FOREST paintings, mysterious arrangements in print and delicate animal and bird-like sculptures will all feature in a joint exhibition which will run at Coniston until the New Year.

Cumbrian artists Jan Huntley-Peace and Mark Gibbs, who were at art college together, have joined back up to create 'Inner Journey' which will be displayed in the Severn Studio at Brantwood from next Wednesday.

Their work occupies an ambiguous space between the real and the symbolic - somewhere between reality and myth.

Mark’s recent work has taken on a 'Northern' theme featuring anonymous fir and birch forests and their secretive inhabitants.

His work is informed by environmentalism- in particular the destruction of large areas of boreal forest by unsustainable logging - but also by the concept of the forest as a metaphor for the mind.

Jan uses print and frottage to capture, reveal and reflect on a 'moment in time', using the human form, clothing, the forest floor and bird imagery to express ideas of transition.

Based in Leasgill, Jan began her career in couture dressmaking with Zandra Rhodes and went on to work for Jean Muir, David and Elizabeth Emmanuel and also in an international capacity for the Queens dressmaker, Norman Hartnell.

She has been working as a professional artist for over 20 years using a variety of materials, found objects and techniques to produce beautiful pieces of art which can be worn.

She has recently been producing figurative sculptures and portraits on translucent papers using frottage and print.

She has a degree in sculpture and fine art and it is this interface between creative inspiration, innovative techniques and detailing which makes her work unique.

Mark has exhibited his paintings and sculptures nationally and internationally and has been shortlisted four times for the Wildlife Artist of the Year award, run by the David Shepherd Foundation.

His painting often depicts forest, tundra or moor while his sculptures reference prehistoric art.

Animals such as bison, reindeer, and wolves - our ancient companions - are presented as guardian spirits.

The strength and resilience of the individual animal is contrasted with the fragility of the species as a whole.

The Carlisle-based artist is a graduate of the Chelsea School of Art and the University of Cumbria.

The exhibition, at the former home of John Ruskin, will on display until January 4, 2015.

Until December 1 it will be open between 10.30am and 5pm, after which it will be open until 4pm.

Admission is included in a house or garden ticket.

For further information contact the house on 015394-41396 or visit www.brantwood.org.uk