Hertfordshire Visual Arts Forum (HVAF)

Introduction by Leo McDowell

On my studio windowsill I have a postcard sent by a friend that reads: “Art is a Tart”.

It makes me aware that art should not always be taken too seriously or given too much reverence. Mystery and imagination are also vital elements in appreciating a work of art. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said,

“If eyes were made for seeing
Then beauty is its own excuse for being.”

Painters and craft workers use paints and materials because they love the challenge of colours, form, texture: they enjoy exploring ideas, images and shape. We buy paintings, sculpture, textiles, ceramics, photographs because we like the subject matter, the technique, the visual excitement and the challenge of seeing an image in a new, intriguing way.

In my own studio is a chaotic mix of artists’ materials, finished paintings, half-finished paintings, paintings-under-review, rejected paintings and inspirational posters ranging from Botticelli to Lichtenstein.

However, I know brilliant artists who work in a strictly-controlled manner, have carpeted floors, clean brushes and regimented paint tubes with tops always on.

The different art forms are all-inclusive: as a practitioner or an onlooker everyone can enjoy art. There are no rules or boundaries. You can be free to be wildly experimental or as naturalistic as you wish. The portrait painter may paint you “warts-and-all”, as a beauty or as an abstraction. The artist working with computers creates a new art form. To have an interest in art is to be open-minded and aware. For me one of the many highlights of the Open Studios in 2003 was seeing Anne Tilby’s magnificent hangings for opera and ballet performances.

These web pages, together with the free brochure provide a comprehensive guide to The Hertfordshire Open Studios offering an exceptional opportunity to see a wide collection of work in a fascinating variety of media ranging from paintings to printing. I cannot imagine a better introduction to living, creative art than a visit to some or, if you have the stamina, all the studios on this impressive list. You will come away from your visits feeling gratified and uplifted that so much creative talent and enthusiasm are flourishing in Hertfordshire.

Welcome

Welcome to Hertfordshire Open Studios 2004 – the county’s annual art event. Now in its 14th year, Open Studios provides a wonderful opportunity for you to discover the exciting work of some 200 talented artists around the county over a 16-day period. One of the great benefits of Open Studios is that it provides a friendly, informal means of enjoying art. This year, there are 122 places to visit, including artists’ homes, studios, some commercial venues and other exhibition spaces.

I am delighted that we have so many artists participating this year for the first time. Open Studios provides the perfect platform for artists who have never exhibited before to get some experience at showing their work. The interaction with visitors is often the catalyst for new ideas and can build confidence, so I encourage you, as visitors, to talk with artists about their work.

We have made some changes to the brochure, which we hope will make opening dates and times clearer – especially if you are free to visit mid-week.

These web pages are also intended to be a useful reference tool. If you cannot get to all the studios you would like during the event, many of the artists are happy to be contacted throughout the year – just look for the little telephone symbol, which means that appointments are welcome.

Art can often lead to delightful and surprising discoveries, so I hope you’ll make the most of what’s on offer and enjoy Hertfordshire Open Studios 2004.

And finally, thank you for supporting the artists in Hertfordshire. Thanks also to the artists and the small team of volunteers who have given up a great deal of time to make Open Studios the success that it is.

ROBYN WEST
Co-ordinator

Click here to download and print your own copy of the brochure (PDF format)

an EAB design