Stories Become the Muse
GARY WILLIS
A favourite for those seeking atmosphere, cocktails, drinks, and live music, especially jazz, Barnaby’s Lounge has firmly established itself on the local map. For over a year it has also been a venue for local art, with bi-monthly exhibitions curated by Susie Warren, an art educator and practising ceramicist.
Now 2025 rushes in with another fabulous show, ‘The Story Well’ – a unique collaboration of Barnaby’s Artists, creatively reacting to Stephanie Chamberlain’s vivid and deeply mythical stories. Stephanie, a qualified counsellor, is also a poet and writer who delivers very popular monthly ‘Story Well’ readings at Barnaby’s. An idea emerged from a chat with Susie for a cross-genre project: an exhibition exploring these very visual stories.
There’s a lot to take in, from dramatic paintings, figurative and abstract, through to the three-dimensional (jewellery and weaving), photography, and a song. Each story has been brought to life according to the vision of the artist. Short passages, or just a few words, that echoed and planted themselves in the mind now adorn the walls, resonating in abundant varieties of self-expression.
“It’s been an incredible experience sharing these stories and hearing participants’ responses” exults Stephanie, “and witnessing the beautiful connections between people who share so openly.”
Now come and witness for yourself. Even if you have never heard Stephanie’s rich and evocative stories, the art will take you there. And, hopefully, it will give you a taste to come and lose yourself in an upcoming ‘Story Well’ reading.
All welcome, so pop in if you’re in the area.
THE STORY WELL EXHIBITION
Barnaby’s Lounge, 46 Robertson Street until 22 February. ‘Story Well’ readings, last Thursday each month. All details at: barnabyslounge.co.uk
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