Diary: Our guide to Cambridge Open Studios Follow the bright yellow flags dotted around the region next month to discover a feast of talented artists taking part in Cambridge Open Studios. Here’s five of our favourites. . .
There’s a chance to peek inside 231 studio spaces at this year’s event, as 378 artists – spanning painters, jewellers, sculptors, photographers and furniture makers - showcase their skills. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover hidden locations and meet the artistic masterminds in their natural habitats over four weekends in July.
Gabriella del Valle, jeweller and Chair of Cambridge Open Studios, says: “Everyone is welcome at this exciting and enjoyable celebration of creativity. Whether you're an art enthusiast or just casually interested in art, you can talk directly to artists, watch demonstrations, and even be inspired to buy something for your own home.
Plus, because the event is completely free to visit, even if it takes place in a gallery, there's no pressure to buy anything. Everyone will receive a warm arty welcome!”
A printed guide, with a map and listings, will be available in libraries, tourist information sites and some Cambridgeshire cafes, and the Cambridge Open Studios App will also provide venue information and full artist details.
Cambridge Open Studios takes place July 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, and 23-24. Find out more at cambridgeopenstudios.co.uk
Artist: Jui Yu Sun (Ebu)
Specialism: Contemporary oil paintings on canvas
About: Incredible stories and legends come to life in Ebu Estandar’s (Chinese name Jui Yu Sun) striking paintings. Born into the Bunun tribe, she grew up in a small village in the mountains of Taiwan before heading to college to study interior design. “I get inspiration from my aboriginal tribal culture, myths, traditions and surrounding nature. Also, from my surroundings when living and travelling in different countries, such as Mexico and the UK,” she explains.
Where: 14 Market Lane, Linton, CB21 4HU
When: All four weekends
More at: ebuart.com
Artist: Tom Gaskell (Limned Glass)
Specialism: Hand-made fused and kiln-cast glass
About: Tom’s vibrant pieces are created from thin sheets of coloured glass, glass powders and granules, which he designs and shapes before melting in a kiln to form bowls, dishes, vases, plaques, ornaments and glass jewellery.“I particularly enjoy reproducing and interpreting natural scenes in glass and taking natural materials – such as leaves – and turning them into glass pieces,” explains Tom, who has an engineering background. “I love to experiment and try new things.” Tom will be demonstrating his techniques for visitors during his Open Studios weekends.
Where: 18 Kingfisher Walk, Linton, Cambridge CB21 4UA (just down the footpath adjacent to 54, The Woodlands)
When: 9-10, 16-17 July
More at: limned.glass
Artist: Mary Hinde
Specialism: Elegant handmade jewellery
About: Mary trained in silversmithing and jewellery making at the Sir John Cass School of Art & Design in London. She loves incorporating gems and semi-precious stones into her pieces, though Mary’s special area of interest is pearls. “I’ve been working with pearls for more than 25 years,” she explains. “They’re timeless and above all beautiful. I love to combine them with gemstone beads, silver and gold. I also offer a fully guaranteed restringing service.” Mary’s inspiration comes from historical research and interest in how we project ourselves through our adornments.
Where: The Pitt Building, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1RP
When: 2-3, 9-10 July
More at: quitecontraryjewellery.co.uk
Artist: Phil Cope
Specialism: Finely finished sculpture combining carved wood and stone
About: Initially studying photography and painting, Phil was inspired to take up sculpture after an encounter with a chisel and a block of ice on holiday in Sweden! He learnt woodcarving at the Violin Workshop in Hartington Grove, and now carves stone, using a practice that combines carving different materials with assemblage. He also volunteers for Rowan, the arts charity for adults with learning disabilities. Predominantly abstract, Phil’s sculptures are inspired by the human form, and life drawing is a vital component. In November 2021, his work was selected for London’s Mall Galleries’ ING Discerning Eye exhibition and awarded the regional prize for East Anglia.
Where: The Pitt Building, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1RP
When: 9-10 July
More at: philcope.org.uk
Artist: Amanda Earlem
Specialism: Vibrant paintings
About: Describing herself as ‘a colour addicted artist’ Amanda paints in acrylic, mixed media and watercolour, using a vibrant palette. Asked what inspires her eye-catching paintings, she says: “The atmosphere of a place, a plant bursting through a wall, people chatting at the market. I love bright colours and playing them against each other! “My current interests are street scenes in Morocco on the one hand, and pure abstract on the other. I also enjoy portraits in watercolour,” she explains. Amanda will be opening up her home studio, so there will be paintings on the wall, prints and originals for sale plus sketchbooks to browse.
Where: Venue 96, 14, Wrens Close, Ely, CB6 3EQ
When: 2-3, 9-10 July
More at: placelifecolour.com
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Louise Cummings