Get ready for an unprecedented celebration of creativity! North Somerset Arts Week, the biennial showcase of local talent is set to ignite Clevedon from May 3rd to 11th, 2025. This year’s event promises to be the biggest and most exciting showing Clevedon has ever seen, offering a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the diverse world of contemporary and traditional art right here in our town.

Imagine exploring artists’ studios, discovering hidden gems in shared exhibition spaces, and even indulging in delicious homemade treats! With over 200 artists participating across North Somerset, you can expect a rich tapestry of artistic expression, from captivating ceramics and intricate textiles to stunning paintings and thought-provoking sculptures.

But it’s not just about viewing art; North Somerset Arts Week is about connection. Engage with the artists themselves, learn about their inspirations, and perhaps even participate in a workshop or two. Want to learn more? Dive into all the details here, follow the action on Instagram here and join the conversation using #nsaw25. This blog will be your dedicated guide to all the Clevedon happenings.

This year’s North Somerset Arts Week in Clevedon is truly special, showcasing a diverse and impressive range of artistic talent across three fantastic venues:

• St John’s Church Hall Hillside Rd, Clevedon, BS21 7XJ: Discover the works of Rachael Cawley, Anna Warsop, Claire Brass, Joanna Gardiner, Sarah Souter, Tim Stephens, Anna Young, Rachel Garstin, and the Gordano Textile Artists. Opening times: 10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.
• Sunset House 54 Dial Hill Rd, Clevedon, BS21 7HN: Explore the creations of Caroline Cunningham and Nick Whiting. Opening times: 3rd, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th May 10.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. 4th and 11th May 12.00 p.m. – 5.00 p.m. Closed Monday 5th May.
• Curzon Cinema and Arts 46 Old Church Rd, Clevedon, BS21 6NN: Immerse yourself in the art of Jenny Urquhart and Lucy Routh. Opening times: 10.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.

RACHAEL CAWLEY AT ST JOHN’S CHURCH HALL

For nearly forty years, the daily trek to the city consumed Rachael’s life. Beyond ferrying her son to a whirlwind of sports and social engagements, her days were a blur of lecture preparation and sleep. Local community? A distant concept.

Early retirement, the demands of caring for a relative with dementia, the joyful addition of a dog, and the isolating grip of COVID-19 reshaped Rachael’s world. Walking became her new commute, a journey into the heart of her surroundings. No longer a fleeting glimpse through a windscreen, but an immersive experience: the soaring buzzards, the darting rabbits, the elusive otters and foxes. She witnessed the shifting hues of the seasons, the meandering paths, the languid rivers, the dramatic skies, and the endless tapestry of fields. And, crucially, she had time to truly see and think.

After studying for an M.A. while still teaching, the academic focus instilled in Rachael the prevailing notion that women’s art was inherently domestic, decorative, illustrative, and narrative—a world of pattern and colour, relegated to the lower echelons of academic esteem.

Now, in her sixties, Rachael has shed the weight of those old expectations:

“To me, every picture tells a story. The landscape has a multiplicity of layers, from the people who worked it through history to the scored lines of transportation, the characters involved, and the flora and fauna supported by the richness of our soil and history. I am interested in how colour and form can be used to tell a story and evoke emotions. I combine observation, memory and imagination with a view to transform them into visual narratives.

I achieve this by recording the world around me and taking note of the contextual colours, textures, and patterns that make up my surroundings. By painting layers of pattern, sanding back and repainting, I seek to weave these observations into a tapestry of narratives. Sometimes, the stories are obvious; other times, they are more subtle. Each painting tells a unique story, but they all share a sense of curiosity and playfulness. Hopefully, these are stories that unite us all.”

If you’d like to learn more about Rachael’s art, you can visit her website here. She’s also on Facebook here and on Instagram here. To make contact with Rachael: rachaelcawley@icloud.com

ANNA WARSOP AT ST JOHN’S CHURCH HALL

Clevedon-based professional artist Anna is inspired by the aerial landscape and maps, which allow her to view the world from a unique perspective. Through her paintings, Anna aims to evoke a sense of wonder and awe, inviting us to see the world through her eyes. Her work combines elements of abstraction and realism, blending the intricate details of maps with the flowing lines, patterns and textures found in nature.

Anna’s process derives from photographs taken from commercial flights, satellite imagery and the study of maps. She uses a varied combination of acrylic paint, collaged handmade papers, photographs, and monoprints, often sanding back the surface and applying glazes to create a rich surface, to create the feeling of journeying through the landscape.

Anna gained a BA Hons in Fine Art (painting) first class from UWE and returned to gain an MA in multi-disciplinary printmaking in 2008. She has exhibited nationally and internationally in selected exhibitions, including the Royal Academy Summer Exhibitions, Mall Gallery Originals Contemporary Printmaking Exhibitions, RWA Annual Exhibitions, and Marzia Frozen Gallery in Berlin.

Public Collections

Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, International Graphic Art Foundation, New York, USA, Cadeques Contemporary Print Collection, Spain, Bristol City Council, Cheltenham and Gloucester Contemporary Print Collection.

If you want to know more about Anna. She is on Instagram here. To make contact with Anna: annawarsop@yahoo.co.uk

CLAIRE BRASS AT ST JOHN’S CHURCH HALL.

Claire is an oil painter with a passion for vibrant, colourful artwork. She paints primarily for the joy of creation, finding endless inspiration in the natural beauty surrounding her home in Clevedon. The undulating landscapes, the ever-changing moods of the sea, and the riot of colours in her own garden provide a constant source of artistic fuel. While her work often reflects these subjects, Claire isn’t confined by strict representation.

She enjoys pushing the boundaries of colour, exploring its expressive potential and allowing it to lead her towards more abstract compositions. This experimental approach often results in pieces that capture the essence of a scene or feeling rather than simply replicating its outward appearance. Her canvases are playgrounds for colour, where hues clash and blend, creating dynamic and captivating works that invite us to explore our own interpretations.

Claire is on Instagram here. To make contact with Claire: claire.brass@gmail.com

JOANNA GARDINER AT ST JOHN’S CHURCH HALL

A love of art has always been present in Joanna’s life in one form or another. Her career began in architectural practice at the age of fifteen, but by the time she was twenty, her love of design led her to immerse herself in the world of interiors. As time went on, she often included interior painting projects, such as large murals.

Navigating the complexities of lockdown while managing her business, Joanna ultimately chose retirement, redirecting her energy towards her painting. Always inspired by the extremes and subtleties of light and shade, Joanna decided to satisfy her curiosity about painting in oils….and is loving it!

Joanna also hosts small watercolour groups from her studio on the beachfront of Sand Bay.

She was honoured to have paintings selected by SWA for their open exhibition last year. Joanna is also a member of Clevedon Art Club, where she exhibited in last year’s Open Exhibition.

Joanna is on Facebook here and Instagram here. To make contact with Jo: joannagardinerart@gmail.com

SARAH SOUTER AT ST JOHN’S CHURCH HALL

Sarah studied Graphic Design at Bristol Polytechnic and has enjoyed working in various media, including modern embroidery, silk painting, and illustration, as well as graphic design for the health and education sectors. Since the mid-1990s, she has painted landscapes in watercolours and has been part of ‘Souter and Stanley’, selling graphic prints of the local area.

About four years ago, spurred on by a COVID 30-day painting challenge, she started to learn to paint in acrylics and oils and has found these to be both the most difficult and also the most satisfying mediums.

Sarah’s motivation as a painter is rooted in a keen observation of the dramatic and colourful elements that define a place. She doesn’t just see a landscape; she experiences it, noticing the subtle shifts in light, the vibrant hues that emerge at dawn and dusk, and the atmospheric nuances that lend a unique character to each scene.

This desire to capture the ‘feeling’ of a place drives her to paint ’plein air’ whenever possible as the scene she sketches and paints outdoors is very different to the one she sees in her photographs.

Ultimately, Sarah’s art invites us to experience the landscape as she does, with a heightened appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us.

Sarah is on Instagram here. To make contact with Sarah: sarahsouterart@gmail.com

 TIM STEPHENS AT ST JOHN’S CHURCH HALL

Tim, a creative professional with 25 years of experience in the industry, began his artistic journey by studying art and design. After a period as a graphic designer, he transitioned to freelance work, fuelling his passion for portraiture. Inspired by icons like Bowie and Warhol, he developed a distinctive Pop Art style, using bold colours and graphic lines to create vibrant, instantly recognisable likenesses. His successful 2005 solo exhibition, About Face, led him to establish Cut the Mustard, a travelling art gallery. For 13 years, he painted in the autumn and winter, then toured with Cut the Mustard in the spring and summer at music festivals, including Glastonbury and Reading, while also fulfilling private commissions.

A back injury in 2017 forced him to reconsider his demanding schedule. Returning to his hometown of Clevedon, he found new inspiration in the local scenery. He began creating intricate ink drawings of Clevedon and, influenced by the town’s quieter pace, evolved his portrait style to incorporate more nuanced textures and emotional depth.

This shift has been successful. His Clevedon landscapes are featured in local galleries and shops, and his refined portraiture has earned commissions and art publication features.

Tim’s current work explores the fascinating interplay between people, places, and the natural world, weaving these elements together into a cohesive visual narrative. His style is a melting pot of influences, from the intricate details of the environment and the subtle contours of the landscape to the vibrant energy of subcultures, the raw power of human expression, and even a touch of playful humour. This eclectic mix results in pieces that are both visually engaging and thought-provoking. Beyond creating work for general release, Tim also welcomes private commissions, allowing him to collaborate closely with individuals to bring their unique visions to life. He also enjoys the challenges and creative possibilities offered by commercial illustration projects.

Tim’s artistic DNA has been shaped by a diverse range of artists, each leaving their indelible mark.  These include M.C. Escher, William Hogarth, Brian Bolland, Eric Fischl, Mode2, Charles Griffin, Rodney Matthews, and Barney Farmer. All have contributed to the rich tapestry of his artistic inspiration.

His creative process begins with the intimacy of hand drawing, allowing him to connect directly with the image as it emerges on the page. Colour is then added, either through the expressive fluidity of ink or digitally using Photoshop, where a drawing pad and pen provide the precision and control he needs.

2024 was a particularly special year, as Tim was deeply honoured to be voted Clevedon Artist of the Year by the public in partnership with the Polodango Art Gallery. This recognition means the world to him and is a powerful affirmation of his connection to the local community.

If you want to know more about Tim, check out his website here. He is also on Facebook here. And Instagram here.

ANNA YOUNG AT ST JOHN’S CHURCH HALL

Anna felt she had always possessed a creative, “crafty” inclination but was discouraged from pursuing GCSE art in secondary school due to perceived drawing limitations. Instead, she opted for typewriting, a practical but less creative pursuit. Consequently, her background lay in teaching, specifically primary education, where she spent twenty-five years in Bristol and North Somerset. As a teacher, she found ample opportunities for creative expression in the classroom and with her three daughters, engaging in various making, playing, and creating activities. Over the years, she has explored numerous creative outlets, including scrapbooking, sewing, ceramics, floristry, and crochet. Although she still enjoys crocheting, her other hobbies have been set aside.

Having left classroom teaching in 2021. Anna currently works as a tutor, providing maths and English instruction to children aged seven to eleven. She discovered gel printing in 2021, introduced to it by an artistic friend during the second lockdown. She quickly became enamoured with the process, appreciating its speed, ease, fun, and addictive nature. This led her to collage, seeking a purpose for her abundant printed papers. She enjoys combining colours, textures, and shapes in interesting and pleasing ways, particularly drawn to the contrast between botanical and geometric forms. Being self-taught, Anna acknowledges that her work might not always be “correct,” but she has found joy in the process. She focuses on creating art that brings her happiness, hoping it will resonate with others.

In addition to producing original collage art, Anna utilises her printed papers to create cards and notebooks, which she sells at local markets. She also conducts gel printing workshops in Clevedon with her artistic friend under the name “The Creative Nest.” Their aim is to make art accessible to everyone, regardless of formal art education, and gel printing was an ideal medium for this. Anna derives great satisfaction from witnessing participants arrive uncertainly and depart with prints and papers they are proud of, finding it a truly rewarding experience.

Anna is on Instagram here.

RACHEL GARSTIN AT ST JOHN’S CHURCH HALL

Rachel is local to North Somerset and is a busy part-time working mother of three young boys. She has been painting for many years, but more recently discovered the acrylic fluid art craze and has embraced it wholeheartedly, enjoying every messy moment.

Fluid art, for Rachel, is a form of art that uses layers of poured paint of varying densities, manipulated by tipping, blowing, spinning, and swiping to create organic and abstract colour combinations and patterns. She truly enjoys playing with colours, forms, and fluidity and appreciates the unpredictability of the outcome.

While Rachel uses traditional canvases, she also enjoys experimenting with pouring on various surfaces, including tiles, old records, and glass.

Rachel likes to record her process and the finished product, as she believes that watching the designs and colours unfold, often in unexpected ways, is one of the most satisfying aspects of fluid art. Examples of this can be seen on her Instagram here and YouTube here.

THE GORDANO TEXTILE ARTISTS, AT ST JOHN’S CHURCH HALL

Across North Somerset from Clevedon to Bristol and Thornbury

The Gordano Textile artists are Debby Bird, Carol Clark, Kirsten Hill-Nixon, Alison Cossins, Sue Dunkerley, Fumi Foster, Jenn Hutchins and Viv Young.

These artists represent a vibrant and dedicated collective within the South West of England’s artistic landscape. Formed in 1995, this group, based across North Somerset from Clevedon to Bristol and Thornbury, has consistently worked to elevate the perception of stitched textiles. Their core mission revolves around promoting textile art as a legitimate and highly skilled art form while also ensuring the preservation of traditional embroidery techniques. The work below is that of Sue Dunkerley. You can see more of Sue’s work here.

A remarkable characteristic of the Gordano Textile Artists is the sheer diversity of their creative output. Each artist cultivates their own distinct style, resulting in a rich tapestry of individual expression. This individuality is further amplified by the wide range of techniques employed, including hand and machine embroidery, print, mixed media, dry needle felting, quilt art, and weaving. This eclectic approach showcases the breadth of talent within the group and ensures that their exhibitions are consistently diverse and stimulating, offering a captivating experience for viewers. The work below is that of Jenn Hutchins. You can see more of Jenn’s work here.

Beyond the artistic pursuits, the Gordano Textile Artists function as a supportive network, fostering an environment of mutual encouragement and inspiration among their members. This collaborative spirit is evident in their regular meetings, where artists share their work, engage in creative prompts, and exchange ideas.

The work above, printed on fabric with freemotion stitch is that of Debby Bird. You can see more of Debby’s work here.

A significant aspect of their activities involves organising and participating in exhibitions. These exhibitions serve as a platform to showcase their members’ diverse talents and innovative approaches, reaching audiences within the local community and beyond. Their involvement with organisations like North Somerset Arts further solidifies their presence within the regional arts scene. The work below is that of Kirsetn Hill-Nixon. You can see more of Kirsten’s work here.

In essence, the Gordano Textile Artists are more than just a group of individuals; they are a community dedicated to advancing textile art, bridging the gap between tradition and contemporary expression, and offering a dynamic and varied experience through their members’ diverse artistic practices.

CAROLINE CUNNINGHAM AT SUNSET HOUSE

Caroline’s artistic journey is a vibrant exploration of textiles and design fuelled by a deep-seated passion. Her foundation years at Birmingham provided a rigorous grounding in textile design, shaping the trajectory of her diverse career.

Her subsequent foray into London’s dynamic fashion industry saw her honing her skills as a knitwear designer. This experience, emphasising structure, texture, and the nuanced interplay of colour, profoundly influenced her aesthetic sensibilities.

However, Caroline’s creative spirit extended beyond knitwear. She found herself drawn to the intricate artistry of needlepoint, a medium that allowed her to explore her design ideas with meticulous precision. Her talent for crafting compelling needlepoint designs quickly garnered recognition, leading to collaborations with prominent magazines and rug companies, significantly expanding her artistic repertoire.

Driven by an insatiable curiosity, Caroline further broadened her artistic range to encompass silk painting, appliqué, and glasswork. This diversification allowed her to embrace the fluidity of silk, the textural richness of appliqué, and the luminous qualities of glass, each medium offering unique avenues for artistic expression. This exploration facilitated her transition from two-dimensional work to three-dimensional glass creations.

Caroline’s current artistic focus centres on abstract paintings, a medium that allows her to delve into the depths of her creative imagination. Her work is deeply influenced by themes drawn from both the natural world and man-made objects, a juxtaposition that reflects her fascination with the interplay between organic forms and constructed environments. Her artistic aim is to synthesise the underlying imagery of these disparate sources, creating compositions that resonate with a sense of harmonious unity.

Her abstract paintings are not merely representational; they explore form, colour, and texture, inviting viewers to engage with her work intuitively. Recent works, such as “Crane Time” and “Twin Dance,” exemplify her ability to evoke a sense of movement and dynamism through abstract forms. These titles hint at narratives and emotions that are subtly woven into the fabric of her paintings, inviting personal interpretation.

To make her art more accessible, Caroline offers Giclée prints of many of her paintings. This method of fine art printing, known for its exceptional colour fidelity and archival quality, allows collectors to acquire high-quality reproductions of her original works, ensuring her artistic vision can be enjoyed by a wider audience.

The Curzon Cinema has influenced much of Caroline’s past silk paintings and glasswork. Which will be displayed during Arts Week.

Caroline is also delighted to offer vibrant, colourfast Giclée prints of her ‘Marguerite’ tapestry, a community needlepoint piece inspired by the beautiful stained-glass window in Clevedon Community Centre. This project, a tribute to Kathryn Woodington, celebrates both artistry and local memory.

Crafted over four months with the dedicated efforts of numerous stitchers – Marjukka Grover, Yvonne Flanagan, Lynda Stonier, Sue Powel, Rosalind Bagg, Yvonne Pope, Wendy Woodcock, Kath McKeon, Jennie Moult, Jeannie Fellender, Hilary Neal, Sue Iles, Wendy Clegg, Nicky Stokes, Kerry James, Carol Horlick, Sue Miller, Hannah Young, and Sienna Ana Smith – the tapestry embodies a spirit of collaboration and skill-sharing. The final piece, using high-quality, fade-resistant wools and intricate techniques, including glass bead embellishments, is a testament to their collective talent. Purchasing a print supports the Clevedon Community Centre.

The Marguerite print and some Curzon-influenced work are currently available at Clevedon Craft Centre until April 12th.

Caroline is on Instagram here and can be contacted at cunningstitches@icloud.com

NICK WHITING AT SUNSET HOUSE

In his reflection “Sculpting and Me,” Nick Whiting shares his unexpected journey into the world of sculpture and the surprising connections it has forged with his past experiences.

He notes the peculiar sensation of “atmosphere” that engulfs him while sculpting, a feeling that evokes memories from seemingly unrelated moments of his life. One such memory is from his time as a Civil Engineering Quantity Surveyor. The meticulous discipline and attention to detail required in that profession have proven invaluable in his sculpting work. He never anticipated that the precision honed in quantity surveying would resurface in the tactile realm of clay.

Another resonant memory stems from his experience in building work. The understanding of solid foundations and sound structure, crucial in construction, translates directly into his sculpting. He recounts his astonishment at building a face brickwork gable end, a feat that continues to inspire him. This same sense of accomplishment accompanies his observation of his sculptures, particularly his recent pieces.

Nick’s initial foray into sculpting was sparked by his desire to contribute to his mother’s garden, which still bore his late father’s sand and cement creations. He sought formal training, and the moment he touched clay, he was “hooked – love at first touch!” This passion became a significant part of his life, alongside his established career as a masseur.

Over the years, Nick has learned from six sculpting teachers and three mould-making teachers, and he acknowledges the invaluable lessons gleaned from his own mistakes. His primary focus is the human form. He emphasises the importance of knowing his subjects, echoing Sir Francis Chantrey’s belief that familiarity is essential for capturing a person’s essence.

While much of his prior work served as practice, his recent pieces represent a significant leap in quality. These include his interpretation of St. Francis of Assisi and a set of three life-size busts commissioned by a school in Accra, Ghana, commemorating its founders. He expresses satisfaction in producing these high-quality works, feeling prepared to create “the body of work that is in me!”

Nick finds particular joy in the convergence of disparate life threads. His exhibition at Caroline’s exemplifies this. One of the busts depicts Geoff, an old friend from Weston-super-Mare. Geoff, despite his terminal illness, arranged the commission and maintained a connection with Weston Hospice.

Geoff passed away in January, knowing the busts were completed and en route to Accra. Additionally, he facilitated Nick’s introduction to the hospice manager to conduct “Dancing for Life” sessions, a project temporarily delayed by Nick’s hip replacement surgery. Nick is now reconnecting with the hospice to pursue this initiative. He notes the poignant connection between his sculptures being displayed in Caroline’s open garden, where she collects donations for Weston Hospice.

Nick is on Facebook here. You can contact him here: nickwhiting86@gmail.com

JENNY URQUHART AT CURZON CINEMA CLEVEDON

Jenny’s journey into the world of vibrant hues and textured canvases began in 2010, a dramatic shift from the structured world of cellular processes and ecological systems she’d inhabited for a decade. For ten years, she’d nurtured young minds as a Biology teacher, dissecting the intricacies of life with the same meticulous attention she now applies to mixing pigments. But a dormant creative spirit, long suppressed, began to stir, demanding an outlet. “If I don’t create anything for a few days,” she confesses, “I start to experience withdrawal symptoms.” It’s a compulsion, a joyous addiction to the act of transforming blank surfaces into worlds of colour and light.

Her transition was a leap of faith, a self-taught exploration into the boundless possibilities of art. “I never had the opportunity to do art at school,” she explained, “so I really enjoy experimenting with different techniques, including paint, mixed media, and resin.” This lack of formal training, paradoxically, became her greatest strength, freeing her from rigid conventions and allowing her to embrace a fluid, intuitive approach. This explains the delightful eclecticism of her portfolio, a testament to her restless curiosity. She paints landscapes that breathe with the very essence of nature, still life that capture the quiet poetry of everyday objects, and the occasional portrait, each imbued with a unique, vibrant energy.

Her work has resonated with a diverse audience, finding homes across the globe and gracing the walls of prestigious galleries. Notable figures, including Bukayo Saka, as well as the Earl and Countess of Wessex, have commissioned her to capture their likenesses. She recalls with particular fondness the moment she presented Sir David Attenborough with a painting of Bristol, a tribute to the city he’d been awarded the Freedom of in 2013. The encounter, a meeting of two minds deeply connected to the natural world, was a highlight of her artistic journey.

When asked about her inspiration, Jenny said “Many of my paintings stem from cherished memories of specific views, whether from holidays or walks,” Currently residing in a terraced house in Bristol with a small garden and glimpses of neighbouring rooftops, she feels the pull of the countryside she remembers from her youth. Her rural paintings, bursting with verdant greens and expansive skies, are more than just depictions; they are acts of longing, a yearning to immerse herself in the tranquillity of trees and fields. Having grown up surrounded by nature, studied Biology at university, and taught Biology for ten years in Bristol, her connection to the natural world is evident in her work, a deep, ingrained understanding that translates into the very soul of her landscapes.

Beyond her personal explorations, Jenny also undertakes numerous commissions, each a unique challenge and a testament to her versatility. She finds particular joy in interpreting poetry and transforming words into visual narratives. One of her most cherished and demanding commissions was to create a painting based on a war poem by Sir Andrew Motion for the cover of her university alumni magazine, “Oxford Today.” The weight of history, the raw emotion of the verse, demanded a depth of understanding and sensitivity that pushed her artistic boundaries. The resulting piece, a poignant reflection on courage and loss, was later chosen as the book cover for a commemorative edition of Lord Moran’s “Anatomy of Courage.”.

When not engaged in commissioned work, Jenny allows her imagination to roam freely, guided by the ebb and flow of her emotions. She paints whatever captures her attention, whatever stirs her soul. It’s not just about producing art; it’s about the very act of creation, the joy of bringing something new into the world. Above all, she expresses a profound love for the act of creating pictures, a love that shines through in every brushstroke, every carefully chosen colour, and every vibrant canvas.

The link to Jenny’s website is here. She is on Facebook here and Instagram here. To contact her: jenny_urquhart@hotmail.com

LUCY ROUTH AT CURZON CINEMA AND ARTS

Lucy’s artistic journey began amidst the rolling landscapes of Lancashire, a place where the interplay of light and shadow, the textures of the land, and the rhythm of rural life first ignited her creative spirit. This early immersion in the natural world laid the foundation for her later artistic explorations. Driven by a deep-seated passion, Lucy embarked on formal training, pursuing Fine Art at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, a period marked by intense study and the honing of her unique vision. Graduating in 1997, Lucy carried with her not just a degree but a refined understanding of artistic principles and a desire to forge her own path.

Today, Lucy resides and works in the picturesque region of North Somerset, a setting that continues to inspire her artistic output. The coastal light, the undulating hills, and the area’s rich biodiversity are all reflected in her work, becoming integral elements of her visual narrative.

Lucy’s art is immediately recognisable for its striking blend of traditional subjects and a distinctly contemporary aesthetic. She possesses a keen eye for the overlooked beauty in everyday objects and natural forms, transforming them into vibrant, captivating compositions. Her process begins with a deep observation of her surroundings, and she selects subjects that resonate with her through their compelling shapes, forms, and inherent colour palettes.

Her technique is a testament to her mastery of mixed media. Lucy skilfully combines the fluidity of ink with the boldness of acrylic paint, creating images that are not only visually arresting but also imbued with a sense of space and tranquillity. The juxtaposition of detailed, richly coloured living elements against the delicate simplicity of line-drawn inanimate forms is a hallmark of her style. This deliberate contrast directs our attention, emphasising the vitality and dynamism of her subjects.

Lucy’s fascination with line is central to her artistic expression. She views lines as more than mere boundaries; they are conduits for movement, energy, and emotion. In her hands, they become fluid, expressive tools that bring her subjects to life, capturing their essence with remarkable precision and grace.

Beyond her paintings, Lucy extends her artistic vision into other mediums. Her original artworks are available for purchase, allowing collectors to own a piece of her unique perspective. Additionally, she offers limited edition giclée prints, ensuring accessibility to a wider audience. Her designs also grace a range of greeting cards and ceramic pieces, bringing her distinctive style into everyday life.

Lucy’s commitment to her craft has earned her recognition on a national scale. Her work has been showcased at prestigious events such as the London and Bristol Affordable Arts Fairs, further solidifying her reputation as a talented and innovative artist. She continues to explore and evolve her artistic practice, driven by an unwavering curiosity and a deep connection to the world around her.

The link to Lucy’s website is here. She is on Facebook here and Instagram here. To contact her: art@lucyrouth.co.uk

North Somerset Arts Week in Clevedon promises to be an unforgettable celebration of creativity, community, and the transformative power of art. This nine-day festival, held from May 3rd to 11th, 2025, will showcase the incredible talent of over 200 local artists, each with a unique story to tell.

From the moment you step into one of the three main venues in Clevedon – St John’s Church Hall, Sunset House, or the Curzon Cinema and Arts – you’ll be immersed in a world of artistic expression. Engage with the artists themselves and discover hidden gems in shared exhibition spaces. You might even find yourself inspired to try your hand at a new art form in one of the many workshops offered throughout the week.

Whether you’re a seasoned art aficionado or simply curious to explore your creative side, North Somerset Arts Week has something for everyone. Mark your calendars and prepare to be inspired!