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.

Sock 2012

Well I made it through the week.  Illness, World Book Day costumes, Eco Team meeting all dealt with.  Worked until my eyes hurt and met my deadlines.  I'll be setting up at Sock Gallery on Tuesday ready for the opening of the preview exhibition on Wednesday.  My work will be there right through to March 25th, the weekend of the Makers Fair when I'll have a full range of cards, ceramics and prints available.  I'm hanging 6 new originals and 9 prints, including two new ones. I'll blog all soon!

Another workshop tomorrow, this time on home turf. Very exciting to be introducing a bit of print into the day and hoping to get as exciting results as last week's workshop.

Private view

'On the turn' ink, collage and stitch

I had a wonderful evening at the private view of 'Patterned Presence' last Thursday.  I sold far more than I ever expected to and received some wonderful compliments.  I haven't come down from cloud nine yet!

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.

Socked!

Quilted HH2010

I had a great weekend at Sock in Loughborough.  I said a sad goodbye to Quilted.  It was a favourite piece;  I hope it's happy in its new home.  I also sold Love Song as well as a good selection of ceramics.

Love Song HH2010

Sock was really well organised and advertised.  The marketing session they arranged before the event, and the supper for the exhibitors, were both helpful and gave time to share ideas and make contacts.  I'm really pleased to hear that there will soon be a Sock Gallery at Loughborough Town Hall, and hope to exhibit there soon.

I spent the weekend in the company of Helen Rhodes who was exhibiting on the next stand.  She's a fellow alumnus of Loughborough College of Art and Design.  We'd met before, in fact it was the very same day as the storm that I captured in the piece Journey Through The Storm.

Journey through the Storm HH2009

That piece was the first I did mixing ink, collage and stitch, and the start of my journey to now here.  So, for me Helen is somehow a part of that story and feels like a good omen in my life!

Other designers from the show whose work I admired were Gillian Lee Smith, Kate Thornton and Helen Shere.  

Thank you to all those who came to see me, and hello to those of you I met over the weekend.

A date for the diary

The Sock Makers' Market is approaching fast.  Billed as a celebration of quality artists and makers, I'll be exhibiting at Loughborough Town Hall on both the 26th and 27th March. Entrance is free and there is a free workshop for children aged 4-16 on the Sunday.  It would be lovely to see you there!

Sock

I have just found out that I've been selected to exhibit at Sock at Loughborough Town Hall on March 26th and 27th.  It's a contemporary makers showcase.  It'll be my first show of 2011, ahead of my exhibition at the Opus Gallery in April, and a good timescale for getting some work done.  I'm beginning to regret the panic I had in the first week of January that nothing much was going to happen this year.....it's already looking very busy, which is just how I like it!