Studio 3 at Clevedon Craft Centre is set to host a remarkable series of exhibitions, welcoming a diverse array of guest artists this Autumn. These talented individuals will be showcasing their unique work, which ranges from abstract painting to upcycled jewellery and multimedia sculptures. Read all about each artist and the story behind their creative process.
CHERYL HERRINGTON, ARTIST: 29th JUNE TO JANUARY 2026
‘I love to work in an abstract style. My paintings are inspired by the colours, shapes, movement and moods that I see and feel in nature.’
Artistic Journey And Influences
Cheryl Herrington, a self-taught artist with a lifelong passion for painting, has called North Somerset home for the past thirty-five years after growing up in London. She made a pivotal shift in her creative journey a decade ago when she discovered a love for abstraction, which has since become a central part of her life.
Cheryl’s paintings are deeply influenced by the colours, shapes, and moods of nature, particularly the rugged landscapes of the West Scottish coast and islands, as well as the rocky, windswept inland of Dartmoor. This inspiration is evident in her work, which can range from vivid and colourful to darker and more brooding.
Technique And Style
Working primarily with acrylics, Cheryl builds layers and marks to create rich textures and visual interest. Her pieces often hint at a landscape without explicitly depicting one, inviting viewers to find their own interpretations and connections.
Community And Exhibitions
Cheryl is an active member of several artistic communities, including the Clevedon Art Club, The Breakaway Artists, and the East Harptree Artists and Arts Hub. She also regularly exhibits her work throughout the year. Cheryl can be contacted here. She is on Instagram, and this is her website.
JOAN HUDSON, ARTIST: 11th OCTOBER TO 13th DECEMBER 2025
Creative Evolution
Studio 3 is delighted to welcome back acclaimed local artist Joan Hudson, whose bold and expressive canvases have long captured the raw energy of the natural world. Joan trained for her art degree in Bristol as a mature student, but she has been painting, drawing and creating art all her life. In her latest exhibition, Joan moves beyond her familiar landscapes to explore a striking new direction, one that blurs the lines between representation and pure abstraction.
Process And Themes
Inspired by her own prolific body of work, Joan has blurred the boundaries between representation and abstraction, translating the feeling of a place into pure form and colour. She calls the process ‘a collaboration with myself’ — a playful yet profound reflection on artistic growth and self-dialogue.
A New Perspective
This new series is less about depicting a specific coastline and more about evoking the emotional experience of being there. This exhibition challenges viewers to look beyond the literal and find their own connection to the abstracted forms. It’s an invitation to see the world not just with your eyes, but with your intuition.
When co-founders Gail Clarke and Lucy Hepworth set up the Studio 3 gallery in 2019, Joan was an integral part of its creation, but decided, because of Covid, to spend more time with her family. Joan remains a frequent guest artist, and her beautiful cards are still on sale there. Joan can be contacted here. She is also on Instagram.
MARTIN HARMAN, MULTIMEDIA ARTIST: 31st OCTOBER TO 28th NOVEMBER 2025
‘Creating art for me is a journey of discovery of new ideas, places and art creations.’
Artistic Philosophy
Hailing from Bristol, Martin is a multimedia artist with a passion for exploration and curiosity. He channels his creativity into a diverse range of work, including contemporary abstract and surreal ceramic sculptures, paintings, and functional living accessories like tableware.
For Martin, art is a way of breathing in the beauty of self-discovery. It’s a journey that allows him to explore his potential and his desire to keep learning about himself and the world around him. His work often begins with big questions: ‘Have you ever felt there is more to this reality?‘
Inspiration and Reflection
Not far from Martin’s studio lies the ancient monument of Stonehenge, a constant source of inspiration. The towering stones have a way of calling him to question the nature of belief, spirituality, time, space, and the human experience. This fascination, combined with the personal experience of losing family members, shifted his perspective on life. For Martin, art became a powerful way of processing existence, mortality, and the vastness of the unknown.
Media and Style
These deep reflections are what he channels into his art, resulting in pieces that are unique, quirky, and full of vibrant colour. While his work is abstract and surreal, it also offers a hint of depth, reflecting the world we inhabit while also providing a sense of escape. Each piece is a meticulous study of form, colour, and light, crafted with incredible attention to detail.
Martin believes in not limiting himself when it comes to materials. His sculptures are created using a variety of clays, vibrant colours, and glossy glazes. For his paintings, he uses a surprising amalgamation of materials – from newspaper to unconventional household paints – along with colourful, oozing acrylics and reflective varnishes. For Martin, the sky truly is the limit.
Ultimately, Martin’s mission is to create art that transports you to a place of curiosity and imagination. He hopes his work will enhance any space and add value and uniqueness to your home.
Exhibited, Invited, And Collected
Martin is an internationally exhibited artist whose ceramic sculptures have been featured in numerous group and solo exhibitions worldwide, including Italy, France, Germany, China, Australia, and the UK. Some of his notable exhibitions include the Bath Society of Artists’ 114th Annual Open Exhibition in the UK and the 31st Competition of Contemporary Ceramic Art in Italy. Martin has also been invited to participate in prestigious symposiums, such as the International Ceramics Studio in Hungary and the Panevezys International Ceramic Symposium in Lithuania. His work is held in public collections at institutions such as the Ariana Museum in Switzerland and the National Museum of Slovenia, and it has also been acquired by private collectors in the UK and abroad. Here’s Martin talking about his work and this is a link to his website.
WEN-HSI HARMAN, CERAMIC ARTIST: 31st OCTOBER TO 28th NOVEMBER 2025
Cultural Identity In Art
Wen-Hsi Harman is a ceramic artist from Taipei, Taiwan, now based in Somerset. She is also a member of the UNESCO International Academy of Ceramics (IAC) and the Royal Society of Sculptors (MRSS), a testament to her significant contribution to the world of contemporary ceramics.
Her work delves into the feeling of ‘in-betweenness’ that comes from navigating two distinct cultures. Through her art, she gives shape to the constant negotiation of identity between her Taiwanese roots and her life in Britain.
Academic and Creative Practice
Wen-Hsi’s creative practice is deeply informed by her academic background. With a B.A. in Chinese Literature, an M.A. in the History of Chinese Art, and a Ph.D. in Ceramics, she possesses a unique blend of intellectual rigour and hands-on skill. This powerful combination enables her to explore the big ideas of cultural translation and belonging through a thoughtful and personal lens.
For Wen-Hsi, clay is more than just a medium – it’s a language. She uses it to translate the invisible tensions of her lived experience into tangible sculptural forms. She often weaves personal memories and cultural symbols into her work, giving her pieces a profound sense of history and emotion. She intentionally chooses porcelain, a material revered in both Eastern and Western traditions, to underscore her cross-cultural dialogue.
Symbolism and Recognition
Look closely at her pieces, and you’ll find repeated motifs like delicate porcelain petals or fragments of text, which speak to themes of fragility and resilience. Each work is a testament to the complexity of navigating two worlds, capturing the subtle beauty and quiet strength that exist in the space between.
Exhibition
Wen-Hsi’s art has been showcased around the world, with exhibitions in the UK, Taiwan, Germany, and Australia. Recent exhibitions include: Siegburg City Museum, Siegburg, Germany (2024).The Ceramic Museum (Museo della Ceramica), Castellamonte, Italy (2024).The Museum of Ceramics, Episcopio Castle, Grottaglie, Italy (2023) Panevėžys City Art Gallery, Panevėžys, Lithuania (2023).International Ceramics Museum Foundation of Faenza, Italy (2022).The Compass Centre, Bristol, UK (2017) New Taipei City Yingge Ceramics Museum, Taiwan (2016) The Ceramic Foundation, South Korea (2015) Wen-Hsi can be contacted here, and this is her website.
LIANE STEVENSON ARTIST: 7th SEPTEMBER TO 28th OCTOBER 2025
Creative Background
Liane is a versatile artist with a deep connection to both the urban and rural landscapes. After studying Fine Art at Bristol Polytechnic in the 1980s, she embarked on a career that has explored a diverse range of media.
Media and Technique
While Liane’s primary focus lies in collage and mixed media, which she uses to capture the rhythms and patterns of her subjects, she is also an accomplished artist in charcoal, oils, and acrylics. Liane has also enjoyed experimenting with other disciplines, such as printmaking, noting the contrast between the measured approach of lino and woodcut and the freer qualities of dry-point.
‘Although printmaking is not my usual discipline, I have enjoyed experimenting with the limits imposed by the processes. For example, the contrast of the measured, considered approach required by lino and wood cut, compared with the freer mark-making and linear qualities possible with dry-point.’
Notable Achievements
More recently, Liane has expanded her practice to include portraiture and figure studies. In 2015, her talent in this area was recognised when two of her paintings were selected for the prestigious Royal Society of Portrait Painters annual exhibition.
Liane has a long history of sharing her work with the public, having been featured in numerous solo and mixed exhibitions over the last two decades. She also has a wealth of experience creating custom pieces, having successfully completed around thirty commissions. Liane is always ready to collaborate with clients to bring their vision to life. Liane can be contacted here. She is on Instagram, and this is her website.
CAROL TROCCI UPCYCLED JEWELLERY ARTIST: 15th NOVEMBER TO 10th JANUARY 2026
Art From Upcycled Materials
Carol creates unique upcycled earrings and other pieces that are an exciting mix of old and new. What started as a quest for comfortable, lightweight earrings evolved into a passion for transforming discarded materials. She sees potential in what others might throw away—from plastic bags to cardboard packaging—as long as it’s vibrant and catches her eye.
Creative Vision
Her eclectic and constantly evolving collection is a testament to her creative vision, with each item being truly one-of-a-kind. Her inspiration comes from a love of colours, textures, and ‘found’ objects.
Style and Specialisation
As Carol puts it, her art is born from ‘anything that jumps into my head when I wake up!!’
Carol is passionate about making extremely affordable, humorous, funky, bright, and enormously fun-filled jewellery. Her pieces are totally unique, mixing old with new and upcycling the most random and unusual things. Her extraordinary eclectic collection is always rapidly evolving.
“By upcycling a range of materials and adding beads, I aim to create FUN, FUNKY, and FABULOUS jewellery, wall hangings, and light-catchers.”
All of Carol’s pieces are unique and individual. She will make pieces to order and particularly enjoys creating for weddings—her speciality!
Carol can be contacted here, and she is on Instagram.
PAUL O’DONNELL, WOOD CARVER HAND-CRAFTED MIRRORS 8th OCTOBER TO 12th NOVEMBER 2025
Artistic Background
While he and his partner, Renate, are widely known for their work as Wood n Things, Paul is currently exhibiting only his beautiful and unique mirrors. Each mirror is a bespoke masterpiece, its design dictated by the inherent character and availability of the wood. Ranging in size from a petite six inches to an impressive five feet or more, Paul welcomes inquiries for custom dimensions and styles.
The Creative Journey
Their creative journey began in 1979 in Bavaria, Germany, where they first met. Renate was deeply rooted in the local tradition of crafting decorative objects from natural materials, while Paul worked as a cabinetmaker, antique restorer, and musician. Combining their talents, they sold their creations at Christkindl Markets, where their work quickly became a sensation.
Career Highlights
After nearly a decade in Europe, Paul returned to his home in Somerset, with Renate joining him. They immersed themselves in the British craft scene, selling their pieces at local fairs. Paul’s talent was recognised early on, earning him awards for three consecutive years as a member of the British Toymakers Guild, where he was celebrated for his signature interlocking animal families. His work has since expanded to include renowned heirloom pieces, such as the Ark and the Living Oak, which have been featured on the front pages of various magazines.
Current Focus: Mirrors
Five years ago, Paul began crafting his original mirror designs, often incorporating beautiful and rare burr wood. These pieces have quickly become his most sought-after creations, with demand frequently exceeding supply. Each mirror is a testament to his exceptional skill and unique artistic vision. Experience the beauty and craftsmanship of Paul’s mirrors for yourself at Studio 3. Check out Paul’s website here.
MICHAEL HAYTER, ARTIST: 10th SEPTEMBER TO 8th OCTOBER 2025
A Biographical Sketch
Michael Hayter is a painter whose figurative work delves into the human condition through a deeply personal lens. His unique journey began not in an art studio, but in a veterinary practice; he qualified as a veterinary surgeon in 1986. Hayter’s interest in art began during his veterinary studies, and in the 1990s, he pursued a formal education in Fine Art at London Guildhall University.
ARTISTIC THEMES AND INFLUENCES
His art initially served as a way to process his personal experiences with depression. Over time, his work has evolved into a broader exploration of interior worlds, the full spectrum of human experience, and the complex interplay between power and vulnerability. He consistently examines the friction between the individual and society, including the moral and existential challenges that arise at this intersection. His childhood memories serve as a significant and powerful source of material for his art.
A Diverse Creative Practice
While Michael’s primary focus is on painting and drawing, his creative practice is diverse. He has explored various media throughout his career and has recently expanded into animation and sculpture, though painting and drawing remain the core of his work. His art has been featured in exhibitions in cities across the UK, including London, Bristol, and Cambridge, as well as internationally in Bordeaux, France (2015), and Maastricht, Netherlands (2016). He also collaborated with French artist Olivier Specio on the 2015 project, At Last We Fly.
Michael’s work is held in private collections in the UK, France, Belgium, Holland, and the United States. Michael can be contacted here, and he is on Instagram.
HELEN NOCK, ARTIST: 20th SEPTEMBER TO 15th OCTOBER 2025
Early Life And Influences
Helen’s artistic journey is rooted in a lifelong dialogue between imagination and discovery. Growing up in rural and coastal landscapes, she developed a profound connection to nature and a deep appreciation for the resourceful tradition of ‘make-do-and-mend.’ These early experiences instilled in her a practical intelligence and a love for slow, hand-driven technologies, which are reflected in the craftsmanship of her work and her appreciation for ancient, weathered objects.
Artistic Evolution
While she began as a self-taught ceramicist, Helen sought to broaden her creative horizons by earning a BA (Hons) in Fine Art. After several years of teaching, she transitioned to a full-time career as a painter. However, it was an unexpected opportunity that truly forged her path. When her associate, blacksmith Nathan Bennett, offered her training in his forge, she discovered her true medium. The rhythmic, elemental process of working with metal and fire provided the perfect catalyst for her ideas, leading to the creation of furniture and sculptural works.
The Surfaces
Slate, reclaimed from local and Cornish yards, forms the bedrock of Helen’s work. Into and around this material, she weaves ‘found’ objects like sea-worn glass, shipwrecked pottery, and other intriguing items that catch her eye. Decorative and functional features are forged from non-corrosive metals, their designs often inspired by an object’s original purpose or history. She also incorporates stained and handmade Smalti glass for special effects and mosaic sections. Helen sources her materials from a variety of places, including finds from the beautiful southwest coastlines stretching from Portishead to St. Ives.
The substrates and adhesives for Helen’s furniture and sculptures are made from high-quality exterior materials. A repetitive process of sanding and waxing creates an almost unnatural sheen on the slate surfaces, which also repels rainwater for a stunning effect.
Minimum maintenance, such as occasional clear waxing and buffing, protects Helen’s work indefinitely in all weather conditions. For more extreme weather, commercially available slate oil or tile sealants can be used for added protection. The work is incredibly tactile, and hand-waxing offers a satisfying way to connect with it.
The metal bases and armatures are hand-forged by Nathan Bennett from Helen’s designs. The metal is typically galvanised – dipped in molten zinc – to make it rust-proof. Alternatively, ‘weathering’ is a more affordable option, and these pieces can then be painted, oiled, or waxed for protection.
Nathan is a professional blacksmith who specialises in superior-quality, period wrought ironwork. He uses traditional techniques such as hand punching, dovetailing, riveting, and fire welding. His background also includes industrial and architectural metal fabrication. Nathan has an outstanding portfolio of private, public, and corporate commissions. He is happy to provide images, information, or contact details upon request. Helen can be contacted here or on 07890 247186, and this is her website.
PRINTCLUB WITH PRINT [WORKS] WESTON: 2nd SEPTEMBER TO 2nd NOVEMBER 2025
About The Founders And Company
Print [works] Weston was founded by Claire Sellers and Tracey Stokes, two friends with over twenty years of combined experience as creative arts technicians and teachers. They had a vision of creating a space where they could expand on their own printmaking practice and share their expertise with others through workshops.
In early 2021, they registered as a Community Interest Company (CIC) and began the search for a suitable workshop. They initially secured a small unit at Ivy House Farm Business Centre, where they focused on repurposing and recycling materials to get the space ready on a tight budget.
In September 2022, Print [works] Weston moved to a larger premises at the Balmer Knightcott Industrial Estate. This expansion has enabled them to introduce more specialised equipment and expand their creative offerings. Their goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive space that feels like a second home to their guests.
Claire’s experience includes multiple qualifications in the creative field. She has recently completed a Contemporary Arts Practice Degree in which she specialised in Print. Claire is passionate about printing, including the process of cyanotype. She has had several years of working as a technician internationally within the field of Creative Arts.
Equally passionate is Tracey whose experience in the creative world includes nine years of creative arts training in areas of graphic design, textiles and printing, including, more recently, an MA in Multidisciplinary Printmaking. She is an enthusiastic all-around printmaker who has experience working as a technician and teacher of printmaking in a local secondary school and college for a number of years.
A Welcoming Community
The Print Club is a relaxed, two-hour creative session where printmakers of all levels can come together to connect, share tips, and explore printmaking in good company. Attendees are welcome to work on their own projects or join in a guided print activity. The club is designed to be a supportive community where participants can enjoy the process, learn from one another, and be part of a friendly, creative group.
Materials, conversation, and inspiration are provided for all participants. The club meets on the last Thursday of the month, and work produced by the group will be featured in a two-month-long exhibition at Studio 3 Gallery. This offers an exciting opportunity for participants to showcase their art to a wider audience. You can contact the team here, and this is their website.
ALISON MERRY ARTIST 3rd DECEMBER TO 10th JANUARY 2025
‘Energetically expressively exploring the stuff that makes me happy.’
Inspiration and Background
Alison lives and works in the village of Bisley, Gloucestershire, a location that provides a continuous source of inspiration. The area is defined by its glorious countryside, beautiful stone buildings, and a rich, diverse history. It is also home to a wealth of unique local customs and folklore, which she draws upon to inform and enrich her creative process.
Alison’s background is deeply rooted in archaeology and history. Her professional experience is extensive, encompassing archaeological excavation and draughtsmanship, museum curatorship, research, and the writing of local history. This rich and varied career has given her a profound appreciation for the past and a meticulous eye for detail, both of which are central to her artistic practice.
Artistic Style
Explicitly inspired by the richness and vibrancy of Medieval art, Alison has developed a unique painting style that applies a medieval spin to modern subjects. Her work is a form of visual storytelling and illustration, often drawing on historical styles to create a sense of timelessness. The paintings are deliberate pastiches, but with a crucial twist of her own invention, ensuring that each image feels both original and contemporary. You can contact Alison here and, she is on Instagram.
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 are worth mentioning as they differ from those of 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.
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