LAURA SEYMOUR & MIA SARGENT
Laura Seymour
Laura is a mixed media artist based in Brighton with a background in design, film and animation. Inspired by the physical form and telling stories with her art she’s drawn to making objects from miniatures (a passion that started young!) to puppets and papier mache creations.
Her models are a playful and expressive study of both the human form and identity, often suspended in mid-pose as seen in her series of Circus acrobats and performers. Designed to hang freely in mid-air and catch the light these ladies also celebrate the bold and brave early circus female pioneers such as Miss Lala, Alice Clark-Brown, Leona Dare, Lena Jordan and Antoinette Concello. Inspiring women who deserve their place in history!
Other models sit across themes such as the ‘Shelfish Women’ – a series of women sitting ‘on the shelf’ to represent the need for women to take up more space in society and new works exploring the Mummers - travelling theatre folk performers.
Laura is also in the development stage for a series of workshops in Hove in collaboration with therapeutic clinic ‘Ochre House’ to deliver a model making course to support women who are going through a period of change and challenge either following serious health conditions or a life event, exploring their identity and creativity through the process of making their own model. The first of these courses will be delivered later in 2025.
This display is the first artistic collaboration between Laura and Mia. Good friends, Laura and Mia worked together for several years running Foodini Club (a children’s cooking & crafting club) and have shared many an adventure in creativity. Mia’s beautiful ethereal colourful paintings marry well with Laura's circus performers to create a magical and somewhat fantastical theatre-like scene, a perfect setting to celebrate movement, performance and powerful women this March.
For enquiries, to purchase a model, commissions and workshops contact Laura
@lawdrah
Mia Sargent
Ever since she was a little girl Mia wanted to be a ‘travelling artist’. Now based in Brighton this dream has endured, although these days the travelling largely consists of exploring inner worlds and how they inform the outer world we all inhabit; the transitional and transformative spaces that can be so hard to define in words.
Mia’s work is influenced by folk art, fairy tales and the edges of things both esoteric and the world around us in nature and our everyday lives. Following studies in children's book illustration at Central St Martins Mia has held a lifelong interest in children's literature and she’s interested in how the stories we share shape us. Her art practice often starts from a place of shape, form and the interplay between light and dark, offering a portal into deeper stories and mystery though her warm, bold and distinctive colourful style.
Mia’s art training started as a young child when she was taught after school by her neighbour, a local artist called Jacky Bellamy. In more recent years Mia has benefited greatly from the inspiring guidance of Denise Harrison who runs a weekly gathering of local artists called Paint. Mia has shown her works with this group at the Fishermans Quarter Gallery as well as in Open houses on the seven dials Art Trail.
Mia’s day job is framing pictures from her ‘ArtFlo’ workshop in Seven Dials and is a proud sponsor of both the Seven Dials and Fiveways AOH trails.
For enquiries, to buy works, commissions and framing contact Mia
@art_flo_brighton
Jo Hathaway
I am a local Fiveways artist, and usually describe myself as a contemporary
abstract painter. My abstract work is inspired by the aesthetic of the place
where colour, memory and landscape meet, and how it feels to be submerged
within them. My paintings are often influenced by and associated with poetry.
I show widely across Sussex, in London, Ireland and this year, in Vienna and,
fingers crossed, in Rekjavik. But this work is just for my local community.
Emerging gratefully from a period of illness, I am feeling bolder about showing
work that is more personal.
The large painting in the window is more typical of the work I usually show –
‘Watermelon Snow’ refers to the way the fleeting blossom glides as it falls,
silently like snow, pink as watermelon, against those crisp blue early summer
skies.
The other work in this window is a mixture of work I have done quietly, and for
myself, a reflection on the refugee experience, on solitude and journeys.
Anglo-Saxon poetry about solitude and community is built into the collages,
that reflect on the visceral experience of life to those who lived at that time,
wrapped in cloth and fur, travelling to new places in wooden boats and great
tides, looking up to the stars.
The set of four paintings is based on and titled by a line from a letter by Emily
Dickinson: ‘I am out with lanterns, looking for myself’, a line which resonated
deeply with me.
The other two longer canvases ponder the experience of refugees as they wait
at the red lights of the system, broken and separated from their culture and
family, alone in new lives, and new communities.
I am a proud artist member of ArtCan, an international, non-profit arts
organisation supporting diverse range of artists across the world.
I will be adding new paintings to the window throughout the month, and also
details of workshops I’ll be running this Spring in drawing, collage,
watercolours and colour.
Anne Campbell
In my career as a professional pianist -performing, lecturing and teaching - I immersed myself in the colour and nuance of the ‘Impressionists in Music’ Ravel and Debussy.
This fascination has prompted the art I have produced in my paintings. I was fortunate in meeting this generous and encouraging group of artists – the ARTlings – here in Starlings Studio in 2022. They led me into a new means of expression. To them I am immensely grateful.
Further information about my paintings:
annecampbell788@gmail.com. Tel: 07432 646315
Louisa Kazig
My name is Louisa and I am a Brighton-based artist, passionate about creating bold and vibrant art, inspired by cheeky, colourful Brighton and Hove.
My products are designed to inspire and make people smile, and are perfect for sharing with loved ones. All of my designs are designed by me, right here in Brighton (well, Hove, actually :)), and are printed in the UK. You can find me in some local Brighton and Hove shops or markets throughout the year. More info on my website: www.louisakazig.co.uk
Susan Haseltine
Landscape painter / printmaker and tutor
Nature and the landscape have been the main source of inspiration throughout Sue
Haseltine's career. The wildlife, trees, hills, colours and atmospheres found in nature all feed her intuitive responses and observations of the natural world. Her home area, the South Downs forms a huge reference point for her work.
She is frequently sketching and painting outside from places she discovers while walking or cycling. When back in the studio she develops mixed media work, prints and paintings recalling the characteristic contours and shapes of the place, referring to sketches and photographic sources.
Sue trained as a painter and printmaker at Maidstone Art College and as a teacher at Brighton University. She finds great inspiration from the underground and railway adverts of the early 20th Century and by the work of Hester Berry, Melita Denara, Angie Lewin, Victoria Crowe, Mark Herald, Kurt Jackson, Ellie Hipkin, Edward Bawden and Eric Ravillious.
Sue also works as a tutor delivering art classes to adults in various locations around
Brighton including the Starling Studio where she teaches a Project Class on Wednesday's 10.30am - 1pm
Celebration of Art
The Tuesday ARTLINGS GROUP consists of Debbie, Nadine, Andy, Kay, Corinne, and Anne. We have all been painting a number of years in a variety of medium, but mainly acrylics or watercolours.
The Wednesday class are a small group of amateur local artists who are passionate about painting who come together each week for a tutored class at Starling. It's a great opportunity to share ideas and explore different techniques and mediums, as well as have lots of fun
Millie Brandrett Brown
Making and creating is something I have always done and have to do in order to feel satisfied with life.
Whenever I notice something catching my attention (an animal, or a perfect moment in time) I feel this excitement to document it - being the translator from moment to art.
I have never been one for words, so imagery is what I give to the world.
Through my art I want people to feel as I do when painting - a content warmth, connection, and gratitude for the earth's beauty.
Ailie Mackenzie Ceramics
I'm a local potter, I've been throwing clay for a few years now. I follow my instincts, enjoy the making and embrace the magic that the kiln provides.
I hope you like the eclectic mix of functional and decorative ceramics that i've thrown and decorated with glazes, underglazes and oxides from Pottery Gagliano.
You can purchase pieces by contacting me by phone or email or follow my work on Instagram @ailiemac81
Ailie
07947584915
Artists Open Houses
We have filled our studio and window with the work of 13 incredibly talented Artist’s and Makers, as part of Brighton’s Artists Open Houses
Make sure you come along and take a look at the wonderful work we have on display, including landscape paintings, silver jewellery, tufted wool art, homeware, ceramics, lighting and more.
Our talented exhibitors are;
From Brighton With Love
Hi, I’m Sally Evans and I run From Brighton With Love, which sells seaside inspired gifts which I make in my studio in Brighton.
I set up “From Brighton with Love” after moving to the city in summer 2012 with my product designer husband. Having worked for 30 years in the design industry in London , I decided it was time for a change!
I had studied Fashion Knitwear, so originally started by making knitted cushions and poufs and a few beach bags. However it was when I translated my logo “Oscar the Seagull” into a felt seagull with long knitted striped legs in various colours known as “Oscar’s Friends” that I realised that Seagulls were much more “me”!
The original “Oscar’s Friends” have been joined by several different versions and some limited editions. “Oscar the Seagull” hasn’t been left out though and he now appears on all sorts of household items including mugs, tote bags and tea towels and a range of kids t-shirts and zipped pouches.
I have an ever-expanding range of greetings cards (all with seagulls of course) plus some small knitted items like glasses cases and lavender bags.
Adam Ceramic
Hi, I'm Adam from season 4 of The Great Pottery Throw Down.
Clay is one of my oldest friends and has got me through some really tricky parts of my life. I love exploring ceramic techniques at my home in Brighton which has led me learning how to fire clay in a microwave oven (firey fun MicroRaku !) miniature wheel thrown pots and glazing with wax resist with its magical movements. I have proudly worked on commissions for RHS Chelsea Flower Show, coffee cup launch for Future Self Coffee/Alfie Deyes and social media campaigns for leading brands. I'm passionate about pottery and helping people getting their first taste working with clay!
My first ever all thrown exhibition is up at Starling Studio and it's entirely miniture pottery thrown on my small ceramics wheel. Throwing has never come naturally to me but throwing small is so much fun and has allowed me to explore shapes and finishes in a cute and managable way. This exhibition of vases is on throughout February and to tie in with Valentines aims to show the LOVE I have for ceramics - the bright colours referencing the small serotonin rush we get from creating something new and the plethora of glazes and finishes to show that ceramics is all about having fun and exploration.
Find more small pottery vases to buy with different glaze finishes on
If you are interested in a specific piece in the window take a picture and send it to
and we can get back to you.
Studio Candice Lau
‘I am here to transpose silence.
My art gives form to the silently lived sensations of alienation, loneliness and often paralysing effects in the plight of displacement. Resonating with my own struggle of being uprooted, my sculptures are my tactile language to explore my relationship with place as a displaced person. It gives me permission to express whilst staying silent.
The sculptures are formed by the intentional amalgamation of two materials, leather and clay. A marriage that happened organically as I embraced their contradictions: with leather, every step must be planned and measured, while clay is malleable and highly impressionable. I progress with the cross fertilisation of techniques, weaving and pulling clay as if it was leather, and treating leather as if it was a material with fluid characteristics. All the while pushing each material into uncomfortable positions with palpable tension. This process mirrors our struggle and discomfort to adapt in a so-called new home.
The result of this performative act are highly textural sculptural forms where the two contrasting materials are effortlessly entangled. In its juxtaposition, clay embraces leather and leather leads clay to find a new shape and identity. As we ruminate over these forms, we may eventually lose all sense of the materiality and ultimately sit with the transposed silence, a new language that gives a physical form, resonance, and hope to the muted struggles of displacement. More pointedly, it gives us the permission to stay silent, all the while expressing these overwhelming feelings.’
07879786899
Martha Mitchell Design
Martha Mitchell Design works from Albert Mews Studio in Hove, where she draws amazingly detailed fine-line images of famous icons, places, foodstuffs, sporting activities etc with a 0.005 pen! These miniature drawings are then applied to fine bone china, textiles, paper and other materials. Her City ranges include her ever popular Brighton, Lewes and Worthing ranges, plus London, Liverpool and Scottish themed products.
Martha’s product range is extensive, from fine bone china mugs and jugs and 100% cotton tea-towels and aprons, to baby grows, badges, prints and stationery. We particularly love her tile frames of 9 or 16 individual small tiles depicting individual drawings of city scenes and icons.
The window will be on display until the end of November so make sure you pop by and take a look at all the amazing pieces on display!
All products are available to buy from the window. Please contact Martha directly on
The Big Forest, Lauren Hayes, Lisa Dear, Kay Train & Jane Looker
Curated by Benjamin from The Big Forest. This autumnal window features local artists including Lauren Hayes, Jane Looker Flowerpress, Lisa Dear, Kay Train & The Big Forest.
All work is available to buy, please contact the maker directly. Please read below more information about each artist.
Lauren Hayes
Lauren Hayes has been using paper as a chosen medium for 10 years, meticulously crafting intricate artworks ranging from 3D sculptures to framed reliefs. With a keen eye for detail, she hand cuts and
assembles each piece with a scalpel and needlework scissors. Drawing from a profound connection to the natural world, her creations are inspired by the elegance ot corals, seaweeds, and flora. These organic forms fuel her passion for repetitive patterns and opulent textures found in nature. She enjoys experimenting with different forms of paper manipulation including scoring, piercing, folding and fringing. Each piece she creates is made up of hundreds of components and is then assembled in layers.
To purchase email: lauren-hayes@outlook.com
TheBigForest
Benjamin's work has featured in lifestyle magazines and websites and craft publications. Each piece is unique and handmade using beautiful wool felt.
To purchase, insta message: @thebigforest or Email: thebear@thebigforest.co.uk
Jane Looker Flowerpress
The flowers have been lovingly picked, pressed and photographed by Jane Looker in a process unique to her. The prints add a beautiful pop of colour wherever they are hung and will also look beautiful in a set.
To purchase message @janelooker or email: Janelookerphoto@gmail.com
Lisa Dear
Lisa’s basketmaking practice has come from a life spent living on the wilds of Britain travelling with horses and wagons. Along her travels, she made her first willow basket sitting around a fire on the chalk hills of Dorset. The potential to create a useful, meaningful vessel with natural and organic materials captivated her. Since then, to create a living in a sustainable and environmentally sound way has been integral part of her life. Bringing together the tactile and visually beautiful qualities of willow, Lisa’s aim is to produce baskets for everyday use, which enhance the act of carrying or storing, collecting and foraging.
To purchase email: lisa.m.dear@gmail.com
Kay Train
After a 10 year career in the fashion industry, Kay made the decision to follow a lifelong dream of becoming an illustrator. She is inspired by nature, people and her surroundings. All of Kay’s work is hand drawn and is primarily in digital format and she has recently ventured into ceramic art. Kay has illustrated several bestselling published books, and her work has featured in national publications.
To purchase email: kay@kaytrain.com
Around Sussex by the ARTlings
Three groups who use the studio on a weekly basis, have come together to display their brilliant artwork in our window for the month of September.
It’s so lovely to be able to see what these three groups get up to during their classes, so please do come and take a look! Have a read of how they formed and what their groups are all about -
The ARTlings Tuesday group was formed mainly from pupils of Barbara Spurr who ran painting classes on Monday and Friday mornings at the Havelock Road studio. When Barbara died in 2018, many of her pupils carried on hiring the studio on a Tuesday afternoon to paint together as well as supporting and positively criticising each others work. Once a month those pupils who want to, take a class on various themes - an artist’s work, abstract painting or how to use a certain media etc.On several occasions art tutors have taken classes with the group for a short period. Emily Jolley took water colour classes and Jing Wang taught methods of painting with Chinese inks. The group members all have completely different styles of painting and are very supportive and enthusiastic about the art that is produced.
On Wednesday afternoons, a small group meet up at Starling for 1 to 2 hours of art tutoring provided by Clare Gravenell. Clare teaches the basics of painting and then guides students as they practice using a variety of materials including watercolours and acrylics. The skill levels and experience of the group are varied. Some have only had school art training for GCSE/A level whilst others have had a little more formal training. The main thing they all have in common is a huge enthusiasm for painting and drawing and for sharing ideas and tips. The group is at capacity at present but if anyone is interested in joining at a later date, please contact Starling Studio.
Summer Pop Up & Window Display
Augusts window was full of gorgeous products from 12 local designer makers.
All of these incredible makers will be part of our Summer Pop Up Shop on the 19th & 20th August. Make sure you take a look at the window exhibition to get an idea of what will be filling our pop up shop in a few weeks time.
We will have work from Scarlett Sky, AndMash, Martha Mitchell Design, Palomita, Laura Danby, The Big Forest, Holly Swain, Lume Lighting, The Pigeon’s Nest, Toba Jewellery, Throw To Fire & Pinki Jones
Maggie Claringbould
I am interested in how my own memories and experiences of nature shape my work, and enjoy the freedom that painting gives to expressing my thoughts and feelings. I also aim to share moments of collective connections to memories of places and time spent in nature.
Through painting I capture light, colour, texture, beauty, strength, and fragility of the natural world.
I approach the creative process intuitively, creating expressions of the environment, aiming to present work that promotes an appreciation of the earth and its resources and conservation. The work is semi abstract, expressive, mixed media and original paintings.
In contrast to my abstract work, recently I have been drawn to paint the joy and ephemeralness of flowers.
07795903186
Gavin Nettleton - GNPots
I’m a potter conveniently living in Havelock Road.
I’ve been throwing pots on the wheel for some years and decorate the stoneware with textured slip stained with manganese oxide.
The porcelain ware is also thrown on the wheel with a buttery glaze and decorated with Cobolt oxide in gradated tones. Some are incised to enhance transparency.
All the work is on sale and priced specially for this local exhibition. You can purchase pieces by contacting me on the phone number or email address below describing the one you’d like, and I will be happy to deliver locally in Brighton and Hove. I hope you enjoy perusing.
Gavin Nettleton
Tel: 07544250680
Email: gavin.nettleton@ntlworld.com
BRIGHTON ETSY TEAM MAY ARTIST OPEN HOUSES
The Brighton Etsy Team took over the gorgeous Starling Studio on Havelock Road for AOH 2023. The team were thrilled to be able to use Starling Studio throughout May, to exhibit work from the extremely talented local designer makers.
The Brighton Etsy Team is the biggest UK Etsy Team, run by a group of volunteers, with the aim to support small local creative sellers on the Etsy platform, to make connections with customers and fellow creatives, and take part in events, like Artist’s Open Houses.
They were delighted to be hosting work from;
My Papercut Forest - Personalised Paper Art, Unique Paper Gifts & Papercuts
Laura Danby - Statement Jewellery, Patterned Homewares & Gifts
The Pigeon’s Nest - Creative Crochet Kits, Patterns, Homewares and Apparel
Lume Lighting - Beautiful Bespoke Handmade Lighting
Martha Mitchell Designs - Distinctive Miniature Hand Drawn Art Prints and Homewares
Palomita Jewellery - Statement Jewellery Inspired by Peruvian Heritage
Uschie - Gorgeous Art Prints, Stationery and Ceramics
I Like Cats - Playful Cat Themed Gifts, Apparel and Homeware
Holly Swain Store - Illustrated Cards and Gifts
Pine and Bear - Outdoorsy Gifts for Adventurous Families
Hello Terry - Bold Handmade Contemporary Jewellery
Aeyglom - Beautiful Pastel Porcelain Tableware
AndMash - Geometric Vintage Inspired Travel Art Prints and Homewares
The Flat of Kat - Fun Apparel for Superheroes, and their Parents
Wild Whiskers - Woodland Illustrated Homewares and Apparel in Sumptuous Fabrics
PinkiJones - Colour Clash Joy in Art and Apparel
Bella & Phoenix - Educational and planet friendly kids clothing + prints