#artchain Challenge

If you are not on Facebook, then you won't know that there are times when sharing something takes hold.  This time its a means to share and get your art known to others.  There are a few variations currently on Facebook, but this is what I was nominated for, #artchain

1 piece of artwork each day for 5 days

and nominate another person each day.

Here's the opportunity to share more detail:

Day 1

This sample dates back to around 1994 (or earlier)

so its not quite the beginning of my journey of stitching on paper.

Its my own handmade paper with fleece included.

Dyed with Dylon dye

Woven papers dyed and coloured with acrylic wax

Feathers and machine stitch.

This piece is included in the book "Beginner's Guide to Papermaking" by Heidi Reimer Epp and Mary Reimer.  I actually have two items in this book, but 3 images, one being used as the full page background image for the gallery chapter.

Day 2

Purple Prose
Two books in one.  Pages fan out in one section and revolve in the other
Various samples attached to thick 'plasma' plastic
Fan element fastened with rivet.
Revolving section rings through holes
Inspiration:  to combine book constructions and the colour purple!

Day 3

Heart Mosaic
Looking around I found many artists have a favourite motif/colour.
Deciding I needed something, I chose the heart motif.
I've made many pieces with hearts on, over the years, overall my best sellers.
This piece is purchased handmade paper, with machine and hand stitching. As well as shell and metal heart buttons, you will find hidden outline stitched hearts.

Day 4

Secrets from the Attic
Made for an exhibition this is a suitcase full of things I like.
Two different styles of books, map inspiration, large postcard format, envelopes and small postcard, pretty things such as flowers, bunting and a tassel.
Hand and machine stitch, bookbinding, melting and burning, many techniques, and of course, lots of paper!
I wrote out an entire story purely for myself, on who could have owned the contents and why.
Its an idea I'd like to do more of, and I have the suitcase of course......

Day 5

Tudor Rose
Inspired by my location.  The Boleyn family owned the local Hall.
Oh and look carefully the petals are hearts....
Not the first piece made using this technique
White stitch on white paper, with paint added.
The background has at least seven colours in the process.
Its a technique I enjoy (beach huts a recent result) and am pursuing further.
Future work also involves stitch and paint.

I hope you have enjoyed this little insight into my art pieces, thoughts and processes.  It all connects into the whole, even though it may not look like it.  Please comment, it helps to know you are not talking to yourself!  You can of course check out my work via my website - if you are on Facebook, please visit and Like my page.

Thank you for visiting.

Beverley

Finished and Beginning

Well here we are a couple of things already ticked off the year's list.

Firstly The Material Girls Tales and Textiles Exhibition is at an end.  I made a few sales and my first with the group, so that in itself is very pleasing. I've updated this blog post with what has sold.

The Material Girls have been and continue to work very hard on their next project.  Its a very very special development of The 'Girls talents and knowledge from all aspects of being creative artists.  Keep tuned in to the blog, website and Facebook to see developments.

Next my practical afternoon workshop for local branch of the Embroiderers' Guild.  "X Marks the Spot" - this is what I had to show them.

And these are pics of what was produced.

Photos courtesy of Juliet Bryson

I was trying to work out how many of these I have done, and its a lot.  I have an incomplete list.  In lots of ways a practical mini workshop is more difficult to think of and prep for than a day workshop. When a "paid for" workshop is offered its a specific topic for a specific audience. They sign up because they want to, have an expectation of content, and have the skill set and/or willingness to embrace what's offered for the day.

The mini workshops have to cater for many interests and skill levels, at our Branch we tend to advise Members on what to bring for the session, but not on exactly what it is.  This is because sometimes people can be of the mindset 'oh don't like the sound of that, I won't go' - whereas pushing yourself when its not in your comfort zone can produce pleasant surprises.   No pressure to join in, but usually everyone does.  Its a challenge (which I enjoy) to firstly think of a topic and then ideas for all skill levels in the room at the same time.  I'm not paid as such, received a gift certificate, but its my way of contributing to the Branch.

So I will have to wait and see if I get asked for another..... and wait for the idea to appear!

Oh and incase you wondered... yes I did do some doodling in my gelli/paint effects book over Christmas, and since.  Not meant to be super designwork, but playing.  It did reveal one thing, so out of practice, my hand ached from holding the pen.

Happy Creative 2015

Happy New Year

I hope those of you who drop by here and read, will continue to do so in the forthcoming year.  I try to keep the blog primarily based on my arty life, a behind the scenes look, a keeper of ideas/records, and just general arty waffle - though occasionally cats might appear, as an update.
Incidentally New Year's Day present, Bandit brought home a mouse.  Plus despite buying a new toy for Christmas both are preferring the wine cork and an empty linen basket. Tsk.

Bandit and Spike

Things move and change quickly at this time of year, don't they?  Heard of two things which are testing to see if feedback promising, one a studio opportunity, bit too far away for me, but I dream.... sigh!  The other a small sales opportunity, said yes please to learning more, so will see if the year brings forth anything more.

I've found a new group to join on Facebook, to hopefully further the Gelli-ing and also a few more new Likers, so that's a good start to the year.

The Material Girls exhibition, Tales & Textiles, now enters its last week.  Please go along to see, as some items have been sold, so will be off to new homes shortly.

This coming Saturday I am taking the meeting at the Embroiderers' Guild, South & East Essex Branch, see here for location/programme.

I promise to ease you gently into the New Year, with my practical afternoon "X Marks the Spot".

Seems very odd that come 11th Jan both an exhibition and my scheduled EG task will be done and dusted.  Still it does mean that half the things on my January To Do List, will actually be done before half the month is up!

Please continue to join with me as I see what creative developments 2015 brings.

Beverley