30 September 2015

Post Art Trail Thoughts....


Well Art Trail is over for another year.  I think quieter than other years, but its undergone adjustment with change of people taking charge.
No sales or enquiries for me.  Not really surprised, and true I would love to sell loads, but I think there is a huge issue with people not understanding textile art.  Recently I've been adding further info labels, like ready to hang, or suitable for framing, even adding sizes, but it doesn't seem to help.  But may be its as a friend says, sometimes the art needs to be shown four or five times before it finds a home.
However selling is not the entire reason for doing.  As I always say its the challenge of the deadline, the display etc and being part of a community.  Its another element, my Venue (opticians) are really nice, when I walked in to collect I was introduced to the receptionist "this is our art trail lady" and when I left it was "we'll see you next year" - which is really lovely of them.  I certainly intend to fill out my application again.

I wish other businesses would partake, several have the attitude of "I'm not giving up my selling space to someone else".  Its 10 days, lots of free publicity, may be someone won't buy from a shop during Trail time, but that doesn't mean they won't come back in a week or a month, find shops they've never seen before, visit Rochford for the first time, to return..  I don't see promotions, ie buy something now, and get x% off further purchase within a month.   I sometimes wonder if places are full of idle rich playing shops, as so unwilling to promote themselves.  Obviously don't need more sales/marketing. I can only see it as win for artist, win for business, win for community..... and don't get me started on the office type businesses, with windows full of posters, sellotape remains and the occasional dead fly... we artists have an eye for making displays, for self promotion, (ie a free window dresser) and that business won't get me through the door.  And yes, I have exhibited where I've had to sweep away dead flies... but we'll forgive an historic house!

Whilst stewarding I had some lovely chats with fellow artists, learned about their practice and how their art is perceived, who their audiences are.  Was introduced to someone who immediately said, we did an art class together.  We did, back in 1996.  In fact we started off at college and then went on to have private lessons, so I think we spent two possibly three years together.  I still find drawing difficult, I can manage enough for me to know what I mean, but actually doing gives me a raging headache.  I think its because I'm more naturally an abstract art person, I'd love a flower to look like a flower but I'm happier making my lollipop flowers!  I've long given up the fight of trying.  I did the drawing a day once upon a time.  It was all the rage everyone did it, supposedly every day for a year, or more.  I lasted six weeks, but the drawing less than that, my efforts became playing with paints, colour, texture.
Yes, I did these, passable, but stonking headache making, 
concentrate so hard, it is literally a pain to do

Far happier with this kind of play

So one of the things in my future arty plans, is to allow myself to have some fun messy play time, get the paints back out and play.  I'm hoping it feeds into my actual work, but I need some arty fun without an end purpose before I've even opened the paint pot.

WATCH THIS SPACE
Come back in a few days when
Exciting News to be Revealed!

22 September 2015

Rochford Art Trail - My Pieces

First of all, managed to get new window setting photos, not easy with glass cubes in a window, but here they are:

Left window
Right window

To the pieces.... 7 completely new pieces made especially with the Trail in mind, all of which involve circles in some format, including the 8th piece which is not featured here, a book made from circular pages, seen in left window image.

3 small canvases 8" sq


Floret 1
collaged paper background, covered in machine stitch
machine stitched lollipop flowers with mono printed pattern - lace embellishment


Floret 2
collaged paper background covered in machine stitch, stenciled background
machine stitch lollipop flowers, with mono printed pattern - lace embellishment


Floret 3
collaged paper background covered in machine stitch, stenciled background
machine stitch lollipop flowers, with paint techniques


Candy Stripe
16" x 12" ready to be framed
mono printed paper, machine stitch, rusted metal heart embellishment,
with additional paper hearts and circles

Small Art Works - or as I called them Postcards
Each is 6" x 8" this selection can work portrait or landscape
have a high quality cartridge paper backing, suitable to write on
posted at own risk, but suitable for framing.




Each has a mono printed background and overall surface machine embroidery
hand stitched parabolic circles

All of these items are for sale, please email me for further information
Beverley@bevfolkard.co.uk

The Trail continues until Saturday 27th September
after which time purchased artwork may be collected

I will be stewarding again at Venue 1
11am-1pm on Thursday
Variety of work on show, glass, pottery, printing, charcoal, oils, water colours
Come and say hello.


17 September 2015

Rochford Art Trail NOW ON

Busy busy busy... teaching engagement, visited the Trail Art Market an AGM, followed by a very full on meeting with The Material Girls, lots of things going forward, more deadlines and ideas needed.

But the big news of the week....

Rochford Art Trail
now on
17th-26th September

My work is in Venue 11, Mendoza Opticians, where I have been before.  Its a window display so no need to go in, and can be seen outside of opening hours.
You can download a copy of the Trail Map here.   Or pick one up from one of the Venues.

I will be stewarding at The Rochford Hotel.  Following on from last year there is a pop up Exhibition here from Monday to Thursday, see the map for specific hours.

Stewarding at
Venue 1
The Rochford Hotel
Monday 12noon until 2pm
Thursday 11am until 1pm

Entrance to the Hotel is via the Back Lane car park.  Driving to the car park take the roundabout into Rochford, which is after, or before the Horse & Groom pub.  Immediate left into Locks Hill and that takes you into the car park.  The Hotel is situated next to the driving exit.

I've been to the Launch Event today... given an interview about me, not something I find easy at all, but it gets a little better every time you do these things..
So as a teaser, here are some partial images from my window display.  Everything this year has turned out to involve circles.....

Small 8" sq canvases
Comprising collage of various papers
machine stitching, monoprinting, surface decoration and may be some lace!
Hopefully the images will enlarge if you click on them.




I continue to make my Small Art Works (or Postcards)
6" x 8" suitable for framing, but have paper backing for writing.


There are a couple of other pieces too

Alas I need to retake my window photos.  Too much reflection, not helped by the white van parked opposite.

Please visit the Trail, everyone works so hard to make it happen, and there is such a variety of art in all forms.  Look at the Map as there are extra events, as well as the displays.
May be I will see you at my stewarding sessions.