The last few days I have been visiting artists studios - 'Drawn to the valley' is an artist led collective of around 100 members who all live and work in the Tamar Valley, designated 'an area of outstanding natural beauty' - it's a great way to meet other artists and also get to know the area I've recently moved to better! I love visiting artist's homes and studios too! The river Tamar runs through the valley and divides Devon and Cornwall, from Launceston in the north down to the sea at Plymouth - so the artists are working in border lands - on the edge of 2 very different counties!
I started off on Friday evening by going along to a Private View at the Tamar Valley Centre in Gunnislake - the 4 artists exhibiting belong to the printmaking studio I have been attending during the last few months and Mary Gillett, the tutor was one of the exhibitors. It was so lovely to know people and to chat over a glass of wine- something I have missed being new to the area!! It was a great space and all the work was of high quality.
On Saturday I visited 4 artists based in Millbrook on the Rame Peninsula - I particularly liked the ceramics of Jill Holland and the work of Helen Round a painter and printmaker.
it was a beautiful sunny day and I took the Cremyl ferry and walked a circular route of around 8 miles stopping for a coffee at my favorite cafe The Honey Room at Widdicombe's In Millbrook and then lunch on this hilltop - overlooking the twin villages of Cawsand and Kingsand
what a view!
I love visiting this area - it's not far, as the crow flys, from where I am at the moment but it requires a ferry ride or a longish drive around the estuary - Millbrook is where I would like to live when I get around to buying a property next year. I am renting at the moment to give me a chance to find the ' ideal spot' - then of course I need the ideal house at the ideal price to appear! this is where I need to TRUST! so watch this space and see if I find my dream home!
I returned to Plymouth on the Cawsand ferry and finally a bus arriving home tired, inspired and happy and ready for my supper!
6 comments:
It's lovely to read about somewhere I have fond memories of. I went on a painting course a number of years ago at Slapton and we spent most of the days out on cliffs or up on Dartmoor - just my kind of thing. Hope you find the right place soon.
lucky u! hope all is well :o)
I do hope you find the place of your dreams. A.
You described such a perfect day! The ferry ride alone, the coffee and lunch alone, the artist's studios alone but all together is a description to envy!
So smart to stop, rent and look around before making any drastic moves...finding your ducks and your pond...keep us posted.
yes, a beautiful view- visiting artists and their studios will always be a perfect day and a wonderful time.
...and I'm sure you'll be made very welcome in the little haven from reality that is Millbrook. Perhaps we'll see you in the D&C sometime.
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