The Mole had been working very hard all the morning, spring- cleaning his little home. First with brooms, then with dusters; then on ladders and steps and chairs, with a brush and a pail of whitewash; till he had dust in his throat and eyes, and splashes of whitewash all over his black fur.’ The Wind in The Willows, Kenneth Graham (1908).
Sarah Hamilton – ‘Fossil Holiday’
Mole cleaning in anticipation of summer always comes to my mind at this time of year, as we again prepare for Artists Open House – Matt Emulsion being our whitewash! For two glorious weekends in May over 200 Artists open their doors to welcome friends, family and members of the public to enjoy an exclusive viewing of their work and see how and where it’s made. The event is part of the annual Dulwich Festival, excellently organised Rachel Gluyas and Liz Boyd is extremely popular and generously supported by the local community, with many businesses offering their help by stocking brochures, putting up posters or sponsoring the event signs.
I’ve been an Artist and Designer for many years, and have taken part in numerous exhibitions, both in The UK and abroad but this is, by far, my favourite event. Judging by the amount of people we see over the weekend (some of us choose to only open for the first weekend) it’s very popular with our visitors too. My home and studio is, similar to many Artists, a reflection of my interests in Art, Design and Architecture and it’s such a joy to share this with people who have supported my work over the years . Most Artists are collectors of some sort- we fill our homes and studios with ephemera which delights and inspires us. It’s fascinating to discover and ponder the nuances which different from another. I draw in my sketchbooks each day. They are the cornerstone of my work; I display them at Open House, and am delighted how many people leaf through them with interest, asking questions and about my designs.
Sarah Hamilton – ‘Rythmic Birds’
Many of the locations host a number of Artists and this year I’ve invited other creative friends to show here with us. I’m thrilled to be joined by cult British brand Mini Moderns with their gorgeous collection of Mid – Century/Coastal inspired homewares. You’ll be able to see their unique wallpaper in situ here in our house.We’ll also be sharing the house with Paul Craig who is, by day, an interiors photographer. He travels widely and will be exhibiting a breathtaking range of landscape and cityscape photographs from USA, Australia and London.
Visitors enjoy looking around Artist’s homes as we often use our spaces as an extension of our creativity. You’ll certainly see splashes of colour on my walls and doors which also appear in my Artwork. Often people view Open House as an opportunity to see the interior of the houses they pass when going for a walk in Dulwich Woods. I’m just as curious so completely understand when people say looking at the homes is part of the pleasure. Our house is one of the many Dulwich Estate gems designed by Austen Vernon partnership and built by Wates in the 1950’s. The unusual split level design, with interior windows, allowed me to create a light filled studio, so important to me, as colour plays such an important part in my Artwork. The house had been empty for a few years and we’ve renovated it throughout. One of my biggest passions is Mid-Century architecture so I’m very happy for people to visit the show if their interest is simply in the house.
Skimming Stones by Sarah Hamilton
Other artists include my good friend Gabriela Szulman, who will be one of a number of Artists showing at 14 Ildersly Grove, SE21 8EU, where Carole Jordon, a ceramicist, lives and has a studio.Though much of the artwork will be for sale, I can assure you that Artists will enjoy answering your questions – it’s wonderful when people are interested enough to chat and enquire. We welcome families and there is plenty of outdoor space and our friends Chris and Yuko run a divine pop-up tea shop.
With such a wealth of talent on your doorstep I hope you will pick up one of the many brochures placed in local business, leaf through it at your leisure so you can enjoy visiting local artists.
OPEN HOUSE with Sarah Hamilton
49 Peckarmans Wood London SE26 6RZ
Saturday and Sunday 10 – 11 May 11am-6pm
Sarah Hamilton is an Artist and Designer with over twenty years experience. After leaving Central St. Martins School of Art and Design, and with a degree and MA in Fine Art, she initally made handmade cards. These sold though many shops including The Conran Shop, Heals and Designers Guild. She then developed other interests, making mirrors, prints, paintings and ceramics. Exhibiting often, she regularly works to commission, and her joyful, fresh and contemporary designs are stocked by numerous stores and galleries. Sarah also collaborates on design projects in Scandinavia with textile designer Georgina Wright as Hamilton Wright Design Consultants.
Related posts:
Artists’ Open House: New Paintings & Drawings
Dulwich Artists’ Open House 2009
A Bigger and Better Artists’ Open House