Origin: The London Craft Fair at Somerset House

Origin: The London Craft Fair at Somerset House

Week Two: 13-18^th October 2009, Stand E1

For the third successive year I am delighted to have once again been selected to exhibit The Resonate Collection of textile art at Origin 2009.

Please do pop along to see me if you're in London next week. Details are as follows:

• Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 6pm
• Late closing Thursday - open until 9pm
• Last admission 5:15pm (Thursday: 8:15pm)

Somerset House
Strand
London
WC2R 1LA

Ticket prices:

Full price single entry	£10
Concession single entry	£8
Season Pass (unlimited entry)	£15
Concession Season Pass (unlimited entry)	£12
Under 12 years	Free
Guest with registered disabled visitor	Free

An illustrated catalogue is included in the price of admission.

For any further details, please check out the Crafts Council Origin website:

http://www.craftscouncil.org.uk/origin09/

Look forward to seeing you there!

Ashes Vessel

As mentioned in an earlier blog post, I was recently commissioned to design and make a celebratory vessel to commemorate the Ashes coming to Cardiff for the first time. On Thursday 9th July the vessel was presented by the Welsh Assembly Minister for Sport, Alun Ffred Jones to Dr John Bannon, director of Cricket Australia, at a media reception at Cardiff Castle.

The Ashes Vessel, was commissioned by the Welsh Assembly Government in partnership with the Arts Council of Wales and Safle - public art Wales. The vessel takes its inspiration from the spin of a cricket ball and will not only be a commemoration of the first test match to take place in Wales, but also a symbol of friendship between Wales and Australia. The vessel will then be displayed in the prestigious Powerhouse Museum in Sydney.

This commission is the first piece of work that I have made that moves away from my previous geometric forms into a more fluid aesthetic. The vessel which measures 55x18cm, contains 33 taut, twisted hand woven ribbons in gold Lurex and black cotton. As the ribbons cast their shadows on the surface below, the layered twists and turns have dramatic visual impact that changes as you move your vantage point around the piece.

Alun Ffred Jones said:
"The presentation of this artwork means that Australia are guaranteed a trophy whatever happens in the rest of the Ashes series! The form of the piece seems suggestive to me of the flow of a closely-fought test match, with high points at the beginning and end and with twists and turns throughout its course. In that way, I hope that it reflects this first test match in Wales and brings back fond memories of the event for our Australian visitors."

David Alston, Arts Director for Arts Council of Wales, said:
"Arts Council of Wales is delighted to be a part of The Ashes Vessel Artist's Commission. Laura Thomas, an exceptional young artist, who recently received a Creative Wales Ambassadors Award, has created a stunning piece of work which is a fitting reminder of this momentous occasion for Wales."

Below are some stunning photographs taken by Kutchibok Design showing the piece from various angles:







And here we have some photo's from the Media Reception at Cardiff Castle. These photographs are courtesy of Steve Pope of Sporting Wales and must not be reproduced without his express permission. Please contact him directly if you want to use these images: steve@sportingwales.com

some new photo's to share with you.......

Some new photo's..... Firstly from the Fibre Art Wales 'Ffibr' exhibition at Llantarnam Grange, Cwmbran earlier this year:

'Better than Grey' exhibition at the Bury St Edmunds Art Gallery, 21^st January – 7^th March 2009, photos by Douglas Atfield:

And lastly, some new pictures by Pinegate Photogrpahy in Cardiff:

Origin etc

Well, once again I am starting my post with an apology for the lack of blogging activity recently.... must try harder!

Earlier this month I was exhibiting at Origin, the Crafts Council show at Somerset House in London. This was my second year there after a great exhibition in 2007. Akin to last year, I was given a fantastic stand, right by the show entrance - nobody could possibly miss me!

It was once again a busy show - great sales and contacts were made. The Thursday evening also saw me receiving my Wesley Barrell Craft Award for Interior Textiles which was the icing on the cake for the whole event.

It was also particularly wonderful to see some of the people that bought pieces from me last year.









This last picture shows me on the last day, somewhat tired and now if my comfy shoes!

As for other news: PARKart took some of my work to the Affordable Art Fair in London last week. They have also placed some of my 'Jacquard Sketch' artworks in Selfridge's, Oxford Street, London. You can see the work on the fourth floor in the Loft Living and BoConcept concessions.

Shortlisted for Welsh Artist of the Year

Just had a letter saying that I have been shortlisted for the Welsh Artist of the Year competition & exhibition for my submission of a Resonate 'Loose Threads' sculpture. The exhibition is at St David's Hall in Cardiff from the 22nd June - 26th July 2008. The winners will be announced at the opening on the 22nd June - keep your fingers crossed for me!

British Craft Trade Fair

Just got back from a busy few days up in Harrogate where I was exhibiting alongside other members of the Makers Guild of Wales at the British Craft Trade Fair. Had a very positive response from lots of galleries which will hopefully materialise into lots of exhibitions over the next few months....

Pleasingly these brand new black and gold designs were particularly well received....

busy busy busy.....

I need to apologise first for not keeping very up date with my blogging activity.... have been so busy recently, I even had to miss out on my Easter break.... get the violins out eh?!

So what's been keeping me occupied?

Primarily, it has been the very exciting commission to 'respond to the Iron Trials in the World Heritage Site centred around Blaenavon in the South Wales Valleys, and to make initial proposals for public art ideas'. There was huge time pressure to get this work done, hence no Easter respite. This is an extremely new way for me to think about my work, but obviously an amazing opportunity to start thinking about translating my artworks to become applicable for the outdoor environment.

I came up with several proposals focusing on two sites - 'The Gap' on Broad Street in Blaenavon, and the Garn Lakes just outside the town. The two images show my very basic digital simulations for two of the ideas. At this point in the commission process, it was about demonstrating the way I would plan to tackle the project, the likely aesthetics, materials and processes.

Both the images show a development of my 'Loose Threads' acrylic encapsulated process - by Garn Lake it would be a large block with the threads echoing the contours of the land behind - surreal window or doorway into the landscape. In 'The Gap', a continuous panel would stretch around the three walls, which would be dramatically back lit to enhance the colour. This would be complimented by central stone seating which would incorporate glass inserts to make a visual link to the wall panels.

The presentation was given last Friday to a packed room of all the interested parties, from the Arts Council, local Council, residents, landscape architects etc. Perhaps one of my most nerve racking experiences! Nevertheless, my ideas seemed to generate a lot interest, and so hopefully something will be selected to move forward with.

Aside from that commission, amongst many other things, I have been finalising my 'Woven Structure' chapter for a book entitled Smart Clothes and Wearable Technology to be published by Woodhead - date tbc. Also I am busily preparing for the British Craft Trade Fair in Harrogate which opens this Sunday. Hope to perhaps see you there!