Artists Share Their Creative Side

‘Side by Side’, which is running at Picton Castle throughout July, is an exciting joint exhibition by two prominent Ceredigion Art Trail members - felt artist Ali Scott and figurative artist Anita Woods.

The idea behind the title “Side by Side” stemmed partly from their realisation that although many artists and makers in rural areas choose to work alone, there is a need for a creative network to sustain and support each other – Anita and Ali have been friends for nearly 10 years.

“As artists we generally work in studios, on our own, often in isolated areas. It’s crucial to have the friendship and support of other artists, to give each other help and advice professionally, as well as cups of tea and copious cake!” said Ali. ” The Art Trail is a really important part of this network, aiming to link all these various creative people together.”

Despite working in very different media their work sits happily ‘side by side’ reflecting their shared delight in the landscape, seascape and animals of West Wales. Their mutual passion for colour, texture and the ever changing light of their subject means there will be something to appeal to everyone.

“I spend a lot of time walking in West Wales, and the coast path especially inspires many of my seascapes,” explains Anita. “The sea is always so close, a constant presence and all my walks draw me towards the sea - a shaft of light, a silvery surface, a crash of a wave.”

To balance this, the mountains and hillscapes around Ali’s home near Tragaron form the basis for many of her felted pieces. She works mostly with ethically sourced Merino wool, sometimes incorporating animal and plant fibres, spun yarn and fabrics to achieve the highly textured pictures.

The exhibition runs until July 31.

Find out more about both artists on the Ceredigion Art Trail website ceredigionarttrail.org.uk