The Old Milking Machine Laboratories Part 3

 It was back to High Copse Farm today to meet Tom Cartmill, an abstract artist who paints in his studio to the rear of the building. I like Tom's paintings, they have a physical presence created by the texture that he creates. Tom builds up the layers on the paintings using a mixture of home made paint, inks and other materials.

The works evolve over a period of time which gives them a really interesting feel. His work has been exhibited all over the country and acquired by Oxford University and Reading Museum amongst others.

The dilapidated surroundings of the farm workshops seem to be an appropriate location for producing work like this. Tom tells me that one winter morning he came in to the workshop to find some half completed paintings had frozen solid overnight creating an interesting visual effect in the paintwork.

Much like his neighbour, the ceramicist Sue Mundy with her gas fired kiln, such serendipity can lead to unique, unrepeatable pieces which I think is really nice.

Here are some portraits of Tom in and around his workshop. He exhibits regularly and is well worth a visit. His website is here and he also has a blog you can visit here.

A studio portrait with some of Tom's work.

A portrait of Tom, outside the studio at the back of the old farm buildings.

Thanks again to Tom for allowing me to visit and be sure to give him a call if you're looking for a unique piece of art for an empty wall.