Get Ready For Spring Fling 2018!
From politically-charged pottery to a return to nature, Spring Fling 2018 promises a rich mix of talents and crafts
Dumfries and Galloway’s Spring Fling is Scotland’s top open studios event. This year’s offering includes a dozen new participants alongside its popular exhibitors.
Running May 26 – 28 across the region, the event will feature an incredible range of works. Jewellery, ceramics, sculpture, paintings, photography, original prints, metalwork, glass, textiles, and furniture – all in a variety of styles.
“The mix for 2018 is as rich as ever,” said Uplands Events and Exhibitions Manger Joanna Macaulay, “with nationally and internationally renowned names alongside emerging new talents.
“As always, a great attraction is the chance to meet, chat and see people at work in their studios while discovering one of Scotland’s most beautiful rural regions.”
Hidden Messages
Among the talent on show at this year’s Spring Fling are the works by ceramicist Chris Taylor.
Chris uses an elaborate underglaze tissue printing technique he researched in China, and he decorates all manner of ceramics with these rich, complex decorative patterns.
In one of Chris’s works a hidden image of President Trump can be seen – a response to recent tensions between the US and North Korea.
Chris Taylor with his political vase. Pic: Colin Hattersley
“My work is normally purely decorative,” Chris said, “but that was a moment when I was very concerned. I have kids and like parents all round the world just want them to be able to grow up in peace and have their chance at life.”
You can see Chris’s work at the Solway House studio complex at The Crichton, open for the Spring Fling.
Also among the exhibitors are popular makers who have turned their talents to working with the beauty of nature. Lizzie Farey creates beautiful sculptures in willow and other woods, while Maggie Ayres uses layers of beeswax and tree resin to build wall panels and collages.
To find a list of the makers and visiting information go to the Spring Fling website.
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- Spring Fling wood artist Lizzie Farey. Pic: Colin Hattersley
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- Sculptor Max Nowell and his food inspired work. Pic: Colin Hattersley
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- Hat maker Kay Ribbens has been participating in Spring Fling right from the start in 2003. Pic: Neil Hanna Photography
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- Lisa Rothwell-Young shows off her fine jewellery. Pic: Colin Hattersley
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- Blacksmith Adam Booth creates everything from ornate gates to quirky letterracks. Pic: Colin Hattersley Photography – www.colinhattersley.com – colinhattersley@btinternet.com – 07974 957 388.Free FIRST USE (ONLY) picture.
