Meet the artists

Norfolk Open Studios offers a unique opportunity to meet local artists and find out what inspires them, how they work, and what makes them tick. For a taster of the stories behind the art, here are some short profiles of four of this year’s Open Studios artists.

© Moseley Imagery

009 MARTIN PIGG

My artwork is the result of my love of nature, my understanding of trees and 21 years of learning. Part of my arboriculture training involved operating chainsaws. As soon as I picked one up I was more interested in what I could create rather than what I could cut down, I really enjoyed it. It has been a therapy for me, my escape from the real world. In 2002 I backpacked around New Zealand and fell in love with Maori art and in particular the Maori koru, a beautiful spiral symbol which symbolises new beginnings. It has a strong connection with what I do, as the wood I work with is from trees that have fallen or have died from pests or disease, and I give the tree ‘a new beginning’ as a sculpture. I use an electric chainsaw with a specialised carving bar and chain and now after 21 years my saw has become an extension of my arm. I can literally draw as an artist would draw with a pencil. As well as a chainsaw, I use traditional methods including chisel carving and hand sanding. My studio is an old duck shed where there are always upright sculptures at various stages. There is wood and old wood tools and machinery, and there’s always a layer of sawdust. It’s a mess and I love it!

© Mike Thurlow © Matthew Usher © Mark Ashby

219 PIPPA THURLOW

Every stage of life has its challenges. When I was working I took a part time Access Course in Art and Design at Norwich City College and whilst I had caring responsibilities I went to NUCA (Norwich University College of the Arts, now called Norwich University of the Arts) and gained a degree in Textiles. Being part of those communities was pivotal for me and the skills gained led to opportunities and friendships forever! Mainly I am a tapestry weaver art, nature, form and colour inspired. I am fortunate to have space to hang dyed yarns and make felt outside as well as be a bit untidy inside! I enjoy being part of Norfolk Open studios as it allows me to share what I do with others, encouraging people to have a go themselves, and I get to sell my work. It is good to be part of something Norfolk wide, especially when we have been so Covid isolated, which has made me even more aware of the benefits that creativity can bring to health, wellbeing and education.

119 NIGEL SKINNER

I trained in printmaking at Norwich Art School (now Norwich University College of the Arts), and during my time explored painting, sculpture and photography, often combining all disciplines in the production of my artwork. My underlying theme is transformation or alchemy, combining elements of the physical world with ideas relating to our collective myths and beliefs. I use mainly salvaged and recycled materials and make or refurbish frames, stretchers for canvas, and make paint from earth, dust and ash as well as include found objects. My studio is in The Old Chapel on the former airbase at West Raynham, which is in itself an interesting site to visit. It offers studio space for four artists, and over time it is hoped that more artists will take spaces, with a view to creating a strong artist community. I have taken part in open studios more or less every year since it started. It is the perfect way to engage with the public, they can see my work as well as where it’s created, and talk about my process and ideas.

190 JENNI MURPHY

I have a love of painting and storytelling. I like to create something that has a joyful outlook, sparking happiness and shared memories and my work contains real people and their stories. A recent theme is the Lido and I have spent lots of time sketching at some beautiful spots. The painting process starts back at the studio by priming a piece of panel and transferring a basic sketch onto it. Using highly pigmented acrylics, I layer up my background colours keeping them as vibrant as possible. I limit my colour palette so that everything compliments each other and the people are easy to see with the simplest of markings. My studio is at the top of Muspole Workshops. It’s a white box, splattered with paint, rolls of paper, jars of brushes and inspiration taped up on the walls. As a mum it is vital to me to have a space outside of the house and amongst other creatives. It’s been a few years since I last took part in Norfolk Open Studios. The first few years really helped me feel part of a wider community and helped me sell my work. I’m now also keen to make people feel welcome, for me open studios makes art accessible in an industry that can sometimes feel too exclusive.