HE has sent sparks flying across the studio in preparation for next month’s Oxfordshire Artweeks.

Sculptor Johannes von Stumm is one of around 1,000 artists taking part in the annual open studios festival which has been running since 1981.

The artist from South Fawley Farm, Wantage, uses glass, metal and wood to create his sculptures.

Mr von Stumm first started creating his pieces when he studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich in 1989.

He said: “I work mainly with glass and metal.

“I had the idea of working first with steel and I have been doing it now for more than 30 years.”

The sculptor will hold open studio sessions at South Fawley Farmfrom Saturday, May 3 until Sunday, May 11.

Oxford Mail:

Drilling granite with assistant Wesley Jacobs

He said: “I am not at all nervous about the Oxfordshire Artweeks. Artists do what they have to do.

“But I am excited to meet some like-minded persons whose heart I can touch and who respond to it.”

The sculptor added that his work can be “noisy, dusty and difficult.”

But the exciting sculptor, who has exhibited his work in London and across Oxfordshire, will be one of many in overdrive for this year’s festival.

From painters to photographers and potters to silversmiths, artists will open up their homes to the public for free exhibitions.

Festival Director Esther Lafferty said: “Preparations are in full swing across the county. There are literally thousands of new pieces of art being finished and framed.”

Woodturner Richard Shock, who has been taking part in Artweeks for 10 years, will demonstrate at his studio at 369 Woodstock Road.

The former chemical engineer received the Oxfordshire Artweeks Mary Moser Award in 2010 and makes wooden bowls, salad bowls and dishes. He said: “It is all about educating people about art. Most people have no idea about how these things are made.”

Mr Shock, whose wife Katherine’s will have her paintings on display in next month’s festival, took up his craft in 2000.

His studio will e open from Saturday, May 17 to Monday, May 26.

Will Gompertz, BBC Arts Editor and Oxford resident, said: “Artweeks is a highlight of my cultural calendar. The breadth and depth of the art on display is always eye-boggling – quality and quantity guaranteed.

“What’s more, it’s affordable and often comes with a warm cuppa or a chilled wine. Artweeks is a finely polished jewel in Oxfordshire’s splendid crown.”

DIARY DATES

  • South Oxfordshire Exhibitions will run from Saturday, May 3-Sunday, May 11
  • North Oxfordshire Exhibitions will run from Saturday, May 10-Sunday, May 18
  • City Exhibitions will run from Saturday, May 17–Monday, May 26
  • For more information visit artweeks.org or follow @OxonArtweeks