Each September, the Herefordshire countryside abounds with the familiar pink signs directing people to the open studios, galleries and other venues hosting hundreds of local artists. Some people travel from far afield, while others are more local but are taking the opportunity to explore and experience the richness and variety of art being exhibited.
This year, I have the pleasure of being at St Michael’s Tenbury, a beautiful Victorian church originally built as a choir school. It is a lovely peaceful setting, with soaring ceilings and richly coloured stained glass windows. The venue is hosting 13 different artists, and I am enjoying spending time with fellow craftspeople including woodworkers, ceramicists, jewellers, painters and printmakers. This year, as well as handwoven items, I have produced a range of botanical ecoprinted lampshades. The hot, dry summer has led to trees shedding their leaves earlier than usual, and I have enjoyed foraging in my garden for beautiful leaves. The illuminated lampshades are a lovely way to really show the delicate leaf structures. I have really enjoyed making them and explaining the processes to the many visitors interested in how the prints have been obtained.
Jane Stockley 