Axbridge Review: from the abstract to the realistic, and from enigmatic to the monographic – Axe Vale Art’s first exhibition reveals an inspiring range of creativity

By Harry Mottram: Down in the under croft at the former Methodist Church/Chapel until 7.30pm tonight (Tuesday, July 8^th) is a carefully and tastefully curated free exhibition of the arts. Ceramics, oil paintings, water colours, etchings, photography and more. I popped up to see the show in the one-time school room under the newly opened Axe Vale Art Centre in West Street in Axbridge having missed the launch day last Sunday due to ill health.

It has a low ceiling but is neatly lit with a sun lit corridor leading from the front of the Victorian building with pillars in the centre of the gallery. Where once the scriptures were learnt and Biblical stories told there were canvases, framed paintings and small pots laid out for the public view – and also buy.

Perhaps the most mysterious and enigmatic artwork was by photographer William King whose large image of what I took to be the distant light on the sea greets you as you enter. The dark powers of nature are portrayed – moody in black and white – swirling seas at Kilve – more abstract than photographic – which I know sounds like a contradiction. (https://williamkingphotography.co.uk/#masonry)

Adam Clutterbuck’s black and white landscapes and seascapes are in contrast. Sharply defined and beautifully composed – Shark Tooth – a wild rocky coast – and my favourite: one of Wiltshire’s white horses overlooking a panorama of Wiltshire’s countryside. My favourite as I drove past it many a time as a district reporter on the way to council meetings. (https://www.adamclutterbuckphotography.com/)

I met Martyn Wrench a few years ago when interviewing him for Somerset Life – he was a brilliant artist then and is a brilliant artist now. Over several years I met and interviewed scores of artists and very, very few made a living as a professional painter – but Martyn was one of them. And it’s not hard to see why. A master of his craft with fabulous views of the valley, the Mendips along with quirky paintings like a sunlit deckchair in a garden entitled Heatwave – oil paintings that adorn many a living room in Somerset since they celebrate the county.

A special mention for Lou Workman’s abstract photo tiles – she was on duty when I arrived at the gallery – and she said she’d break my legs if I didn’t give her a good write up. Full of vivid colour, shapes composed with confidence that give her work an individuality and a boldness that would grace any wall – and as the owner of Ripley’s on the Square – a gifted artist. (https://www.ripleyantiques.co.uk/)

Andrew Rouse has a wide selection of ceramic bowls on display – some are in sets while others are individual pieces – some tiny and some – well not so tiny. The impression as you inspect them is of high quality. And always good to have art in three dimensions in an exhibition. (https://andrew-rouse.com/)

Gemma Trickey is arguably one of England’s most brilliant artists – and I don’t say that lightly having reviewed many an underwhelming exhibition. Her publicity sums it up: “Gemma is a Somerset based printmaker working mainly in lino and woodcut on paper and textiles. Her work features wild and wonderful characters and creatures from folklore, dreams and stories.” As you go along the corridor to enter the exhibition don’t miss her prints on the wall – We Hunt The Beast But The Beast Is Us – is not only eye-catching but on my darker moments expresses how I feel when things go wrong. I mean to say it expresses how other people lash out – not me. Her eye for detail is exquisite. (https://www.gemmatrickey.com/)

Ros Cuthbert’s watercolours are a joy – again they are hung in the corridor where they leap out with fabulous colours – one view is of the Strawberry Line at Winscombe seen from above – she either painted it from one of the bridges or managed to float above the former railway line. Her painting of one of Somerset’s lanes curving away round a corner is a highlight as she has captured the lush richness of a hedge in spring with its flowers, ferns, herbs and shrubs. Check her website for more perfection. (https://www.roscuthbert.com/)

Stella Moore from Axbridge is known by many residents as the driving force behind The Axbridge Singers and a key member of the community whether it is (together with Dave) the Sports and Social or Axbridge Community Theatre behind the scenes. Stella is also a wonderful watercolourist and her coppiced trees painting is one of the stars of this inaugural Axe Vale Arts Centre exhibition. (https://www.axbridgesingers.org.uk/events-past-and-present/)

For something in complete contrast is the mixed media or rather the mix of acrylic paint and photography of Sarah Schofield. Her work combines the two disciplines into images of tangled undergrowth with fine slivers of red textiles which give an impression of savagery underlying nature’s ability to combine a complexity of structure with something rather unnerving and yet intriguing. Unique and definitely some stand out images.

Axbridge Review is edited by Harry Mottram and is published for the interest of himself and fellow residents.

Harry is a freelance journalist. Follow him on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube etc

Email:harryfmottram@gmail.com
Website:www.harrymottram.co.uk