Meet the artists in their studios

FOR an inspiring and delightful day out, take the once-a-year opportunity to explore the local studios and venues of Bucks artists as they open their doors to the public for Bucks Open Studios across the weeks of June 10 – 25.

This is a great opportunity to learn more about art and crafts in your area, talk to the artists and buy a unique gift for that special person (who might be you!). https://www.bucksopenstudios.org.uk/

Mark Stallwood

Among the local artists taking part is Mark Stallwood who is opening his studio in Chearsley over the weekends 10th/11th, 17th/18th and 24th/25th June. He works in oils specialising in portraiture (animal and human), still life and cameo pictures. Visit Mark’s website: www.imagineoils.co.uk. Find him at Orchard House, Lower Green Lane, Chearsley HP18 0BZ.

Jackie Innes

Another local artist taking part is Jackie Innes who lives in Princes Risborough. Thame.Net editor, Sonja Francis, was lucky enough to be invited along to Jackie’s house recently and try the art of Batik. So she pedalled her way along the Phoenix Trail to meet Jackie for a taster of this ancient art of wax resist fabric decorating – and homemade cake!

Jackie explained: “Batik is an art form originating from the Far East, using wax resistant dying processes and techniques. I love the contrast between the fine lines obtained by the canting (the tools that are used to drip or trickle the melted wax onto the fabric, usually silk) and the more abstract brush strokes and crackle effects achieved with the wax.

“The wonderful part is watching the design emerge from the process of waxing and overdyeing until the final colour and design is revealed when the wax is removed. It’s not always exactly what’s planned or expected, which adds to the fun and therefore each piece is unique.”

The most difficult part for Sonja was having to think in the negative, because unlike painting, you have to imagine where the colour DOESN’T go. She eventually got the hang of using the ‘cantings’ and brushes of different texture, and then came the exciting bit -putting the fabric in a the dye. The coloured powder is mixed with cold, salted water and then in goes the fabric. Once the dye has taken, and the required colour is reached, the fabric is then plunged into boiling water to remove wax, and then plunged into cold water.

‘Silver Birch trees’ (Don’t give up the day job Sonja!)

The final stage is to iron flat your masterpiece – as Jackie’s Thistle design pictured,  and mount the design in a frame.

You can read more about the process and what inspires Jackie’s work HERE

Jackie will be demonstrating at The Tythe Barn, Manor Farm, Haddenham, HP17 8AH, June 17 – 25, 2017, 12-5pm, and her work is currently for sale at fitch & fellows, in Buttermarket, Thame.

Visit: https://www.bucksopenstudios.org.uk/ to discover all the artists and craftspeople taking part in Bucks Open Studios.