Three Skye artists and craftswomen, who forged their friendship organising the Skye and Lochalsh Open Studio Trail, are having an exhibition of new work in Plockton next week. ‘Impressions’ by Laura West, Patricia Shone and Ann Coomber, is being held in the gallery area at Plockton Hall from Tuesday 7 June to Saturday 11 June 2011 and will feature their respective work in bookbinding, ceramics and sculpture.

This is the first time that the friends have exhibited in this way and they are enjoying the collaborative experience. “We’ve often talked about exhibiting together”, said Ann, “and now is a good time for each of us in the development of our work”. 2011 brings big changes and opportunities for the three craftswomen, as each has reached a pivotal point in her career.

After years of building her reputation and business, despite the economic climate, bookbinder Laura West feels she is riding the crest of a wave. “This is a really exciting time for me”, said Laura,”as my work is being recognised by national and international designers seeking fresh and creative solutions to book related elements in their design briefs”. Locally, Laura continues to produce unique books and journals for individuals, and tourist related commissions for hotels and restaurants.

Potter, Patricia Shone, will be showing some newly developed work as well as the raku she is known for. “I built a wood fired kiln in the garden a couple of years ago and fire it to 1260 degrees centigrade with local timber scraps. The flames leave their mark on the pots from this type of firing which compliment the textures in my work”. Patricia also has reasons to be excited about the future as she has been selected to exhibit in the USA at the Philadelphia Museum of Art craft show later this year. “I shall be developing a collection of work based on the Plockton show to take to Philadelphia”

Ann Coomber used to work in handmade paper and papier mache at her open studio, Gramarye Studio, in Achmore. Desperate for a change and an opportunity to stretch herself artistically, she closed the business six years ago and has spent the years since retraining in stone carving. It is only this year that she has started to exhibit work again seriously. “I love the tactile and physical nature of stone carving”, she said. “It’s strange to find relatively late in life, something that so deeply satisfies my need to create”.

The artists think that visitors to ‘Impressions’ will be surprised by both the quality and scope of the work. For them, the exhibition records a moment in time in the creative journey of exploration, innovation and development that excites and drives each one, and also binds them together in friendship.

Contact:

Laura West
T: 01478 613123 E: books@laurawest.com

Patricia Shone
T: 01471 844321 E: studio@patriciashone.co.uk

Ann Coomber
T: 01599 577264 E: jim-n-annie@ancuilionn.co.uk

Source: HI-Arts Craft Development