Okay DRUM ROLL PLEASE big news this month is I’ve been awarded artist in residence at Chichester Festival Theatre and I am rather excited about it TO SAY THE LEAST!!!!! As well as getting to meet lots of great people and be inspired by this wonderful theatre to produce some artwork, I will be based in the props department and get to work on props as well as an indepth look behind the scenes at the theatre over the next three months – another bonus is I get to see lots of great plays. The work I produce in response to the residency will be exhibited at the theatre to celebrate Festival 2018 in the autumn…..might be some teasers beforehand too.. I haven’t made up my mind yet.….it’s all up to me……Fantastic OR WHAT!!! I can’t tell you how great it is!!! There is a world of possibilities!! First day is officially next Monday!!!
Meanwhile I sent off some trees for the thread bearing witness project…really pleased how they turned out. Sorry now pics at mo..my picture stuff is driving me mad.. I really can’t work out rhyme or reason of how pictures are saved to my computer..aaargh…
Went to illustrated talk by Gill Clarke, Visiting Professor and Curator at Otter Gallery, University of Chichester on Women in the Land Army at Petersfield library – of interest as I have just started to work on my medal and heart for 100 hearts exhibition with the Embroiderer’s Guild – Exhibition later in the Year.
I also attended a conference on the People of the Heath – the dig has now drawn to a close for the present but there is a book, art work and exhibitions in the offing – watch this space.
Liverpool delivered again with a great exhibition at the Walker Gallery Singh Twins. Loved it!!!
I have also been popping in to Pallant House in Chichester when I can.. I enjoyed the Delonghi room which is currently showing work by textile designer Sheila Bownas (1925—2007), a supplier to Liberty London and Marks & Spencer who remained relatively unknown until an archive of her work surfaced recently at auction. Her colourful patterns capture the optimism of the post-war era. One of the many textile designers…female unsung and unrecognised. Interesting that such an influential art form does not celebrate the mainly female designers – funny that????
I also enjoyed the work of British painter Leonard Rosoman RA (1913 – 2012) – ‘A Patriot for Me’ – John Osbourne’s play – is seen in a series of works not shown together since the 1970s. This is the first museum show of Rosoman’s work for over 30 years. Loved it!!!
Lots of childcare over Easter. As well as too many Easter eggs but managed to fit in lots of sneaky studio time too….handy having it in the garden as I can disappear at regular intervals and just keep running back up to the house to provide snacks and sustenance at the required times. Well when I remember!!!OOPS! Works in progress….
Did a life drawing class too………
and so finally ….the month ended with a taste of textiles for Liss in Stiches on Saturday……where I ran a workshop on Kantha Stitching ..very similar to Sashiko, and also, I learned,Durham Quilting. Isn’t it great how these stitching traditions all over the world are integrally linked.. I really like the simple-ness of the running stitch and have been experimenting in my own work with it…..I met some really interesting people.. I love the power of hand stitching bringing people together…it has a real qualities when it draws people together and you have many interesting conversations.. .. I learnt about my little pony!!! don’t ask!!) Kerala in India and Cat stitches – evidently they are BAD!!!
Meanwhile at Liss is Stiches we had an amzing morsebagging evening! we made about 80 bags..final count at ext months meeting. It was a really enjoyable evening ….definitely need more machines if I’m going to run a sweat shop……
PS Really looking forward to Brockenhurst Fiesta this weekend …hope to see you there..I will be upstairs showing some of my latest work (and staying with you Sarah…..!) off to finalise my packing as I’m flat out for the rest of the week..see you there…
PPS Over and out……..
PPPS noel and me…..you have to click this..I thought it was funny anyway!!haven’t worked out how to negotiate back tot his page though so of it works your have to log back into my site..not good!!! .which is why i have put it at the end!! BYE! this is why I am doing a website course at University! Its really hard!!!
helen sill 