East Ilsley nurse ‘passionate about painting people and places’
Sunrise Studio, on the outskirts of the village of East Ilsley, right in the heart of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is opening its door to visitors during this year’s Open Studios WBNH. In fact back in the day it is the house I spent my teenage years in when it was tied to the IRAD.
It is now the workspace of Jill Hobbs, an acrylic and oils artist who specialises in vibrant portraits and landscapes while also working as a nurse.
Jill is passionate about people and places and our relationship with the natural world. She takes commissions all year round and is now in her second year of Open Studios.
Sharing the space is Katy Morris AKA Morfydd, who is joining Open Studios’ for the first time with her ceramic creations inspired by mermaids and the world around us.
Katy uses nature and fabrics to carefully hand-build and incorporate pattern into her work. Katy and Jill met some years ago at the local toddlers group and found a shared passion for art and creating, they have encouraged each other to grow along the path to becoming artists.
The artists are keen to welcome visitors: “Pop along in May for a visit, the studio will be open every day from 10am to 4pm and is right by the main walking routes to the Ridgeway with stunning views and easy walking distance to the two local pubs.”
Open Studios runs from May 6-29. Alongside the open studios the showcase exhibition - INSIGHT 2023 - takes place at The Base, Greenham.
For full details, visit the Open Studios website www.open-studios.org.uk
The Open Studios brochure is available from the Corn Exchange, Newbury library and other arts venues in the area.