Art - Charity Shop

Artist Sara Grisewood is interested in long-term projects in places which might not immediately seem to be visually inspiring. In the spring she had a fascinating exhibition in the Thebes based on the Wenban Smith timber merchants, opposite the Waitrose car-park exit. This week a new exhibition is unveiled in the Crypt in Seaford of paintings she has taken of a doomed charity shop in the same town, the St James Trust in Blatchington Rd.

“I’ve tended to paint pictures of the objects in the shop, and the people who work there, and the customers,” says Sara. “There are all sorts of strange things like zimmer frames, and chamber pots. There are things you know will never sell like old vases and teapots and Blue Peter puzzles. It makes you wonder why these things were left there.” This may all sound depressing, but Sara says there is a certain element of quirkiness and black humour about the work. “It’s like a collection of still life objects, but because it’s a shop and people buy things, it’s always changing. The paintings don’t look miserable at all. They’re very colourful, and optimistic.” Sara’s work, which includes acrylic paintings and photographs, will be supplemented with pieces by the students she teaches in the nearby WEA. Some of the proceeds will go to the St James’ Trust. So where will Sara choose for her next project? “I’m not sure yet. I love the interior of the WF Bruce clock shop in North Street. But I’m also interested in the Phoenix Industrial site.” AG