A NEW joint exhibition at Low Sizergh Barn, near Kendal, showcases the work of two Green Door studio members.

Running until September 14, the show features work based on found materials from Mike Barlow and flower paintings created by Joyce Eldred.

For many years, Mike has made work from found material, initially beachcombing the Lune estuary and the west coast of Scotland.

“My main concern has always been with the overall design: the elements of colour, balance, texture etc,” said Mike. “However, in the course of working, a meaning, be it narrative or symbolic, often emerges. But I prefer the viewer to make their own interpretations; my pre-occcupation being to work with what a piece suggests as I go along - being led by the nose as it were - up to that point where the thing feels finished.”

Meanwhile, Joyce has been living, working and teaching art in Cumbria for the past 25 years, and the area inspired her to take up painting again.

“I paint various subject matter including landscapes and for this exhibition the theme is flowers’” explained Joyce. “I am always looking at new ways of representing subjects, experimenting with different mediums and techniques. I’ve recently explored abstract interpretations and developed my way of seeing.”

Green Door administrator Janice Benson said that the exhibition brings together contrasting work from two very different artists.

She added: “Mike’s work incorporates some fascinating textures and colours which complement the beauty of Joyce’s flower paintings. Overall, the effect is surprisingly harmonious yet intriguing.”

The exhibition runs until September 14.