Exuberant China ( Tales from The Workshop Sale Part 2)
9 December 2015
I think every year since I started this little venture into Blogland, I have reported on the annual workshop sale, so every year I think I have told you about the wonderful work of Rob Turner.
Their china just makes you want to reach for the kettle!
And while you are over on their site having a little browse around the china, don't forget to also have a quick look at their Blog too. Tales of wrangling with builders amid all the loveliness!
And of course the fabulous jewellery of Anna Lovell and Elaine Goff. ( I have several pairs of their earrings!)
And more jewellery - this time from Janie Bates.
It is worth popping over to her own website. It tells fascinating tales of the orient and how she sources her materials.
She also made the necklace that Lady Macbeth wears in the new film!! Wow!
And last but not least.
Unlike Portsmouth, where I was flying solo so to speak, this was a joint effort between myself, Yvonne and Jane.
We had a very successful day and I was very pleased with the event. I sold several hand finished mono prints and there was much riffling through the tin of brooches.
I love Yvonne's collars, and sold a couple but there was not much interest in my jewellery. Which is a shame because I thought I did a good job with the display, but I guess there was a lot of jewellery competition on the day. And I think, moving forward, I need to be more flamboyant and less timid with my jewellery pieces!
Anyway - that's it for another year! The time flies. It's nearly Christmas and then 2016 will be upon us with all the adventures and challenges that that might bring.
I will just go and grab a mince pie!
Grungy Kitten and other delights from the Workshop Sales
7 December 2015
Here he is - Grungy Kitten.
I have to confess that Anita was new to me. I have not come across her or her work before.
I loved it.
Different colour palettes, so something for everyone.
If, dear reader, like me it is a bit of machine embroidery that floats your boat, then pop over to her website to peruse (she does talks and workshops too, in case you are looking for 2016 speakers at your local guild or group)
To me, her graphic work perfectly captures that mid century feel. Yet somehow brings it all bang up to date.
Sarah is also the driving force behind "Just a Card" .
He did have some grungy mates but they were rehomed.
In fact Grungy Kitten was rehomed too. Liberated from doll maker Tracy Hodder who was at the Portsmouth Sale
He was on one of the stalls at The Workshop Sale in Portsmouth.
This blog is a round up of all the delights from the two Workshops Sales this year.
On an animal theme we had dogs at the London Sale.
As in 'Knit your own kennel'. I was very taken with this Wire haired Dachs. We had one when I was growing up.
This chap is by Muir and Osbourne. I did not even get a look at their clothing. I was too absorbed with all their animals. Honestly, if you know someone who knits and I cannot think of anything quirkier.
I don't really know Muir and Osbourne, but their company history is well worth a browse. It's been a rollercoaster ride for them without a doubt!
Next up it has to be the lovely other textile art people there this year.
Of course there is always the ever delightful and always smiling Linda Miller - one of the cheeriest stitchers I know.
Angels for the top of the tree and of course her signature pictures.
Knitted meringues (calorie free what's not to love!)
By the time I got to her her other knitted foods had been bought!
And possibly the most glorious selection of tea cosies on the planet!
Then we had a newcomer to the Workshop Sale - Anita Bell. Anita is a lady after my own heart! She stitches on paper!
I loved it.
Different colour palettes, so something for everyone.
Next up, and again new to the show though well known in the craft and design world, is Sarah Hamilton.
To me, her graphic work perfectly captures that mid century feel. Yet somehow brings it all bang up to date.
The JUST A CARD campaign aims to encourage people to buy from Designer/Makers and Independent Galleries and Shops by reinforcing the message that all purchases, however small, even 'just a card' are so vital to the prosperity and survival of small businesses.
You can read more about this wonderful initiative on their website. Have a look and then, can I urge you dear Reader, to follow the principle and encourage others to as well.
Next up, Gabriela Szulman.
I just love her quirky decoupage and incredible 'Art Dolls', but she does prints and all sorts of other things beside.
It is down to Gabriela's encouragement and good advice that we did the Open Studio this year.
Ok - that's your lot for now! I am going to split this post into two parts so as not to overwhelm you with goodies. If you have got this far, well done, take a breath and come back for Part 2 to follow shortly.
Oh, and do pop over to the websites of the people here.
New Gallery
4 December 2015
Ok, so I know I had a bit of a moan about galleries here, but they're not all bad.
I'll explain!
Milton Keynes has a most unusual new gallery space. It's unusual for a couple of reasons:
- Where it is
- It's shape
So - where is it? Its at Christ the Cornerstone - the ecumenical church in the centre of Milton Keynes.
Now I am not a religious person, and frankly so much horror goes on in the world under the guise of 'religion'. But I do appreciate some amazing church buildings. And this is one - a very conspicuous dome in the middle of the rather 'boxy' new city that is Milton Keynes.
Now I am not a religious person, and frankly so much horror goes on in the world under the guise of 'religion'. But I do appreciate some amazing church buildings. And this is one - a very conspicuous dome in the middle of the rather 'boxy' new city that is Milton Keynes.
And the new gallery runs around the 'skin' of the dome of the church. Hence its also rather unusual shape. The walls are gently curving and it is not very wide - literally like a gallery in the architectural sense. It is where those window are - just under the dome itself.
Now one of the priests involved in the church, Ernesto Lozada-Uzuriaga, is also an artist. You can read about him on his website here. A fascinating man.
And it was Ernesto who had the vision of turning the space in the dome into a gallery. And he got in touch with my friend Jane (of Smallbeans and also Mix3d Stitch) and, well, it all sort of happened from there.
And the other day was the opening, with a presentation of art based on the theme of Advent. But as you can see below, the theme was loosely interpreted.
Now, in none of these pictures do you get the impression of the curved walls - you have to trust me on this. And I should have taken one looking down the gallery space, though that would have been tricky as it curves!!
Very excitingly, we are planning an exhibition there for 2016. Mix3d Stitch and Friends:Change.
But that is all I know at this stage. As the detail emerges I am sure I will be able to share it with you.
If you are in MK you can pop in. The gallery is open when the church is open. Just ask to be directed.
And the other day was the opening, with a presentation of art based on the theme of Advent. But as you can see below, the theme was loosely interpreted.
This painting is by Susan Lee Burton. A view from Austria - snow and lights from the local church.
By Robin Souter - Winter Sun and Frost and Tunnel of Light. The winter sunlight filtering down through trees. I really liked these. They remind me of one of my favourite walks that I used to do from my old house in Deanshanger, Northamptonshire, with my lovely dog.
By Tracey Mason - a joyful teenager, the celebration of life.
Jane's own contribution. Woven strips of dyed paper inspired by a window at Coventry Cathedral.
I met the lovely Hina, who painted the piece above. She was there with her husband.
She gave me this lovely artists statement:-
"Hina Imran is a self-taught fine art maker from the heart of United Kingdom. She was motivated to start her art career because of her beautiful daughter Zara, who is an exploratory soul and very unique. Hina infuses that love and attachment she has for Zara in all her paintings, which result in visually rich art creations that are of huge sentimental value.
The impressions in all her art pieces are stunning and filled with the raw energy coming from abstraction, clashing of colours, translucent drips and textured mediums. Among her styles you can find original abstract art paintings, decorative art, contemporary abstract art, geometric art and floral art."
I met both Zara, in the buggy and pretty sleepy, and her very supportive husband. Such lovely people.
The two textile pieces above are by my friend and partner at Mix3d Stitch, Yvonne.
By Ka-yee Chan - Though Him, with Him and In Him. The only piece with a direct religious theme.
And I apologise to the artist of this final piece. Despite what I thought was my careful cataloging of the photographs I don't have a record of who you are. Apologies. If you stumble across this blog (or indeed if anyone knows who painted these trees) then do let me know.
Now, in none of these pictures do you get the impression of the curved walls - you have to trust me on this. And I should have taken one looking down the gallery space, though that would have been tricky as it curves!!
Very excitingly, we are planning an exhibition there for 2016. Mix3d Stitch and Friends:Change.
But that is all I know at this stage. As the detail emerges I am sure I will be able to share it with you.
If you are in MK you can pop in. The gallery is open when the church is open. Just ask to be directed.
Through our Hands
2 December 2015
I'm in print!
Dear reader, I'm in print and with some exulted company to boot.
You can get hold of your own copy here.
http://issuu.com/laurakemshall/docs/tohmagwinter2015/1
You can get hold of your own copy here.
http://issuu.com/laurakemshall/docs/tohmagwinter2015/1
But let me explain.
If you pop back here from time to time you will know that I got involved in the Bucks Open Studios back in the summer. You can read a bit about that big adventure here.
We had a very successful event, but the key thing for me was that my work was out in the public domain. It felt like a big, bold step.
But I have also read so many discussions on blogs, in magazines etc. about textile art not being considered a mainstream art medium. I got quite excited about how Open Studios could be such a good way to put textile art along side more traditional mediums.
So I wrote an article.
And to my surprise it was published by the lovely Annabel and Laura.
So you will find my witterings in there.
But don't just read it for me - deary me no! Have a peruse and see all the other excellent and inspiring artists covered. I briefly skipped through it over lunch yesterday but will return for more today (thats the nice thing about Isuu - so long as I have a computer to hand I can have a browse).
If you pop back here from time to time you will know that I got involved in the Bucks Open Studios back in the summer. You can read a bit about that big adventure here.
We had a very successful event, but the key thing for me was that my work was out in the public domain. It felt like a big, bold step.
But I have also read so many discussions on blogs, in magazines etc. about textile art not being considered a mainstream art medium. I got quite excited about how Open Studios could be such a good way to put textile art along side more traditional mediums.
So I wrote an article.
And to my surprise it was published by the lovely Annabel and Laura.
So you will find my witterings in there.
But don't just read it for me - deary me no! Have a peruse and see all the other excellent and inspiring artists covered. I briefly skipped through it over lunch yesterday but will return for more today (thats the nice thing about Isuu - so long as I have a computer to hand I can have a browse).
The Lovely Linda Miller
29 November 2015
I was having a little peruse - and I found this.
Would be churlish of me not to share it with you lovely people out there in Blogland.
I am, of course, a fan!
And a lucky one too. I have a lovely Linda Miller picture all of my own. A commissioned piece - me and three of the dogs in my life on a beach!
Linda will also be at the next outing of The Workshop Sale - the 5th December in Dulwich SE22 0JT which is only a week away now.
If you are anywhere in the East Dulwich area I do recommend you pop along. She always has a few bargains. And I will be there too - come and say hello!
Would be churlish of me not to share it with you lovely people out there in Blogland.
I am, of course, a fan!
And a lucky one too. I have a lovely Linda Miller picture all of my own. A commissioned piece - me and three of the dogs in my life on a beach!
Linda will also be at the next outing of The Workshop Sale - the 5th December in Dulwich SE22 0JT which is only a week away now.
If you are anywhere in the East Dulwich area I do recommend you pop along. She always has a few bargains. And I will be there too - come and say hello!
More from The Workshop Sale, Portsmouth
27 November 2015
My big fat bottom taking centre stage in that top photo here.
But do pop over to Rob's blog for another review of the Workshop Sale - Portsmouth. His photos were a tad better than mine.
And while you are there, have a look at their house renovations. Scroll down to investigate the building work. All very stressful but it will look wonderful when it is done!
But do pop over to Rob's blog for another review of the Workshop Sale - Portsmouth. His photos were a tad better than mine.
And while you are there, have a look at their house renovations. Scroll down to investigate the building work. All very stressful but it will look wonderful when it is done!
Workshop Sale at Aspex Gallery
25 November 2015
In the last post I said it was all about the presentation.
I was very pleased with the presentation.
What do you think? (By the way, the photos were taken on mobile devices so not the crispest, but you get the drift).
The earring display worked a treat.
The toast racks came into their own.
The shoe stand worked a treat.
I was very pleased with the presentation.
Aspex Gallery in Portsmouth is a hidden gem. It's tucked behind the Loch Fynne restaurant at Gunwharf Quays. No one really knows it's there. We did generate a fabulous footfall, what with my Facebook page and the other marketing. So many people said they had never been into the gallery before, which is such a shame. The building alone, which is a listed building from the old Navy Dockyard days, is just lovely and I've been a couple of times and seen some lovely work.
But what is it about these arts venues? I cannot work out if they're smug ( they've got their Arts Council funding), ignorant or just a bit, well, 'lally'. No one from the gallery came to see the work over the entire weekend. Personally I find that pretty shocking. They have a shop at the gallery but there was no local makers work for sale there. Private galleries work their socks off to get our work 'out there' - but not, it seems, funded ones.
I was pretty incensed by the end of the weekend - having a Tory hissy fit. (Shhhh - don't tell anyone) But really, imagine what the lovely people who run Obsidian Art, Vitreous Art and all those other 'private' galleries would make with the space.
It's all about the presentation!
17 November 2015
Which is a ridiculous title for a blog post when you consider the quality of the photos below - but bear with, dear Reader, bear with!
The stakes are being well and truly upped when it comes to the Workshop Sale.
A quick glance at the website shows that some serious makers are going to be there this year - both at Portsmouth and the traditional site of East Dulwich, London.
So - no pressure then!
I'm done with the stock for now.
I stitched the necklaces and wrestled with some clasps!
I made the earrings! (that is one little pair lurking on the badly photographed earring stand)
By the way that stand is a defunct frame - I broke the glass by accident a while ago- with the board painted black and three leather 'strings' stretched across.
Now I just have to present a professional image - this first event is going to be in a professional gallery for goodness sake!
So, I found this gem in a junk shop! A quick sand down and a coat of varnish and lo - a little shelf for the table.
And I found this! Bargain!!!
I think it is a shoe stand, but I have a vision of it providing a stand for some of my prints.
And I also found some Ikea brackets in the same junk shop. I am hoping that this slightly 'heath robinson' affair will suffice to support a couple of the mounted pictures. I got drummed out of wood work at school, in case you are wondering!
Meantime, I had a wrestling match with Facebook! I did not set out to do this, but I have created a 'Page'. If you are on Facebook, do please like us, then at least my 2 1/2 hours won't have been completely wasted!
The stakes are being well and truly upped when it comes to the Workshop Sale.
A quick glance at the website shows that some serious makers are going to be there this year - both at Portsmouth and the traditional site of East Dulwich, London.
So - no pressure then!
I'm done with the stock for now.
I stitched the necklaces and wrestled with some clasps!
I made the earrings! (that is one little pair lurking on the badly photographed earring stand)
By the way that stand is a defunct frame - I broke the glass by accident a while ago- with the board painted black and three leather 'strings' stretched across.
Now I just have to present a professional image - this first event is going to be in a professional gallery for goodness sake!
So, I found this gem in a junk shop! A quick sand down and a coat of varnish and lo - a little shelf for the table.
And I found this! Bargain!!!
I think it is a shoe stand, but I have a vision of it providing a stand for some of my prints.
And I also found some Ikea brackets in the same junk shop. I am hoping that this slightly 'heath robinson' affair will suffice to support a couple of the mounted pictures. I got drummed out of wood work at school, in case you are wondering!
But look - it worked! At least it does on the lounge carpet!
Meantime, I had a wrestling match with Facebook! I did not set out to do this, but I have created a 'Page'. If you are on Facebook, do please like us, then at least my 2 1/2 hours won't have been completely wasted!
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