Once a year makers all over the county open up their studios to the public. Its a rare and precious opportunity to seeing all kinds of craftspeople – potters, jewellers and painters at work and buy straight from them.

I try and fill my life with what makes me happy – my friends, walking, writing, photography and learning something new. I want to spend my time doing as much of what I love as possible and I have to admit not having the responsibility of children allows me to do that freely!

Art (beautiful things) is also one of my loves.

Today I visited the Open Studios event at the Krowji Creative Space in Redruth.

For years I have seen the bright orange O’s in the hedgerows, not really realising what it signifies (that there is a maker nearby you can visit) but I learnt that at Krowji you visit about 50 craftspeople all in one place, without the hassle and extra cost of driving about the countryside.

I have to say I have had a really wonderful day. So many beautiful and inventive things to see it is really hard to pick which ones to talk about but these are my highlights! I particularly enjoyed the bright and bold screenprints of Paul Bawden especially when he let me have a good myself! So much fun and such a lovely man!

I was also particularly stuck by the oil paintings of Jon Doran! His use of light is amazing! I couldn’t stop looking at his pictures. Stunning!

And then I stumbled upon the delightful work of Clare Summerton. She produces art inspired by the Cornish landscape (and feathers!) and is working on a project creating pieces responding to a significant location.  You suggest the location and receive a small piece of art in return, if you would like to get involved you can just email her, find her information here.

The whimsical animal etchings of Esther Connon made me wish I had a lot more money to spend! Her gorgeous pictures tell funny and heartwarming stories. She produces wonderful little handmade books too such as Florence Flies Away, Night Night Lily and Little Things With Wings. I would have loved to have had one of her prints but sadly being a student means I only came home with this card below entitled “Hello”.

I did manage to part with a few pounds at Sinead O’Connor Silver! She and her daughter produce really stylish, modern jewellery, some enamelled. I bought myself these individually crafted stacking rings. (£5 each or 4 for £15).

Art doesn’t have to break the bank especially when you can buy it without the middle man, right from the hands that made it! And it was also so wonderful to see all these people who are usual hidden away but create such a beautiful world for us all! Thank you Krowji and all the makers who opened their doors today!

Open Studios runs from 25th May – 2th June 2019. Go out there and celebrate our wonderful craftspeople! And fill your life with beautiful things!

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