as promised some further images of "Friday Tea", these are small cups/mugs entitled "Just half a cup" there is also some detail of the tablecloth I am working on...more to follow

We are very pleased to have two new members. Carla Mines, who has returned as a member after a break and Liz Hewitt. Here is a first image of Carla's work called Lacrima, more soon.

The Private View Churchdown

Just a few images of people, sketchbooks and drawers at the Private View of 'Curious Drawers' at Churchdown School, Gloucester.

Curious Drawers at Churchdown

See the show in Gloucester.

Some of us will be at the Private View

on November 16th

5.30-6.30

more images of "Friday Tea"

this is a work in progress for "Curiouser...", it is an expansion on the work I produced for "Curious Drawers", this work is based around our family 'ritual'of "Friday Tea" at our Grandparents house.

Hookshouse Pottery

I have been preparing work for the Fruits of Change exhibition at Hookshouse Pottery near Tetbury.

Here is my case and a detail.

The exhibition is from Sat 23rd - Sun 31st October, open daily 10 - 5. It is not far from Westonbirt Arboretum

turn at the Hare and Hounds on the A433. It will be signed. For a map go to Hookshouse Pottery

Lots of lovely pottery and things to be tempted by!

Louise

V and A Visit

Not been on here lately but working hard!

Last week I saw the Diaghilev exhibition at the V&A, great experience full of colour and drama.

I recommend it, also the Raphael tapestries. One can really appreciate the colour, texture and warm tactile qualities of cloth. A once in a life time opportunity I think.

Liz

Corinne - New Work

Having been ill since half way through our last exhibition some pieces of my work never made it to Stroud!

Again based on the Grimm's fairy tales these cotton reel poems tell of the sorrows behind the stories.

Each little poem is written on hand-stitched calico that wraps around a cotton reel and fastens with a button.

Corinne

Churchdown

Have just finished polishing the chest of drawers - that beautiful little jewellers cabinet - with some beeswax and begun to fill it ready for Monday for the Brunel Broderers Curious Drawers at The Curve Gallery, Churchdown.

I am guessing all the BB's are busy preparing too!

Card image - Susi

Heartfelt Moments

Jan Connet - who used to be a Brunel Broderer in past years - is working on an exhibition called Heartfelt. 
It is all about 'heartfelt moments' and all the gathered hearts which people have made will be exhibited at the Bristol Gallery Centrespace in November. 

Have a look at the site to see how things are progressing here 
If you would like to be involved and make a heart, please see more details on Jan's site.

Curious Drawers at Churchdown

Curious Drawers is preparing to open at The Curve Gallery, Churchdown from 12th October to 30th November. We are getting ready to hang the exhibition on Monday 11th - more later!!


 

Stone Journey

Liz.

Have another peep at the post for 6 Sept 2010....

Material Evidence Symposium

Bath Spa University

Material Evidence Symposium 

Corsham Court Centre, Corsham, Wilts
29th September 2010 - 9.00 - 5.00 Cost £20 inc. lunch

'This research symposium and exhibition seeks to identify a pathway that links the academic, the maker and the making. It will focus on how academic research can inform and inspire practical work and how these can work together symbiotically.'

Key speakers - Maxine Bristow, Amy Houghton, Tim Parry-Williams

For booking contact Alison Dagger, Bath Spa University, Postgraduate Centre, Corsham Court, Corsham, Wilts. SN13 OBZ.



Liz, Alison and Kay - our current research work will be part of the exhibition for the day/

Alison's Work - Material Actions

'Pass me another crisp packet'

... 'skeins' reworked from Alison's vast collection of found materials - usually found on pavements and by the sides of roads.....

I Value The Arts Campaign

Lets all get together and promote art - everywhere for everyone! Show that the 'arts are vital and valued'.

Have a look at the website... here

Material Actions

Plymouth College of Art Gallery is showing an exhibition called Material Actions.
The 'exhibition is inspired by ideas explored in the March 2009 Textile Forum South West conference, Textile Footprint. The conference discussed the ethical investments in the practice of textiles and was a timely look at issues surrounding the ethical, ecological and sustainable use of materials'.
'The Material Actions exhibition will further question how textiles are used actively to affect and contribute to ethical, social, cultural and environmental change'. It will focus on 'the special qualities
and active role textile practice can bring to challenge these current debates'.

 Alison Harper is one of the 13 national and local artists being showcased.

Material Actions
Plymouth College of
Art Gallery






Life Stages: Mop Cloak
2008, Kim Thornton







A publication titled 'Material Actions' has been published by Plymouth College of Art to coincide with
the exhibition.
Textile Forum South West - see here

Louise making progress!

Rosemary and I met up last Friday. This is her workshop shed in her lovely garden...

We played with paperclay and I showed her the new book I have made for the work ahead..

The cover did not go well but I'm hoping the bubbled surface adds to the texture! Much harder making a large sketchbook..

Louise

Liz - Stone Journey

We found a couple of blogs by Carolyn Saxby which show a piece of Liz's work.

Click on the links and they take you to the sites.... The first is: Love Stitching Red - here

 Look up Tuesday August 17th and search for  Stone Journey ....

..and also  here  - Mixed Media Textile Art look up Thursday August 12th and see Liz's work again.
We know Liz's work is "gorgeous and inspiring" and so it is fabulous to see it out there!

Happy Browsing through a world of rich colour and imagery.... thanks Carolyn!

Louise is collaborating!!

I am involved in an exciting new project - a collaboration between a potter and myself. Rosemary Cochrane lives in Usk and makes salt glazed ware...

The exhibition next May will be at the Cardiff in the Bay Gallery and will be about collaborations between makers. We are calling our project 'Clay and Thread'. We met for the first time at the Guild Exhibition in Painswick...

We have a lot in common - such as using natural organic textures and landscape as inspiration but our media are totally different. I am seeing Rosemary again soon to see her workshop and have a go at some paper clay! We are just going to see how things develop rather than promise anything definite for the exhibition.
I will keep you informed - watch this space!

Raining!

I have been doing some sketchbook work on seedheads and in last week's pouring rain I decided to rush out after a downpour to seek inspiration!

The water is just about to flow over the edge of the poppy head!

 Susi
Poppy and Nigella

Seaside Holidays!

 The seaside season!
 Louise - detail

Painswick Wearable Art

Saturday 31st July was Painswick Wearable Art Parade and Alison made a fabulous work of art which Susi modelled for the day!

Getting ready for the parade - serious moment checking the look!

The hat - recycled lampshade, solar panel, lightbulbs designed by Alison












It was a surreal experience and such great fun! To see close up details enlarge the images by clicking on them.

Alison's creation was titled 'Let there be light' and the theme was Power Dressing.

'This dress is based on the iconic shape of the incandescent light bulb, symbol of bright ideas and source of electric light. It incorporates solar panels and LED lights; emphasizing the fact that the technology is there and begging the question as to why we aren't making more of it. I have used found, re-used materials including garden hosepipe, cotton sheeting, plastic food bags and an old handbag - illuminated for the event!'

Mingling in the town between being on the catwalk and the parade with other artists and models.

Alison and Susi

















Keith Allen was compere and did a great job keeping it all going!

Keith Allen and Susi












For more pictures of the day see here
For pictures on flickr including one of the costume see here

Glos Guild Exhibition

It seems I am to have a work space at the Glos Guild Exhibition. I will take my sketchbooks, work in progress and the insect chest from Curious Drawers.
My stewarding days are Sat 31st 2-6, Tues 3rd 10-2, Mon 9th 2-6, Tues 10th 2-6, Weds 11th 10-2.
My work and studio space will be there until the 13th.
Come along and say Hello! Entry is £1 for a raffle ticket. The Painswick Centre, Painswick GL6 6QQ
Guild Crafts

Jan Knibbs - what we saw!

Last week Kay and Susi went to an exhibition in Milsom Place, Bath where Jan was showing some of her work -  Jan Knibbs

Jan has been shortlisted to the last 25 for this year's Hand and Lock prize Hand and Lock  Congratulations Jan!

Look What I have found

In my search for petal numbers fitting into my research criteria I have found this flower with 55 petals - my studio wall as it flourishes- Kay

Nature in Art

This is a detail of Linda's work titled 'Walk with the Warlis Tribe'  that was exhibited with the BB's at Nature in Art 2 years ago - Nature In Art. Also see more images of the exhibition on our BB website under the exhibition section  here. We spend so much time getting onto the next step - worthwhile sometimes taking time for looking back and reflecting..