CAMELFORD artist John Blight continues to develop and find inspiration for his work, despite the economic downturn which has affected exhibitions.

Originally from Kent, John moved to Camelford in 2000, after falling in love with Cornwall during holidays and trips.

The addition of a showroom in John’s The Camelford Gallery, in Market Place, has enabled the gallery to expand, but the financial state of the UK has resulted in an evident decrease in work being sold by artists.

He explained: “We used to hold an exhibition every three or four weeks, but the financial problems the country is facing means that artists couldn’t sell anything, so we haven’t been doing any exhibitions for a long time now.

“I carry on my work and I always will; we always tick over, but with three banks closing, it’s not exactly ideal for artists. I’ve been doing this for around 16 years now, and it’s definitely not as busy as it used to be. The whole of Camelford has gone quiet over the years.”

As well as creating stunning pieces of art himself, John also teaches to budding artists at the back of the gallery, which is a chaotic but interesting room filled with beautiful paintings, drawings and sculptures, with another artist sat working on her creation; one of four or five artists who come along to the gallery to create their masterpieces.

John, who is also the chair of the Cornwall Watercolour Society – created in 2005 with around 22 members from across the county — illustrated his success and enjoyment for his work. He said: “I tend to sell a piece every ten days, and it’s always been like that. I’ve exhibited my work in many different areas, such as Brighton and London; I’ve been about quite a bit.”

His ancestor, John Thomas Blight, a Cornish artist and writer, also inspired him to come to the county.

John Thomas Blight, born in 1835, spent many years of his life in Bodmin Asylum and died in 1911. His work is still published today.

John added: “It was amazing when I was asked to take my work to Bodmin Hospital, where my ancestor had spent so many years of his life. He was in the gentlemen’s wing in the asylum, and 100 years from then, I was there to put my work into the hospital. It’s quite spooky really.”

For more information on the gallery please visit www.thecamelfordgallery.co.uk.