Busy Times

Well as per usual in my world, everything is quiet, then it all happens, and comes in at the same time.

I had assumed that my local Art Trail was not happening this year, as applications are usually due in during May.  So a surprise in August to get an invite to apply with only around 10 days to deadline.
A change in organisers and the event is much smaller this year, and with short gaps between application, deadline and Trail date.  I settled for using old works.
As always never know where it will be on show until venue is allocated.  So its turn up with work and see what fits.

20th-27th September 2018

Rochford Art Trail

Venue 12 Beehive Tea Rooms

South Street

22nd/23rd September 2018

Art Exhibition and Sale

Village Hall

East Hanningfield

and others and some portfolio pieces

In another week’s time I can judge the benefits of either.  Meanwhile I’ve heard about another Art Trail, which may take a different format next year.... seems many are having a rethink.

Oh and as well as the above, my name was selected to receive and review a book.  I have to put the review on Amazon.

Paper and Pages of Books, Events and Inspiration

Well the tidy desk soon became a mess again.

Covered with papers, buttons, paints, glue,

with the window sill occupied too

more paints, paperwork etc

So next tidy up will be when I lose something.

So what have I been doing.... well the Embroiderers' Guild Branch Exhibition is now over.

Lots of lovely work, met up with those not seen in a while and new faces too.  Please come along to the Branch.

The Spring Open Exhibition where I had one piece in, has also ended - told there should be another around October time.

I've entered the Rochford Art Trail - waiting for my venue.  Someone asked me how many years it had been going, well.....this will be Number 9.  I've been in every one, inc the pre-Trail tester exhibition.

I've also sent off a Statement of Intent for an Embroiderers' Guild event, but so far nothing more than that is in hand - pile of paperwork on window sill, its in there somewhere.

And now yesterday info on another local event, which I will have to be quick on, if I want to enter as deadline is only 10 days away!.

Toddled off to see a couple of things.  Up to Norwich to look at Turn the Page Exhibition, which is nothing but book art.  Lovely. Click on the link to see images from the event on their Facebook page.
I've seen some of the Exhibitors several times, can recognise their style. I saw a first time Exhibitor who clicked with me, Paula MacGregor.  One of these spooky muzak things, as I'd been working on 'found poetry' or 'found stories' - been frustrated by my efforts though.  If you don't know, its where you take original text on a page and highlight words to make something else.  I've managed to turn Charles Dickens into a daring burglary and escape by plane.  But my means to reveal this aren't as I'd like.  Paula's work showed me I could have a different viewpoint of this.  It felt much more comfortable to see her interpretations.

Keeping with books, I went to see friend Juliet's work with the group she belongs to - Seven.  Wonderful collection of Art Journals.  They had some common elements to use and/or techniques, but each gave their own interpretation to the artwork, in gorgeously well expanded accordion books. bursting with colour.

I'm currently doing lots of book things, ideas aplenty, hope it doesn't look like I'm copying because some of my ideas have been in existence prior to seeing others work.

I had better post this, before I lose yet another week and nothing gets done here.

Paper Play

I had a very indulgent day playing with paper, only drawback is the need to clean up the floor afterwards!  But I love love love these - no project in mind as yet, its enough to do and sit and stroke.

Tomorrow sees "Ruby Stitches" Exhibition open.  Its my local Branch, South & East Essex, of the Embroiderers' Guild.  Over 60 pieces - contemporary, traditional, 3d showing the wide range of techniques which embroidery encompasses, proving that the Embroiderers' Guild has something for everyone.  Do come along and see - on until 17th June with Members in the Gallery at varying times, and a 'Make and Take' day free to all, on Wednesday 31st May.

Eastern Images - ERTF Exhibition

Well last post you saw one series of work, 7 wall pieces.... but that is not the only set of things I've made.  You've seen sneaky snippets, time now to show you the whole.

The Eastern Region Textile Forum, holds a selected exhibition every two years or so.  Selected by an independent guest Curator.  So this body of work was actually completed for submission by photograph last September. So its been a while to keep hidden.
The topic of this Exhibition was 'Eastern Images' - which covers anything within the Forum area or far afield to the exotic East.
Many years ago a textile artist told me, 'you only ever need about 5 topics/themes to work on, and they will last a lifetime'.  So having never tried this out, I thought, give it a go.  Living a few miles from the Estuary, what better than Beach Huts.  I have made some previous work with this inspiration, and now it was time to revisit and try some 3d versions!
So for the ERTF Exhibition I made 5 huts.  These suit my liking for things which are the same, but different.

The design, construction etc are all pure me, no using someone else's templates.

some of the design stages

I measured, cut, constructed, photographed and pondered the little buildings for ages.  Eventually I found size, shape and detail I was happy with, which seemed to look OK... I just hoped my copy paper mock ups would work when using the intended paper.  There did need to be a bit of wiggle room, but hard to measure a 'smidge'.

The Huts are stitched, perhaps minimally in some cases, and in others there is hand stitching and embellishment.  Some are painted, some printed, some distress painted... another thing to work out how to do without buying the fancy made for product.

As a collective I've called them  Waterside Parade.  My imagination is sparked, and on the list for returning to the topic is the character of each Hut.... who, why, what, stories to tell.

So having made two sets of of things, which somehow have come out a bit girly colours, I'm surprised to think I'm the one who has done that.... so doesn't seem like me at all.  I may own kittens but I don't consider myself pink, frothy frou frou at all.  Need to venture to the dark side.....

The exhibition continues until 7th March... and I will be at the venue on a Meet the Makers Day on Thursday 27th Feb - click here to the website, poster with full details.

Exhibiting News

Well its been Happy Dancing time here.
The submission I put forward for a selected exhibition has been accepted.  This means however I can't share it with you, as yet.

Eastern Region Textile Forum

"Eastern Images"

Rhodes Gallery

Bishop's Stortford    Herts

7th Feb - 7th Mar 2014

 

Luckily the piece is actually made and ready, because also in February and just a little further North, I will be showing other work as part of The Material Girls exhibition at Textiles in Focus.

 

Textiles in Focus

Cottenham  Cambs

21st-23rd Feb 2014

 

So I have those as definite going forward end dates, but..... there is also one lot of research about to start for one project in 2015, and.... dates scheduled in the diary for another research trip for another project also showing in 2015.  Not sure about the second one yet, as in need some brain space before thinking about that one.  Spirit is often very willing, but reality is something else.

 

There had been a hiccup with blogger, but seems fixed now, so I have added the updates to the righthand column for easy future reference.

 

Oh and something to show, as I can't show items for pending Exhibitions.   I had made these for the Rochford Art Trail, but possible not very clearly seen in my photos of my window.

 

Little simple Beach Huts - machine stitched and individually painted, on Khadi paper, mounted on 4" canvas.  Each  stands on its own mini easel.

 

Plus I have these... actually I think I have a total of 36 of them, they were scattered on the sill at the Trail.

 

Hopefully photos will enlarge if you click on them.

 







ERTF - Owen Jones Exhibition - NOW ON!!!

Friday night I attended the Private View of the ERTF Owen Jones Touring Exhibition, at Chelmsford Museum.  As I was there to Meet & Greet, I arrived before time and so was able to get overview photos of the Exhibition, which are here.  (I hope it is OK with all contributors to post, as I don't have individual's permission - let me know if not).

Its been a while since I've been to the Museum, and it has a great relatively new extension, with this lovely area to house exhibitions. We have some beautiful work on display, and I will go back again to study the accompanying sketchbooks, as I'm sure there's much to share.

I was there alongside fellow ERTF member Miriam, to welcome people in and we met many new acquaintances and old friends.  It was lovely to see everyone, and I hope they all enjoyed themselves.  The ERTF embraces a whole range of Textile Art, and you can see that here, from wearable art, 3d construction, to wall art.  Its really nice to be amongst people who have different specialisms, but all with a passion for textiles, so much to share and learn about from each other, and to extend this sharing and knowledge out into the wider community via the Exhibition and related Workshops.  Yes I said Workshops which you can find here - click on the posters to make them larger to read.

This is the first venue for the project, but it will be touring, so do keep an eye out for it near you - and I will post the dates on the righthand side and/or on my website.

LET'S GET BACK TO IT!!

Well, the holidays have passed, and for us ended much as the year began with hospitals.  Himself's side of the family, a relative in for the week before Xmas, unexpectedly, and my side, betwen Xmas/New Year an accident at work resulted in a bad fracture and surgery.  Cross fingers that having been us, and one on each side we're done with hospitals for 2011.
But I try to keep this blog for arty things, life has enough trivia, I don't want to bore with mine!
Boxing Day I discovered himself dismantling the printer, as you do at this time of year.  Hooray it worked.  Boo its died again.  Shock and horror to find that not every printer will print double sided, let alone multi pages on one, booklet printing, so lots of investigation needed to find a replacement.
I've written out my thoughts and ideas for the ERTF juried exhibition: Concepts & Meanings.  I'm hoping to win something on Ebay today, which will help... if not lucky will keep looking, there's time.  I feel excited and also very nervous.  I feel like I'm in with the "big girls" - proper artists - my "concept" is something I've never tried before, and entering a selected event is also new to me, even writing out all my thoughts, inspriations, ideas so far, feels so very grown up!!!  Heck I've even got ideas for work for the accompanying shop - I'll have to have a lie down, its only the 4th Jan - might be peaking too soon!!!

Dragons & Dungeons (well cellars...)

What do you find at the end of a handrail in Dragon Hall?

Saturday I attended the ERTF conference in Norwich - my third trip "home" in four weeks, but this time purely for my own indulgence.
It was a wonderful day, I enjoyed it immensely.  Met up with old friends and new, the more you attend these things the more people you get to know.  The subject was "Concepts & Meanings" looking at how other artists facilitate their work, and the subject matter of the ERTF's next exhibition in September 2011. What struck me about all the speakers, was there was no apology for working that way, not that there should be, but often when you have off centre processes there can be an overwhelming need to justify it - but I listened to confidence, this is me, my process, it works for me.... unless they managed to keep that horrid doubting gremlin firmly in place for the talks.

Two people struck chords with me.... Debbie Lyddon, made textile art from listening to music - you can read more here. Having myself done drawing to music in art classes, I understood the process behind this. Dare I say it, back in the day, a lifetime ago, I also learned to type to music... try explaining that to a 12 year old niece! Heck what's a typewriter? Combining the unusual for an end result, not such a leap for me. Les Bicknell, a book artist, also gave us much to consider. A real fun practical exercise, which combined, sound, mark making and words made into a simple book structure. I've done similar exercises, but its a rare and wonderful pleasure to use the written word to inform design ideas... it seems at odds when you favour a visual creative result... but for me, I find words describe my vision far better than any sketch I make.
I had a good wander around Dragon Hall into the cellar/undercroft, found all sorts of hidden gems, as it will be the venue for the Exhibition in September.  I've signed up to submit for it - its juried, so a new challenge for me. The day, the place, inspirational, just need to think about making work to live up to it - mhmmm may be the design exercise, I could write a story illustrated by artwork, now that really would be a new Concept for me!!!

ROCHFORD ART TRAIL

starts this coming weekend:  23rd - 31st October for more information please see the Trail website. My work is in place, at Mendoza Opticians. 

 

Another new learning curve, as my work is displayed in cubes, which I measured carefuly to make sure the work would fit, but forgot about how to actually get the work inside. The side nearest the shop fittings is open, but its not a huge gap to turn things through, being careful of their display, in this case rows of spectacles, plus its one handed because you can't get both hands in, with only the one side open,  First time I put up the big piece, all nicely in place and then the label fell off!!!  So had to start over.  So another lesson learned, check hanging/display mechanisms, check sizes of display, and now....look at surrounding space/how to manipulate pieces into place.  Never stop learning about presentation.

Aside from this I've been frantically making postcards, six large ones 8" x 6" to go into the Art Trail, (three actually used)  and two smaller ones at 7" x 5" for a commitment to PaperWEIGHT which I've been a member of for many years.

Busy, busy, busy

Gosh things have been full on for a while... working hard to meet deadlines, thought I was seeing some daylight, but received another "could you just..." request last week.

This is a teaser of my Tudor Rose made for my Embroiderers' Guild Branch Exhibition, which goes up at the beginning of Nov.

Paper and stitch... of course. And I've been busy out and about.  Firstly I went to see OTT's exhibition "Bloomin Marvellous".  A riot of colour focussing on the natural world, so apt being an exhibition at an RHS garden.  I think I've only missed one of this groups exhibitions since they started.
Also I've been along to see EAST's exhibition "Talking Textiles" - again a group I've seen almost all of the exhibition of.  Individually themed quite different from OTT, but that's what's so good, to see such variety in a short space of time.  I also managed to get along to the last day of the Map exhibition at the British Library, it was soooo crowded.  And then I went along to see Origin, my first ever visit.  Enjoyed that and bought myself some beautiful art pieces.

Also I managed to complete and deliver on time my piece for the ERTF Owen Jones touring exhibition.  Here's a taster of Pastiche, guess what, more paper and stitch!!  Met up with other contributors over a delicious late breakfast hosted by Lorraine.  Getting to know more members as I also attended a Tea & Textiles day a couple of weeks back!

I've seen the Rochford Art Trail brochure, quite a shock to find a photo of my work on the front cover.

And my new website, seems to be well received, and in fact I've sold two pieces of work from being seen on the site.  Great news and I'm thrilled, but now in a quandary over what to put in the Art Trail to replace them!
So... I just need to make a new piece of work by the end of October... no pressure then!!!

FABRICATION - open to view

Wow, was yesterday a busy day.  Fabrication my solo exhibition at the Mills Arts & Events Centre, Rayleigh, Essex is now up on display.

This is it, standing facing the entrance to the cafe.  None of the pieces have been shown here before, but there are some older items, some show only once before and some totally brand new - unfortunately with home circumstances thrown into disarray, I lost a lot of prep time. Having been here before I thought I knew what's what.  Unfortunately since last time there are less hangers available, so it meant a bit of jigging and swapping to get 3 hooks on one wire, and 2 on another, with the kind assistance of venue staff, and a ladder!!  Because the Centre is well used and there are often small children/pushchairs around this gallery corridor, pieces have to be out of reach of small hands.  Last time people "complained" to me that I'd hung the work too high - but there is a reason for why it is as it is.

After putting the work up, it was time for "breakfast" in the cafe - well toasted tea cake, and tea, very nice too.
Then back home to collect sewing machine and take it to be mended, and serviced.  It will be away about 10 days.  I have no spare, unless you count my gran's old hand Singer with the long shuttle bobbins.  So I will have to get on with design work - no bad thing I suspect.

Its mid afternoon before I get lunch, and I'm very tired, all this work and rush, and then boom, its done. Then the phone rings....local Council, ringing to get information for a Press Release for this exhibition.  As the venue comes under the remit of the council, in the Contract it states they will do the Press Release.  However, having been promoted in the Rayleigh Arts Festival brochure, I thought that was enough 'exposure' and generous.  So I had to answer questions totally out of the blue, and out of brain cells.  I've little idea now what I said, but I will get to proof it, before publication.  And.... another new experience to chalk up, never done a phone "interview" before!  The minute you take your art out of the home, be that in any form, teaching, exhibiting, publishing, entering events - there is so very much to learn, and to continue to learn, as nothing is ever exactly the same from one experience to another, or so I've found.
And now, as they say, I'm going to chillax for a day, but there is the task, of fitting things back into cupboards... may be.

New work, tasters...

Here are a couple of pics of new pieces I've recently made.  Stitching on paper, as I do a lot of.

The brown is a detail from "Strata", and the green from "Terre Verte".  This is the compromise I had to make, as my sewing machine broke when I was trying to make free machine 'flowers'.

So these pieces completed the work for Fabrication, my solo.

Next project is to make a piece of work for the ERTF Owen Jones inspired project.  After attending a study day on this, I said No to continuing with it, for varying reasons, not least looking back I think I was overwhelmed with all I had plans for plus the enforced difficulties of looking after a sick hubby.  But the opportunity came my way again, and after careful thought, life issues resolving, I changed my mind and said Yes.  So I will need to barely stop for breath before embarking on the next deadline.

Working hard....

I'm busy juggling here - its like being back studying City & Guilds Embroidery, bits and pieces everywhere, all 90% done, but nothing quite ready.  I will post some pics of the new work, when I actually get around to taking some!!!  Naming the last piece has been hard, I spend ages pouring over books and the internet, checking on things.  But I've found something which sums it up.  Its actually a celebration of green so of course it could have all sorts of natural themes - but the original  inspiration was just playing with greens so the name I've chosen is 'Terre Verte' - or earth green - its actually an artist colour,or a range of colours made from green earth pigments.  So seemed to fit in with all my thoughts.  I've checked, its all go ahead to set up FABRICATION on Monday, I've got my layout plan, so I know what is going where.  After which I plan to collapse in a heap, with a large supply of chocolate - or perhaps consume a large slice of cake from the Centre cafe.
But bad news, my workhorse Bernina is sick - in fact bits dropped off it.  It does work hard, and I do make it stitch through all sorts. It will have to go for repairs, and of course it would do this when I've only got about an hour's machining to do to finish, still the Plan B alternative might actually be a better mix.

Rayleigh Arts Festival & Fabrication

This week more paperwork has come my way.  I've received the publicity leaflet for the Rayleigh Arts Festival.  You can find mention of me in the diary pages... and a photo of my work.  Fabrication, my next solo exhibition will be on display over the period of the Festival 18th-24th Setpember.  You can find more information here.

In the meantime I'm working frantically to get everything done, as Fabrication set up day is just over a week away.  So I'm running to stand still at the moment!.

Next... Sketchbooks... and 2011

My Burnham Art Trail display is all over for now. Items still available and for sale so do ask. And if you missed seeing them, you find pics on my web album - and some items will appear at my next Exhibition - 16th August - 24th September Rayleigh Mill Arts & Events Centre.
I have to make more work for that Exhibition, domestic issues have delayed everything, but then a friend said "what's the fun in actually being prepared in advance, the whole point is to work like crazy to the last minute". Actually last minute does make the mind focus, and force you into decisions.

I'm writing this, with one eye on the street, looking for the delivery van, to bring me a supply of sketchbooks. I've bought from Seawhite, (or Artsaver). Took me a long time to get comfortable with using sketchbooks, but then I discovered the size, form, orientation of the book was a huge factor. I prefer A5 portrait Euro Wire. I wish the content could be beautiful and make people oooh and aaaah, but my sketchbooks tend to look more like architectural records, with lots of measurements etc. But I've learned to relax and accept this is how my working information is recorded, and it suits me.

So why you might ask, is someone who doesn't do beautiful arty sketchbooks, signed up to The Sketchbook Project? Well I was looking to see what art things I had in the diary for 2011, came across the project and decided it was good to have a challenge for the long grey Winter months. I signed up on 18th June ($25 plus $3 p&p) and today (2nd July) my sketchbook has arrived. I've chosen the theme of Lines & Grids, partly because I realised lots of my work involves that at the moment. So to be posted off by mid Jan. Plenty of time... cough!!

Chasing Words

Anyone who knows me will say that I have a love of words. I spend hours pouring over dictionaries and Thesaurus, hunting out word meanings, to give titles to my work or inspiration. Well in August 2010 I have my second solo exhibition, but it was way back in the Spring that I had to sign the Contract and give an exhibition title. I chose a very obscure word, not in present usage which meant "a kind of fabric". But its so obscure that it doesn't really give even a hint of what the exhibition is about. So decided to change it. Much pouring over the books, the internet, making up my own words combining real ones, trying to find something which sounds enticing, will give the lay person an idea. After all "stitch on paper, or fabric, collage or montage, or everything all at once, also with added twiddlly bits, by hand or machine, abstract, but could be based on realistic images" - isn't exactly catchy!
The word I've chosen, means "the act or process of making, creating, manufacture" and gives a subtle hint towards fibre and textiles. My second solo exhibition is entitled:

FABRICATION

Rochford Art Trail....

is now up and running. I set up my small display, (3 pieces) in Barclays Bank on Friday. They are on a cabinet at the far end of the Bank as you go in. You can't miss the Bank at the moment as its shrouded in scaffolding. As I'm not in a window you will need to go in to see - so weekdays only. I didn't take any photos - doubtful photography inside a bank is appropriate!!! Attended the Launch yesterday, tried to do some networking, interfacing or whatever its called!!! If you are around this coming week, do visit the Trail - its small, but lots of lovely work from many talented people. Juliet is at Rochford Hospital, where she tells me there is a really nice cafe. Then there are other cafes in the town with art work displayed, shop windows and business premises hosting too. Hopefully if this is well supported it will re-appear next year. A new venture and I think a good time of year, bringing some brightness and interest to grey November days.

In the meantime, I'm going to change the title of the exhibition which I have in August 2010 - when I think of a new name, I'll let you know. Also exhibiting at Farleigh Hospice in February - which is not open to the public - but plans are moving on for that, and I will make a site visit soon.

Still time to see....

How quickly time races by - I lost last week somewhere!!! Our Knit One Stitch One exhibition is still on, but only two weeks (plus one day) left to go and see it, last day is Monday 26th October. Do go along, and you can always stop by the college cafe.
I've got paperwork laying on my table to check, for 2010 events, frighteningly, in terms of art work, the time flies by and deadlines get ever closer, with neon signs flashing - and I was going to be so efficient, that is until you lose the odd week or three....

Juliet's Stolen Shrug

Here is a picture of the beautiful Shrug which was taken from our Knit One, Stitch One exhibition. It's a labelled designer piece - see Juliet's blog for more information or to contact her with any news.

ERTF, Cambridge - be quick....

I've been up to visit the ERTF's first exhibition at The Shop, Cambridge. Alas I viewed it through the haze of painkillers, but I thought it was a good display. Although no photography is allowed, I did get permission to take a pic of my heart piece in situ... but it will go in my sketchbook, for my eyes only, not fair to show here as pic contains others work too. However, if you look at the ERTF blog, you will see pics taken during the exhibition and more information. starting 6th Sept. If you want to visit you will need to be quick as the exhibition finishes tomorrow, 26th Sept.