Vidya Wolton

It was with some foreboding that I set off to the Jubilee Stores (in conjunction with Quay Arts) this morning, having enrolled for a whole week of jewellery making and most definitely moving outside my comfort zone. The relatively minute scale we are working on is such that I can’t quite see what I am doing at times (having developed long-sightedness with age). We were, however in the capable hands of Sophie Honeybourne, an experienced jewellery maker who very patiently helped me in spite of failing eyesight (must remember glasses tomorrow!). I actually think that working in a different medium, with different tools and as a class activity will be quite good for me and may actually inject my own practice with something new. I already have a little seagull motif which has emerged unexpectedly and takes me back to my numerous trips along East Cowes seafront with the many squawking Black-headed Gulls. Lets see where this all leads. Setting stones tomorrow. Watch this space for the breaking news. By the way, the course is entitled ‘Working with Amber’.

You may think we have come to the end of Cowes week, however, today, saturday, the racing continues albeit in the rain. The rain confers certain advantages as the crowds were dampened down and there was actually room to ‘walk’ along the High Street. Alas, no photos to show here but I have a visual impression to convey of boats in the misty rain this morning in very subdued tones and looking very inspirational for the marine artist in me which is just not emerging. I did a bit of sketching from East Cowes seafront earlier in the week but went so far into abstraction that I abandoned the view and headed back to the studio. There are hints of a paddle steamer in the work but not convincing enough to show. In the drizzly rain returning to the Floating Bridge it was good to hear the screech of Sandwich Terns. They are fairly distinctive size-wise and larger than Commic Terns which are also around. Anyway, hope everyone enjoyed the fireworks last night. East Cowes comes alive at night all of once a year for this momentous event. Great entertainment from the local band whipping up true community exuberance and a bit of dancing along by the seawall. Never quite heard that version of Van Morrison’s ‘The Brown-eyed Girl’! The more distinguishable bits were good to sing along to though. Thanks to all involved for making it happen. (Photos courtesy of Richie Mair)