Two new artists at Shaftesbury’s Cygnet Gallery

Cassandra and Elijah -Tales of the Future by Simon PolkinghornThe Cygnet Gallery in Shaftesbury is very pleased to announce that two new artists have joined the gallery.

August has seen some changes at the Cygnet Gallery, Shaftesbury. Two new artists have joined the gallery, wood turner Jason Fermo and painter Simon Polkinghorn.

It was almost three years ago when Jason Fermo walked into Jack of all Trades, Wimbourne, to buy a coat hook, but instead came away with a lathe and a selection of woodturning tools. That was the start of a new hobby which would take up all of his spare time. The original lathe was sold and there are now two new lathes in its place.

Jason visits local timber merchants to source English woods such as Oak, Beech, Yew and Alder for exotic timbers he uses Yandles of Martock. The wood stock is turned into items such as bowls, earring stands, candle sticks etc. Some of his work has found its way to America, Germany and Australia. Jason is on the committee of the Blackmore Vale Woodturners who meet twice a month at Lydlinch Village Hall.

Sample of work by Jason Fermo

Simon Polkinghorn’s work is inspired by the human form or animals and expressive in style with abstract elements. He uses colour to reveal an emotional dimension to his work. Occasionally, his work uses symbolism to create paintings that are about the peculiar condition that is human existence.

The Cygnet Gallery, Shaftesbury, is run in the style of a co-operative by local artists for local artists and displays an original and imaginative collection of arts and crafts. The gallery is open from 10.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Saturday. To find out more and for information about the artists visit www.thecygnet.org.uk

Photos:

Cassandra and Elijah -Tales of the Future by Simon Polkinghorn

Sample of work by Jason Fermo