Newbury's Collective Genius at Basingstoke Creation Space

trish.lee@newburynews.co.uk

Published: 05:00, 27 March 2022

Open Studios artists in West Berkshire and North Hampshire return to open their workspaces and exhibitions - free of charge - from May 7-29 alongside the showcase exhibition INSIGHT 2022 at The Base, Greenham.

They will be happy to talk about their process with visitors. Works are normally for sale, but there is no obligation to buy, the focus is on enjoying your visit. Newburytoday will introduce you to some of the participating artists and makers in the coming weeks - here is our third group - Collective Genius

Collective Genius is a group of nine artists – some already well-known to Newbury – exhibiting in Basingstoke’s Proteus Creation Space. Brought together by Sue Crook, the artists have combined to create an amazingly diverse exhibition that will interest visitors of ranging tastes and ages.

Sue herself is a very talented Newbury textile artist who uses sustainable materials, dyes and natural fibres and is joined by:

• Ross Buckner – brings animals to life through highly detailed drawings using multiple layers of colours, texture and brushwork

• Justine Buckland – creates imaginative work in glass, capturing light in a beautiful way

• Tracey Clarkson – uses photography and mixed media to reveal inspirational elements of everyday objects, nature and our environment

• Claire Jones – inspired by wild landscapes and the underlying geology, now creating beautiful abstract paintings and mixed media collages

• Caroline Moore – with a series of stunning, bold acrylic-on-canvas abstract paintings

• Dermot (aka ‘D’) – has painted a series of intimate animal studies called ‘The Faces of Africa’

• Consuelo Simpson – works intuitively, seeking moments of enchantment in harmony with diverse materials, hoping to connect with the world

• Katy Stevens – known for her highly imaginative Wonderland series, enchanting bees, bugs and botanicals and large painted sculptures such as ‘Moondance’.