Artweeks in May 2014

Eynsham's artists will be open again for Artweeks from Saturday 10 May to Sunday 18 May 2014. 

• Tabitha Schenk & Toby Sinclair, 6 Cassington Road - photography
• Jane Tomlinson, 18 Newland Close - paintings 
• Eric White, 28 Mill Street - pastel paintings
• Julia Loken, Myrtle Cottage, Tanner's Lane - watercolours
• Eynsham Arts Group, Bartholomew Rooms, The Square - various artists, various media

Eynsham is waiting for you!

We are open

Eynsham's artists are open for business from 11am to 5pm today! Come along and see our latest wonderful creations. With so much variety of original work on offer and with such warm welcomes from all the artists, we feel sure you'll be delighted with what you find.

Here's where we all are.

Minster Lovell in snow

Minster Lovell in snow - Eric White

Pastels are not an easy medium to master, but Eynsham painter Eric White makes it look as effortless as breathing. His pastel paintings of snow scenes are especially magical. Here he describes a snowbound quest to paint the ruins of Minster Lovell (pictured right).

"Having painted the ruins at Minster Lovell in all weathers I wanted to complete the set by depicting the scene shrouded in snow. So when, a couple of years or so ago, the opportunity arose to set out with sketch book and camera with Oxfordshire in the grip of freezing temperatures and a heavy fall of snow, I headed off west along the A40.

"Snow transforms and somehow enhances everything  with its change of light and softening of edges. Minster Lovell was my final stop along the Windrush valley as I rattled off a few dozen photos and quick sketches. The cold there was intense. The water in my drinking bottle was solid ice.  This would have to be a quick stop as there was only so much daylight left. Mission accomplished, I was back in the car and heading off in the direction of Asthall as I could not see me getting up the hill out of Minster back to the main road, such were the icy conditions. However, I had not foreseen that the road out of Asthall would cause me so many problems too. I made four or five attempts before I was beaten by the ice and had to travel home via Burford.

"The painting that resulted from this little adventure shows that it was all worthwhile in the end; a happy ending to a foray into the icy depths of Oxfordshire in winter."

Eric will be exhibiting on 23 and 24 November at 28 Mill Street, Eynsham, OX29 4JS. 

Hand-drawn map of Oxford

Jane Tomlinson has been mapping again. For nine weeks this summer she abandoned her paints and colourbox to concentrate on drawing her sixth 'portrait' map of Oxford's historic heart.

Jane says: "My maps occupy a quirky hinterland between 'folkish' homespun cartography and artistic endeavour. They a
re entirely subjective, yet you can still use them to navigate your way around a place."


They show not only roads, topography and geographical features, but also history, local characters, individual buildings, activities, nature, famous people, weird facts. 

The original drawing of the map of Oxford will be on public display for the first time in Eynsham on 23 and 24 November at 18 Newland Close, OX29 4LE where copies will be available for sale.

Jane started drawing maps of Oxfordshire villages 3 years ago by accident. She began by doodling a map of Eynsham to help a visitor find her way around. It grew organically into something rather more epic! The villages and towns Jane chooses to draw all have a personal emotional resonance she lives in EYNSHAM, used to live in STANTON HARCOURT (where she still has family) and got married in WOODSTOCK (she still has family there, too.)

Jane calls them her 'love letters' to the places depicted. In recent years she has drawn AVEBURY in Wiltshire and STRATFORD-UPON-AVON where she was born and grew up. The map of Oxford's historic heart concludes the 'love letter' series.

"People have responded to my maps very positively" says Jane. "I think it may be because we are all so used to the dry objectivity of Google maps, satnavs and road atlases that people like to see places interpreted in a different way - in my case with personality and love (and a dash of humour).  Collectively, the maps form the story of my life, but the things I have drawn will chime with everyone."

All six of Jane's maps have recently been acquired by Oxford's Bodleian library which is clearly shown on her Oxford map.

Find out more about all Jane's maps 

Buy a copy of the Oxford map

Gorgeous jewellery from Joanna Ripley

Joanna Ripley will be displaying a wonderful collection of jewellery during the Artweekend in Eynsham. She's created a huge range of bracelets, earrings, necklaces and accessories - from smaller, more modest items to something 'standout'.

Jo says: "Please come and say hello and have a browse."  Preview what she has on offer at www.joannaripley.co.uk

Pictured is a handcarved Serpentine pendant and with freshwater pearl necklace - £80. A perfectly beautiful gift!

Winter birds - greetings cards

Winter birds greetings cards by Jane Tomlinson

Looking for something secular yet festive to send this season? You’ve found it!

These colourful greetings cards, featuring paintings of winter birds by Jane Tomlinson, are available in packs of 10 cards (2 each of 5 designs) during Eynsham's winter Artweeks weekend on 23 and 24 November 2013 at Jane's exhibition at 18 Newland Close. Or you can buy them online right here. There are a number of artists exhibiting in Eynsham that weekend - find out who and where!

Bag a blue bowl bargain

Stoneware bowl by Anthony Abrahams

This lovely stoneware bowl, handmade by Anthony Abrahams, is one of the many items available from the Old Forge Pottery on Newland Street in Eynsham on 23 and 24 November 2013.

The Old Forge doesn't open its doors to visitors very often, but will be open as part of Artweeks in Eynsham that weekend. See who else will be open! 

Anthony took up potting as a hobby in his retirement, never having had time for creative work during his busy career as a doctor. He works in stoneware usually with a mix of glazes. All his pots are functional as well as ornamental, and, he says, "I use at least one every day!" This stoneware bowl with a blue glaze design is a bargain at only £25.

Lou's ceramic lamps

'Winter’s Warm Embrace'

Lou Cox is a new addition to the Old Forge Pottery co-operative in Eynsham. She joined the pottery in May 2013 and is exhibiting her work in Eynsham for the first time during the weekend of 23 and 24 November 2013.

Lou designs and makes ceramics, sculptures and ceramic lamps. She says: "My work is inspired by sculptural shapes within nature and the curves of the body. I work in porcelain and other types of clay which when lit up, create interesting patterns to create a warm and cosy atmosphere."

The sculptural lamp pictured on the left is called Winter’s Warm Embrace and is hand built in porcelain. Lou explains: "This sculpture had many inspirational starting points. I am interested in how birds flock together. I looked at starlings and admired the way they dance with each other at sunset. This is called a murmuration and is one of the most beautiful natural experiences. I love the way the birds glide and swoop in group formation and by uniting together the birds are safe and protected from predators. I was also partly inspired by my grandfather, who introduced me to nature and taught me about the stars and galaxies.

"I create sculptures that offer a full sensory experience. The use of light, warmth and textures can also be enjoyed by a person with visual impairment."

Winter’s Warm Embrace is unique and glows beautifully when lit up; come and see for yourself at The Old Forge Pottery. The piece is for sale for £95. For more information email LouCox.Art@live.co.uk.

Eva Smith ceramics at the Old Forge

Blue and white vase (porcelain paperclay)

Eva Smith is showing her work at the Old Forge pottery in Eynsham during the weekend of 23 and 24 November 2013. She says:

"I became passionate about working with clay and ceramics when I started classes at Sunningwell School of Art 12 years ago - both general pottery and later sculpture classes in clay with live models. I have always enjoyed experimenting with a diverse range of ceramics, letting the creative and instinctive process and the clay lead me to sometimes unexpected results!

Ribbon vase (porcelain paperclay)

"My ceramics range from figurative and abstract sculpture, to more functional but unusual hand-built one-off pieces in porcelain, white stoneware and other clays, to thrown pieces. I love using brightly coloured glazes and a range of finishes, often painting these on the bisque fired pieces.

"When a place was offered in the co-operative Old Forge Pottery in Eynsham, with its historic blacksmith's range, bellows, anvil, tools left intact from 1950s, a few years ago I happily accepted! I now spend a day or two a week around the day job in this creative space alongside the rest of the group who pot there, as well as developing skill and ideas by going to workshops and ceramic events.

"I enjoy sharing my work with those interested and am happy to be contacted in between Artweeks events or Old Forge open days/sales. Some of my ceramics are now also displayed in a gallery in Wallingford."

Blue allium plate (stoneware)

You can contact Eva on 01865 724351.

Eynsham artweekend: November 2013

On Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 November from 11am to 5pm some of Eynsham's artists will be throwing open their doors for you to come and inspect their work.

Unique and original paintings, prints, pottery, jewellery, gifts and cards will all be available for you to buy direct from their creators:

• Adrian Moyes and Sue Raikes - 16 Queen's Lane, Eynsham
• Eric White (pastel paintings) 28 Mill Street, Eynsham, OX29 4JS
• Eynsham Arts Group (painting and other media by various artists) Bartholomew Room, The Square, Eynsham
• Graham Rice (paintings) Upper Studio, Unit 26, Eynsham Park Estate, Cuckoo Lane, North Leigh, Witney, OX29 6PW
• Jane Tomlinson 18 Newland Close, Eynsham, OX29 4LE
• Joanna Ripley (jewellery) 27 Queen Street, Eynsham, OX29 4HH
• The Old Forge Pottery (ceramics) 33A Newland Street, Eynsham

Download and print this PDF map to help you navigate around the village. (Just right click the link > save it > print it!)

Thank you for visiting

Our May 2013 exhibitions are now over - thank you for visiting!

Eynsham's artists open their collective doors again on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 November 2013 for a pre-Christmas show.

See you then!

Arty Eynsham opens its doors TODAY!

'One tree' by Jane Tomlinson

Is Eynsham the arti-est village of them all? We think so! With ten sites featuring the work of more than 30 artists there is so much to see! Make a day of it and see it all.

Parking's easy, most sites are just a stone's throw away from each other, and the Emporium is offering two for one on hot drinks for Artweeks visitors.

Here's a map to help guide you around our lovely village.

C'mon! We're looking forward to meeting you.

UPDATE - Sunday 19th May - shows continue today, many artists are open all week and everyone's open next weekend, 25 and 26 May. 

Meg's fairy stories

Photographer Meg Blacker has been working on  a series of illustrative portraits inspired by literature.

She says: "I've got two themes; Fairy Stories (traditional and modern takes on these) and also Shakespeare!"

This charming photo of sleepy fairy folk in the woods seems to combine both themes in a scene reminiscent of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Meg will be showing her photos at the Crabapple show at 16 Queen's Lane, Eynsham during Artweeks.

From Joanna's Hepburn Collection

Eynsham jeweller Joanna Ripley has been very busy sourcing new stones and designing them into a range of sparkly new pieces.

Pictured is a green quartz pendant necklace on a long gold chain. It is part of her Hepburn Collection which was designed in homage to Joanna's two great style heroines: Katherine and Audrey.

See more of Joanna's beautiful Hepburn Collection online, or better still visit her at 27 Queen Street, Eynsham, OX29 4HH, during Artweeks. She'll be open on 18, 19, 25 and 26 May from 12noon until 6pm.

Colours at Crabapple

Crabapple is a collective of artists who are exhibiting together at 16 Queen's Lane, Eynsham during Artweeks 2013. At Crabapple there is something for everyone to enjoy - jewellery, paintings, pottery and photography.
Majorie Ottley has been taking a series of strikingly colourful photographs to create abstract images.

"This is one from a series of photographs using a macro lens and coloured paper. This is a new direction for me," says Majorie.  

Alice returns to Eynsham's artistic wonderland

Alice Walker is making a welcome return to exhibiting in Eynsham for Artweeks 2013. 

Alice uses all kinds of media: oils, pencils and pastels, layers of tissue, collage and metal leaf. She uses intricately hand cut stencils to repeat motifs as she explores an idea in a series of works.

To see more of Alice's work check out her website.

Long grass at White Horse Hill

White Horse Hill is a place that artist Jane Tomlinson returns to as a subject time and time again.

"I love the shapes in the landscape, I love the way you can see for miles and I love the grasses up there."

White Horse Hill is the highest point in Oxfordshire at 801feet and "it really does feel like you're on roof of the county" says Jane.

'Long grass at White Horse Hill' - 80cm x 40cm - acrylic on canvas - £295.

Photography, paintings and penguins!

Tabitha Schenk and Christopher Schenk will be showing their photographs and Mary Field her paintings at 6 Cassington Road, Eynsham, during Artweeks.

Christopher Schenk spotted this magnificent King Penguin at Bluff Cove in the Falkland Islands last year.

Christopher's daughter Tabitha is also a photographer. Here are some yellow rhododendrons Tabitha saw closer to home at Harcourt Arborteum.

She says: "By zooming in on the flowers I was able to pick up extra details of colours and shadows that may be missed when looking at the plants as a whole. "

Tabitha and Christopher are joined in their exhibition by painter Mary Field. In this painting of autumn birches near Freeland, Mary's caught the pink light of late afternoon beautifully.

Lorna at the best shop in the world

During Artweeks, Lorna Marrison will be exhibiting her paintings at Evenlode DIY, an old-fashioned hardware store on the High Street in Eynsham. Lorna has chosen the shop as not only her venue but also her inspiration. Helpful staff, lots of useful things to buy, friendly local characters and great supporters of local artists; the shop is an attraction in its own right, made even more worth a visit with the addition of Lorna's creations.

Fellow Eynsham artist Jane Tomlinson, dubbed it "probably the best shop in the world" on her recent hand-drawn map of village  - and the name has stuck.

Check out Lorna's carefully-drawn, detailed paintings and drawings. They're delightful.

Artweeks 2013 artists announced!

We'd like to announce the line up of Eynsham artists showing in Artweeks 2013, from 18 to 26 May.

'Where the red kites fly'

• Alice Walker - paintings, drawings and printmaking
• Crabapple - various media by seven artists: Marjorie Ottley, Meg Blacker, Rose Hallam, Adrian Moyes, Sue Raikes, Tamsin Taylor, Andrea McLintick
• Eric White - pastel paintings
• Graham Rice - paintings
• Graham George - WITHDRAWN FROM SHOW
• Hannah Jago - textiles  
• Jane Tomlinson - paintings
• Joanna Ripley -jewellery 
• Lorna Marrison - paintings
• Tabitha Schenk, Christopher Schenk and Mary Field - photography.

And the Eynsham Arts Group, although not part of the Artweeks festival, will simultaneously be holding their spring exhibition of paintings and other media by various artists.

We are very pleased to see painter Alice Walker exhibiting in the village again after a long break.