Theatre and Arts

In 1982 Walker moved to a studio in Penzance to an area known as 'the Battlefields' which had once been used as the stable block and garage for the Penzance Hackney Carriages.

Walker left this listed building in 2004 to make way for its conversion into six flats.

Black Tree Orange Earth by Rod Walker

"I had occupied the studio for 25 years and had been steadily hoarding what turned out to be mostly junk. It was situated 2 minutes walk from Penzance town centre and for 25 years I felt I was working in a relatively urban environment.

"Dogs and cats, the parking of cars, family and neighbourly disputes mixing with blaring stereos. All in all it was going to be a difficult move and there would be problems finding a property large enough even after disposing of the junk."

Walker was soon on the hunt for another studio and after exhaustive enquiries he eventually found out that Bolitho estates were coincidently winding down their carpentry operation located at Trewidden Garden. The beautiful old carpenters workshop was going to be empty for a couple of years.

"I now found myself working from a studio situated up a long tree lined drive in the heart of Trewidden Gardens."

Trewidden is one of the oldest gardens in the Penzance area originally planted by T B Bolitho in the late 19th Century.

One of its features is a bomb crater, which is full of magnificent mature tree ferns. Another feature is the elegant pond surrounded by one of the finest collections of camellias and magnolias in the country, all in a wonderfully peaceful and natural garden with a maze of paths.

Trewidden Night 0il on Canvas by Rod Walker

"I would often stroll in the gardens particularly in the early morning and on the days when the gardens were closed to the public and absorb the tranquil atmosphere.

"The shapes and colours of the garden began to inform my painting creeping and seeping into the work like a tendril of Ivy or a cloud of soft mist.

"The shape of a fallen leaf, the shape of my walks the nooks crannies and the paths that link them have all influenced and perhaps softened this series of paintings. I have now moved to yet another studio but many of the paintings in this exhibition are a celebration of my time at Trewidden."

Trereife Art Gallery

Newlyn Penzance TR20 8TJ

GARDEN PAINTINGS

7th July to 29th July 2008

Click here for more information of Rod Walker: