A week of art, applications and nostalgia

Well this week feels like I have almost had a half term and I keep forgetting I am not a teacher I just like their holidays. My first trip out was to see my friend Stephens efforts working for Stephen Charnock an artist who works on large scale public art works. They produced an 8m mosaic with input from the community which was unveiled at Whitehaven this week.

The weather was against them so the party was taken inside and the ribbons cut after speeches and refreshments in the lifeboat station I think. We did go over it and Stephen picked out the features he created and was really pleased. It looked very impressive they should be very proud to pull off a mosaic of such proportions. Well done to all involved.

My non arty excursions were more girlie and a day in Harrogate for facials and pedicures was in order. I must say the massage has reduced the swelling in my ankle so all good on that front. It was a lovely day catching up with a very good friend and a lovely evening drinking wine and vegging out in front of the TV. Bliss.

More art this weekend when I went to help out at a new event called Nostalgia Meets Design organised by two sisters Gwen and June at Reghed nr Penrith.  A mix of vintage sellers and designer makers with a vintage edge exhibited for the day with vintage tea rooms serving home made cake. It was a good day with a really good turn out I worked for my tea on Gwens stand whilst she floated about and tried on dresses (only joking Gwen I know you worked very hard) I think she had a good day and I sold loads for her so she could buy the lovely things too. Lots of people came and lots of people helped to make the day go smoothly a good effort by all and hopefully another show next year maybe will have a stand too. http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Nostalgia-Meets-Design/103276353054252

Applications are in for three shows next year already the first is the British Craft Trade Fair the first time I have done it in 5 years. A stand in the Design Edge section no. 286 I think, only 2 1/2 metres so will have to be very organised with my space. I am hoping the work from the AA2AC will be ready so new stuff to show. Will keep you updated on the rest of the shows when I hear too. A few more shows to apply for but the forms are not out yet but you'll be the first to know I promise.

Artist Access 2 Art Colleges at Cumbria University in Carlisle..........

Well this week has been eventful and a hard one to be honest. I am working in the ceramics dept of Cumbria Uni which in my world was Cumbria College of Art and Design. It's a fantastic department and the facilities are second to none and the students have soo much space to work it is brilliant.

This is my space to work in which to be honest is more space that I have in my studio! That will be rectified on Monday as I have found it brilliant to work in. The reasons behind the whole project is to make slip cast moulds of my work to help make production easier for me and also to use the processes learnt to create a new body of work to hopefully take to the British Trade Craft Fair in Harrogate next year. Crossing fingers.

After a few false starts and a good talking to by Gwen, seen here showing me how its done properly. I have a selection of moulds and some flat textured batts to take away and experiement with. I also have some parian and bone china slips so my work will be whiter than before. I am very excited about it all and very tired too.

So I should be able to create some drop out moulds this week for the rest of my work and also be able to produce it quicker. I am quite excited about how I can take the techniques further and my head is buzzing with new ideas. Hmmm we shall see. I have put work on hold so far and am back to it next week with orders to go out but they will fly by as I want to get started already.

But first a weekend and also a Chinese takeaway to start it off as I am quite tired now. May get to the Great Northern Caft show by Sunday we shall see.....

Playing with my sony alpha350

Have been playing with a light cube and some professional lighting today to take pictures of my new work for a couple of websites. I must say I am really impressed with my Sony alpha 350 this was taken with the white balance setting for tungsten lighting. I need to have a paper backdrop though as you can really see the creases. So this weeks job is to upload them on to my Notonthehighstreet page and some on the Green Galleries new website if I'm in time for that one. We shall see. Anyway new work silver and porcelain choker and some crochet and porcelain brooches for Christmas pressies anyone?