The Art Exhibition is open all this weekend, from 11.00am – 5.00pm Free entry. Teas, Coffees Cake available. You will be able to meet artists. The organisers could not have asked for a better kick-off. The Art Exhibition Preview was very well attended and everyone agreed the standard of work on show is exceptional. The event also marked the launch of the project to create an arts festival in August 2024 and again those attending showed a great interest, with many wanting immediately to sign up as Friends of the Festival to demonstrate their support. Don’t miss this unique event.
Frankie Geeson
Frances Geesin trained in painting and woven textiles and was later fascinated by materials and natural forms. Her journey has encompassed a diverse variety of challenges: as a designer and colourist in industry and making knitted costumes for the media. After gaining her Doctorate in 1995, her research into conductive fibres and materials were incorporated by Philips for their wearable electronics. With her partner Ron Geesin they made three interactive sound and light textile panels for the Science Museum. She electroplates textiles and natural forms and has exhibited and lectured in the UK, Europe and, most memorably, in Japan.
Jill Knight, Springwood Ceramics
In order to complete a City & Guilds Decorative Paint Effects course I had to produce 10 working designs. I was about half way through and running out of ideas. Thankfully, a ceramics tutor suggested that I joined her class. I fell in love with clay and have been “mud spinning” ever since. I’m lucky enough to have my pottery studio in the garden and can produce all of my work from there. I make brightly coloured earthenware ceramics, using white clay and decorating with underglazes. Everything from dominoes and vases, to bowls, mugs and garlic graters.
Jill Levick
Aged 10, I spent Saturdays in the Tate Gallery while my father worked along Millbank.
1957 – I attended Kingston School of Art to study drawing (anatomy, perspective and life), Sculpture, Ceramics and Painting.
1961 – I gained an N.D.D. sculpture (special) and a British Institute Fund award.
1962 – an Art Teacher’s Certificate, Brighton.
I have taught in Eastbourne and Lewes, and have exhibited in London and at the Towner Eastbourne.
For a time I had my own studio, in the upper floor of a barn, kindly offered by Mr & Mrs Osborne of Warbleton. Later, in Buxted and then Bath, I combined decorative painting, gilding and murals with easel painting.
In 2000 I ‘retired’ (with paints) to a narrow boat for 10 years, then to Hastings and thence to Osborne House in Rushlake Green.
Ann Lisney
Ann enjoys the hands-on experience of pastels, using them to create her pictures. Her subjects are landscapes – usually featuring big skies or uncertain weather conditions – and portraits of animals or humans. She usually works from photographs, from a shared studio in Heathfield.
Jazz the Alchemist – Fused Glass ArtistJazz Dixon has always been creative and has many years’ experience designing and teaching crafts. In 2011 Jazz embarked on formal art training, completing her BA hons Designer Maker at The University of Brighton in 2016, where she specialised in glass. She has exhibited widely within the UK and is represented in several galleries and shops. Her work is inspired by the very nature of glass. It is hard but soft, strong but fragile. The intensity of colour and the way light plays with the material. Further inspiration comes from the natural world, and the stunning Sussex landscape. www.jazzthealchemist.co.uk
Jo Hudson
When I was small, no more than 6 or 7, I found a book in my grandmother’s house showing paintings by Albrecht Durer. I was spellbound. His paintings of “The Young Hare“ (1502) and “The Large Turf” (1503) were such wonderful creations in watercolour. For me they were the beginning, the inspiration that is always at the heart of my painting. I have since become obsessed, bewitched and enchanted with watercolour. When I made the decision to become a full-time artist I chose to specialise in watercolour. It is an enduring challenge which, one day, perhaps, I will master to my satisfaction but the journey is an exciting one and I shall happily continue.
Richard Pert
Richard’s passion for art comes from his Architectural background and evolved further during his 10 years living in Crete. He paints in watercolour, acrylic and mixed media. His subjects are primarily from his imagination and are sometimes experimental. He is based in Heathfield.
Mark Austin
Born, brought up and living in The High Weald for most of his life, Mark uses not only the natural materials he was surrounded with as his tools, materials and inspiration, but also the stunning Sussex landscape which is reflected in his work. From a third generation of artists and artisans, Mark uses his 25 years’ experience in the construction industry to develop his art works, which include reclaimed wood sculptures, photographs, drawings and paintings. Predominantly self-taught, Mark has developed his skills through engaging in art classes and collaboration with other local artists. Mark’s artistic viewpoint is to capture unique moments in nature, forever in wood, photographs and paintings, and hopes to make the transition from corporate life to full time professional artist by the age of 50.