THE MARSHES

2 April to 25 June 2016 with a preview opening on 1 April from 6 - 8 pm

A rich and diverse habitat of tranquil activity captured in landscape and detail

Reclaimed land, largely created by longshore drift and in particular the winter storms of 1287, the area from Rye to

Hythe is sandwiched between the English Channel and the Royal Military Canal. Famous for the Romney Marsh

Sheep, this mix of rich agricultural land, saltmarshes, shingle beaches and freshwater tributaries is a haven for

wildlife, an important resting place for migrating winter birds.

Marshes stretch along Britain’s East Coast and these diverse habitats are home to many wildlife artists as well as

the nesting birds. Sketching from life brings a spontaneity, enabling the artist to identify not just the markings and

shape, but also the posture and pose.

Such landscapes are rarely still and yet have a tranquility that captivates the painter: draw close to admire the marks

expressing the wind in the reeds and gently flowing waters; stand back to experience the atmosphere, the wide open

skies and the misty moody levels. Romney Marsh, Faversham Creek, the Fens and rural Northumberland have all

supplied inspiration.

Ceramics have been chosen for their serenity and skill, to complement the landscape, belying that final moment that

is so exciting to a ceramic artist, the balance between control and the magic of fire. Whether through softness and

luminosity created by the gentle fusing and shifting of glazes or the fierce smoky smelly salt firing requiring constant,

close attention over a 39 hour period. There is a long process of observation, hand building, incising, burnishing,

each type of clay reacting to the heat, oxides and glazes in a unique way, each artist choosing and understanding

their level of influence.

Jewellers are once again becoming more adventurous with observation and design featuring strongly. Traditional

precious metals and stone are supplemented with crystalline forms, copper, ceramics, resin, perspex and rubber.

A mixed show including:

Amanda Averillo, Darren Woodhead, Janet Dickson, Kate Penoyre, Paul Fowler, Robert Greenhalf, Stephen Duffy,

Elaine Bolt, Jillian Riley, Linda Warrick, Lucy Large, Rowena Brown, Sarah Walton, Sian Patterson, Tessa Wolfe

Murray, Carys Davies, Daphne Carnegy, Elizabeth Renton, Julia Smith, Ros Perton, Laura Bennett, Kate Gilliland,

Morna Darling, Quercus Silver and Seed.

ABOUT ARTICHOKE GALLERY

On the eastern edge of Sussex, surrounded by beautiful countryside, Artichoke Gallery is in the heart of Ticehurst, a

wealden village with an eclectic selection of small creative businesses. In addition to featuring the work of artist/

owners Vicki Atkinson, Liz Moys and Louisa Crispin, there are quarterly exhibitions of painting, sculpture, ceramics

and jewellery from some of the leading artists and makers in the country.

The Gallery has a spacious, relaxed atmosphere to show off the contemporary delights on offer, ideal for sourcing

that extra special present from highly skilled artisans, check out the website for a taster but better still, pop in for a

sensory treat

"The Marshes" from 2 April to 25 June 2016

Artichoke Gallery, Church Street, Ticehurst TN5 7AE

Open Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am to 4.30pm

w: www.artichokegallery.co.uk

t: 01580 200905

e: artichokegallery@gmail.com

Contact: Louisa Crispin (m:07708148413), Vicki Atkinson and Liz Moys

Janet Dixon

Kate Penoyre

Robert Greenhalf

For more images contact Louisa Crispin on 07708148413

or visit www.artichokegallery.co.uk/press-pack-0416.html

Amanda Averillo