As well as a chance to greet familiar faces, Peak District Artisans’ autumn event offers an opportunity to meet some new members...
Considering the beauty of the Peak District, perhaps it’s no surprise that there are many artists and makers finding inspiration here. It’s also good to know that new, talented and innovative artists keep being discovered – developing their businesses and bringing fresh vision and ideas before the public.
At Peak District Artisans forthcoming exhibition on 3rd and 4th November at the Whitworth Centre in Darley Dale, there will be an opportunity to meet six artists exhibiting for the first time with the group...
Alison Wake was commended in this year’s Derbyshire Open Arts and has been featured on Instagram by Tate Britain. She ‘paints with thread and yarn’, creating astonishing landscapes, often using locally sourced, hand-dyed wool. She loves the natural and man-made features which make this area so unique, often drawing on industrial and agricultural features in her work.
As with every creative process, it takes a lot of planning, persistence and patience for Ian Daisley to create his stunning landscape photographs of the Peak District. Ian’s work stands out not only because it looks so good, but it is also produced to a very high standard, using quality materials. As well as stunning limited edition prints, Ian puts together beautifully bound and presented diaries containing over 100 photographs.
The starting point for all Jo Allen’s textile designs is her original artwork. She creates mixed media paintings and intaglio prints, including etchings, collographs and monoprints which are applied to a variety of fine textiles. Amongst the recurring themes in her work are charming little birds, magical gardens and romantic florals.
Sarah Morley’s art shows her passion for colour, energy and texture. Sarah’s interest is in the natural form – in land, sea and sometimes the human figure. She uses palette knives and large brushes to apply oil paint in an expressive, semi-abstract style, occasionally combining it with mixed media or collage. Sarah’s work is increasingly popular and is held in collections in the UK, France and the USA.
Joanna Bunbury creates ceramics inspired by her deep connection with nature – particularly the ebb and flow of nature’s fruition – cones, fruits and seed pods all finding a place in her work. Joanna uses press-moulding, pinching and coil techniques to construct her forms, which are then Raku fired to enhance the surface textures and colours.
The striking colours of flowers, gardens and natural forms are the inspiration for Pam Smart’s paintings. Awarded the Buxton International Festival Award in 2017, and having worked as artist in residence at Buxton Opera House, Pam has a keen eye for detail, particularly when applying her artwork to merchandise.
As a group, Peak District Artisans seeks to encourage local fine artists and designer makers such as these, both through opportunities for group exhibitions and by sharing their passion and expertise for mutual benefit. As Ian commented, ‘I like the fact that the PDA has a selection interview to see you and your work. That process keeps the standard high and adds credibility to the artists within the group.’
With ample parking and wonderful parkland grounds to explore, the Whitworth Centre promises to be an exciting new venue for the PDA Winter Artisan Fair. A fine neo-Gothic building, it will provide a splendid showcase for some of the area’s best professional fine artists, designer makers and contemporary artisans.
The Fair runs from 10am–4pm, 3rd and 4th November at The Whitworth Centre, Station Road, Darley Dale DE4 2EQ
