news update...

Well, apologies first for not keeping my blog as up-to-date as I ought! Its been an extraordinarily busy last month or two

So in no particular this is what has been happening recently....

Firstly, and most excitingly, I had a great time at the HD-Expo trade show in Las Vegas back in May. I was one of seven creative business exhibiting on the International Business Wales stand, and the response to my work from visitors was fantastic. Many thanks to all the visitors who came to find me!

Just after I got back from Vegas I had to go to London for the press launch for the Wesley Barrell Craft Award that I have been short-listed for. I had the opportunity to meet the judges, which included Jon Snow, Celia Birtwell and Kara O'Reilly amongst others. Kara very kindly gave me a mention that following weekend in The Sunday Times The award will be announced at Origin in October..... keep your fingers crossed for me!

I have also recently been photographed in my studio by the legendary photographer Martin Parr for a forthcoming Cardiff feature in The Guardian - will keep you posted as to when that gets published.

On Sunday, I was delighted to be awarded the Applied Artist category award in the Welsh Artist of the Year competition.

On Monday I installed the Karen Davies memorial artwork commission for Milford Haven School.... photo's to follow.

Will post again very soon about my forthcoming exhibitions..... there is lots coming up!

Milford Haven School textile commission

In December 07 I was invited back to my old comprehensive school to give a presentation of my work to a group of sixth form students who had raised money to commission an artwork in memory of a much loved textiles teacher, Karen Davies who passed away last year. I was absolutely delighted to be considered for the job and was thrilled to be offered the commission on the day. Whilst I had never met Mrs Davies, I know what an impact a good teacher can have on students - my art and design teachers throughout my education have been fundamental in helping me become who I am today. It was very humbling to hear the students talk about Mrs Davies with such affection and to learn how they had independently raised a significant amount of money in her memory.

Yesterday I presented the students with my design proposals for them to select their preferred option. I had already talked to the students about their feelings regarding colour, and the response was that bright pink was Mrs Davies's favourite colour and that which they most associated with her vibrant personality.

I presented a number of colour ideas, all tonal arrangements merging pinks with reds and burgundies. The selected design is pictured below - an almost unanimous choice.

The five panels each measure 90cm x 35cm and will mounted onto a white backboard, and will be sited in the school hall - a digital simulation of the design in situ can also be seen below. The panels will composed of silk and cotton threads encapsulated in acrylic.

The artwork will be installed on the 23rd June with the dedication service being held on the 25th June.