‘Every moment is a metamorphosis’ Sarah Stokes at the Cristus Summer Exhibition

Seeking the essence of the English seaside for our forthcoming Summer Exhibition, we found ourselves in the Whitstable studio of Sarah Stokes, a self-taught artist of infectious enthusiasm and natural talent. Inside the creative space, her art adorns every wall. It’s clear at once that her style is unique and yet present in all her paintings. The colours are those of the sea: pale greens, greys and blues with vibrant darts and impasto swirls. Abstract imaginings from the artist, yet from our shared world.

All around, the surfaces are covered in the stuff of painting: pots and canvas and items specific to the individual artist, like a favourite sponge or stick or bubble-wrap daub. While outside, just yards from the shingle beach, is the inspiration behind the work: the North Sea. As muses go, this capricious stretch of coastline is not for everyone. Cold mostly, and briny, and inspite of its recent gentrification into a gallery town, still retaining its honest nautical air.

For Sarah, the ever-changing light and scene are key to her art:  ‘Every moment is a metamorphosis!’ she declares… ‘The paintings seem to form storytelling ’scapes so each viewer can form their own unique connection’.  So, no in-depth analysis required from this reviewer. Come judge for yourself at the Cristus Gallery Summer Exhibition, from June 4th.

The Cristus Summer Exhibition

The 2009 Summer Exhibition opens on Thursday, June 4th, 2009. We are featuring several artists who are new to the gallery including Sarah Stokes, Jessica Stride and Tracey Pryke.

There is a Private Viewing for Newsletter subscribers and other friends(Invitation Only) on Saturday May 30th, 2009. If you would like to join us in appreciating great art and a glass of wine, we are issuing invitations to the next 50 people who join our mailing list. Join the mailing list here.