Shape and form

24 April 2018

As you may know, I sometimes have little 'creative outings' in Milton Keynes under the umbrella of Mix3d Stitch. We have had some very successful shows - notably 'Transformation' which we hung in the Gallery at Christ the Cornerstone Church in central Milton Keynes.

My Mix3d Stitch colleagues, Jane Charles and Yvonne Elliott, recently curated another exhibition at the gallery and some of the work was so stunning I thought you might enjoy a little wander round the exhibits.

The theme was 'Shape and Form' - using architecture and the built environment for inspiration. Running alongside there was also work from the local Embroiderers Guild members called 'Under My Feet' - and the two worked beautifully together.

Here is a selection that caught my eye.

First up, from one of the Embroiderers Guild members is 'Puddle on a field path' by Elsie Probert which won the 'Julia Caprara award for Colour.'

Next is 'Turkish Ruins' by Hilary Hollis. This was one of the 'Shape and Form' entries.

And next, a few pieces I was very taken with. Again these were in 'Shape and Form'.

These are the 'Chimneys of Oxburgh Hall' by Ann Cooke. And, safe to say, I was smitten by these.

And Ann also had a small sketch book on display.

I cannot tell you how much I loved these. I just love 3d interpretations in stitch.

Ann had also submitted a few more traditional/conventional pieces (well, I suppose not so conventional. I think what I mean is that they are in 2D) including the piece below - a stunning interpretation of old stained glass- called Old Stained Glass.

And this piece, inspired by Coventry Cathedral.

Meanwhile, back with the embroidery.

This piece was called 'Mind Your Step' by Su Arlington. This was another winner. In this case the Constance Howard award for Most Outstanding Piece.

Next, another stunning piece from the Embroiderers Guild.

This is 'Dungeness Beach by Jean Chisholm. This won the Val Campbell-Harding award for Machine Embroidery.

Back to Shape and Form.

The little concertina book and the panel below, inspired by stained glass, are by Jane Charles.

And Jane also did these 'blocks' inspired by Milton Keynes (yes, it really does have a windmill).

Below, Guiding Lights by Linda Wilkes.

Cross over by Nicola Saunderson. This was a silk painting - a new technique for Nicola who usually uses pen and pencil.

And finally, 'Dreaming Cupolas' by Yvonne Elliott.

The exhibition runs until the end of April and, if you are in Central MK, it is worth popping in.

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A tisket, a tasket, a green and yellow basket ......

21 April 2018

The radio silence does not mean I've not been doing anything.

Deary me no! It's just what I have been doing has ended up in the bin!

After my last flurry of creativity with acrylics I got very distracted.

Now I am a huge fan of the Kemshalls, so as a little birthday present to myself I treated myself to a season of their DMTV videos.

And to be fair to Laura, it was she who kick started me jnto the little foray in acrylic painting.

But then I got hugely distracted with techniques that they were demonstrating and which I don't need but thought I'd try anyway.

So I had a go at their acrylic skins - writing with acrylic paint onto plastic and, when dry, painting acrylic medium on top. These you then peel off the plastic and use in mixed media. That's the theory anyway.

I cannot tell you how much I hated my foray into acrylic skins. And mine didn't so much end up in mixed media as in mixed refuse!

Sorry Laura, not your fault but not for me.

Then I got distracted with an old half finished quilt I decided to cut up, again inspired by something Laura did. I had all sorts of grand plans to mount the various bits of chopped quilt onto box canvases. Another disaster!