Falls Off Chair - its a Blog Post

Once again its been a while since I’ve posted.

However I have been busy with art work.

Having agreed to go on the Working Party for the local Art Trail, I found myself occupied with tasks, from meetings to phone calls, to writing documents.

The Trail itself was very well received in the town.

Here’s my window....

Next came making sure work was ready for The MaterialGirls Exhibition at Craft Arena. The Exhibition was entitled “Patterns of Inspiration” - with design work inspired by the art collections of Anthony Denney.

The work will be on display again, in a further and fuller Exhibition at Rainham Hall, Essex in February 2020.

My books on right

The theme has already been set for the next body of work by The Material Girls, so its research time.

I have one more event for the Girls.... as I will be one of the Members giving a talk to a local Embroiderers’ Guild in December.

And lastly I was sent the opportunity to alter a page of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte.  This I duly did and as I write all the pages are being photographed for a book.  All the work is going on Exhibition in January in Scarborough.  You can see details here.

On top of all of this I discovered that I am not well, the exhaustion I was suffering from was not merely because I lack sleep.  It should be corrected by meds, but it will be a few months before its better.

I decided not to be involved with any more art trail organising, as always with these things a lot gets left to few volunteers, and I ended up with more tasks than I was willing to do.

I do not find it easy dealing with councils who seems to conspire to make the simple extraordinarily difficult, some double standards, and unbelievably slow to decide anything and ignorant on basic info they should have at fingertips.

Plus next year, if it happens, it is also likely to have deadlines around a time when I don’t want any outside tasks.

Not feeling on top form either, its time to have a rethink.

So it might be five minutes before I check in - or five months, we will all get a surprise - including me!

Coming Up - 2

As you can see The Material Girls are working towards their next Exhibition in October at Craft Arena.  Lots of exciting and innovative ideas to be revealed.
And keep this in mind, as we will back at Rainham Hall in February 2020.
Meantime at Rainham Hall, the Denney Exhibition has opened, with The Material Girls making three floor cushions which can be seen in the reconstructed Library.

So you can see, between the last post and this, I've lots to keep me occupied.

Its 2019 (with closure on 2018)

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Firstly time for a catch up.
I've not posted in such a long time - mainly because not really feel well, not ill, just not well, I chose to have a defined course of action elsewhere, for me.
It is always so difficult to share things here, because a lot of what I make is for Exhibition, and its only right that first look goes to those events.  So it can very much look like I'm not doing anything, when there is something going on.

Following the Art Trail and Art Fair events, I didn't have anything else planned for me personally.  However, I did help the husband with his entries into the Essex Open, one of which sold on opening night.

At a friend's suggestion I have become a Member of S.E.W. 

I was somewhat hesitant, not sure if it was for me, but my friend persuaded me to give it a go, can only try and see.  I also expressed that I was really wanting to find a group I could join which involved BookArts.
So I sent off my application, following an open call out, and to my utter surprise it came back with... Yes we'd like you to join with your Books!!!  So that involved happy dancing.
Its a new venture, so will await developments, it could be that I/we/me are not a good fit, but we shall see.  Its nice to have the opportunity to investigate though.

I've got an event coming up - well if you call 2020 coming up.  New to me again, but decided to stop being a wimp and give it a go, so said Yes.

And a piece which was in my local Art Trail, sold independently in November.  So this has a new home.

detail of Strata

In the pipeline for 2019 is:

~plenty of work for The Material Girls exhibitions planned and pending

~joining in the Sketchbook Project  doing a Mini Sketchbook this time

~local Embroiderers' Guild Branch Competition - not done in many years

~signed up to Lifebook 2019 - new to me starts today

~possibly an Art Trail - may be the Art Sale Event

~possibly get around to the list I made out in January 2018!

Don't know when I will be back here - but hopefully will, with something I can share.

Have a happy creative, and funfiled 2019

2018 Already!!

Happy New Year

Here we are already good way through first week in January.

Last year was quite full on, lots achieved and done, but not always to my personal satisfaction.  Record keeping of all sorts has gone amiss, inc in blogland.

I won't say its a Resolution to write more, but let's just say the intent to do is there.

2017 saw

The Material Girls with FOUR Exhibitions

John Harle at second venue

Essex Environment shown at two venues

and a very successful Exhibition Goodnight Children Everywhere

My Embroiderers' Guild Branch

held a very successful Exhibition

then there was the National Day of Stitch

which was packed out all day

and I received a Certificate for being a Member for

25 years.

On a personal level

Once again had work in Rochford Art Trail

September, October and November

saw attendance at Workshops

Art Van Go

Seth Apter

Dali Graham

Phew, a lot there,

2018 may be a quieter year as lots of organisations seem

to be taking a break.

I do have plans and commitments to things, and await notifications of

any new opportunities.

September Whoosh

September was mega busy, it always is, but this year seemed exceptionally so, at one time 20 appointments booked in.  It gets more complicated for a one car household, having to work out logistics.
So let's take a look at it, in pictures.  Hopefully if you click on they will enlarge for better viewing, click on any highlighted links too.

First week of September attended a Workshop

Art Van Go

Now I think I've done 2 of these in the past, may be 3, but years ago.

Its play and experiment with paint products.

The following week it was time to set up

Rochford Art Trail

The next week with the Trail still on

time to set up and open

The Material Girls

'Goodnight Children Everywhere'

at Rainham Hall

In amongst lots of stewarding, here and there and trying to keep track of

where I'm doing what, and him indoors with his own art display too

So on Sunday 1st October everything was down.

OK so its now October, but the finish to the mad rushing about

on the Monday night, 2nd Oct

Seth Apter Workshop

50 Ways to Leave Your Layer

This was about base layers and how to layer up
so both of these samples may have a way to go,
but it was about process.
I loved this workshop came home buzzing with excitement.

I've had lots of thoughts comparing the two workshops at either end of this busy time., both with backgrounds, different approaches. There were differences in content, product, delivery, lots of similarities and differences.  I may commit my thoughts on these to another blog post.  So watch out.

Now that October is here, The Material Girls have one more Exhibition for the year at Loughton, which is all in hand.  Otherwise breathing space, which is good, time for the ideas to pop and be acted on, instead of a lot of reaction which is how its been of late.

Trials, Trails and Exhibitions

September is madness month - at one point between us we had 20 appointments.  Some of them simple, but not so much when you are a one car household and its working out who is where and when.

Today is the 16th... and so far I've attended a Workshop, an AGM, set up work for the Art Trail, been to a finance meeting, a launch party, done two lots of stewarding, answered the 'can you just' which crop up.
Next week, we set up work for The Material Girls Exhibition which opens on Wednesday.

Hopefully I will have pics of it all later for you, but in the meantime, let's have a look see...

My piece for The Material Girls

whilst under construction

Storyjar Preserve

see below in window display

Work on display in Art Trail

So currently my work table/area looks like this

Coming Soon

Next Exhibition from The Material Girls.
This is a new body of work, not seen before, lots of personal stories entwined with when the Hall was a Nursery.

Racing Through January

Wow, we are racing towards the end of January already.

I've completed my commitment of taking the Meeting at our local Embroiderers' Guild, and new year brings a flurry of information and notices to share out to the Members, so the computer has been occupied for a while.

I've already started with my online courses, though of course I should have realised, that one which is committed to videos no longer than 15 minutes, doesn't mean it only takes 15 minutes to replicate the technique!

The Material Girls have now removed the exhibition work "With the Compliments of Capt John Harle" - however, not only is the work to be shown in another venue, the Exhibition time as been extended.
So now you will be able to see this body of work from 29th March - 8th July at Havering Museum.

Take a look at The Material Girls website and blog to see what is coming next, because the Group will be back exhibiting at the Hall in September.

I still have a piece at Rainham Hall, and it will be there for, an as yet, unknown to me, time period..  This is because it (purely unintentionally) fits in with the display of the original Will its based on.  My work in the fireplace.

Its the entire Will of Capt John Harle, machine stitched onto paper.  From memory its over 20m long.

I would love to show you other things, but let's think.... new work for The Material Girls, no can't share that.  New work for the Embroiderers' Guild, no can't share that.

Don't forget though the Essex Open Exhibition is still on, until 11th February - and the CD Project at the Inchmore Gallery in Inverness continues until March.

Hopefully I will come back next time, with pretty things to share, but thought it was time for a catch up.

As I update the sidebar to the right, and any of the individual pages, I do add a notification to that effect at the top of the blog page, so keep an eye on that.

2017 - Here I Come

NEW YEAR

Salutation and Felicitations

2017

What a weird year 2016 was... all sorts of things left me feeling discombobulated. Anyway what do they say, New Year, New Start.

So much to do.... The Material Girls have lots of plans for the year.  My local Branch of the Embroiderers' Guild have an Exhibition, so I wish to participate in that.  I wish to attend the Book Fair again.  So it looks like May will henceforth be known as Manic May.

As I write I still have three pieces of work on display in the Essex Open Exhibition - this is on until 11th February.  Do try to visit, its in what was previously the Library, two buildings down from the Southend/Liverpool St rail station.  There's a small car park next door, and parking opposite.  Details of items in this post.

I also have work still in Inverness - as part of the CD Exhibition - this isn't due to return to me until March.  Would be nice if I sold one piece - but with so many to choose from.... you can see my pieces from this post. 

As if all of this wasn't enough, I've got so many things I want to create and try, but they don't come to fruition, as other work takes priority.  Plus, working for events, they have the 'look see' first, so I can't really share until the moment, and it looks like I do nothing!

So, wanting change, wanting exploration, wanting fun - as part of that I've signed up for two classes - yes I know mad, but its self regulated, so its down to me what I do and when.

The first is this one.

Its already started, and consists of daily short video of technique/project, from the world of Mixed Media.  It is what it say, Jumpstart, so is only for January.

The second is

This one has yet to start properly - later in week, and lasts the year.  I've joined this one because I follow several of the tutors via Facebook or blogs, so like their style.  Again no pressure to do.
Actually its been a surprise to see more and more people are adding stitch to their paper projects - so as you can imagine, I'm very happy.

As my ideas for Fun didn't work out last year, I thought if I actually schedule Fun into the diary, and having paid for it, I will do it.  I believe this is the premise also in the book, 

which I've partially read - the premise being to make a habit of doing.  Whilst yes I do create and make, its not such a regular scheduled thing.  Partly I don't want this, but also partly I think I need it!!  So we will see.
I've also changed the format of my 'art calendar' this year so will see how that goes.  I have this propped up near where I work, in part also so him indoors can see what I need to do, and when I need the car!

Next on the Agenda is the EG January meeting, at which they have to put up with me! Nothing too taxing, we are just looking at ways to frame and mount work for exhibition, and means of packaging etc.  We have several new Members so no doubt latter especially useful.

So here we go again with whatever 2017 brings forth - all I know is that it needs to change in all sorts of ways for me.  I don't know if anyone ever comes and reads this blog - in some ways it doesn't matter, because I use it as a means to record what is happening in my art world.  So if you do read, please say hello, and please keep me company for the forthcoming year.

September will be Busy

Thought I'd share a few taster images of things to come.

Prep, and delivery are starting from Monday.

Its gearing up to be busy - and as always its not the physical work that gets me, I find that doable - its switching the mind set from one thing to another.  Anyway plans are underway.  

First on the list HADLEIGH ART TRAIL  - entered very last minute and really to see how it goes.  I will have work in glass display cabinets, so you will need to go inside.  My hosts are also first time Trailers, so please visit and encourage.  I will also put a piece in the communal display at The Old Fire Station (opposite Morrisons).  It won't have new work in it, but will not have been seen in the area before.  So I'm submitting my map work, which I come back to again and again.  Here's a taster:

Following on and setting up before the above has been taken down, its time for ROCHFORD ART TRAIL.  

This year, the husband has decided to also enter.  He has never done anything of this ilk before - having been given the Library as a venue, and the foyer at that, please let me say I am not jealous, at a first timer getting a venue with lots of footfall   yeah right - I'm very pleased for him, but if he sells loads of work, I shall expect a Consultation Fee.   He's way too laid back about it all for my liking!   Here's a taster of his work.  The library is closed, Monday, Wednesday.

Its digitally altered photography.  He's very happy taking photos and spending hours altering the effects.  You will have to take a look at the one above to see it in full.

I am back at the familiar venue of the Opticians.  These people are soooo nice, and I will have new work to show.  Here's a little snippet.

I will also be taking part in the Art Fair on Saturday 17th September, The Tack Room, Horse & Groom pub.  I have never done this part of the Trail before, usually because the date clashes, last year I had 30 minutes to visit, and usually I have a meeting on the same day. So I'll give it a go, I have small sales pieces available - bring your CASH.

***All the dates, and venues are on right of blog page***

And then we move on to the hush hush stuff, so this is to be read through half shut eyes!!!

I have been offered a chance to join in with something, which excites me immensely, but I cannot reveal it, until October.  A big thrill for me, but perhaps a "is that it" for you.

The Material Girls meet also whilst the latter Trail is on...(I have 5 consecutive days where I have art related appointments, some 5 minutes, others more involved).  We will be cranking up a gear for our next project, details of which I can't share, but I have firm ideas now on what to make, (mhmmm think I can say, influenced by an Essex man in a dress) but not starting til our meeting, so as to check the brief again, in case its not the right fit.

In the meantime I need to play... so about to get fingers messy with some paint.

Circling the Square

My afternoon workshop at the Embroiderers' Guild was well received I believe.  We had a nice mix of regular Members, from Members who now live long distances away, and we welcomed many new faces.  The word Guild had put them off, they were of the view that the Guild is very old fashioned.  Not sure what they made of my painted and dipped in wax piece!!!

The term 'guild' has been a source of discussion as long as (and likely before) I've been a Member.  (24 years).  Perceptions are always made whatever words and phrases are used.  Best advice give it a go and see.

So I can reveal that my Workshop involved using the puzzle page from newspapers as a design source.

I am in this photo, but which one?

Mwah ha ha.....

Photo courtesy of Penny

Last week was the regular monthly meeting of The MaterialGirls.  As always, moving forward with new ideas to explore, tentative plans for many months ahead are starting first thoughts. Sometimes its tough, but I joined to challenge myself and it provides that, in many varied ways.

You may have noticed, reference to the Eastern RegionTextile Forum has disappeared from this blog.  I have not renewed my membership, having been a Member since inception and played a large role in the creation of the current website.  Its been Eight years and simply I've changed, my needs and wants are not the same, and the organisation has moved and changed, so we are no longer a good fit.  I have met some lovely people, enjoyed their company, but I think I've found my natural end point.

I've not done much creating this week, however I have been watching some daily real time videos of making, from those who use paint and paper and others who stitch.  I like the quirky reality, the mistakes, ie the dropped brush, the unthreaded needle, in real time span.  I wonder if this is the way things are going, many people offer video tutorials for free, and others are doing these webinar things, ie watch as live and join in via comments.  As a severe (getting a little better, see above) photophobic, videos would be a long way off, unless its just hands!!!! 😀. Plus we perhaps are an unusual household, don't own and have never owned video cameras, just have the facility which comes on mobile phones and cameras.  But cameras.... we could open a shop!!

I have a new toy....

 a flower stitch foot

I've been looking at them for a long time.  For my machine the cost was prohibitive.  Last year I looked again and saw I could buy for £15-£20 but still hesitated as to how much use I'd have and was it just indulgence.  Then last week I found I could buy one for £6 with no p&p - well rude not to.

Had a little play and these amongst first trials - love it!

Current task - work out how to cobble together a quilting guide for the lefthand side of sewing machine, and still keep the right hand side guide.  It likely involves wire, paperclips and pliers..... whoever thinks textile art/embroidery are refined genteel exploits.

British Birds - November Revealed

Essex Wildlife Trust

Ingrebourne Valley Centre

Sat 30th April - Mon 2nd May

poster on right

Well as the Exhibition is up and in place, here are images of my work.  We had a draw for a month and I had November, so a bird you can see in that month.
From the previous clues....

~ a bit of realism

it's wearing Winter plumage....

~ a pun on words

look closely, and the bird species is revealed

~ interpretive dance

this one surely gives it away...

~a tongue firmly in cheek joke

living in a place of  multiple occupancy?

Well have you got it?

Its a

Starling

Count Down to Exhibition

Well the bags are packed, the work is done and everything is ready for The Material Girls  exhibition 'British Birds' over the Holiday weekend.

30th April - 2nd May

10am-4pm

Essex Wildlife Trust

Ingrebourne Valley Centre

The work has involved struggle... for some reason each piece has taken against me, being difficult - office chairs which sink at a vital moment, causing hiccup stitches, equipment which works perfectly on the test then mashes up the real piece, knocking glue over which is making a river towards the work.  There's gesso on the phone, paint on a jumper, snapped scalpel blades and a growling sewing machine.  Even almost straightened out a curved needle.  To name a few.  Its been long time since I felt so consistently and overwhelmingly conspired against.  But breathe, its all achieved.

I will share images once its up, but for my month and bird, the four pieces involve....

~ a bit of realism

~ a pun on words

~ a tongue firmly in cheek joke

~ interpretive dance

you will need to visit to see which is what.  Its FREE, and I will be there Saturday afternoon.

So what next..... The Material Girls are going to spend some time in personal creative development.

I have things to make for, sent in an Intent form for a selected exhibition.  Have an Art Trail to apply for and a creative afternoon Workshop for Embroiderers' Guild to prep.

Ideas for all of this involve : structured process, methodical thought, free flowing fun, research, mental gymnastics, colour, play.

So far as often happens, it mainly exists rattling around in my head, where as always happens, the ideas and interpretation are magnificent!

In the meantime, I'll leave you with this.... a posed photo for a competition, which didn't get anywhere, but then Seeing Red, of late, kinda explains it all.....

The Material Girls - British Birds !

Please note your diaries for this display of work from The Material Girls.

I am 'Miss November' which for some reason prompted the comment of "we need bigger buns" - sure I don't know what they mean!!!

Each of us are making FOUR pieces for our bird - some recognisable realism through stitch, and some are abstract and fun.

Entrance is free, and you will find the work in the Visitors Centre.