Helen Rhodes – Springtime Open Studio
I popped along to see artist & designer Helen Rhodes in her studio in Rothley, Leicestershire on Sunday afternoon. Helen was holding a Springtime Open Studio in time for Mother’s Day.
I followed the balloons and bunting up the stairs and took a good look at the paintings on display in the lobby. Helen combines lovely naive stylised bird and flower motifs in her work. It’s very decorative and endlessly fascinating with new patterns and shapes to discover and enjoy with each viewing. Her colour palette is rich, restful and engaging.
I passed an open door to see a couple of children gluing and sticking paper and carried on to the studio itself. The room was beautifully laid out with prints, ceramics, cards, textiles, hand knitted owls and smaller items for sale. People were browsing the work, chatting and having tea and eating pretty and tasty shortbread.
My eye was drawn to the ceramic trinket boxes and the porcelain brooches. I’d bought a box and a brooch for Christmas gifts – they were very well received – so I was keen to see the new designs.
I had a lovely time looking around, finding out how Helen makes her original paintings and just seeing her workspace. Helen opens her studio a few times a year so keep an eye out on her website and Facebook page for new dates. Helen will also be at our 2013 Secret Craft Fair & Garden Party on the 15th & 16th June, more news on that soon….
I noticed a drawing Helen had done directly on the wall of her studio, it was a timeline drawn as a plant with branches off it for things she was doing during the year. A wall planner! A lot better looking and far more inspiring than the laminated versions. I took a snap of her diary entry for January when Helen came along to a course at The Refectory Table.
Before I left the result of all the cutting and sticking popped his head round the door – I don’t know if he has a name but he deserved a photo!
You can follow Helen on Twitter @HelenRhodesArt or join her on Facebook.
Take a look at her lovely website where you can see & buy her work www.helenrhodes.com
You’ll find her work at – Sock Gallery Loughborough, Wistow Gallery Leicestershire, Blue Duck Gallery Reading, Touched by Scotland Oyne, Focus Gallery Nottingham.