The studios are home to a collection of artists , who work in a variety of mediums, you can find painters, sculptors, printmakers, photographers, bookbinders , and letterpress printers . We all came together when Paekakariki Press was established by Matt McKenzie at number 4 Mitre Avenue , he then let out the upstairs, 4a, to a group of artists , as the years went by he came into the ownership of number 2 as well . The resident artists , Martin Adams , Yanire Sylva Delgado , Ian Holder , Sarah McDonald , Esther Neslen, Alke Schmidt , Kirsten Schmidt , and Mathieu Triay . This years we are supplemented by visiting artist Hillary Blackburn .

We will be open all three weekends of the trail, Saturday and Sunday the 1 , 2 , 8 , 9, 15 and 16 June, from 12 noon till 6pm. If you would like to have a look at any other time this can be done by arrangement, just call Martin
on 07984654350 or
e-mail info@mitre-studios.co.uk
and we will try to sort something out.

Access to the studios is not easy , as you may expect from pre-war bombed and rebuilt buildings , and they are definitely not , unfortunately , disability accessible , even us artists have difficulty getting about some days . there is an exception to this , due to next doors building work we have a shed in front of the studios , this is wheelchair accessible . We do have cake

This is what you can expect find in the studios this year

Martin Adams

Martin is a sculptor/print maker, who seems to be working on mobiles in his declining years , whilst dabbling with animations, you should find a selection of his latest work and some vitrines and bits and pieces under construction scattered among the sawdust and paint.

He is looking at life written large and life written small, all those things that we tend to ignore as we wend our way in this busy world, and trying to get a few digs at the system on the way.

He runs a poorly maintained website www.stolen-image.com which also hosts a sporadically updated blog .

Yanire Sylva Delgado

Yanire creates captivating sculptures that reflect the intricacies of human emotions and experiences. Her art delves into the duality of existence, seamlessly blending the raw and unyielding aspects of life with the malleable and hopeful elements of the human spirit.

In today's world, humanity is turning more towards spiritual sustenance, often departing from traditional religions and embracing pagan and spiritual beliefs. The rapid pace of technological advancement and our growing disconnection from nature have exacerbated mental health issues. This shift has led to a surge in the popularity of meditation and spiritual practices, offering a means to reconnect with our spiritual and physical selves, fostering a sense of belonging within the universe and nature.

My artistic endevors are a manifestation of these themes, expressed through sculptures and masks of various dimensions. Through my work, I aim to explore and convey the profound connection between human existence and the spiritual realm.

www.yaniresd.com

Instagram @yanired

Ian Holder

Ian Holder whose work is on display in the Shed at the front of Mitre Studios uses Oil Paint, Acrylic and Acrylic Ink on canvas and paper. The works shown were completed from 2018 to 2023 and a work in progress , one painting titled the seven ages of man was completed 2002 and was the inspiration for the Blue Keystone Project that these paintings on show form part.

The intention behind each painting is to reflect the experience of the artist in living through the period. The expression of paint on canvas and paper is the result of experiencing the challenges and changes that have influenced our lives over the last five and a half years.

Many of us my remember a sense of relief we had appeared to have got over the pandemic and heaved a sigh of relief yet knew we had to find the strength to carry on and rebuild our lives.

A longer biography detracts from the personal content of the works and a complete biography will be available at the studio.

Instagram @phoenixblue551

Sarah McDonald

I'm Sarah McDonald, a Walthamstow-based printmaker, working mainly in lino and screen printing, plus some experiments in nature printing. My work is inspired by nature, plants and animals, and using environmentally friendly inks and materials is important to me. Follow me on instagram .

@sarahprimera

Esther Neslen

Esther Mostly works with clay, exploring human relationships through abstract vessel forms.

www.estherneslen.co.uk

eneslenceramics.com/

Instagram @esther_neslen

Paekakariki Press

Matt McKenzie can be found on the ground floor at Paekakariki Press presiding over his historic collection of letterpress printing equipment including a Hopkinson & Cope Albion made in 1891 and so contemporary with William Morris's Kelmscott Press, along with an up-to-the minute Heidelberg KS Cylinder press from 1959. Visitors will have an opportunity to print their very own keepsake.

A site worth a visit any day to see printing at its most iconic.

paekakarikipress.com

Alke Schmidt

Alke Schmidt's work combines beautiful form with thought- provoking subject matter. She works in various media, often combining painting or stitch with found images or material.

After several years of exhibiting mostly internationally Alke is looking forward to exhibiting some of her latest pieces back home during the E17 Art Trail.

Www.alkeschmidt.com

Instagram @alkeschmidtart

Kirsten Schmidt

Kirsten Schmidt combines clay and metal to create 'votive sculptures' inspired by natural forms as well as anthropological objects found in museums. The artist is fascinated by the human need for ritual to make connections. Creating objects and ascribing meaning to these seems to be uniquely human. Her sculptures are tactile, sometimes interactive.

I have an etsy shop where I sell mainly prints and paintings www.etsy.com/shop/KirstenSchmidt and I sell my work at E17 Art House , 07886879063

Mathieu Triay

Mathieu Triay is a technologist and designer working with type digitally and through letterpress .

www.mathieutriay.com

Hillary Blackburn

Hilary's work is with found objects , objects found in the print room . Work that delights in the effects that time has , building up texture in ink , and patina , accentuated with acrylic , light , and poetry .

hilsmill.co.uk

Instagram @hilsmill

Mitre Studios

4 Mitre Ave, Walthamstow, E17 6QG

We are situated at the rear of 2 Greenleaf Road, down an alleyway under a building arch. Access is not easy, either down the alley or in the studio spaces. No2 is accessed via a steep flight of stairs and downstairs at No4 there is a lot of machinery and restricted widths, and upstairs the the steps are wonky and uneven , but we do have cake .

But don't let of that that put you off, you will be amazed and delighted by your visit , and did I say we have cake .