St Germans and Walpole St Peter artists join forces

Three artists are joining forces and opening their studios to help customers find the perfect gifts for their loved ones this Christmas.

Printmaker Louise Stebbing, of Wiggenhall St Germans, and ceramicist Diane Hunt and her husband Paul, a leather worker, both of Walpole St Peter, will be showcasing their work for sale on Saturday, November 24 and Sunday, November 25.

The trio hope shoppers will consider avoiding crowded towns in favour of finding more unusual presents in the calm environment of their gallery settings.

Diane, who works under the name Studio 59 Ceramics, is a potter making unusual and contemporary pots for the home and garden. She previously worked in commerce, but after retiring has turned her hobby into a business.

“I’ve trained with professional ceramicists across the country and developed my own unique style, taking inspiration from the agricultural landscape around me and the North Norfolk coastline,” said Diane.

“I use hand building techniques including slabbing and coiling, while slips and oxides are used to enhance my designs.

“If you’re looking for a statement piece for your home or garden or an original gift, please take a look at my work.”

Her husband Paul retired from his career in business ten years ago and has turned his fascination for making and recycling things into a business, too.

He began making reclaimed silver items and recycling furniture and now his enterprise – Pukka Junk – focuses on making handbags, shoppers and rucksacks from leather reclaimed from discarded sofas.

He also makes bags from tractor tyre inner tubes, while other quirky items include lighting made from vintage items and notice boards from old floor boards.

Louise has been printmaking since her art foundation course in Cambridge, after which she completed a degree in Sheffield and postgraduate printmaking in London.

She uses a variety of techniques, mostly etching and lino printing.

Louise has won several prizes for her prints and her work has featured in several books, most recently The Illustrated Garden, published by Mascot Media.

The studio open days run from 10am to 4pm on November 24 and 25.

Louise Stebbing’s gallery is at Four Winds, 155 Fitton Road, Wiggenhall St Germans, PE34 3AY. For more information call 07810243090.

Diane and Paul Hunt are exhibiting at Havana, Church Road, Walpole St Peter, PE14 7NS. Call Diane on 07500968032 or Paul on 07825325339 for more details.