Brighton Art Houses 1: Jo Sweeting, sculptor

Posted:29 April 2010

If youre not already a fan, the Brighton Artists Open Houses is a must – it is probably Britain’s biggest free visual arts event. It is. Over the first four weekends of May, a record 243 venues will open their doors to exhibit the work of over 1,000 artists and makers.

To celebrate and contribute to the event, we thought we would highlight a few of the local artists and sculptors whose work has a place in the garden, or who specialize in painting or creating plant forms.

Brighton-based sculptor Jo Sweeting is a particular favourite of ours.  Her work is bold yet incredibly sensitive, and works so well in a garden setting.

Jo works mainly in British limestone, the subject matter often figurative or based on forms from the landscape, using words and poetry to highlight particular thoughts, events or celebrations.  Her bowl forms are particularly striking.  We also love her small pebbles, carved with hearts, feathers or letters.

Jo is showing at 28 Florence Road, Brighton the home of Jo Riddells, and on the Beyond The Level trail (open all four weekends in May 11am-5pm). Definitely a ‘don’t miss’ art house!

Jo works and teaches at Skelton Workshops at Streat, near Ditchling.  She also runs classes from her own lovely studio at 72 Ashford Road, Fiveways, Brighton

Just to note: On the weekend of 3/4 July Jo will be holding another Open House at 72 Ashford Road, exhibiting the work of eight local artists.  Plus youll be able to see the newly designed garden created by Plantsman and designer Paul Bradford, with plants supplied by Miss Moles Emporium.  See more of Jo’s work at www.josweetingsculpture.com

Check out all this years Artists Open Houses at www.aoh.org.uk