Glorious colour

I got a bit overwhelmed earlier in the year by the amount of work I had taken on which led to me cancelling a number of workshops. One that remained on the calendar was at Sock Gallery in Loughborough and last Sunday I worked with seven ladies, showing them how I create my own papers, mark making techniques and lead those into a mixed media collage. I really enjoyed the day, and hope they did too. There were some fabulous outcomes.

I'm hoping to run some more workshops in the new year. If you'd like to be added to my mailing list, please get in touch via my website.

The Story of Sock

Now that I sit in the studio with blue sky in front of me (though it remains very cold), it seems a long time since a very snowy Sock Makers Market at Loughborough Town Hall.  I couldn't believe the amount of snow that fell in the Midlands that weekend and though there was nothing I could do about it, it was such a shame for the artists and makers at the event and for the wonderful Team Sock who organise the event so well.

In spite of inclement weather determined souls braved the cold and donned their coats, hats and thermals.  Those who came were determined to alleviate the misery of this protracted winter and treat themselves to the goodies on sale.

I had a good weekend of sales and loved meeting up with friends old and new.  The work I have been producing this Spring was very well received and I came home with a lot less than I had arrived with.  In fact the whole weekend restored my confidence and gave me renewed hope and vigour to believe in myself.  I also made a resolve to try and enjoy myself more!  It really is a wonderful feeling to share the transaction of art and beauty and to be respected for my creativity.  So I think a little self belief might help me in the decisions I am about to make about how to develop my work.

As promised on facebook, I have donated 10% of weekend sales and donations to Oxfam's work in Syria.

SOLD!!

I'm very excited to have sold this piece at the Sock Gallery. It was my biggest piece in the exhibition and will be missed!

Next stop Ferrers Gallery

There are only two days left of 'Patterned Presence' at Loughborough Town Hall then I collect my work and hot foot it over to the Ferrers Gallery to take part in the exhibition In Print which runs until April 3rd.

It's been a busy start to the year.  I'm working on two new print designs and planning Art Fairs for the Spring and early Summer.  I've just put in my application for the Saltaire Arts Trail so fingers crossed I get accepted for that.

A good rest over Christmas means I've some ideas setting my mind alight.  I've also been working on a birthday present for my Mum but don't want to spoil the surprise so I'm going to keep you in the dark until next week.

SOLD!!

Wow!  It's been an amazing two weeks since setting up my exhibition at Sock Gallery, Loughborough.  The work has been really positively received, sales have been great, both of originals and prints and it's been a wonderful affirmation of my creative work.  So.... I'm still on cloud nine!

The exhibition runs until January 15th.

Setting up

Helen Rhodes

Josephine Gommersall

Sue Vanderplank

Here's Helen and Sue setting up the exhibition.  And a million thanks to Josephine for helping me set up.  I couldn't have done it without her.....so handy with a drill and very calm and collected!

Pulled it off!

Well, here it is.  The piece I had every intention of finishing for the exhibition but seemed more and more unlikely.  I've wanted to put my work on to furniture all year and I am delighted with this.  It's lined with beautiful bookbinding paper.  It is officially a blanket box but would make an equally good sideboard or hall table.  It now takes pride of place in my exhibition at Sock Gallery Loughborough which I set up on Tuesday.  There were tears and tantrums but I did it!

Announcements

I'm excited to announce that I've been accepted to exhibit at the new Sock Gallery in Loughborough.  I'll be sharing the large, contemporary exhibition space with Helen Rhodes and Sue Vanderplank.  We've been given the coveted Christmas slot, from November 28th 2011.  I can't wait!

I've also been accepted for the Melbourne Festival Arts Trail on the 17th/18th September. It'll be my first time there. I'm really looking forward to meeting my hosts and seeing my venue in this beautiful town.