Hope, Colour and Vibrancy at Cockpit Arts Holborn Open Studios

Cockpit Arts Holborn opened it's doors for the first time in 18 months last weekend providing a heady cocktail of hope, colour and vibrancy to all its visitors.

Nestled away in Cockpit Yard, Bloomsbury, Cockpit Arts Holborn open studios offers visitors a biannual opportunity to meet emerging artists and designers of contemporary craft and see their work first hand. I visited on the Friday.

Unhindered by the one way trail and compulsory mask wearing, I was free to wander the corridors and explore the studios in my own time.  Makers and artists were warm and friendly, welcoming me into their studios with open arms.  And, with my senses in overdrive, I was delighted to be able to see, pick up and feel their work once more.

For many of the makers and artists I chatted with, the past year has been a challenge, but also a period of contemplation and new ideas. There was a distinct feeling of hope in the air and this was reflected in some of the colourful and vibrant pieces on display:

Onome Otite is a London based artist.  She uses textiles and mixed materials to create three-dimensional figurative collages inspired from her Nigerian heritage. She hand stitches loose folded fabrics on top of hand drawn figures. Her art is full of movement and joy.

onomeotite.com

Majeda Clarke makes textiles.  Samples of cloth are designed and woven in her London studio and sent to traditional UK mills to hand weave into blankets, cushions and scarves.  Her designs are often inspired by modernist Bauhaus with the occasional bright pop of colour. Blankets are made from super soft lambswool that will keep you warm and cosy on a winters night. 

Majeda is passionate about the historical roots of her craft. She explains: 'The act of making cloth connects me to a long line of weavers whose tradition is vanishing in a world of mass production.'

majedaclarke.com

Malaika Carr is an architect who re-trained herself to make jewellery. The results are simply stunning.  Earrings, pendants and bracelets come in striking architectural shapes and gold and jewel colours.  Wear them to make a bold statement. 

thechalkhouse.com

I have an admiration for abstract art and Maria Hatling's work caught my eye.  She is a painter and textile artist inspired by random colour combinations spied when she is out and about. Most eye catching of all are her original artworks - collages with stitched detail that give them a 3D effect.  Artworks can be hung landscape or portrait depending on personal preference. Hung either as a single or in pairs, they will make a bold addition to any wall.

mariahatling.com

I have long been an admirer of Michele Oberdieck's work.  She has an MA in ceramics and glass from the Royal College of Art.  Her vessels and sculptural forms are inspired by natural forms and organic structures.  Colour dances elegantly with light in her work. A sculptural form will add a conversation piece to a room; pick a colour combination that will complement your interior design.

micheleoberdieck.com