Elly's creative opportunity

28/10/2013

Earlier this year Elly Rutherford, Year 13 student from the High Weald Academy in Cranbrook asked her art teacher if she knew any artist who might let her shadow for a few days. The teacher showed her a copy of the Open Studios brochure featuring all their 300 plus members throughout Kent and East Sussex. From this Elly chose Louisa Crispin who - although it was a busy time for her - agreed to her request.

"I was quite flattered to have been chosen from so many good artists and I certainly didn't regret it" said Louisa. She said Elly was a pleasure to have around. She was so pro-active she was able to do things independently without having to be watched over all the time. Because of this Louisa says she didn't realise until later what a challenge she must have put Elly through.
However after tuition from Louisa, Elly was thrilled to have produced a silver necklace and pendants and five etchings which she treasures equally.

Full of plans, Elly wants to be a professional photographer and has achieved AS-Level success in photography. After completing her A’Levels she plans to spend time with Art Foundation in Canterbury before going to University. She says for her the perfect job would be to work for National Geographic.

Elly found her experience so useful that she has volunteered her time to help at the Cranbrook Art Show, for which Louisa is a committee member. The exhibition runs from 7-9th November in the Vestry Hall in Cranbrook. This popular and well respected exhibition of 24 selected professional artists will be maintaining the eclectic mix of disciplines and high standard for which it has become recognised over the last twenty years.
Highlights for this year include sculpture by Bill Prickett, an established wildlife artist and winner, in 2012, of the David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year - Wildlife in 3D. Also, Saatchi Gallery promoted artist Pete Cernis - 'painter of quiet moments'.
The Cranbrook Art Show is proud to be supporting Hospice in the Weald and Guide Dogs for the Blind.

By John Bird