Peoples Republic of South Devon

The Velwell V Open Up

September 10th, 2008

posted by Cptn

The first tranche of Devon Open Studios is well under way, and one of the goals of the event is to promote and publicise the art and artists from throughout the region, how else would you stumble upon the Velwell V (that’s five to you - and it’s a group of artists not campaigners) nestled in the Totnes countryside.

Velwell is the name of the house - which also doubles as a bed and breakfast, run by landscape artist Val Jones.

You’d expect Val to show her own work, but what drives her to exhibit with the other four artists? Possibly the diversity and the personality of the pieces that she has curated around her living room.

The garden and room is dotted with Verity Newman’s ceramics and sculptures, which manage to capture earthiness within their mythological status - these creatures have a rowdy charm.

Susanne Haines’ work of lead roof tiles styled into bowls and plates have patina a-plenty, and her bound stick figures give a real feeling of the onset of autumn. Of course, the weather helped.

Andrew Coldrey’s bold portraits mix strength of colour with firmness of line so you feel you’re the one being looked at.

There’s an almost Miro-esque surrealism to Siobhan Morrissey’s paintings, but they’re less hectic, more subdued and far calmer than the Catalan’s.

For her own part, Val Jones’ pictures have control over a brooding, often non-figurative landscape and almost whisper to you from the walls.

An exhibition covering the work of five artists can be difficult: there’s no theme running through the work, but there is adventure every step of the way. If you need a little more guidance there’s always one of the artists on hand to help you through. And uncovering your own gems is one of the joys of open studios.

• Trails in North Devon, West Devon and South Hams run until September 14 and those in Exeter, East Devon, Torbay and Teignbridge run between September 13-21. For more information visit the Devon Artist Network site.

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