During September, Sussex residents and visitors were treated to a weekend of Open Studios organised by Crowborough Arts. We were given free entry to studios and workshops of around 45 artists, with the opportunity to chat with the artists and view and buy their works.
The weekend was pretty wet, although warm, but this didn’t seem to deter visitors eager to peruse the fabulous creativity on offer. I had an hour spare so chose to head to Fairwarp, within our beautiful Ashdown Forest, as I was keen to view pottery created by Nicky Bagge as I’d long admired the pieces in photos shared on social media.
Like many artists, and I’d venture to suggest this especially applies to women, Nicky came to concentrate on her art later in life when she decided the time had come to “do something for myself.” Well, she not only achieved her goal, but she now creates the most beautiful works of art for others.
Put simply, through a two-layer process, Nicky works designs only her pottery when the clay is at just the right stage of firmness. Pressing her artwork into the clay through the contrasting coloured layer allows the design to show up. The pieces are then glazed and fired.
The procedure is quite lengthy and needs to be done perfectly in order for the designs to work. Nicky described it to me in detail: “First, I hand make the piece in buff stoneware clay. Then I paint on two layers of white slip, a coloured runny clay, allowing each coat to dry before the next one. When the clay and slip are ready, which is the tricky bit, I draw through the slip with my tools, effectively etching through the slip to the clay underneath. It’s then ready to bisque fire. When that’s done, I dip it in clear, transparent glaze and it’s fired for a second time.”
Of her art, Nicky says: My pottery features natural themes and fantastical birds, drawn free hand in sgraffito onto the clay. It is all hand built and each piece is a one off. I make bowls, platters, pots, vases, candlesticks and lamps.”
I knew I wanted to purchase a piece but was totally spoilt for choice. I would have taken everything! And there was plenty of variety, from bowls to vases to candlesticks and even table lamps. In the end I selected a bowl and a pot that was somewhat different as Nicky had created this in high relief.
Most of Nicky’s work is created in neutral colours, many reflecting those found in the Ashdown forest where she’s lucky enough to live and work. The designs follow the same theme. You’ll find them adorned with leaves, berries and small forest creatures so when you purchase one of Nicky’s pieces, you not only get an item of beauty but also the perfect reminder of Ashdown Forest.
Crowborough Arts produce a helpful leaflet that contains a map, a listing of all the artists and information about the accessibility of each studio. As an organisation, they support arts of all kinds in the local area. Visit their website to view past and current newsletter to see what’s on.
Information about the Open Studios
Email: nicolacooper28@msn.com
Telephone: 07948302223
