Swindon Open Studios: Love Is? He Built Me An Art Studio!

20th August 2025, Swindon, Wiltshire. To quote a well-known nursery rhyme, “If you go down to the woods today, you're in for a big surprise!” In a small orchard in a quiet Stratton cul-de-sac, Joanna Scislowicz works in a huge, purpose-built art studio.

She is surrounded by vibrant colour, dramatic images and a wide range of art materials. The story behind her stunning, well-lit studio? "My Fiancé loved me so much he built it for me!" she smiles. Another artist whose husband Praveen did something similar, is Aradhna Rastogi. They are among 140 artists and craftspeople at all stages of their creative journey taking part in Swindon Open Studios this September.

As a child, Joanna set her heart on becoming an artist and spent 10 years studying, resulting in a Master’s Degree in fine art from Poznan in her native Poland. Her large-scale oil paintings are bold, colourful statements rich in texture. She cites her main influences as abstract artists Rothko, Anish Kapoor and Antony Gormley. In 2006, Hungary's Kogurt House (a non-profit museum) selected Joanna to represent Poland in an exhibition of European artists. The Museum bought her painting, and she has since exhibited in Los Angeles, Berlin, Budapest, Poznan, Wroclaw and London.

Joanna moved to London to study, then to Devizes. She was planning to move back to London when her fiancé Bryan promised to build her an art studio in Swindon. Although she had never heard of Swindon, she took the plunge and left the hustle and bustle of London behind! They renovated a house and Bryan kept his promise. Joanna has impeccable taste with an interior and landscaped garden worthy of an Ideal Homes photoshoot. It is a pleasure to visit their home to see her artwork displayed in an amazing setting.

Another Swindon artist whose supportive husband created an art studio for them, is Aradhna Rastogi. Her Indian father was a goldsmith; hence many paintings incorporate gold leaf. She started drawing henna tattoos aged five, but it is only in later life that she has dedicated herself to her art.

Six years ago, a colleague of hers at Lethbridge Primary School told her she was very good and encouraged her to paint more. Aradhna kept buying art materials and when her hobby began taking over the dining room and lounge, her husband said he would make space for her. Much to her delight, he converted their Wroughton garage into a perfect, well-insulated artist's studio. For Aradhna, that was a dream come true!

Although Aradhna has a young family, her husband Praveen supports her so she can paint for several hours each evening. She studies with New Masters Academy and begins by making a charcoal tonal study which informs her work. She says, "If you do still life properly, you can paint anything!" Aradhna loves meeting people and sharing her paintings and 3D work with them during Open Studios. Look out for her skilful paintings of a Kingfisher and Spanish Flamenco dancer, among beautiful works which strongly reflect her Indian heritage.

Swindon Open Studios is a free community art event in September with artists and craftspeople from all walks of life, who have followed very different paths. Some are qualified, some are completely self-taught, but they all have a passion to create. There's so much variety, there is something for everyone. See www.swindonopenstudios.org to choose which exhibitors to visit or pick up a brochure or A5 folded guide in Swindon libraries, pubs and cafés.