I have returned from and amazing trip around a few of the islands that make up Indonesia. My visit included Bali, Lombok and Gili Trawangan, plus a brief stay in Jakarta which is on the island of Java. That's four islands out of nearly 2000 - I might have to go back to tackle some more. The weather was hot and the buildings and wildlife were beautiful and very inspiring.
Open Studio events are popping up all over the place, and for an artist they are a great opportunity to meet potential customers and have the chance to chat about our work directly, in a relaxed and casual setting. For the visitor it offers an exciting day of discovering working artist's studios, gaining insight into their working methods, and seeing artwork displayed in a more realistic home-like setting.
I have taken part in North Yorkshire Open Studios for the past two years, and have used the studios at ArtisOn, Masham where I teach workshops. So even though I have done open studios before, this will be the first time I have used my home, and been the only artist on site (previously I have shared with artists Ian Scott Massie, Charlotte Morrison and Josie Beszant) so I am very excited and a little nervous about how it will go. I have transformed the downstairs of the house into an exhibition space and will be demonstrating my work aswell. I also have the cake stand and teapots at the ready so my visitors can enjoy some refreshments while looking round (things always look better after a bit of cake, no?). I even have some brand new cards printed to add to the collection. Now all I need are customers!
If you are interested in visiting my studio, there is a preview this evening (April 4th) from 6pm - 9pm, then I will be open this and next weekend, Saturday 10am - 6pm and Sunday 11am - 5pm. For more information, including artists profiles and a handy map to plan your route, visit the York Open Studios website here.
I hope to see you over the next couple of weeks!
Rosie
