Open Studio: Graham Clarke

Last year I was lucky enough to attend an Open Studio event from artist, author, illustrator and humorist Graham Clarke – one of Britain’s most popular and best-selling printmakers. My Mother is a huge fan of his work and when she heard about the event and the possibility of meeting the artist himself we knew we had to check it out. I have been meaning to post about this for a long time, so I apologise that it’s a bit late!

Graham Clarke is known for his  500+ images of English rural and history and of the Englishman’s view of Europe. Responding to the comedy of everyday life, Graham applies his unique style of humour to his interpretation of past and present through the eyes of the common man.

Not only has this artist created an amazing array of prints and written books, but he designed the Millennium window in his local parish church of Boughton Monchelse in Kent. We were lucky enough to have seen the design when we attending the open studio day.

It was very exciting to be able to see behind the scenes at this artist’s studio which is in the small village in Kent. His studio is out in his garden in a lovely wooden structure which houses his work area as well as a gallery of his works which we browsed and yes – we did come away with one print, The Year of the Tiger (the year in which I was born).

The best part of the day was being able to meet not only Graham Clarke’s wife who was very happy to talk to us about her husbands life and works, but the man himself who popped in briefly which, for someone who has grown up around a Graham Clarke super-fan (my mother), was very exciting.

We really enjoyed getting the behind the scenes look at the studio, the works and getting to meet the artist and his wife. If you are looking for something to brighten up your home be sure to check out Graham Clarke’s prints which are truly unique and will entertain you and your friends for hours on end. You can learn more at his website.

I found the above in the toilet!