Presence: evocation of a tree spirit…*
(Formerly called “Silent Witness” but I have changed the title due to a copyright issue.)
A new work within the Sculpture Garden at Westbury.
This ancient tree in the garden that surrounds the Jacobean farmhouse at Westbury is known as the “Westbury Butler”. It’s at least 100 years old and probably much older; completely hollow, though still growing and producing fruit.
Many insects, invertebrates, birds and small animals live on, in and under it – including one or two that are extremely rare.
To what myriad changes and events must the tree have borne witness…?
*An intervention, using unfired clay and marbles which will eventually degrade and can be easily removed. No living plant or creature has been harmed during this process!
A First: The Artist Collective @ Westbury is holding a group exhibition “Midsummer” which includes work by virtually all of us! Plus, it’s Bucks Art Weeks Open Studios too…
I will be showing new work in the exhibition (see below) and will be there in person in the Barn Gallery, on Weds 11th between 11am and 1.30pm – happy to talk about my own or the other wonderful paintings, prints, jewellery, and sculpture created by my fellow artists.
Nine of us are also opening our studios as part of Bucks Art Weeks – so if you’re curious to see what I get up to in my studio you are welcome to come and see me! I am in Studio 6, on the ground floor of old part of the main house.
I’ll be there between 11am and 1,30pm on 7th/8th and 13th/14th/15th June. Hope to see you then!
New Exhibition coming up!
Artful Connections 3: Beyond The Surface
Over two days, 28th and 29th September 2024 I will be exhibiting with five other members of Artful Connections in the Barn Gallery at Westbury Arts Centre, MK.
Open Studios Event
Here is an opportunity to come and see what I’ve been making in my studio recently – and to meet some of my fellow members of the Artist Collective @ Westbury. We are opening our studios this coming Fri 14th/Sat 15th/Sun 16th June, 11am – 4pm.
Look forward to seeing you there!
For more info visit www.bucksartweeks.co.uk
New Work on show!
On 16th and 17th September, I will be exhibiting in the Barn Gallery at Westbury Arts centre, MK – along with other members of Artful Connections https://www.instagram.com/artful_connections – as part of the National Heritage Open Days https://www.westburyartscentre.org.uk/events2023
We are a group of artists who have become friends over many years, meeting regularly to share ideas, draw from life, paint outdoors, support and encourage each others’ creativity, put on exhibitions, and very importantly: drink tea and gossip!
The exhibition will be a colourful mix of figurative, abstract and landscape paintings in all kinds of media, as well as some very desirable ceramics…
I will also be opening my studio – which is the original 17th Century kitchen of the ancient house – once again over the same weekend as part of the Heritage Open Days and it’s theme of “Creativity Unwrapped” – so please come and visit!
A New Start!
I have reached a certain point in my life where I no longer have to earn a living in order to survive and continue my practice as an artist. What that means in reality I am about to discover!
I am pulling back from teaching a bit – so no more regular classes – though I will still do the occasional demonstrations and workshops, and I still have a few private students.
So…more time making art!
Open Studios Event
in association with Visual Images Group, Bucks Art Weeks 2022
It’s come round to that time again – and this year I will be able to welcome you into my new studio on the ground floor in the beautiful 17th Century house at Westbury Farm. I am honoured to have taken on what was the kitchen in the 1600’s, with it’s huge inglenook fireplace.
This large, light room has a calm atmosphere and I now have the space to develop my practice, to have models and sitters and to make sculpture again.
Along with 12 fellow members of Artist Collective @ Westbury I will be in situ here to welcome visitors from 11th – 19th June. We also have guest artists The Rookwood Group showing work in the Barn. There will be refreshments (including cake!) and a chance to see and talk to artists at work. Please check the brochure or http://www.bucksartweeks.org.uk for details of individual artist’s opening times.
I am opening my own studio 11th – 19th June between the following times:
Sat 11-5pm
Sun 11-4pm
Weds/Thurs/Fri 10-5pm
I have framed and unframed work for sale in the studio as well as pieces in the exhibition around the house. If you’d like to commission a portrait or other piece, this is a great opportunity to have a good look at some of my work and to talk in person about what you have in mind.
Of course it’s also a chance to come and be nosey! I’m happy to chat about my work, and it’s fine if you’d just like to browse…
Hope to see you in the next few days!
NEW! Solo exhibition:
“TRUE COLOURS”
November 6th – 14th 2021, Westbury Arts Centre, MK. www.westburyartscentre.org.uk/events
Observing colour is an intense experience for me; each variation in hue resonates so that I hear, taste and feel the subtleties. Conversely, sounds, tastes and emotions have colour.
Only fairly recently have I come to realise this is something called “synaesthesia”.
Although my art isn’t about this, this is the way I see – and because I work almost exclusively from life – it adds another layer of meaning, particularly when making portraits and allegorical pieces.
This exhibition brings together a selection of my most vibrant paintings in oils and watercolours:
If you wish to make an appointment to come and view the exhibition during the week, please use the contact page (above right) to get in touch.
I look forward to seeing you there!
Joanna
Interview for Westbury Arts Centre Blog
I was interviewed recently for the Westbury Arts Centre Blog https://www.westburyartscentre.org.uk/post/interview-with-an-artist-joanna-stone
– do please have a read and give us a like!
And the Sun Shone!
Here is a portrait of lovely Emma, made in a friend’s garden on a warm day just as Autumn was making the trees dance…
The picture was made from life in one sitting of approximately 4 hours, – then the background, dress and hair were finished off in the studio from a photograph.
Joanna Stone 