In search of the creative experience, my curiosity takes me away from the hustle and bustle of Broad Street in Lyme Regis and the sea down to the Town Mill. This feels like the artistic hub, an enclosed, pretty area with a restored 700 year old flour mill and two art galleries (the Malt House and Courtyard).  Here is a tranquil place, tucked away where one can write, sketch or sip tea as the world goes by.

I love art exhibitions; who doesn’t.  I feel the magnetic pull of the Malt House Gallery.  A light filled, calming space with the apt title of ‘CALL OF THE WILD’.

This is closing on 23rd November, but there is a new exhibition every three weeks so have a look at the work of these artists and see the essence of the gallery.  The opening hours are normally from 10.30 to 16.30 except in early January (www.townmillartsguild.com).

By the entrance off to the right, are three adorable and quirky figures keeping watch on all who pass through. These ladies mean business. With umbrellas over their heads and animated expressions, they clutch their handbags very tightly! Owning one is not enough, I want them all PLEASE.

I have competition in Margaret Graham though, who wonders if she’ll need a mortgage to acquire them. She treats herself to a work of art every time one of her books is published, and Easterleigh Hall is just out. We’ll have to get our elbows going, and the best girl wins.

These are the wonderful creations of ceramicist Linda Bristow, soft muted colours that would look perfect in my sitting room.

In Linda’s collection there are also unusual shaped pots with daisies on top.  A very popular ceramicist, her work is displayed beautifully. Linda Bristow was originally a nurse but when her children grew older she went to Bath Spa University as a mature student to do an art course.  Gaining a first class honours degree in 2007, her final design piece, an instillation of 200 porcelain and bronze flowers, was snapped up by one person. Sadly it wasn’t me.

Linda has exhibited everywhere in the UK.  She loves being outdoors and is fascinated by nature.  It is easy to visualise her working in the garden studio taking in the wonderful views of Charmouth.

Elizabeth Wilson is another artist exhibiting in the gallery, who I was lucky enough to meet today.  Her visually beautiful oil paintings capture the light and movement in the skies and seas around Lyme Regis perfectly.  My favourite three are ‘The Cobb’, ‘Storm on The Cobb’ and ‘The Seagull’.  Will her oils she has captured the iconic scenes, that those of us who live here and those who visit enjoy so much.

Liz lives in Lyme Regis.  She originally completed a botany degree and has always had a fascination for the ‘conversation between the landscape and nature’.  It was only seven years ago that she started painting in oils.  Liz has been both influenced and inspired by Constable the landscape painter and the modernist painter Martin Kaneer for whom she has a great admiration.  Liz has always preferred being outside and likes to revisit a scene many times to achieve her end result.

So visit Lyme Regis.  Seek out the Town Mill.  Enjoy the fabulous art in both galleries.  Meet the artists, but please leave one of those fabulous ceramic females for me.

For other activities and courses at the Town Mill, check out www.townmill.org.uk and Philip Clayton the Curator of the Arts Guild (curatorartsguild@yahoo.co.uk)