughtfully designed cards. A true cornucopia of delights, this artistic haven promises to ignite the imagination and inspire the soul.
While you’re at the Craft Centre, you might also enjoy a visit to the recently opened Leaf and Bean café. It offers a delicious selection of sweet and savoury treats and an extensive choice of hot and cold drinks. Choose from indoor seating for cosy comfort or outdoor seating to soak up the sunshine and fresh air. And for those on the move, all the food and drink options are available for takeaway, so you can enjoy them wherever your day takes you.
Leaf and Bean is currently open Thursday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and plans to expand its hours.
It’s worth mentioning that Studio 3’s opening times are different from those at the Craft Centre. They are open seven days a week, Monday through Saturday from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and Sunday from 11.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
This blog post is about the most recent guest artists. If you’d like to know more about the gallery’s history and the resident artists, check out my earlier blog post here.
ANDREW EDDLESTON IS EXHIBITING FROM 22nd JUNE TO 21st SEPTEMBER.
Andrew, a seasoned ceramic artist with over thirty years of experience, has mastered a diverse repertoire of techniques, crafting functional and decorative pots, both thrown and hand-built. His passion for clay is fuelled by its boundless potential as a creative medium, which offers him the precision and discipline of throwing alongside the freedom to explore a multitude of forms and finishes.
Andrew’s artistry shines through in his unique creations, such as the feather and horsehair raku bottles. These are not just pots, but meticulously crafted pieces of art, each one a testament to his skill and creativity. The bottles, made from white, grogged earthenware clay, are thrown and turned with precision. Their surfaces are then burnished to a flawless smoothness, and some are adorned with a vibrant turquoise glaze on the interior of the neck, adding a touch of unexpected beauty.
The raku firing process, a hallmark of Andrew’s work, is a dramatic spectacle. The bottles, having undergone a bisque firing, are placed in a gas kiln and heated to a scorching 1000°C. With the gas turned down and the kiln lid removed, a glowing red-hot bottle is extracted and carefully placed on a fire brick.
Then, the magic begins. Andrew delicately lays a strand of horsehair on the bottle’s surface, where it instantly combusts, leaving behind a unique and indelible mark. He repeats this process with a feather, its carbon imprinting a perfect silhouette onto the clay. The mesmerising dance of fire and clay continues until Andrew deems the bottle complete.
Once cooled, cleaned, and dried, each bottle is meticulously polished with wax to a lustrous shine. This final touch enhances the piece’s eggshell-like fragility and delicate beauty, a testament to Andrew’s mastery of his craft. His work is a fusion of traditional technique and contemporary artistry, a unique and captivating blend that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
If you’d like to see Andrew’s work before your visit to Studio 3, he is on Facebook. You can contact him by email: andrew@andreweddleston.co.uk or on 01761 470876
JO EDDLESTON IS EXHIBITING FROM 22nd JUNE TO 21st SEPTEMBER.
Jo, an artisan of glass, finds endless inspiration in the vibrant tapestry of her garden and the awe-inspiring beauty of nature captured in photographs. She skilfully transforms these images into exquisite glass artworks, utilising a diverse array of historic pigments that she has been fortunate enough to inherit. Each pigment pouch holds a unique treasure, possessing distinct characteristics and demanding specific firing conditions.
For her stained-glass creations, Jo carefully grinds select pigments with clove oil to form a rich paste. With a delicate touch, she employs a dip pen to trace intricate outlines on her chosen glass, imbuing them with a captivating stain as she fires the initial layer. To enhance the design, she applies a vibrant palette of coloured mineral tints, skilfully blended with alcohol and meticulously applied with a brush.
In a process known as shadowing or sgraffito, Jo masterfully removes portions of this colourful layer, creating depth and dimension. Traditionally, gum Arabic is used as a mixing medium for this technique, but Jo, ever the inquisitive artist, suspects that medieval monks and tradesmen may have utilised alternative substances, as access to gum trees would have been limited. With this in mind, she continues to experiment with different materials, seeking to uncover the secrets of their ancient craft. After firing the pigments to stain the glass permanently, she meticulously cuts, and solders lead to complete the piece.
For her fused glass creations, Jo embraces a different approach, utilising bullseye glass. She carefully cuts and arranges sheets of glass, layering them with pigments and Fritts – finely ground glass particles that melt and fuse during firing. This dynamic process allows her to achieve unique textures and effects as the layers meld together in the kiln, resulting in stunning fused glass masterpieces.
If you’d like to see Jo’s work before your visit to Studio 3, she is on Facebook and Instagram. You can also contact her by email at joandegg@talktalk.net or by phone at 01761 470876.
VIV SHELTON IS EXHIBITING FROM 8th JUNE TO 13th July.
Viv’s artistic journey is a vibrant fusion of her dynamic personality and diverse experiences. Her early career as a drama teacher ignited a passion for bold colours, dramatic compositions, and capturing raw energy in her work. This translates into her artistic process, often characterised by quick, in situ creation, fuelled by an intense desire to capture the essence of a fleeting moment.
Intrigued by the human experience, Viv delves beyond appearances, exploring emotions, gestures, interactions, and the personal worlds people create. Interiors hold a particular fascination for her, as she sees them as revealing reflections of individual personalities. Her artistic narratives often hint at stories and dramas, inviting viewers to engage and create their own interpretations.
While studio-based work has become more frequent, Viv remains drawn to the outdoors on bright days, especially when sculptural trees and vibrant blooms beckon. Her artistic vocabulary is a symphony of bold lines, saturated colours, and the frequent use of black, resulting in striking visuals that demand attention and project energy.
Viv describes her artistic process as “conscious disengagement,” a burst of focused energy followed by a period of quiet reflection. This intense creative flow is often channelled onto paper, but canvas has increasingly become a new playground for her experimentation with acrylics, ink, wax, and chalk pastels – whatever tools are within reach.
Through her art, Viv strives to make a statement, evoke emotions, and share her unique perspective on the world. Each piece is a testament to her boundless energy, her passion for storytelling, and her unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of her artistic expression.
If you’d like to see Viv’s work before your visit to Studio 3, she is on Instagram. You can also contact her by email at vivshelton@icloud.com.
PAUL FROM “WOODNTHINGS” IS EXHIBITING FROM 12th JUNE TO 10th JULY.
Wood ‘n’ Things, with renowned artisan Paul at the helm, is celebrated for its diverse portfolio of handcrafted, one-of-a-kind creations. Paul has earned particular acclaim for his captivating mirrors and whimsical interlocking animal families, both of which showcase his exceptional skill and imaginative spirit.
His “Heirloom” pieces, such as the iconic Ark and the Living Oak, have garnered widespread recognition, even gracing the front pages of numerous magazines. Over the past six years, Paul has also become synonymous with his innovative mirror designs, often incorporating the exquisite beauty of burr wood whenever possible.
A selection of Paul’s mirrors will be on display at Studio 3. Each mirror is a bespoke masterpiece, its design dictated by the inherent character and availability of the wood. Ranging in size from a petite 6 inches to an impressive 5 feet or more, Paul welcomes inquiries for custom dimensions and styles. Prices vary depending on the complexity and materials used, typically falling between £35 and £900.
Whether seeking a statement mirror to adorn your home or unique gifts that reflect the beauty of nature, Paul’s creations are sure to inspire and enchant. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the pop-up shop and immerse yourself in a world of creativity and community spirit.
Every year, Paul and his wife Renate generously open their home at 3 Bishop’s Mead in Cleeve for a delightful pop-up shop and café experience. This event features the works of approximately twenty local artisans and craftspeople and showcases a stunning array of handcrafted treasures.
Visitors can indulge in delicious cream teas and cakes, with all proceeds from refreshments and a portion of sales going directly to Children’s Hospice South West. A raffle will also be held in support of Cancer Research UK. This year’s festivities run from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., June 15th through to the 30th.
If you’d like to see Paul’s work before your visit to Studio 3, here is a link to his website. You can contact him by email: info@woodnthings-uk.com or on 01934 835141
If you’d like to know more about Studio 3, you can check it out here, and these are the contact details: Studio 3, Clevedon Craft Centre, Clevedon, BS21 6TD Telephone: 07557331967 Email: studiothree111@gmail.com They are also on Instagram @studiothree_galler
Finally, another reminder of the opening times, which it’s worth mentioning are not the same as the Craft Centre: Studio 3 is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.