WASPS Spring Exhibition...it came...it went!

Wow! What a weekend. The Selkirk WASPS open studio was the weekend just past and was an amazing event, really happy that so many people came to support the group of artists and designers and many sales were made which is an added bonus! The Private View on the Friday night was buzzing, just a shame that we were all so busy having a good time that we forgot to take some photos...opps. Above is Saturday during the day, a really nice feel as people chatted and viewed the stunning artwork on show. Find out more about the individual artists here.

This is my pile of well lit cushions in the corner, thanks must go to Rob for sorting out the lighting for me as they looked really good and stood out with the light on them.

And here is the rest of my stand, I tried to go for an artwork hanging on the wall approach again to try and keep it within the style of the event, however I've been given a couple of good ideas for next time which I might try. I spent the weekend replacing the Tea-towels and Canvas Bags as they sold which I suppose can only be a good thing! Also I had a couple of framed prints which was a little different than usual.

And here is the other goodies that were for sale, plenty of cards for those (like me) that can't afford the artwork! Such a good idea as you can easily frame them and have your own mini artwork at home. I believe the next open will be in October and that one is nationwide so looking forward to that...keep checking the WASPS site for more information.

What a wonderful WASPS weekend

I should be heading for my bed (it's been a very busy weekend), but while I'm still buzzing from the WASPS open studio in Selkirk this weekend I thought I better let anyone that couldn't make it know what they missed out on!!

This was my display (above) within the communal space that is inside the industrial unit that Wasps occupies in Selkirk, to keep it in line with the other artwork being showcased (which is mainly framed artworks) I kept it sleek and simple and tried to display my tea-towels like works of art instead of kitchen linen. I took a few orders for my tea-towels over the event, which is great, and will be busy busy over the next week fulfilling those orders.

Here is a sneek-peek into my working space where all the magic (!) happens, it's looking very clean and tidy which has to be said isn't a common occurence...especially when it comes to the way I work!

This is a picture of the wonderful activities which were on offer for kids and adults alike, everyone went away very sparkly. Overall there was over 500 people through the doors which was an amazing turn out and it was great to see loads of familiar faces (as well as meeting some wonderful new people too). Thank you to all those that could make it along, it's great to know that WASPS is supported throughout the local community! There was great performances from two local folk bands and plenty of yummy cakes too which altogether combined to create a fantastic weekend, I'm now going to sleep for a week!

'Prints of the Orient' Update

The event down in Margate has pretty much only just begun and I'm updating you on it already (I couldn't resist). I thought you might like to see a few images of Qing furniture and stationary mixed up with my illustrative/textile take on the wonderful land that is Hong Kong.

The cushions and tea-towels I have produced for the event are all inspired by a trip I took to Hong Kong at Christmas time in 2006 (it was to see a lovely friend and if she's reading this then she'll know who I'm referring too). It was an absolutely wonderful experience and one which I'm very fond of and have loved capturing onto my textiles over the years.

Other artists at the event include the wood-cuts of Dawn Gray, which even from this picture look impressive so I'm sure they would be a delight up close.

I'm a big fan of mixing old and new concepts and I think Qing Art have really managed in their shop in Margate. Don't forgot it's all part of the Pushing Print Event and I'm sure you have not heard the last from me on the subject just yet!!

New Design Alert: 'Cuckoo Tea Towels'

I've been ploughing on with new work for the Gin Palace Event which is a mere 2 weeks away and have just designed a couple of tea towels, which I like to call my 'cuckoo tea towels' as they're not your usual tea towel design, taking images inspired by a trip to Hong Kong they are based on two different types of markets found out there. One your classic souvenir stall piled high with memories of a fantastic trip and the other the bird market, where chinese men and women congregate with their birds to chat and buy all their birdie supplies and goodies!

Gin Palace Update

Here's me sorting out a design for the Gin Palace Collective event taking place on the 9th-11th April in Glasgow. Designing and making is really hotting up this end as I have quite a bit to do but I'm really looking forward to the event and meeting all the other designer-makers taking part. This design is hopefully going to be a tea towel when I'm finished but we'll see how it prints, I finally got my big repeat off the table yesterday after about a month so it feels rather strange to be working on something a little smaller for a change! And to my Number One Fan, Happy Mothers Day!