Mixed media animal portrait artist.
I’m a Shropshire based artist who is inspired by nature.
PENNY BARKER
DELNY FITRZYK
I take inspiration from the world around me—landscapes, skies, wildflowers, and trees often shape my work. Sometimes, it’s the vast scenery that draws me in; other times, it’s the finer details, like a weathered shell on the beach or the ornate carvings of a doorway. In recent years, my focus has shifted closer to home, with the Shropshire countryside and my wild garden providing endless creative possibilities.
I love developing sketches and doodles into larger pieces, working with techniques such as printing, collage, batik, drawing, painting, and free machine embroidery. My process begins with fluid and unpredictable materials like inks and watercolours, which I then refine by adding layers of texture and detail with a variety of media. Free machine embroidery often serves as the final element, particularly on paper, where I use it as a form of mark-making.
JULIE MCMAHON
Julie McMahon | Botanical Cyanotypes Lampshades & Art
Julie McMahon is a photographic artist whose work explores the interplay between light-sensitive chemistry and the natural world. By refining the 19th-century Cyanotype process into a modern fine-art practice, Julie creates pieces that celebrate the beauty and unpredictability of Cyanotypes on silk and paper.
Her signature works, Cyanotype lampshades, are created using her handmade botanical designs on silk. The ephemeral silk is perfectly complimented with lamp stands of hand-forged iron. In an era of mass production Julie’s work stands as a testament to the enduring value of heritage skills and artisanal craftsmanship.
Reimagining traditional techniques for a modern audience, Julie infuses each Cyanotype silk print with a sophisticated elegance. Her work is designed for discerning interiors, offering a timeless dialogue between the ephemeral silk and the permanent iron.
For the Bridgnorth Art Trail, Julie would present a curated selection of her lampshades, wall art including framed original Cyanotypes alongside her limited edition series of Giclée prints of wet Cyanotypes in process. Each piece is a botanical study using plants grown and gathered in the Shropshire landscape.
GILL HOWARD
Jewellery and decorative art formed from silver and copper, using traditional metalsmithing techniques, designed and created in my workshop near Bridgnorth.
DONNA SEYMOUR
I’m an artist based in the charming market town of Bridgnorth in picturesque Shropshire. I enjoy working with a variety of mediums, especially watercolours and charcoal. My work is deeply inspired by the beauty and vibrant colours of wildlife and nature.
CARIS JACKSON
Caris Jackson
Collage Artist Extraordinaire
The abandoned, unloved and unwanted are transformed into unique opulent art, rich in narrative and intrigue .
Caris is a mixed media collage artist whose work reimagines iconic performers and theatrical subjects in a playful, maximalist and joyful homage. Using vintage prints, recycled fabrics, and repurposed items, Caris creates layered, textured pieces filled with storytelling, history and drama.
Her artistic journey began at 4 years old after visiting an art college degree show in her birth town of Wolverhampton. From there, she pursued a Fine Art degree at Liverpool John Moores University and became a qualified Tutor, teaching art in diverse settings, including universities and HMP Parc in South Wales
Caris’s work has been showcased across the UK, with highlights including:
A large-scale permanent installation for the London Hilton Metropole telling the story of the Tyburn Stone.
Bespoke portraits celebrating trailblazing women for the Latitude Women’s Contemporary Art Exhibition, displayed on stunning 10ft tall billboards.
Velour towels featuring Caris’s original designs available at AGA Cookshop
She works from English Bridge Studios in Shrewsbury.
SOPHIE FRANCIS
Basketry and willow crafts in traditional and contemporary styles, including mixed media work.
CLARE LINFORD
Hand painted silk, needle felted bird sculptures, handmade felt.
JEAN JENKINS
Jean Jenkins stoneware vessels range from large sculptural pots and planters for the garden to more functional bowls, vases and bottles for the home.
Her work is predominantly hand built. Planters and asymmetric bowls are made using slab techniques whilst taller 1pvessels are constructed from coiled clay – employing ancient methods to produce contemporary ceramics.
Jean has traditionally selected light neutral tones to emulate natural stone, but has more recently been experimenting with a more varied colour palette.
This year she has been working on developing denim inspired pots to add to her collection.
Bridgnorth Open House Arts Trail 