Its lovely to not only see the art but also meet and talk to the five artists and makers showing over 100 works here during April. You may also get to see them at work. We always display statements by the artists about their work. Here is an introductory extract for each of the five from April.
Debra Wenlock (painter and printmaker)
– Born in Rugby (1965)
Abstract art became Debra’s obsession and a distraction during lockdown. Since then, returning to Rugby, after nearly three decades in Ireland, has intensified my determination to paint from within and follow my heart.
Current paintings, mostly in acrylic,
mixed media and collage, are an intuitive collection of memories and
places, of feelings and thought patterns. Decorative elements from my
textile design past have begun weaving their way into my art.
Helen Button (painter and ceramicist) – Helen is a painter and ceramic artist, living and working in the Midlands, UK. Her expressionistic style is concerned with capturing colour, textures and line to create harmony.
Helen was one of the early members of Rugby Artists and Makers Network and displayed work in the first ever show by the network (in a pop up in the old Thorntons’ shop in Dec 2022).
Jane Tilley (2D and 3D wirework)
I have been investigating wire and its boundless possibilities for 12 years now. Over these years I have created sculptures on a huge range of subjects, from wire drawings to three dimensional pieces. Wires have a variety of characteristics including appearance, hardness, flexibility, and corrosion resistance in addition to their distinct aesthetic differences.
My favourite wire is copper because of its quality, colour and flexibility. Iron wire comes a close second in 0.5mm thickness, I call it my fine liner due to its ability to create small detailing, but when weaved and twisted together can form amazing large scale three dimensional sculptures with the look of being drawn in the air.
Jane Archer (watercolour artist) –
While teaching in France I discovered the joys of watercolour at an evening class. Mastering these slippery pigments quickly became a lifelong aim, coupled with the joy of learning to embrace the happy accidents that emerge unbidden.
Many of my paintings celebrate the beauty of flowers, and lately I have been exploring the depth and structure of familiar blooms, delving deep to reveal unexpected colours and
complex shapes.
Peter Martin (all sorts of media) –
Peter carves stone and wood and plaster. He also works with lead and copper sheet and wire. In this exhibition you will see some of his leaded glass panels. Other work includes prints from wood, lino and metal, also models in clay and plaster.
He is an avid keeper of sketchbooks which respond to travel, observation and study. Serious interests in archaeology and caving are reflected in his work. Peter lives in Daventry and will be showing more of his work in September at the Alex as part of Northampton and Rutland Open Studios.
