Garden Gallery December Featured Artist at Studio 61 Gallery

Studio 61 Gallery is changing in the new year and our exhibitions will be all about fundraising!

So please read the final featured artist blog for a while with Francis Daunt of Garden Gallery.

I am Frances Daunt, married with four children, two dogs, five chickens and a guinea pig. I am an artist specialising in felted animal art – I am a member of The association of Animal Artists (see http://associationanimalartists.co.uk/artists-biographies/frances-daunt/ ). I get a lot of the inspiration for my work from my frequent walks in the Derbyshire countryside.

 I have always been creative and enjoyed drawing and painting, but as I home educated my four children I had very little time to pursue my interests. However, as they grew up my free time increased – I knew that I wanted to do something creative, but was unsure what route to take. I experimented with photography and sculpture before finally settling on felting. The past two years have seen my felted pictures develop into the work I produce today, and have also seen me return to painting.

 My medium of choice is wool. I use merino tops to create my felted pictures, using the process of wet felting and adding the final details by needle felting. I love working with wool as I start off with a pile of wools of different colours and end up with a picture.

 I always enjoyed felting as a process, but had never really made pictures with wool. The way I work is just the way that has developed over time. Before creating felted pictures I experimented with many different media.

 I like things that are different and unique – there aren’t many people creating felted animal artwork, so I feel that I am offering something different as well as something I love doing.

 I am inspired by every artist I see. There is something for me to learn from every single piece of artwork I see.

 I went to the Art Materials Live show at NEC Birmingham – it was huge and I hadn’t realised that there were so many different art materials available! Felting was completely under-represented.

 I’ve never really tried collaboration work.... I tend to work in my own messy way and am not very good at taking direction, so I probably would not collaborate unless I was given a lot of space!

 A lot of my custom comes  from USA and I now have a lot of contacts there.

 I would like to be living in a cottage by the sea in Northumberland with my family (and other animals) still doing pretty much what I do now. But, things progress – I am learning new things all the time, so actually to be doing what I do now suggests lack of progression! But certainly still doing something creative. I hope to continue to improve my painting skills over the next 5-10 years too.

If you won a £1500? I would love to have £1500 to spend on art materials so that I could experiment more, but basically for felting I don’t need much more than I have. Once I had spent some on new wool I’m not really sure.....

 For each piece that I start I have a very clear vision of where I am going with it – each piece is always destined to be my best piece yet. Sometimes, my work has a different idea and as it progresses it takes me in an unexpected direction, which can produce something quite different. A good example is a recent lion picture. My vision was for a very majestic, realistic lion, but as I started felting I realised that it didn’t want to turn out like that. I ended up with a very stylised piece which I added sequins to – completely different to my normal work, but just as valid.

The art world can be rather snobby and some look down on art that has any craft element – I would like my felted work to be recognised as art. It is after all painting – just with wool rather than paint!

 I invest a lot of myself in each piece of art I do, and always feel sad when pieces are sold (especially when commissioned pet portraits are sent off). So yes my work does contain a lot of me.

What do you love? My love for animals and what I do, other people’s love for their pets.

 I usually let my ideas whirl around my head for at least a few days, sometimes many months, before starting a project.

When I’m wet felting I have loud music on – Arctic Monkeys, Green Day or similar – as it’s hard physical work but with the music it feels more like a dance! The rest of the time, well, I work in a mess! I am completely focused on what I’m doing, so even if I have a conversation with somebody I have no idea what was said.

My greatest weakness is that I am impatient. I expect that I have developed lots of new techniques in both felting and painting by refusing to wait for anything to dry. And I don’t care for rules – sometimes a strength, sometimes a weakness!

I had two submissions accepted for the Derbyshire Open Arts on my first ever try (2014). This year I had one accepted that received a commendation. I have expanded my Facebook base to over 5,000 people, many of whom buy from me. I have become a member of the Association of Animal Artists.

My short range goal is to continue to build up my on-line presence which I do by networking. My long term goal is to develop my local customer base as most of my work is presently sent overseas. I intend to do this by increasing my local networking, attending events and marketing Garden Gallery a bit more.

Strengths? That’s hard. From my Facebook feedback I would say hard-working (I post a new piece of work most days) and generous (I do donate a lot to charities).

I am very haphazard. Quite often I will be in the middle of lunch and decide to paint something and start straight away. I do get up at 6am each morning and do an hour’s exercise before starting my day – that energises me for the day and is about as organised as I get!

I am a pretty laid back person in general and don’t tend to feel pulled in all directions. If I did I would just get up earlier or go to bed later!

I get a lot of my inspiration from the surrounding countryside and its wildlife. I am also inspired by the obvious love that my clients have for their pets past and present, and their gratitude when I present them with their completed pet portrait.

 If I can continue to do what I love doing then I consider that a success. I need to sell to make enough money to live, but I felt and paint because I love doing it – I don’t need any external measurements of success.

I am a bit of a rebel !

Thank you Francis!

Please come along to Francis Daunts meet the artist event on December 5th 1-3pm here at Studio 61 Gallery.

ARTISTS CALL OUT For Fundraising Exhibitions 2016

For 2016 Studio 61 is going to raise funds throughout the year for various charities that mean something to us. 25% of all sales will go to these causes. 

We are calling out for artists new and established to sign up for more information by using this link http://studio61gallery.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=1ee581c3dc6fa302842b993ea&id=560ca418f3 

Please look at the list of themed exhibitions and pass on this news to any other artists you think may be interested in participating

Each exhibition will be themed with a mix of different artists and mediums with one submission per person per exhibition. You may enter one month or as many as you wish  

So please submit your interest via this sign up form : http://studio61gallery.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=1ee581c3dc6fa302842b993ea&id=560ca418f3

Jenny Oldknow Guest Artist Part 2 Studio 61 Gallery

We have a new format for our guest artists questions its called the a-z blog and our guest can choose ten or more questions to talk  about themselves Jenny Oldknow is Novembers guest artist and we have two blogs to share with you from Jenny as she talks in depth about her art and inspirations, (scroll down the blog to read last weeks )so grab a cup of tea and read part two!

i. Describe the ideal working atmosphere. 
     Preferably on my own, empty of human noise and distraction, but with just my Labrador dog, Harvey and the two guinea pigs which live in my studio for company. Animals are my muses! Having some good music playing (and the lyrics are as important as the music itself), an aromatherapy candle or joss stick burning, and I am happy.

j. Describe some important goals you have achieved.    
   Winning my first major award at the National Exhibition of Wildlife Art in 2012 was the first, and came at the perfect time, just as my youngest child started school full time, and served to really boost my confidence and profile. It certainly boosted my CV and gave me welcome publicity at a crucial time. Earlier this year I became a trustee and secretary of the Association of Animal Artists, which is really giving me an insight into the other side of the art world, as well as enabling me to meet some amazing people.

k. The most recent goal
Is one I have just achieved, and that is to get work accepted into the prestigious Society of Wildlife Artists annual exhibition at the Mall Galleries in London, which I am really thrilled about, especially as this year was my first attempt in entering. To be accepted into a show like this is hugely encouraging and motivating. I was extra pleased that it is one of my ink drawings which is part of the exhibition, a medium which I am passionate about, but have never ventured to exhibit  until this year. I am fairly ambitious though, and as soon as one goal is achieved I am instantly looking forward to the next goals, and building on past successes. Every time I have a solo exhibition, like this one at Studio 61, it makes me realise, when I see all the work hung together for the first time, how much I am growing and developing as an artist, which is the main goal for any professional artist, I think.

l. How would others describe you? Your work ethic/habits?
      Passionate, dedicated, obsessive - all these word have often been used to describe my attitude to my work as an artist. Although it is a fairly recent

m. What methods do you use to organise your time?  
        A big Filofax and weekly/monthly/yearly planners! I am a bit old school and like a paper diary and planners! I try to plan each coming week with priority tasks most important, but as most artists know, sometimes inspiration hits, and I just have to do something that I feel like doing at that particular time. Sometimes I plan in advance to sit down and paint, but nothing happens, and if I try and force it the results are usually far from satisfactory to me. Being in the countryside on a regular basis is important to me and my work, as it is the main inspiration on my work. I am lucky living on the doorstep of stunning countryside and having my dog to encourage me out there. I find that immersing myself in the wilds helps ground me and can lead to a productive working time. Allowing myself the time to walk and dream and think is vital to me, both practically and psychologically,

n. Tell me about a time when you have felt pulled in all directions and how you handled it.          Something always has to give eventually. The more you put into something hopefully the more successful you are, which usually means you get busier! For me it was remembering that my focus, and driving passion is to create art, so I need to watch that things like teaching, whilst is always something I have enjoyed doing, doesn’t take up so much of my time that I can no longer create my own work. And indeed teaching is something that I have reduced in the last few months. Being a busy mum and working full time (sometimes more than full time!) always means that a certain amount of juggling has to happen, family comes first, but good organisation and discipline means that I always have time for my art.

o. What motivates/inspires your work?    
   The natural world. Most definitely. I have always been a country girl at heart, and animals and the countryside have always been preferred subjects in my art. You will rarely find me in a town centre painting people, cars or buildings. Trees and animals are far more my thing. Increasingly, I am open to other influences on my art, including that of literature and poetry, including the haiku I write. I am beginning to correlate these things with my art and seeing them becoming more intwined in the future somehow.
p. How do you measure your level of success/achievement?    
 The bottom line has to be how satisfied I am with the work I am producing, not just with the end result in a frame, but on how inspired I am to create it in the first place and how interesting I have found the creative process in the production of my work. Anything that becomes too easy or repetitive isn’t a challenge to me, so as soon as that feeling of complacency begins to creep in it is time to think about how to challenge myself more. Healthy sales, getting into exhibitions and winning awards are great ways to measure success and achievements, but most importantly the work has to be something I am proud of, without consequential validation from others or produced just to chase sales or please selectors. I have to believe 100% in the work I create.

q. Describe yourself in one word. Why that word?  
      Ambitious. I am ambitious for both my own work to grow and progress, to improve and always be the best artist I can be, and to continue to be inspired to create from the heart. I am ambitious to become increasingly accepted within my field of art, for the work I produce. Never settling to the present, enjoying it, yes, but always knowing that better is to come if I work hard enough for it, and keep an open mind heart to possibilities.

Thank you Jenny! The gallery is open 10 -5 Tuesday - Saturday and Sundays 11 -4pm.

Jenny Oldknow Guest Artist Part 1 Studio 61 Gallery

We have a new format for our guest artists questions its called the a-z blog and our guest can choose ten or more questions to talk  about themselves Jenny Oldknow is Novembers guest artist and we have two blogs to share with you from Jenny as she talks in depth about her art and inspirations, so grab a cup of tea and read part one!

a. Tell me about yourself  
   I am a full-time artist living and working on the edge of the market town of Belper in Derbyshire. My studio is at home, which is great as I can squeeze in plenty of working time around being a wife and a mother of three children (aged between seven and eleven), handy for late night painting sessions!

b. Talk a bit about your path into art
     I have always painted, but was sidetracked into a career working with horses (also a life-long love of mine) after leaving school. I was still an active member of my local art group (in Mickleover, Derby then in Belper) and art was always something I did as a hobby and worked to improve my skills in. It wasn’t until my eldest child was born in 2004 that my life changed beyond recognition and started the sequence of events that led to me working as an artist professionally. Most parents will agree that the arrival of a child turns their world upside down, but this is especially the case when the child has severe special needs, as we rapidly discovered our firstborn had. We were soon catapulted into a whirlwind of hospitals and appointments which put an end to any plans of mine of returning back to employment outside of the home. One of the effects of our sons disability was epilepsy which required the use of pretty strong medication which meant that he slept rather more than the average child, and not being the domestic goddess type, I found that there was only so much house cleaning I could do, so I began painting more and more. I didn’t realise it at the time, but art probably saved my sanity from all the stress I was under at the time. More practice meant my skills and confidence grew and people began to suggest I sold my work and asked me to do commissions. At that time a new gallery opened in Belper and I showed them my work, which they liked, and which sold, so they asked for more work, and as they say, I never looked back!

c. What is your artistic medium of choice? 
Why that medium?       Drawing for me is the basis for all my work, and is something that I have always done regularly. If I stop working in my sketchbook for any length of time, I notice my work suffers as a consequence. So a simple ink pen and sketchbook would always be enough for me to be satisfied creatively. When I was fifteen I had a stay in hospital, so to cheer me up, my father bought me a good set of watercolours, and I continue to love watercolour to this day. For years it was my main painting medium I love its fluidity and spontaneity, something I always found lacking in other mediums. However, discovering water-soluble oils has given me an interesting option of using oils in a different way, more fluid like the watercolours, which is something I am currently exploring. Most recently I have been looking at printmaking, in particular drypoint, as a way of taking my love of ink drawing a step further. Again, this is very new to me, and I am currently taking workshops with local print studios. I have been brave and have a drypoint as part of this exhibition at Studio 61!

d. What was the last show you attended?  
     The 2015 Print Exchange a few weeks ago at the Green Door Printmaking Studio in Derby. It was very inspiring, and fueled my enthusiasm for this medium. I always like to go to exhibitions as often as possible to recharge and inspire me, The RA Summer Exhibition is an annual favourite of mine.

e. Where do you see your work taking you?  
       I try not to think too much about goals past a two year time-scale, as so much can happen beyond that, so I am thinking of exhibitions I will be doing over the next couple of years (I have firm dates in my diary for exhibitions right up to the end of 2017), and the sort of work I would like to do for them. I have learnt to leave a certain amount of flexibility in my plans to allow for the unexpected opportunities to be accommodated. I have also written haiku poetry for a long time, and this is something that I want to somehow include more in my art, and I would like to produce a book of my art and my haiku at some point.

f. If you could picture yourself 5, 10 years from now,
where would you be and what would you be doing?          More printmaking, oil paintings? Creating new work, challenging myself to new things and new ways of seeing the world and expressing it in my art in different ways, and of course exhibiting it. I would still see myself being primarily inspired by the natural world, but in exactly what way I don’t know, nor would I wish to plan in advance, as I want my journey to be based on genuine personal inspiration. One thing is sure, I wouldn’t consider myself ever to be where I want to be, as every goal that is achieved is immediately replaced by a new goal, a higher rung on the ladder to climb. As soon as I become complacent in where I currently am, I guess I would get bored and it would be time to give up. The day I stop trying to reach a goal with my art is the day I die!    
    
g. Do you see yourself in your artwork? How?
             As long as I remain true to myself as an artist and produce the work I want to create, I think every bit of what I do is somehow part of me, from the fact that it has inspired me as an artist in the first place, and that I am depicting it in the way that I respond to the subject matter.

h. What do you think your work stands for?  
        I want it to be a celebration of the natural world I love, as I observe it, through the different seasons and in varied weather conditions. The natural world has a honest beauty that has enthralled artists for thousands of years, since the first prehistoric cave paintings, and it is certainly something that I never tire of. I also want my work to stand for something that encourages people to see that they can achieve anything if they want it badly enough, in particular women and mothers, that out of circumstances beyond our control, amazing and positive things can happen that can change us and our lives for the better.

Thank you Jenny we will share part two next week please sign up for our blog to recieve them as an email.

Jonathan Shepherd Octobers Guest Artist at Studio 61 Gallery

Octobers guest artist is the extremely talented Jonathan Shepherd best be quick as his work doesnt stay on the walls for long! Read about his inspirations below:

Who are you and what do you do?

I'm Jonathan Shepherd and I'm an artist painting mainly in oils and owner of Peakland Arts picture framers in Matlock, Derbyshire. 

Why do you do what you do? 

I have to be creative, it doesn't feel like a choice but something I have to do and it applies to all aspects of my life whether that's painting or making furniture for our home or designing our garden.

What’s your background? 

I started out my working life as a plumber and served my apprentice at this. Whilst I was plumbing my father had started picture framing, mainly to supply the giftshop that my parents had at the time. The bespoke side of the framing business really took off and my father was too busy to cope on his own so asked me if I wanted to join him in the business which i did when i was 20 and continue to run now. My father was also an artist and although i enjoyed drawing and painting it was seeing him selling his paintings which inspired me to take it up more professionally. 

How has your practice changed over time? 

Initially I used to paint mainly in watercolours and then changed to acrylics after a few years. I used to like acrylics because they dried quickly but now i prefer oils for the opposite reason. I can go back to an oil painting after 24 hours and still manipulate the paint i had put on previously. I paint in several styles from traditional realistic landscapes to abstracts and impressionitic paintings but lately have been producing lowryesque naive paintings. I don't think i could just stick to one style as I enjoy experimenting and like the challenge that different methods present.

What work do you most enjoying doing?

I most enjoy painting Mountain landscapes in a realistic style but i get pleasure out of all my paintings with the exception of a few that never seem to go quite how I want them to no matter how hard i try but I think this is the same for most artists.

What’s your favourite art work?

Anything by Alfred de Breanski but in particular his painting titled "In the Mountains" and more locally I like the work of Rex Preston.

What inspires you?

I suppose nature is my biggest inspiration it provides a never ending supply of subject matter that changes with the seasons and weather. I'm also often inspired by the work of other artists.

What do you dislike about the art world?

I can't be doing with the pretentiousness  that you often find in the art world I think some artists sell their work on their or their critic's. verbal description of it rather than the work selling on it's own merit. 

 What research to you do?

It depends on what i'm painting at the time and how much research it needs most of my lowry style paintings are entirely made up so the only research I do in that case is looking up building styles for the period and trying to find any old photos of industrial street scenes. For anything that i have no reference for the internet is a great source of images and information.

Name three artists you’d like to be compared to.

Howard Terpening, Alfred de Breanski and Stephen Lyman. 

Thank you Jonathan I will be googling those artists myself!

Catch Jonathan's exhibition throughout October Tuesday to Sunday. read more about him here: http://derbyshireartist.tripod.com/  

     

10th Birthday Blog

Where have all the years gone?  As I enter my 11th year in business I've been reflecting on the many happy years and all the lovely friends I have made along the way.  It's been an amazing journey, from the early days when it was on a very part time basis as I wanted to be able to take and collect Katie and Harry from school, to now a full 6 days a week gallery with those little kids now covering for me Sundays and when I escape to Cornwall to paint or recharge my batteries.

Now my studio room!

I couldn't have done all this without the help and support of my kids and hubby Nige who has always believed in me and let me "live the dream" and is the mastermind and expert in our Fine Art Printing business.   My lovely mum and dad also need a thank you for spending hours in those early days painting  gallery walls after it was flooded, painting furniture for my new gallery, folding cards and always being there.  It was a privilege to honour my mum, Moo, in my first children's book inspired by her stories and my Dad Dennis features in my next book!!!  

Sue & I demolishing the kiln

Big thanks also to close friends Sue and Clint for allowing me this space 5 years ago  Previously the Alan Ward Pottery Studio it felt like home as soon as I went inside but needed so much work

(check out the pics in the gallery of how it looked like before renovation)


A big thank you also has to go to my lovely customers, many of whom have regularly supported me over the years.

The Artist Friends of Studio 61 need a huge mention too and they have kindly sent a few words for this blog

Martin Sloman Artist

Cromford Studio and Gallery Owner

I have known Karina a very long time since the days before her gallery when I attended her art and craft fairs in the early 2000s.

It has been a pleasure to work with her over the years on various projects including  craft fairs, Derbyshire Open Arts and then the pop up galleries in Allestree which led to our BBC Radio Derby interview. The Pop Up Galleries . The led to us forming the g2g group after I opened my own gallery in Cromford,and now we work closely together promoting each other and the trail in between. 

Congratulations Karina on 10 years,  here's to many more!

Janice Allen Artist and Jewellery Maker

From The Coach House at Lea to Holloway no matter where Studio61 is based its the lady behind the gallery that's the inspiration and who inspires others.

I’d popped to one of Karina’s Craft fairs in 2006 and this is where it started for me. I dabbled in painting for family and friends and  I’d mentioned I painted cards so Karina asked if I wanted a stall. Since that time I have exhibited and sold my work which now hangs in homes around the world.  Painting and now designing and making jewellery is the way I relax and its just about ‘me’.

Mark Langley Artist

My first exhibition was at The Coach House not long after the gallery had opened with just a few pictures to sell. It was great being able to find a starting point for exhibiting in a gallery not far from Belper   I have exhibited twice at the second location where today it still has an idyllic spot made more special by Karina's own style of vibrant presentation.  I would think a lot of artists today in the county and beyond also started with an exhibition display and selling from the wall at Studio 61 also.  Happy 10th birthday!

Art By Mandy

In the beginning my professional journey as an artist in 2007 you were the first gallery to show my work at your other location at Lea   

My Journey lots of ups luckily not many downs, downside only being the recession. Both my landscapes and portraits have been exhibited at your Gallery including the Pop Up show's,  Allestree, DH Lawrence Museum, Eastwood and Derbyshire Open Arts.. Being a part of Studio 61 Gallery means we show support for one another and over the years created a great group of friends whether via gallery, social media including @gallery2gallery.

Thank you and; Congratulations!

Valerie Dalling Visual Artist/Photographer

I first Karina back in 2008 when I called into her studio having only recently graduated, and I’ll never forget her kind words of encouragement. We weren’t to meet again until February 2013, when we began working together offering photography and painting days at the gallery.

Since then I’ve been invited to exhibit alongside her and other talented artists in Allestree, the DH Lawrence Museum Eastwood, Derbyshire Open Arts and only last month as guest artist at the gallery.

In the two years since I’ve got to know Karina, she’s become my stockist, printer, employer, mentor and most importantly my friend. She has such a great sense of humour, and is a wonderful artist...it’s been a real pleasure Karina, congratulations on your achievements over the last 10 years and thank you.

Silvana Jewellery

Having first spoken with Karina way back in December 2009, it’s amazing to think how far we’ve both come in that time.  She was one of the first gallery owners to give me the opportunity to show off my work when I was still a part-time designer in all my variations and struggling to get noticed – from sterling silver and copper to pewter and enamel;  from classic to now mainly animals or downright quirky!

Six years later, having supported me with gallery space and 

advice, Karina offered me the chance to create the Hippity Hop pendant – may the collaboration continue!

 

Ruth Gray Artist

The gallery and Karina have been instrumental in getting my work seen in Derbyshire after returning from Australia where for six years I had previously been exhibiting and working as an artist.

Karina gave me my UK break and for the last four/five years I have been exhibiting work at Studio 61 Gallery and also assisting on various projects and helping write the blog.

I love the friendships I have made and the gallery is more than an exhibiting space its like a home from home. The selection of work is tied in with the personality of the artist as much as the pieces themselves so you can be sure that who made the piece is 100% as beautiful as the work itself.

Antonia Disney

Previously Antonia Booker jewellery

Now Owner of the Focus Gallery in Nottingham

When I left university and set up myself I knew I needed to find galleries who would want to stock my jewellery. I searched for local ones and came across this beautiful gallery up in the rolling hills of Derbyshire called Studio 61. 

Karina was lovely and as an artist you worry about what people will think of your work
 but she was very complimentary and eager to help. 

I had a showcase in cabinet and once that had finished Karina kept some on. Although I don’t stock with her now I will never forget the kindness and positivity she bestowed on me which helped me feel confident to approach other galleries which has helped me return the favour to countless artists at my own gallery

Jen Oldknow Artist

As an artist whose work is totally inspired by the rural landscape and the creatures which live within it, it is a pleasure to be associated with the Studio 61 Gallery, which has always shown an eclectic selection of work which celebrates the beauty of the natural world

.

This family run gallery is in an idyllic location just up the road from me, in the heart of the Derbyshire countryside, so I have been fortunate to be able to visit regularly over the years. Karina has been a great support and encouragement to me since my early days as an exhibiting artist, and has been there to celebrate the successes I have been lucky to have had since. It has also been lovely to see the gallery flourish and expand into areas such as fine-art printing, as well as sharing Karina’s own personal creative journey, as a talented artist in her own right. I look forward to continuing to show my work at the gallery in the future, including my second solo exhibition at the gallery, themed ‘Creature and Countryside’, this November.

Jackie Ward - TreeHuggery

I was introduced to Karina about 3 years ago, when I was interested in having some giclee printing done. After a couple of conversations by email, I drove up the very steep hill to meet her at Studio 61, and so begun a firm friendship. 

 Not only did Studio 61 blow me away, so did the quality of the printing; and all the help, advice and support that I received. 

Three years into our friendship and I’m really proud that I’ve been asked to work on several collaborations with Karina, not only is it immensely flattering to work with someone who is so talented, it’s just so much fun working with someone who is one of the most inspiring and innovative people that I know. 

Mel Anderson Designs

Buzz Gallery Owner

I was really chuffed to be asked by Karina, to exhibit here with my textile felt work at Studio 61 Gallery a few years ago with Helen Rhodes, my first at a proper gallery! We were also invited to take part at this beautiful gallery for the Derbyshire Open Arts and couldn't have asked for a kinder hostess, warmer welcome and fabulous location. 


Always there with good advice, a smile and hug, thanks so much for everything Karina. Have an amazing 10th Birthday, here's to many more!

Helen Domleo Jewellery

I approached Karina at Studio 61 in 2013 and was excited when my work was taken on consignment in August 2013.

It has been an exciting relationship during which I have had the opportunity to explore different styles of jewellery and lead to the creation of my small leaf range which has proved popular in the gallery. At present I am working on a range is small ivy and willow leaves as well as some different types of flowers which will be in the gallery soon.

I would like to thank Karina and her team for their support and I hope that the next 10 years sees the gallery grow from strength to strength. I feel proud to be part of the gallery.

Nansy Ferret Art

I first exhibited with Karina at one of her pop up galleries a few years ago. My youngest had just started school & I was nervously venturing out to become a self employed artist. Karina was welcoming and encouraging.

 

We share a love of vans and caravans which sometimes feature in my work, and she bought one of my paintings at that first exhibition. Since then I have exhibited work at Studio 61 as part of a Christmas exhibition and also as a joint exhibition with Jen Aitken. I have been there a few times with a sketchbook just to draw; chat with other artists and although they were all much more established than me, I never felt uncomfortable amongst them. It felt like I had found the heart of local creativity. The gallery is a beautiful, cosy space in an idyllic area and is definitely worth a visit. Karina is always warm, welcoming and enthusiastic and there is a fabulous variety of art there, from prints  paintings to jewellery, glass, ceramics. Gifts for all occassions and to a high standard. A lovely place to visit, grab a coffee, browse the artwork and have a chat.

Kate Beinder Artist

I was pleased to be accepted as Artist in the Window last November. I also had some watercolour lessons with Karina which were very relaxed, helpful and encouraging and have been to art demonstrations and 'Meet the Artists' at the gallery.  

Studio 61 is a lovely gallery with a warm welcome every time you visit and lots of fabulous, original artworks and crafts. Keep up the good work, Karina.

Sharon Louise Art

Whilst having to find my placement for an art course I came across a wonderful little gallery Studio61 Karina Goodman's Gallery. Since finding such a warm inviting and inspirational place I have now become a part of the furniture and never left

Being new to the art world I am truly thankful for meeting such a supportive artist Karina who always has time for me and taken me under her wing and shows guidance also displayed my work .... plus great laughs and now a great friendship to.

I would like to say Happy Birthday Studio61 it is lovely to be a part of a great achievement and I hope that i can be a part of the next 10 yrs.Congratulations Mrs ! Here's to another 10 years

Pat Odowd Artist

I have only been acquainted with Karina for a matter of weeks.  I approached her with a good deal of trepidation as I had never previously contacted a gallery with the aim of depositing my work for sale.

I found Karina very easy to talk to and very helpful and encouraging.  She agreed to take 3 pieces of my work and I left the gallery feeling ten feet tall.

Hopefully some of my work will sell and I can become much better acquainted with you all!

Congratulations on 10 years of your gallery.

Frances Daunt –Garden Gallery Crafts

Studio 61 is the perfect gallery – intimate, friendly and packed with stunning work. And it’s in the village next to mine

I create felted artwork and Karina has been exhibiting a few of my pieces for about a year now. My work, created by a mixture of wet felting and needle felting, portrays animals and is largely inspired by my life in Derbyshire. I am very excited to be Karina’s guest artist in December and have been busy creating some pieces especially for then.

Jayne Nemeth Artist

 Karina has been displaying and selling my work at Studio 61 for a couple of years now.

LOVE the gallery cosy and eclectic, Karina is friendly and supportive ,great with advice or even being a sounding block.

I use inks and acrylic or watercolour to produce local and coastal scenes and Karina is always happy to stock both originals and prints of these for me.

The associated printing service is great too, quick, efficient and nothing too much trouble.

I've previously been an Artist in the window here and wouldn't hesitate to do it again.

Julia Crossland Art

 I was over the moon to be invited to have my very first solo exhibition at the wonderful Studio 61 Gallery.  My exhibition was called Coast to Coast and featured illustrative paintings of the seaside.

 Working with Karina was a pleasure, and from our very first meeting I felt like I had made a good friend, rather than just a work acquaintance. 

Studio 61 is a really lovely art space, and I always forget I'm in the middle of Derbyshire, it's got such a happy coastal feel to it!

Thanks for having me Karina, and Happy 10th Birthday!

Emma Farrow Art

 I first  met Karina as a very naive artist, starting out selling artwork with Ruth Gray's help who introduced us. I was introduced to the world of prints and the quality that Karina produced, helping with pricing and general art world know how. I am also an angel and tarot card reader and Karina was kind enough to host 2 of my events also showcasing my artwork.

I have had prints and original paintings in Karina's gallery.

Always a warm welcome, inspirational art, and lots to look at with a hot chocolate and would class Karina as a dear friend. Thank You.

Max Hale Art

Karina and I met via her and my professional Facebook pages, subsequently I was invited to exhibit work as the monthly artist in the window. During this period I was tutoring courses on how to use water-mixable oil paints and Karina asked me to to a demonstration in her gallery.

It was from there that my relationship with her and her friendly group of artists blossomed and since then I have been back again to do a full day demonstration and Karina has joined me on one of my painting holidays in Cornwall.

Also a lovely friendship has formed with my partner and I sharing a curry or several with Karina and Nige on many occasions 



THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THE KIND WORDS.. it has been an incredible journey and I have made so many lovely friends along the way.

Karina xx