oops forgot to post in all the eggscitement

… this flipping being an artist ‘in the round ‘ is a bit like being a circus entertainer …more balls anyone? ( it’s supposed to be a juggling analogy but not sure it works!)   I am ok at doing the painty stuff but the outward media face thingy selling yourself stuff I not so good at… (just incase anyone else is reading apart from Sarah)…a bit over due with this post but here we go….Easter got in the way slightly. Last weekend started off brilliantly with the very poorly advertised (in my humble opinion anyway!) world textiles day in Wickham …….as no one at uni knew about it…  That has now been changed and its on the map for next year!!! Thank you Vicky! Everyone who lives.. oops I mean loves textiles (or do I?)  should go next year..they happen all over the country and are free events… talks cost £2 which is a flippin bargain!  The range of textiles on show was amazing and the stall holders  graciously allowed me and my two … (11 and 9 ) year old textile fans to touch…and were happy to explain about everything. The book lady was great and met Helen Murchie who sells amongst other things, beautiful cushions..we had a good chat about textiles in general and will look out for her at Brockenhurst…talks were really great…didn’t think I was going to get to listen to them but I bribed the kids with cake and a fiver to spend on the stalls in order to make them sit for an hour…we listened  to how baskets were brought from Ghana,  all about weaving and the puma claw design on textiles from Peru and John Gillow’s travels in Pakistan. It really was quite fascinating to hear the stories behind the businesses. Just incase the kids felt hard done by I bought them more cake afterwards and gave them my last three quid to spend on Chinese coins and a wooden stamp which I have since purloined…well I had to make up for not having enough cash to spend on books to make books. Yes, I know pure torture for me Sarah! (Alison and Teri were there too!)

Anyway check out …..the African Fabric Shop – Bob Irwin…go Canada!

Tukuru textiles – Meri Hunneyball – great name, really interesting talk and John Gillow….apologies for any typos and for pinching images from any websites without permission… I think everthing I heard was great and gladly support theses businesses!!!

 

 

Then a busy week getting my final modules together for uni this year. No exhibition to do so just trying to pull all my background work together to tell a story. Now I’ve decided I need to take time out I am getting more into everything! Think it’s called being less stressed.  Really wish I could keep going. I do have a cunning plan ( watch this space! I have news Sarah. ) Spent a whole day prepping screens and hot pressing fabrics.. Great.  No photos here, as left screens and my portfolio at uni will post next time. Another  day spent screen printing and being experimental…..have been learning how to transfer my images to a screen using photocopies of my work…love the process. Have screen printed before but not using my own photo screened images. I love it!  Been experimenting with different dyes..don’t need to worry about colour fastness as not intending to wash so interesting to see what happens to the surface of the material. Was really scared to just go for it on the beautiful silk but in the end I bit the bullet and just went for it…want to but my own screens now…got to sell some stuff on eBay to fund….so worth it!! Have nearly forgotten I have lost one of my jobs!

The  facilities are really are amazing and it’s great to actually have the time to take advantage!

Also managed to make some frames….  Now trying to see if stitch works on top of the silk or if I leave it alone….this is what I did with some extra bits I put onto painted calico the detail is lovely..the photos are sadly not

By the way Alison Hulme acrylic wax did not do the business although it did produce some interest interesting effects… ..just not the ones I wanted!!

PS have tickets now available for Jae Maries talk in June….just contact me if you want – £12 – interesting  talk with great cake…

PPS still looking for studio space…..

PPS and just incase Sarah, you think I have been neglecting familial duties,  I have managed to cram in three National Trust visits and two Easter egg hunts so there X

PPPS I did listen to your advice about getting someone to proof read my blog but I haven’t got anyone to do it so it is what it is! I am sure my huge readership will be forgiving.