Following our first look at the inspiration behind our Herts Open Studios artist, we are delighted to introduce Sally Taylor and Elif Lewis in more detail, two artists with very different creative journeys, but a shared passion for nature, observation and creativity.
This September, their work will be on display at Celtic Harmony Camp as part of the 36th Herts Open Studios. Set among woodland and our reconstructed Iron Age farmstead, their artwork offers an opportunity to think about the ways artists observe the world around them and transform those observations into something personal and expressive.
Sally: Stories hidden in nature
Sally’s artistic journey began with textile design. She graduated from the Central School of Art & Design in 1979 with a BA (Hons) in Textile Design, developing a strong foundation in pattern, colour, composition and visual detail.
After a long creative journey, Sally became a freelance artist and illustrator a couple of years ago. Today, her practice encompasses a wonderfully varied collection of subjects, including expressive landscapes, famous portraits, and pictures of animals as well as floral compositions.
Since becoming a freelance artist, Sally has shown her work at a variety of exhibitions around Hertfordshire, including Open Studios and the Big Art Fair.
Sally’s interest in illustration and storytelling has also played an important role in her development as an artist. She has completed an MA in Children’s Book Illustration through the University of Hertfordshire, building on her earlier experience in textile design and her strong understanding of composition, pattern and visual detail.
Sally is also a member of Herts Visual Arts and the Society of Art for All Artists, connecting her with the wider creative community.
Her recent studies provided a great introduction to another creative challenge: designing artwork for a BT Exchange box in Stevenage.Sally created a design in which viewers can discover different examples of British wildlife. We already mentioned where to find her work but for those that missed our first blog, The painted BT Exchange box can be found outside Lolo’s Café on the High Street in Stevenage Old Town.
It’s a lovely reflection of Sally’s artistic style. At first glance, the design can simply be appreciated for its plants, colours and composition. Look a little closer, however, and another world begins to appear.
Elif: The changing of landscape that moves feeling and art
Born in Turkey and now based in Hertfordshire, Elif is a Turkish acrylic painter and ceramicist exploring the influence of nature on human emotions.
Her work is fueled by the interplay of change and motion, exploring their impact on how we experience the world.
Elif captures the essence of the sea, trees and landscapes, key elements in her work. She conveys movement and transformation with such sensitivity that viewing her art evokes the very feelings we have when we move through the world itself.
Two recurring sources of inspiration for Elif are boats and sunsets. As she explains:
“I paint boats, because boats represent to me, refusal to be limited by barriers.” And:
“I love sunsets because despite all the changes it might occur at the end of the day, there will always be a sunset.”
A journey shaped by many interests. Elif studied Urban Planning in the Architectural Faculty in Turkey before completing a Master of Law in European Social Security in Belgium.
Alongside her art, she has a number of interests, ranging from volunteering for local charities to working internationally to promote better opportunities for female employment.
Her artistic journey has included numerous exhibitions across Hertfordshire. She held solo exhibitions at Mudlarks Café Art Gallery in Hertford in November 2021, June 2022 and February 2023, as well as a solo exhibition at Hertford Library from April to July 2023. In October 2023, her work was shown at Gibberd Gallery Window Galleries in Harlow through Harlow Art Trust.
Her varied experiences and interests have become part of a creative practice that continues to explore nature, emotion, movement and change.
Different paths, shared creativity
Sally and Elif have followed very different paths to becoming the artists they are today.Yet there are strong connections between them.
Both artists are curious about the world around them. Both enjoy experimenting with techniques and materials. And both use their artwork to express something personal – whether that is Elif’s emotional response to nature and change, or Sally’s view of life expressed through landscapes, wildlife, portraits and intricate compositions.
Come and meet the artists, explore their different approaches to creativity and perhaps discover something new in the world around you too.
When to find the artist at Celtic Harmony Camp?
Date: Every weekend from 12th to 27th September
Elif: Saturdays 1pm–5pm and Sundays 10am–5pm (last entrance at 4pm)
Sally: Saturdays 10am – 4pm and Sundays 1pm–5pm (last entrance at 4pm)
Location: Celtic Harmony Camp, Hertfordshire
The Open Studios is free to explore and no booking is required. Simply come along, discover the artwork and meet the artists.
And while you’re here, why not make a full day of it? Explore the woodland surroundings and discover activities including the Faery Trail and Disc Golf on selected dates.
Come and meet the artists. Look closer. Discover their stories. 🌿🎨
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