The National Centre for Craft & Design

Yesterday I made a visit to The National Centre for Craft & Design with Lindsey Tyson, Textile Art and Design. We are both members of Design Factory and they having an annual get together and celebrating their 10 years of achievements. As members we were also invited to brainstorm about some very exciting future projects. One of the recent projects that I found really inspiring was Sychronise ii, in which Design Factory members have collaborated to gain new skills and experiences. The work they have produced is now on show in an exciting exhibition on the top floor gallery at the NCCD.

One of my favourite collaborations was between Jane Bevan + Samantha Robinson. I absolutely love Janes work anyway and it was lovely to meet her and Samantha and talk a little bit more about how they work together.

My other favourite was Ann Povey + Caroline Matthaei, who worked together to learn new techniques they had both not  used before. It was so successful they would like to continue to collaborate. 

The other exhibition now on at The NCCD is new works by Michael Brennand - Wood especially commissioned by the centre. Really exciting motifs,with riots of colour, these textile assemblages cast beautiful shadows on the gallery walls.

For more details here is the link http://www.nationalcraftanddesign.org.uk/whatson/#michael-brennand-wood-seeds-of-memory

The Design Factory also had an awards ceremony yesterday evening, many congratulation to those that received recognition for the work they produce. One of the makers short listed was Janie Withers from Janie Withers Knitted Textiles,who's work I am a big fan of. It was so nice to meet her and have a quick chat. I have two of Janies cushions on my studio sofa which I won on on her page on face book.I also covet one of her fabulous lampshades.

It was my first visit to The National Centre for Craft and Design and it such a fantastic resource. The shop is beautifully set out with top designers and makers, with a small cafe. They list a wealth of making workshops too. If you have not thought about going to NCCD and love contemporary craft, its a 'must visit'. Big thank you to Lindsey for her her lovely company and driving us there and back !

Hello

I have not had chance to blog in ages, just been so busy with family doings and my business . But my boys are away for a holiday so I have a little time for a catch up ...

A couple of weekends go I took part in the Little Northern Contemporary Craft Fair at a lovely venue, Kings Grammar School in Macclesfield. The landy was stashed to the roof with my display boards and work. I had to leave room as I was collecting some new display cabinets I had purchased on Facebook from EllieMagpie, a surprising find in Prestwich. Oh and I had to find space for my dog too. To her delight she had to sit in the front, normally forbidden.      

 

My newly purchased Indian cabinets were perfect for my work

 

There was also some wonderful work by other makers my favourites were jewellery by Clare Hilerby with interesting textural components delicately grouped together...

 

And stunning architectural inspired resin and silver jewellery by Jane Dzisiewski

 

 

I look forward to showing with Little Northern Contemporary Craft Fair again in the future.

 

 

Last firing of 2012

 
This stack of work has been drying out in the cellar, today I finished off the edges and they are now ready for a bisque firing before I add colour ... the really fun bit.

You may get a glimpse of some new heads I have been developing for an exhibition next year. I have been inspired by the Italian painter Amedeo Modigliani. I love the simplicity of his early 20th century portraits and I am combining that simplicity of form with the theme of cut flowers for an exhibition that I am very excited to be included in at Gallery 49 next year. I have a long way to go but I am pleased with progress so far. Fingers crossed on a good firing.

 

The colours used in this 1950's catalogue found in Janette Rays second hand book shop York, will definately have an influence over the treatment of colour on The Flower Heads.

made by hand on line

Busy working on comissions and orders but just have time to announce that my work is now sold on the fantastic website made by hand on line.

 http://www.madebyhandonline.com/by/shirley_vauvelle/

Holmfirth Art Market

Good morning . After recovering from a very busy Art Market at the weekend I am now on with commissions for Christmas and orders . Some places have run out of my angels and fairies already ! Thought you may like to meet our cat Daisy, this is her sitting pretty at breakfast this morning

These are a couple of pictures of my stand at Holmfirth taken just after I had set up ready for the market to open .I have to thank my dear friend Lynne for all her help. I left the angels in her capable hands.

During the weekend I met lots of new talented artist's/makers, caught up with old friends and my family came along to which was so nice. Sold lots and made friends with new clients. It was a bit chilly but I soon forgot about that when I got into my gift wrapping mode.  I look forward to the next event.

Gosh November Already !

Back from a fantastic break in Bath . Ahead this weekend is the Art Market at Holmfirth. All ready to head off tomorrow with a Landy full of new work.  We were visiting my son who is studying at uni there. Lots of lovely independent shops to explore,countless yummy places to eat and lots of glorious architecture to feast your eyes on here's a little of what we discovered ....

 

Georgian splender, The Cresent

 

Angels carved on thr frount of the Abbey

 

Roman Baths

 

Bath Hilly Streets

 

Spotted two John Maltby bowls in an Antique Centre in a little back street . He is one of my favourite contempoary makers .

 

Roman stone carved head of one of their Gods worshipped at the Baths

Loved the colours of aged ancient stone and the warm algae spa

water.

 

 

Inspiration in May ( was in drafts so that's why it's posted in October !)

Been a while since I have been able to post on my blog, been a busy time with fulfilling orders, getting work ready for exhibitions in May and June and getting studio ready for North Yorkshire Open Studios which is currently underway.
 

 

 

 

 

I work in chaos, preparing colour palette for a piece called Emerging Colour now on show at Salt Box Gallery Helmsley, There is an image of this painting just started in a previous post.

 

 

May was very wet but brought with it a lush fresh greenness that I absolutely love . I took lots of photos for inspiration for colour and textural combinations for paintings.

 

 

 

 

 

I just love greens , every shade.