RECLAIMED materials will be at the heart of many displays on show as part of this year’s Somerset Open Studios event.

Running from September 17 until October 2, the initiative features a host of artists welcoming visitors in a bid to show them how they work and to reveal their inspirations.

And at least four of those taking part in the countywide event are creating new pieces from reclaimed materials.

Sharing a venue in West Cranmore are Fiona Campbell and Nick Weaver. Curator and artist for Step in Stone, which featured 14 artists creating a series of site-specific artworks in response to the nature of East Mendip’s quarries, Fiona’s woven and welded sculptures combine steel, copper, wire and other media. The reclaimed materials are transformed into fascinating, ethereal pieces, perfect for gardens.

Nick, who also collaborated with the creation of Step in Stone, makes furniture and sculptures from found, reclaimed and recycled wood. He finds inspiration for his designs from natural forms as well as the material’s own shape and texture.

Elsewhere, driftwood artist Emma Duke creates stunning wall sculptures from her West Monkton studio, near Taunton, which incorporate a medley of mediums such as copper and Paua shell.

Known for her captivating owls, Emma’s new designs include falcons, horses and other animals; she also produces a driftwood gift range including key hooks, chimes, and vases.

She sources her driftwood from the North Somerset and Devon coastlines, individually selecting pieces for their quality, shape and colour.

Her love for using naturally sculpted wood can be profoundly seen in her animal collections, where a focus on the muscle area appears to breathe life into her creations.

Another artist using unwanted materials for his work is George Hider. He specialises in creating animal forms such as elephants and horses using recycled steel from his workshop in Eggwood Farm at Merriott.

Now living and working at Pilton but originally from the USA, Candace Bahouth will be opening the doors to her imaginative world full of remarkable mosaic sculptures created from found treasures and natural materials.

Her work includes commemorative china mirror frames, chandeliers, decorative wall displays and amazing mosaic shoes and sneakers, perhaps created with mirror fragments, delicate china flowers or shells.

With more than 200 venues showcasing a huge variety of pieces from local artists and makers, Somerset Open Studios presents a great opportunity to view both established names as well as new and emerging artists in their working environment revealing how they work, their inspiration and creative processes.

Disciplines range from the visual arts, sculpture, stone carving and metalwork to textiles, wood, jewellery, furniture, glass and mixed media, plus much more. Meet the artist face-to-face in their own small studio, home or temporary studio space; look and buy or place a personal commission for a special piece.

Visit www.somersetartworks.org.uk or call Somerset Art Works on 01458 253800 for a free guide.