Do discover the brilliant colours of Africa hidden away in a farm near High Wycombe, overflowing with the work of some gifted artists who use only local materials for their handmade creations. Going into the blue and white bedroom you will be tempted by Laura’s Fine Linens made of 100 per cent cotton: classic tablecloths, Rose Bud sheets and hand embroidered cream and gold duvet covers. Enjoy, too, Ronel Jordaan’s whimsical ornamental rock cushions, pebble carpets, bowls and Grazing Sheep, all made of felt. Hanging nearby are two of Arthur Azevedo’s deceptively simple pen drawings that describe, with a few confident lines, the Stray Dog and the Literary Cow.
In the wilderness of Save Valley Conservancy, south east of Zimbabwe, Lin Barrie uses handmade elephant dung paper to capture the spirit, the natural grace and movement of the African Wild Dogs, with oranges, blacks and browns, as the animals hunt, play and rest in the heat of the day. Her gentle oil canvases like Carmine Bee-Easters and Little Bee-Eaters in shades of jade, fuchsia and orange bring home the brilliance of the African light.
Working with previously disadvantaged local people in her Porcupine studio, Pat White’s rainbow-coloured “handcrafted and meticulously decorated” ceramics are unique to each individual artist. See the Red Earplug Plate hanging on the white wall and the spotted Yellow Trigger Fish that bring a brilliance to the soft shades of England.
Outside on the lawn Edmore Chijumani’s large Red Bream, made of a multicoloured stone called ‘fruit serpentine’, rests on its block of wood. The internationally known Richard Mteki, also from Zimbabwe, has created a powerful yet calm sculpture called Man protected by Bird using springstone that moves from deep black to gold. Another well-known artist is Olwen Gillmore; born in Rhodesia and now living in West Sussex, she uses only natural materials for her gentle female forms like Meditation (pictured right) which, ironically, is made of shattered windscreen glass yet manages to convey a timeless and a peaceful quality.
In the farmhouse itself one can only wonder at the quality of the workmanship. Here a wide-ranging collection of jewellery made from beads, silver, pewter, wood and glass are on display. Finally, do enjoy Ros Byrne’s Kudhinha fabrics from Zimbabwe – tablecloths, curtains, cushions and coverings made of mohair, cotton and silk. Starting with one helper she now employs 60 workers who make hand- and screen-printed textiles in this unique exhibition that explode with ideas.
Art of Africa is at Fillindon Farm, Piddington, near High Wycombe (01494 882684), daily 10am–5pm, from June 6 to 14.
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