beside the sea

It's been ages since I've been in this space. Where have I been this time? Well... I've been awarded a bursary from b-side (the arts company who delivered the cultural Olympiad in Weymouth and Portland in 2012) to develop my textile work. Exciting huh? So after Somerset Art Weeks and my last ceramics exhibition I spent a week on Portland meeting other artists and attending the b-side symposium. Child free! It was almost like I was a grown-up once again. However reality has returned (and I did miss them very much ) I've got 6 months on this research bursary and I'm loving every moment. 

abundance X

Lanterns, 2013, Porcelain, East Lambrook Manor Gardens

One of the reasons why this summer has resulted in a complete lack of blogging is that I've had several exhibitions to prepare for*.

I'm honoured to be asked to be part of Abundance X at East Lambrook Manor Gardens in Somerset. East Lambrook is one of the homes of the English Cottage garden look and has the most amazing plant nursery. When I go back for the private view I'm stocking up on some plants.... The show is open from 21st September to the 6th October so if you're in the area drop in and have a look.

Arboreal Sun II, 2013, Calico, Natural Dyes and Portland Wool

Arboreal Moon (detail), 2013, Calico, Natural Dyes and Portland Wool

For this exhibition I've combined my love of textiles and my love of ceramics. I've created so large canvases inspired by India Flint's dyeing techniques with some porcelain additions and stitching with some handspun portland fleece. Combining my loves of clay, yarn and plants has been truly inspirational.

*I'll bore you with the details of the other shows later....

bank holidaying...

I love May for all those Bank Holidays (I'm not so fond of the fact that we have to wait until August to get another but hey, I'm greedy...)

This weekend I have...

• walked in the woods surrounded by sunshine and wild flowers.
• eaten outside as much as possible (who knows how long the sun lasts round here?)
• danced and hunted for goodies at the Pack Horse Fair.
• realised that a friend's birthday is very close so cast on quickly for a pair of mitts.
•  spent valuable time with fellow artists just making... (I'm part of a collective called Stitched - we're exhibiting together as part of SAW in the autumn)

purple...

{warning - a ceramics post follows.... (it should really be on my grown up blog - hmmm... maybe I should cross post?)}

 One of my favourite colours is purple. I have far too many purple boots for example - though I would argue you can't have too many purple boots. At this time of year I see purple everywhere - in the hedgerows, on waste land, in the garden.



In ceramics making a purple at high temperatures is a bit tricky so for a while I've had my chemistry hat on. (Chemistry is fun when you are melting pretty stuff)

Now which purple / indigo / inky blue is prettier? Maybe I just make pieces in all of those colours? Maybe it's like owning the same pair of shoes in lots of colours?

{this moment}

  Joining Amanda at Soulemama

 

 

 

 

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

inspiration

My great grandmother's watercolour box - over 80 years old and the colours are still vibrant.