Obsession is a collaborative exhibition by 3 artists; Jackie Harrowsmith, Helen Balbontin and Beverley Kendall, working in differing fields of practice - kiln formed glass, fabric manipulation and painting, yet equally obsessed with the materials and techniques they explore.

Through disparate themes, common threads emerge between the works. Distant memories, remnants, surfaces that are worn, decay and fragments left behind.

Join us for the preview on Saturday 6th July, 2 - 5 pm.

Obsession runs from Monday 8th July - Saturday 13th July, 11 am - 3 pm, as part of Holmfirth Artweek 2024. Then 10 am - 2 pm during our regular opening times until 27th July.

Jackie Harrowsmith - Founder and Director of Globe Arts Studio

As many know we are growing our provision and have taken on an additional premises at Holme Mills Marsden. The building is industrial and has a rich heritage both architecturally and through the many businesses that have operated there.

I am obsessed with the building’s past experiences and life. Some of this presents itself physically in the walls, floors, pillars, pipes, wiring and light that are the lifeblood of the space. Some of this presents itself emotionally through its atmosphere – it’s a calm, industrious truthful space. I feel creative here.

These casts are taken directly from quiet parts of the building that are easily lost in its vastness. They capture moments that I noticed them and felt connected to them. I have an overwhelming feeling that I want to preserve them, knowing that the next stages of growth for the building will not include them.

Using the plaster moulds for casting glass.

Helen Balbontin - Art Teacher

I have always found spending time outside in the natural environment gives me a sense of calm and serenity, I often collect little keepsakes acorns, pebbles, leaves, shells…….

I often keep a favourite smooth pebble in my pocket to touch or squeeze in my hand at times of stress.

I especially enjoy walking alongside rivers and seashores, while I walk I collect things that have been eroded by the water.

In my work I have explored some of my favourite found objects using a range of materials to understand and explore the details and textures of these objects. Each of these objects has significance for me, connected to happy memories of spending time with people I love, in places I love. These objects were collected in Filey, Boggle Hole, Gamrie Bay and Boccadasse.

My work is Mixed Media paintings and Tetra Pak printing.

Beverley Kendall - Artist

I have an obsession with an old gasometer, a relic of our industrial past, and a beautiful, geometric structure. It is a giant sculpture standing out against the sky, in Huddersfield.
This amazing, historical building is to be dismantled and will be lost for ever. 
I made this structure the focus for my project in order to preserve it in some way.

Part way through this work I became distracted (obsessed) by Siddi quilts, made by Indian women of African descent. Their vibrant colours and plan-as-you-go method fascinated me and I wanted to try it out-it’s much harder than it looks, but I enjoyed the challenge! I used silk fabrics for strong colours, and shapes from the gasometer to complete 2 hangings.

The third hanging is geometric with hard-edge shapes and layout influenced by my love of mid-century design and architecture. 

The design ideas on paper are made using painted brown paper and will, hopefully, lead to further fabric hangings using recycled natural fabrics.