Chichester’s Oxmarket Contemporary

Mixed media artists, sculptors and printmakers all feature as Artisan Gallery Collective offers Where the Sky Meets Earth at Chichester’s Oxmarket Contemporary from November 10-22.

Spokeswoman Jacqueline Lowe said: “We have seven mixed media artists, sculptors and printmakers taking part in the exhibition, each working with a diverse range of materials and techniques.

“Min Maude is a mixed media painter based in Chichester. Inspired by travel and landscape, she creates bold and thought-provoking large-scale works using acrylics, collage and mixed media. Min has exhibited extensively throughout West Sussex.

“Deborah Hochreutener is a sculptor and painter based in Emsworth. Inspired by birds, their movement, and their sense of freedom, she uses industrial materials such as wire and metal to create expressive natural forms. Deborah also interprets the landscapes and seascapes of the south coast through dynamic abstract paintings using acrylic and collage.

“Andrea Martin is an artist and sculptor based in Rowlands Castle. Inspired by nature, she creates detailed hand-built clay sculptures of animals. Andrea also produces intricate pen illustrations and paintings on canvas.

“Mim McCann is a ceramicist and artist based in West Sussex. Inspired by nature and the human body, she creates sculptural forms that are both conceptual and evocative. Mim is also known for her detailed typographical illustrations.

“Sarah MacLaughlin is a decorative artist whose work is inspired by the folk painting traditions of the Bloomsbury Group. She interprets the natural world through hand-painted functional items for the home, using warm, vibrant colours. Sarah believes in transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary.

“Wendy Middleditch is a printmaker based in Chichester who is inspired by the quiet beauty of Sussex landscapes and wildlife. A skilled woodblock engraver, printer, and illustrator, she produces timeless images that highlight her meticulous craftsmanship.

“Marie Monro is a mixed media artist based in Chichester. Her work incorporates collage, drawing, paper cutting, printmaking and pattern design. Marie's practice draws upon poetry, asemic writing, symbolism, imagination, and the natural world.”

Two ceramicists will be taking part in the exhibition, working with fine porcelain, raku and unglazed clay.

“Claudi Barratt is a ceramicist based on Hayling Island whose work is inspired by the sea, the shoreline and local wildlife. She particularly enjoys working with raku, embracing the unpredictability and unique effects of the firing process.

“Heather Muir is a ceramicist based in Chichester. She specialises in hand-thrown porcelain vessels with beautifully smooth surfaces. Heather enhances these natural materials with her own subtle, calming glazes inspired by the colours of the landscape.”

Finally, three jewellers will be exhibiting their work. Some are inspired by British flora and fauna, creating beautifully intricate pieces, while others explore techniques such as oxidation to interpret the textures and patterns found in nature.

“Moira Cooper is a jeweller based in Chichester. She explores chainmaille techniques using anodised aluminium to create bold, lightweight designs that combine movement, colour and form.

“Katherine Lawrie is a jeweller whose work is inspired by the flora, fauna and wildlife of the South Downs. She interprets the changing seasons through colour and texture, using gold, silver and silver vermeil enriched with precious-coloured cabochons and beads.

“Sylvia Tomkinson is a jeweller based in East Hampshire who explores the creative possibilities of natural materials, including titanium, silver, and gold, combined with semi-precious stones. She interprets the world around her through distinctive designs rich in colour and texture, employing techniques such as oxidation, anodising, heat treatment, piercing, and reticulation.”