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Caron has set up her new studio Casa de Girasol in the rural village of Encebras, in southern Spain. The quiet, traditional village forms a superb backdrop to the studio which has three distinct areas where you can be inspired to create artwork in stone, clay or print. The central studio is the starting point for the ceramics and printmaking workshops although it is usual for people to wander between the three areas and the surrounding terraces to collect natural materials, inspirations or simply to chat. The studio is well equiped with art materials, tools and a diverse book collection. The southerly view from the shaded, carving area is the Sierra de la Taja; this wooded National Park greatly influenced the location of the studio as it is rich in stone, marble, natural oxides and of course the stunning views. The next mountain range, the Sierra del Reclot stand at 900mtrs and runs alonside the area of Monte Coto which is rich in traditional agriculture, salt deposits and high quality marble which has been the source of the regions, financial wealth. The shaded, firing area houses three kilns for both bisc and Raku firings, many of the raw materials for the glazes and pit firings are collected from the surrounding mountains. To the North of the studio runs the GR7 mountain bike route, this is not for the faint hearted as it is classed as a high/expert route. Luckily, also from Encebras you can cycle on the less difficult routes or walk sedately through the surrounding terraces and traditional villages. Specialised courses are offered at Casa de Girasol throughout the year in ceramics, stone carving, printmaking, raku and smoke firings. Hands on experience and personal development will be the focus of these workshops with lots of practical demonstrations and support. During each course small groups of art enthusiasts from across Europe receive tuition in a frendly and fun environment. These workshop are suitable for artists, sculptors, potters, teachers and students. More information is available on the Courses And Art Holidays link And just in case you are wondering about Caron's artistic experience; she was formally trained in ceramics at Cumbria College of Art and Design under the guidance of Mike Dodd and Jim Malone where she developed her obsession with heads and the human form. After working for four years making furniture(money rears it's ugly head) she returned to study and developed her figurative modelling and drawing skills under the renowned sculptor, John Osbourne at Stafford College of Art & Design. In 1993 Caron set up her first studio in Stafford, here she created a wide range of stone carvings, interior and garden sculptures and started to exhibit professionally. Following a move to Hampshire in the south of England Caron had three studios where she continued to created sculptures for private and corporate clients. Since opening her first studio Caron has also worked as a part time, art lecturer in further education delivering courses which combined the fine art disciplines of sculpture, ceramics and printmaking. Following her move to Spain Caron now combines her time between creating her own artwork, tuition, working to commissions and hill walking; she believes she has finally found the perfect balance.
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