CORNISH creativity will be unleashed in curious spaces and beautiful places when ‘Open Studios’, run by Creative Skills, returns for 2018.

From Saturday, May 19, to Monday, May 28, members of the general public can create their own ‘art trail’ through Cornwall as set-designers, sculptors, milliners, magazine editors, painters, printmakers and potters throw open their studio doors — including a number of creatives from the Post area.

This year the event promises the richest mix yet as more than 320 artists, designers and makers invite the public into their workshops and studios to experience their artistic practice. From Constantine to Callington, Polzeath to Portlooe, in historic harbours, verdant valleys and glorious gardens, a record-breaking number of participants will unleash their creativity in the fourteenth year of this popular arts initiative.

Among the local artists is furniture maker Richard (Rich) Inight of ‘Jacques Cabin’. His studio is based in Treneglos, Launceston. He began his craft at the age of 13, building skateboard ramps from discarded wood. He is still reclaiming wood but now uses it to create unique pieces for Jacques Cabin, which he runs with his partner, Jane Pollock.

Having studied carpentry and furniture design before hand-crafting commissioned pieces, Rich wanted to offer a quirky alternative to mass-production furniture, with sustainability at its heart. Jane said: “For years, we have been collecting timber from old ships, buildings and anywhere that is throwing out wood.

“It is really important that Jacques Cabin has a minimal impact on the environment and by fitting pieces together like a jigsaw, Rich creates something new and beautiful. A lot of the timber we use would be thrown into landfill or made into chipboard. We aim to produce little or no waste and any offcuts are used to heat the workshop.”

In Camelford, Misty Cottage Crafts will open its doors to allow the public to view the creative pieces they create with yarn.

Speaking about her work and inspiration, owner Araminta Greaves said: “I spin highly textured, colourful yarns, inspired by Cornwall, that incorporate beads and metallic threads.

“I also make pictures with both wet and needle felt, and a sprinkling of beads or shells. I like to create landscapes and seascapes of real places and from my imagination.

“I also make journals, coloured sheep, angels and fairies, cards and hair fireworks. I dye fibre to sell for felting and spinning from my neighbour’s flock of Blue Face Leicester sheep and my friend’s local Romney flock.

“I work in my beautiful spinnery which is just 500 yards from the foot of Roughtor on the edge of Bodmin Moor (and next to the Roughtor Farm Tea Room which does a fabulous cream tea in the afternoons).

“I find my environment really inspiring. Being surrounded by the moor and only 15 minutes from the sea gives so much food for creativity.

Gabrielle Goodchild is a painter and printmaker from Launceston. Gabrielle explains her process: “Work in process: collect, observe, experience; memories, images, drawings and then comes the making. A finished piece emerges. An idea, a colour, an image now leads to the next work… In our studio, some works are just to enjoy, with time to chat.”

From Crackington Haven Max William Burrows will show case his drawings and paintings. He said: “Drawing directly from life, sound and music, I seek to carry an intuitive, primal response through to a finished painting, where the still, fixed work can hold the fluid temporality of a live moment. In my series of dawn chorus paintings, I work outside in the half-light and am as struck as much by the silence before dawn as by the burst of song that follows.”

Through their work, artists will also reveal the inner workings of their imaginations, whether they are inspired by the dramatic energy of the Cornish coastline; nature and the countryside, or the frailty of the human condition.

Director of Creative Skills Jane Sutherland who leads the scheme, said: “Whether working with glass or graphite, in paint or porcelain, with the lathe or the loom, the sheer variety of disciplines this year will captivate and inspire.

“Not only does Open Studios provide us with an intimate glimpse of the creative process, it also takes us on a journey to previously unseen corners, enabling us to experience Cornwall from an entirely different perspective.”

What’s more, this year’s event crosses over into half-term by including the Spring Bank Holiday so that even more people will be able to grab a guide, plot their route and marvel at the diversity of colour and pattern; line and form that is to be discovered.

To create an art trail, obtain a copy of the Open Studios Cornwall 2018 guide, which is available from hundreds of locations across Cornwall or by phoning Krowji on 01209 313200.

For more information about other participating artists and their work in the local area, follow Open Studios Cornwall on Twitter @OpenStudiosCorn, like facebook.com/openstudioscornwall or visit www.openstudioscornwall.co.uk