Artist Book Fair - Sat 14th Nov 2015

Well its almost upon me - my first ever Artist Book Fair.

Let's step back for a moment...

I've been making books for years... not sure if I made creative books as a child, I know I filled exercise books with 'writing'.

I've been making stitched bindings since 1979... over 35 years, goodness.  Working in the legal profession documents were stitched together using a Japanese Stab Binding.  Must have made hundreds.

Forward in time to studying City & Guilds Creative Embroidery, Part 1 (links to the story of which can be found via the Qualifications tab above)

For one of the assessment items I wanted to make a book, but alas my tutor would not allow it, so I didn't get to progress in book arts.  The exception being that each of the 10 Preparing Working Designs had to be presented in different ways, so some book construction skills came in handy for that.

Finally for Part 2 studies, I got to make my book.   It was a bit 007ish with a compartment behind handmade pages.   Plus a whole host of books to hold research and samples.

Over the years I've been on many workshops, books are an ideal way for creative stitchers to show their skills.  A tutor may well have one of her own amongst the wealth of goodies to look at, let alone the sketchbooks where you might find the addition of pockets, windows, fold outs etc.

Such bookbinding workshops I have been on tend to fall into two categories - the creative content/decorative covers based on a skill set or theme where the binding method has minimum complexity - or the construction, looking at a means of holding pages together, the latter is a rarer occurrence in my experience.

So far, for me, its the construction which has appealed.  I like the technical challenges, yes even the mathematics!  I have boxes of examples.

I have shown off my books, making as part of exhibitions, but books tend to need a table/plinth for display, and not every venue has that.

There you have it, how I have arrived at the Artists Book Fair - joining in from the other side of the table, having been a keen viewer of many wonderful creations, which stretch the conventional idea of what is a book.

In addition to each Artist's display they have been invited to make books in a Matchbox - voted on by the viewers.  There's a chance for you to win a prize as a voter, and the winning artist also wins a prize.  Yes I have entries, but no, not showing you them, vote for your favourite and just may be, it might be mine!

I'm looking forward to indulging myself in all things booky on  Saturday... not to mention artisan cupcakes!!

To find out more, you can visit the ArtbookArt website or their Facebook page - lots of enticing images appearing.

Come and say hello.

Refreshing and Playing

Wow can you believe it, here we are in November.  I am an expert at losing days - past month I've managed to take two lots of meds on one day and not notice, then a day or so later realise I merged couple of days.  Last week did the opposite forgot to take the meds, obviously still thinking it was yesterday!

The Material Girls have their work (but not all which has been made for the project) in Rainham Hall, which is now open Friday, Saturday and Sunday until 20th December.

I have updated my website by adding a few more images, rewording some bits and pieces and generally trying to give it a little refresh.  I always change the date on the front page when I've updated things so both you, and I know when last it had a tweak!  Please go visit, and if you see any errors, let me know - everything merges after a while.

I am busy prepping for Saturday 14th November, Artists Book Art Fair  I find myself still in that mix of excitement and terror at this new, to me, venture.

I decided a while back that in amongst the making and doing for projects, which bring about challenges in their own right, I've forgotten how to play... as in make something and nothing, just because.  So out came a sketchbook, which will become an Art Journal.  Fancy phrase and I'm still really no wiser as to what it means - except its agreed its a place to enjoy yourself.  I'm not sure I'm ready for the deep and meaningful phrases seen in others journals.  So here we have some pretties.

This is a Gelli® print
Its at least 5 layers of design, the black goes on last

It didn't pull off cleanly in one pull
so added some pink paint and tried again
I really like the textures etc from this one

Oh, I have given in, and bought myself an Adult Colouring Book - noooooo, not that sort of adult.  As its all the rage, and I will likely have missed the moment and something else becomes the trend, let's give it a go.  Not tried it out yet, but I have also reverted to childhood, and sent for some adult (again that word) sparkly ink pens. Do you remember Christmas when all

you craved for was the pack of felt tip pens, gazillion colours in a really really loooong pack!  I know, C word - last night 1st Nov, Christmas ads on tv.  I really must become a professional bah humbug, qualified for it!

Thrilled - Feel the Fear....

Well  did you hear the squeals?  Time to update on the opportunities which were pending.

First of all there was a boo hoo - I didn't get into the Essex Open.  I've been in it twice, but not for many years, so no real surprise, except going in to these things hopeful, else why bother.  Still it gives me moaning rights "oh my piece was sooo much better than that one darhling" :)

Next comes an old faithful.  I did know over a week ago that I'd been accepted, but waited for my written confirmation.  Having been a part of it since it was just a couple of days and only a handful of artists, and in my home town, its nice to once again be part of

Rochford Art Trail

17th-26th September 2015

I have again been allocated the opticians window.  Its such a specific venue, being glass cubes - the staff are lovely too.

Here's a sneaky look at what I have planned to fill the window with.

I've offered to help out with some stewarding, and will add details of when and where as they are confirmed.

If you recall the previous blog where I'd listed the opportunities pending, I'd said there was something which was completely in my comfort zone, and completely out of it.  Last week I said to a friend, right now, if the answer is no I will feel disappointment and relief.   However, if I get accepted, I will likely feel excitement and scared.

So here I am happy dancing, thrilled, and gulping my fear back down!

I am going to participate in my first ever Artist Book Fair!

HOFS Artist Book Fair

Saturday 14th November 2015

HOFS is Hadleigh Old Fire Station - its now artists studios, but retains its big red doors and fireman's pole!

This is a new venture for me.  Although I've been making books for years and years.  Part of the reason for applying is that space to showcase book arts isn't always easy to come by.  Some venues are wall only, or security is a concern.

I have participated in countless artist/public situations, talking to and demonstrating techniques.  I've also been part of groups with textile stands at art fairs - but I have never done one in my own right, just me, at a table, by myself, with only my work and never primarily my books.

So time to step out of the comfort zone, and give it a try - who knows what will happen, I may be useless, no-one may like anything I make - but after giving it a lot of thought, and I mean a lot of thought, its have a try and see.  One way or another, a box will be ticked!

Please make diary notes of these events - hopefully I will be back with more publicity posters etc.