About the Artists
Kate Hipkiss — Papercuts — I work with paper, cutting intricate designs by hand to create delicate, complex layers. There are 2 quite different strands to my work which use this technique in different ways to create distinct visual outcomes. The architectural series uses depth and shadows to create 3-D studies of buildings while the geological series explores pattern and colour in the landscape and natural world, particularly focusing on forms which have been shaped within the landscape over time. The exploration of structure and light is a constant that runs through all my work; by exploiting the qualities of cut and layered paper the fall of light becomes central to the work and from these studies the viewer is presented with an image which is open to further scrutiny and questioning.
Janet Cross — Ceramics — Ceramic pots with a textile voice – Pots that look like fabric, hand built in porcelain paper clay, persuaded to interpret the texture and properties of cloth itself; its wrinkles, folds, creases and pleats. Lengths of fabric naturally fall into their own shapes and it is this quality and dynamic momentum that my vessels seek to portray through the use of paper clay; its malleability allowing the clay to assert its independence. My work is functional and decorative, able to be used as a vessel or as a sculptural form within an interior space.
Judith Gussin – Textiles — Originally I trained as a Colour Chemist, dyeing, colouring and setting up quality control procedures in industry. I started to space dye fabrics and embroidery threads for use in my own textiles and eventually produced them on a small commercial scale in Oxfordshire (for 21st C Yarns). My dyed threads and fabrics are used in my own textiles, which often have a strong Indian influence, although the design is sometimes lead by texture and colour especially in my decorated bags. I continue to experiment with making bags using as great a variety of natural materials as possible and also dye scarves in cotton, silk habutai, a silk/metal mixture and a silk/viscose stripe. Recently I have introduced a range of sketch book and note book covers as well as photograph albums. I am a member of the Embroiderers’ Guild, The Oxford Textile Workshop and the Oxfordshire Craft Guild I take commissions for my scarves, bags and embroidered pictures and give talks and teach classes and workshops on Creative Embroidery and Dyeing Techniques.
Alison Morris — Jeweller — My silversmithing work combines clean lines and hammered textures, sometimes introducing beads to complement the silver. I also love to mix silver beads and pendants from all over the world with vibrant semi-precious gemstones, copal, African brass …. My aim is to create a piece of jewellery that is unique, distinctive and eye-catching, inspired by other cultures but mixed with my own style. I particularly love old silver and beads, wondering what the story is behind them and who once wore them as adornment. My silver rings made from antique or vintage teaspoons are a variation on the same theme!
Robyn Hardyman — Ceramics — I throw and turn my vessels on the wheel, using either pure porcelain or porcelain mixed with some stoneware. My bowls and vases are made to be used or simply looked at. The forms I throw are mostly inspired by the classic shapes of oriental ceramics. At the moment I’m exploring glaze colours and textures, and trying to find a variety of surfaces that complement the simplicity of the forms. I enjoy the way pots look when grouped together, the shapes and shadows between the forms, and the relationship between the colours and textures of the glazes. I also enjoy how a good pot feels when weighed in the hand, that sense of balance that tells you when it’s right.
Kate Wilkinson — Jewellery — I trained at Bradford Art College, Loughborough College of Art and Design and finally gained an M.A in Silversmithing and Jewellery from the Royal College of Art in 1996. I set up my studio in the LImehouse, London with the aid of the 1000th Crafts Council Setting Up Grant. My studio is now based at home in Buckinghamshire. I’m a member of the Oxfordshire Craft Guild and a founder member and gallery curator of the Buckinghamshire Craft Guild as well as being directory editor for the Bucks Art Weeks brochure. My work has been featured in magazines, TV and films and I exhibit in several galleries in the area.I have always always been interested in mixed media jewellery and making the non-precious precious. I create interesting surface textures on silver and form the metal into individual repeated units that may vary in size and finish. Combining these units with coloured acrylics, cork or climbing cord and often incorporate the use of semi precious beads, to create largely necklaces and earrings, enjoying making statement pieces whilst supporting these with more wearable everyday jewellery. I am currently working on six unique collections that compliment each other and create a continuing challenge to produce new variations on their themes. Taking inspiration from floral petal structures and the textures of urban decay and geological patterns the pieces are either stylised and crisp or fragmented memories preserved in silver.
Alec Jones — Blacksmith — As a small boy I always loved making things with my hands. This, combined with my love of design and history has created a passion for forged steel, its function and the emotions it can depict through form. Every working day in the forge this passion is rekindled by the flowing nature of the forging process as the steel is pushed and manipulated into the shapes I will it to become. Since completing my diploma in Blacksmithing and Metalwork at Moreton Morrell college I have been bringing this seemingly dead and cold material to life by hammer, heat and hand to create beautiful pieces of art, gifts and functional items for the home.
Heather Power — Glass — I use etching and screen printing to create my images and my work is mainly elements taken from the landscape. Etching with aquatint produces a rich dense black for the silhouetted winter trees. Screen printing enables me to work on both the paper and glass. The images on the layers of glass are fused together in my kiln and then returned to the kiln at a higher temperature to be shaped into dishes, bowls and other functional forms. I graduated from the University of Gloucestershire with a B.A. Hons. in Fine Art. I am a member of Oxford Printmakers.
Philippa Norris — Ceramics — I was a paper conservation student at Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts. More recently I studied ceramics at Oxford and Cherwell Valley College. I have been addicted to the medium ever since. Most of my work is slip cast in porcelain with an emphasis on decoration achieved either by carving leather hard clay or hand painting. The objects divide into two distinct groups, subtle and thoughtful or bold and vibrant. Most items have a functional purpose but my animal models are purely fun and decorative. The subject matter is influenced by nature, my own cat, whippets and Staffordshire china.
Morna Rhys — Printmaking — I started etching about 20 years ago at the Oxford Printmakers. Since my art school days in the early 70’s I had always drawn, and I saw etching as a way of developing my drawings. I loved the effect of colour printed from the bitten line, and I have continued to use colour in my etchings ever since. I like to work from drawings made while out walking in mountains, by the sea, in trees and the Oxfordshire landscape. The drawings give me the perspective, the energy and connection and using photographs fill in the bits I’ve missed. I work on copper, sometimes using 2 plates to create colourful (and sometimes dark) etchings which try to communicate a feeling about the place which inspired the image.
Josephine Malden — Jewellery — As with many designer craft makers my inspiration comes from the natural world around me. But we each see and focus on different aspects which influence our designs. I am constantly delighted by the simplicity as well as the complexity of nature’s design – I love the forms, textures and pattern of our natural environment. Most of my silver jewellery designs have followed three distinct threads – the beautiful shapes of leaves and flowers in the botanical world, an easily accessible world around me, the fascinating forms of insects, particularly beetles, moths and butterflies and the curious world of fossils which were first introduced to me in my childhood by my father at Kimmeridge Bay in Dorset. Since he cracked open the first piece of slate to reveal an ammonite the intrigue has never left. When working I prefer to use the traditional silversmithing techniques, starting with flat silver sheet then hammering, milling or forming it into more organic shapes of leaves, wings or shells. I use recycled or eco silver whenever possible and combine my jewellery with other metals such a copper, brass or gold, along with semiprecious stones, pebbles and even felt, which is a nod to my other interest in felting and textile art.
Cassandra Smith— Textiles — Cassandra is an award-winning textile designer and hand-weaver of richly textured, sustainable textiles and lighting. Her cross-disciplinary approach to design fuses natural materials with an array of fibre craft techniques to create luxurious hand-woven products for fashion and interiors. A graduate of Central Saint Martins and former Cockpit Arts alumni (London), Cassandra began her career after being awarded the Clothworker’s Award in 2012. She now designs and hand-weaves annual collections and bespoke designs for her brand Cassandra Sabo Designs while also running The Oxford Weaving Studio at Makespace Oxford where she teaches weaving workshops and opens the studio to weavers of all ages and abilities.
Jill Cooper — Textiles — Jill studied textile design at Hornsey college of art and this has been influential in the style of her pictures since then. She uses fine fabrics in a painterly fashion with each piece held onto a base of cotton with a tiny invisible stitch. She is influenced by many things – the local landscape, the sea, the houses and canals of Venice but most of all by the people – their relationships with each other and with their surroundings.
Korky Paul — Book illustrator — Korky was born Zimbabwe where he studied Fine Arts at Durban Art School and Film Animation at CalArts, He began in advertising before becoming a children’s Books illustrator. He is best known for illustrating the multi-million selling series, Winnie and Wilbur published in over thirty languages and soon to be a TV series on Channel 5 called ‘Milkshake’. Known only to himself as the 'World's Greatest Portrait Artist – and Dinosaur Drawer'. Korky regularly visits schools promoting his passion for drawing. Winner of Supporter of the Year for Summertown Stars Football Club. Korky lives in Oxford and is a patron of The Art Room.
Jane Peart — Etching — I have always had a love of drawing and previously worked as an illustrator. I completed an etching course at Oxford Printmakers and have been hooked on that medium for the last twenty years. I love the subtlety of line and detail, alongside the strength of tone that can be achieved. This lends itself perfecly to my style. My inspiration comes from both the places I have travelled to and my love of drawing animals and birds. I always try to evoke the atmosphere of the place I am portraying or the character of the animal or bird.
