Got my CPD @ Craft in the Bay Coordinator hat on again today. There are a couple of spaces left on two brilliant workshops taking place next week. They are both looking at different aspects of selling craft. As they are linked topics, we have a special offer where you can book a place on both the listed workshops for £80. Otherwise each workshop is £45 (10% discount for members and friends of the Makers Guild in Wales). To book, please phone Craft in the Bay on 02920 484 611.
Developing a Retail Strategy for Craft, Michelle Bowen
Monday 25th July 2011, 11am - 4.30pm
We are delighted to welcome Michelle Bowen to Craft in the Bay to deliver this insightful workshop specifically aimed at craft galleries and retail outlets, although individuals who regularly sell at craft fairs will also benefit.
In these challenging economic times the need to have a coherent retail strategy is critical. The workshop will cover the following points
• What does your gallery / brand stand for and what are the unique selling points? How does it differ from the high street? What are you really offering?
• Developing a retail mission statement, encapsulating what you are about and use it to focus on the purpose of the work you are doing
• Understanding who your customers are? Why do they visit? What are they looking for? How to provide quality of service, telling stories and the human factor, up- selling… delivering a unique experience
• Improving your sales environment & point of sale information. Are you presenting work in a fresh way? Understanding the influence of fashion and lifestyle, referencing magazines and media.
• Developing a community of interest: using your friends scheme / mailing list, developing collectors, using social marketing and web site etc. How do you get your customers to come back and keep buying?
Michelle Bowen has a wealth of experience in the creative industries having not only managed a gallery, but also worked for the Crafts Council as the Professional Development Officer, and for the Arts Council of England as Visual Arts Officer with specific remit for the strategic development of craft and design. Since establishing her independent creative consultancy in 2010, Michelle has delivered strategic & retail development and project management for organisations including Brighton Pavilions, Harley Gallery, New Art Exchange and Northamptonshire County Council.
Cost: £45 for non members, £40.50 for members and friends of the Makers Guild in Wales
Sales Techniques for selling craft, Anne Derbyshire MA Sales, Cert Ed, MIBC, FInSMM
Thursday 28th July 2011, 10.30am - 4pm
The primary aim of this workshop will be to develop knowledge and expertise in professional sales techniques, but tailored towards the unique craft market. Led by Anne Derbyshire, a finalist BESMA Sales Trainer of the Year 2011, the day will be highly interactive and enjoyable with discussion and practical activities. Based at Model House Craft and Design Centre, Anne has a tangible understanding of the craft and design sector, as well as delivering training to clients such as The Oxford University Press, The Maltese Government, Procter Brothers, UK Steel Enterprise and Chapter Arts Centre.
Workshop Benefits:
• To be able to develop excellent customer relationships and understand each client’s
specific buying needs.
• Understand how to structure a sale so that the customer moves from interest, to desire and then to action (purchase)
• Learn to competently sell the benefits of different craft products.
Key Topics
• What makes a successful salesperson- the key ingredients
• Understanding why people buy- the decision making process and how we can help this process to happen. (people like to buy but they don’t like to be “sold” to)
• Communication skills. Body Language
• How to project the desired image.
• The 8 steps to a successful sale
• The art of questioning and listening
• How to offer craft work as a benefit to the customer
• Understanding buying signals
• Handling objections (for example “it’s too expensive”)
• Closing- achieving the business
Cost: £45 for non members, £40.50 for members and friends of the Makers Guild in Wales
To book, please phone Craft in the Bay on 02920 484 611
For queries please contact me!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
START education project exhibition at Ruthin Craft Centre
You might remember a blog earlier this year where I wrote about an education project I'd been involved in at Ruthin Craft Centre. Well the fruits of the project which involved over 300 children responding to exhibitions and working with lots of different makers, has now gone on display at Ruthin Craft Centre. Many thanks to Elen Bonner the RCC Education Officer, for designing a brilliant project which I'm sure has had a profoundly inspiring effect on the children. I haven't yet seen the show, but Elen sent through the following pictures, and I think she has done a fantastic job displaying the work.
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| The woven samples en masse |
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| Lots of wonderful woven samples with name tags |
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| The info about my part of the project inspired by the Anni Albers exhibition |
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| View of the complete exhibition with work made under the guidance of other makers |
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| Work made under the guidance of Louise Bird |
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| Work made under the guidance of Sarah Kelly (Saloukee) |
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| And work made with Cathy Miles |
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
The Western Mail, 20th June 2011
A rather lovely article in the Western Mail last week, about Melin Tregwynt, Solva Woollen Mill and me :-)
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Shortlisted for an Inspire Wales Award from the Institute of Welsh Affairs in association with The Western Mail
I'm rather humbled to announce that I've been shortlisted for an Inspire Wales Award from the Institute of Welsh Affairs in association with The Western Mail. This is the piece about some of the shortlisted individuals in todays paper. Having read about my fellow nominees in the Arts, Media and Creative Industries category I don't think I've got a hope in hell of winning, but I'm just extremely chuffed to have been nominated. Awards ceremony next Friday.......
HTTM7BBX3GAE
Monday, May 30, 2011
'Fibre Voices' at Newport City Museum and Art Gallery
'Fibre Voices', the Fibre Art Wales ten year anniversary exhibition is currently on show in the Newport City Museum and Art Gallery. It continues until the 11th June so you've still got time to catch it. It has toured fairly extensively but at each venue the show has taken on quite a different character, and as new members have joined, thus the exhibition has grown to include some of their work.
On the 8th June at 2.30pm some of the members will be giving a free gallery talk.
On the 8th June at 2.30pm some of the members will be giving a free gallery talk.
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| Photo credit: Michelle Griffiths |
'Similar Threads' at Oriel Mostyn
Until the 1st of Sept, you can see some of my Resonate sculptures as part of an exhibition entitled 'Similar Threads' in the retail space at Oriel Mostyn. If you've not yet visited this wonderful gallery in Llandudno, I can't reccommend it highly enough. It reopened last year after extensive redevelopment and has received a clutch of much deserved accolades, including a recent RIBA award. I promise I'm not (too) biased, but it's one of my favourite galleries......
Monday, May 23, 2011
‘Flourish: Continuing Professional Development for Craftspeople' at Craft in the Bay
Got my CPD Coordinator hat on today......
In case you don't already know, I organise 'Continuing Professional Development' workshops, seminars and talks for The Makers Guild in Wales at Craft in the Bay in Cardiff. These sessions cover various aspects of business and professional development specifically for those working in the craft sector.
Got two brilliant sessions coming up in June which still have some places available. Details as follows:
Develop A Marketing Strategy That Works & Select The Right Tools!
Kelly Monroe from The Concept Club
Date: Thursday 2nd June 2011
Time: 10am to 2.30pm
Aimed specifically at craftspeople, designer-makers and other creative businesses, this workshop will introduce you to the basic elements of creating a manageable marketing strategy for your business and to select with confidence marketing tools that will bring a return on investment or objective for your business.
You will be encouraged to think about the specific goals you want to achieve for your personal marketing strategy, whether it be to increase sales, develop a new service or launch a new craft retail space. The seminar will give you a structure and framework to use day in day out to ensure you turn your plans into reality thus demystifying the art of marketing.
During the seminar we will also look at the variety of marketing tools you can use to develop your profile from traditional print media through to online social marketing websites. The seminar will give you an over view of the array of tools you can utilise and how to select the right tools.
Kelly Monroe is an experienced business & marketing consultant and training professional with over 10 years industry experience. Kelly has spent many years supporting SMEs in Wales to become productive and profitable. Kelly has trained with seasoned professionals and believes in inspiring people with confidence.
What to bring: notebook & pen.
What to think about before the seminar: your marketing goals.
Cost: £35 for non members, £31.50 for members and friends of the Makers Guild in Wales
To book, please phone Craft in the Bay on 02920 484 611.
Venue address: Craft in the Bay, Lloyd George Avenue, Cardiff Bay CF10 4QH
The Art of Effective Presentation and Communication
Noleen Mathias and Erin Martin
Date: Saturday 18th of June 2011
Time: 10am to 4.30pm
This is a one day seminar forming part of the M+M ‘Professional Development for Artist Programme “The Art of Success Making Creativity Pay” designed to enhance your communication and presentation skills.
Effective communication and presentation of your work, and of yourself as an artist, are key elements in developing a successful career.
The aims of the day are two-fold: to increase your skills and self-confidence in the areas of presenting your work, and self-presentation, in a variety of contexts.
We will cover the practical issues of CV, Artist Profile, business cards and websites as well as the most effective ways of making applications, attending interviews, and using various styles of communication to suit different audiences.
The scope of the day includes an analysis of how we can become confident communicators, using verbal and non-verbal language to help achieve positive outcomes. We will also examine the importance of self-image in effective communication.
The course will encourage and allow time for interaction between participants and facilitators.
M + M Professional Development for Artists is a collaboration between Noleen Mathias and Erin Martin.
Noleen Mathias has over twenty years experience in Arts and Business Management. Prior to setting up the Mathias Agency, Noleen was Co-Director of Artworks Wales the National Organisation for Public Art in Wales and Director of Finance and Operations for Public Art Agency, Safle. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and a Trustee of the National Federation of Artist Studio Providers (NFASP).
Erin Martin is an experienced education professional and an Accredited Personal and Business Coach with many years experience of coaching for success in a wide variety of contexts. She has a particular interest in Creativity Coaching and in the issues of aspiration, motivation and self-belief as they relate to artists and writers. Erin recently returned from China where she was an education adviser with VSO.
Cost: £45 for non members, £40.50 for members and friends of the Makers Guild in Wales
To book, please phone Craft in the Bay on 02920 484 611.
Venue address: Craft in the Bay, Lloyd George Avenue, Cardiff Bay CF10 4QH
In case you don't already know, I organise 'Continuing Professional Development' workshops, seminars and talks for The Makers Guild in Wales at Craft in the Bay in Cardiff. These sessions cover various aspects of business and professional development specifically for those working in the craft sector.
Got two brilliant sessions coming up in June which still have some places available. Details as follows:
Develop A Marketing Strategy That Works & Select The Right Tools!
Kelly Monroe from The Concept Club
Date: Thursday 2nd June 2011
Time: 10am to 2.30pm
Aimed specifically at craftspeople, designer-makers and other creative businesses, this workshop will introduce you to the basic elements of creating a manageable marketing strategy for your business and to select with confidence marketing tools that will bring a return on investment or objective for your business.
You will be encouraged to think about the specific goals you want to achieve for your personal marketing strategy, whether it be to increase sales, develop a new service or launch a new craft retail space. The seminar will give you a structure and framework to use day in day out to ensure you turn your plans into reality thus demystifying the art of marketing.
During the seminar we will also look at the variety of marketing tools you can use to develop your profile from traditional print media through to online social marketing websites. The seminar will give you an over view of the array of tools you can utilise and how to select the right tools.
Kelly Monroe is an experienced business & marketing consultant and training professional with over 10 years industry experience. Kelly has spent many years supporting SMEs in Wales to become productive and profitable. Kelly has trained with seasoned professionals and believes in inspiring people with confidence.
What to bring: notebook & pen.
What to think about before the seminar: your marketing goals.
Cost: £35 for non members, £31.50 for members and friends of the Makers Guild in Wales
To book, please phone Craft in the Bay on 02920 484 611.
Venue address: Craft in the Bay, Lloyd George Avenue, Cardiff Bay CF10 4QH
The Art of Effective Presentation and Communication
Noleen Mathias and Erin Martin
Date: Saturday 18th of June 2011
Time: 10am to 4.30pm
This is a one day seminar forming part of the M+M ‘Professional Development for Artist Programme “The Art of Success Making Creativity Pay” designed to enhance your communication and presentation skills.
Effective communication and presentation of your work, and of yourself as an artist, are key elements in developing a successful career.
The aims of the day are two-fold: to increase your skills and self-confidence in the areas of presenting your work, and self-presentation, in a variety of contexts.
We will cover the practical issues of CV, Artist Profile, business cards and websites as well as the most effective ways of making applications, attending interviews, and using various styles of communication to suit different audiences.
The scope of the day includes an analysis of how we can become confident communicators, using verbal and non-verbal language to help achieve positive outcomes. We will also examine the importance of self-image in effective communication.
The course will encourage and allow time for interaction between participants and facilitators.
M + M Professional Development for Artists is a collaboration between Noleen Mathias and Erin Martin.
Noleen Mathias has over twenty years experience in Arts and Business Management. Prior to setting up the Mathias Agency, Noleen was Co-Director of Artworks Wales the National Organisation for Public Art in Wales and Director of Finance and Operations for Public Art Agency, Safle. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and a Trustee of the National Federation of Artist Studio Providers (NFASP).
Erin Martin is an experienced education professional and an Accredited Personal and Business Coach with many years experience of coaching for success in a wide variety of contexts. She has a particular interest in Creativity Coaching and in the issues of aspiration, motivation and self-belief as they relate to artists and writers. Erin recently returned from China where she was an education adviser with VSO.
Cost: £45 for non members, £40.50 for members and friends of the Makers Guild in Wales
To book, please phone Craft in the Bay on 02920 484 611.
Venue address: Craft in the Bay, Lloyd George Avenue, Cardiff Bay CF10 4QH
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Collect, Saatchi Gallery 6-9th May
I'm delighted that Ruthin Craft Centre is representing me at this prestigious event. I'll be on the stand on Friday morning, Friday late afternoon and evening, and again on Saturday morning. Please do come by to say hello!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Resonant Colour, Llantarnam Grange, Cwmbran
Thought I would share with you some photographs of my latest curation project, Resonant Colour at Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre, Cwmbran. The exhibition opened to much enthusiasm (and not just mine!) last month, and continues until the 7th May, so you've still got plenty of time to catch it.
I was honoured to be able to select some of my favourite applied artists to exhibit alongside me: Kate Blee, Nicholas Rena, Sara Moorhouse, Ann Sutton and Heike Brachlow. Many thanks once again to Hannah and Hywel at Llantarnam Grange for giving me this amazing opportunity.
And there is a LOVELY catalogue to accompany the show with photography by the amazing Toril Brancher and wonderful graphic design by Icon Creative Design.
I was honoured to be able to select some of my favourite applied artists to exhibit alongside me: Kate Blee, Nicholas Rena, Sara Moorhouse, Ann Sutton and Heike Brachlow. Many thanks once again to Hannah and Hywel at Llantarnam Grange for giving me this amazing opportunity.
And there is a LOVELY catalogue to accompany the show with photography by the amazing Toril Brancher and wonderful graphic design by Icon Creative Design.
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| 'Welsh Step' handwoven double cloth blanket by me |
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| 'Welsh Step' handwoven double cloth blanket by me |
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| Painted warp, cotton and monofilament by me |
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| Galery shot. Ceramics by Nicholas Rena, handwoven blanket on wall by me |
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| Resin sculptures by me, painted neckpiece/wall piece by Ann Sutton |
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| Gallery shot |
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| Ceramics in foreground by Nicholas Rena, three ceramic bowls on shelves by Sara Moorhouse, textile on wall by me |
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| Gallery shot |
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| Wall panels by me, ceramics by Nicholas Rena |
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| 'Red Road' cotton and copper by me |
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| Paint brooches by Ann Sutton |
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| Painted warp (annoying glass reflection) by me |
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| Gallery shot, resin sculptures by me, 'paint in space' on right by Ann Sutton |
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| Ann Sutton |
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| Various resin sculptures by me |
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| Ann Sutton |
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| Foyer Gallery |
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| Sara Moorhouse |
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| Nicholas Rena |
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| Sara Moorhouse |
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| Kate Blee |
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| Nicholas Rena |
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| Heike Brachlow |
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| Heike Brachlow |
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| The words that explain it all.... |
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Off the loom: woven explorations and applications in art, science & industry, Stroud International Textile Festival, Sunday 8th May, 2011, 11-4.30pm
I’m delighted to announce that I am hosting a forthcoming day of talks as part of the 2011 Stroud International Textile Festival, that will celebrate some of the innovative applications and aesthetic explorations in contemporary weave practice.
With a respectful nod to tradition, the invited speakers are all forging new ground within the fashion, science, furnishings and art spheres taking weave into dynamic new arenas. From e-textiles to art for architectural spaces, each speaker is a pioneer in their discipline and is taking their expertise into unexpected arenas.
Speakers:
Laura Thomas, artist, curator and design consultant. Well known for her trademark encapsulation of delicate textile structures in acrylic resin, recent significant commissions include a Museumaker project to design a triptych window for The Beaney Museum and Art Gallery in Canterbury and a vessel presented to Cricket Australia from the Welsh Assembly Government to commemorate the Ashes being played in Cardiff in 2009. A recipient of a Creative Wales Ambassador Award from the Arts Council of Wales, Laura is currently developing new bodies of work in residence at the Ruthin Craft Centre.
Asha Peta Thompson, is a founding partner of Intelligent Textiles Ltd (ITL)along with Stan Swallow. Asha is an expert in woven technical textiles, specifically electronically active ‘e-textiles’. The ITL patented processes have been applied to many products and principles from heated bedding to iPod connected garments. Recent press coverage has focused on their partnering with the Ministry of Defence to develop embedded technical functionality into military clothing, predominantly as a replacement for conventional cables in soldier systems.
Kirsty McDougall, is one half of Dashing Tweeds, Britain’s latest tweed textile company. Opening up a contemporary arena for a classic quality fabric, Dashing Tweeds has created a range of tweeds for the 21st century, designed by photographer Guy Hills and weaver Kirsty McDougall. Quirky colour palettes, inventive yarn combinations and sophisticated tactile qualities have taken the traditional tweed into uncharted territory, winning them fans across the fashion world. Of particular note is their LumaTwill™ range which is a fusion of technical sportswear with elegant tweed cloth. Light reflective yarns punctuate the woollen checks, so when worn at night it illuminates as light hits the fabric.
Melissa French, artist, designer and coordinator of the Puff & Flock textile collective. Melissa’s practice sees her span the commercial and conceptual sphere. A graduate of the renowned MA Textile Futures at Central St Martins, Melissa has garnered a reputation for work that questions the expected application of woven textiles. Her Urban Upholstery concept takes textiles beyond decoration. This time-based work integrates various metals in her woven fabrics to enable them to endure time and weather whist evolving through natural rusting or oxidising. Inspired by graffiti, urban guerrilla movements and traditional interior textiles and design, Melissa wants to bring an element of beauty, pattern, design and ultimately surprise to the urban landscape.
Ptolemy Mann, artist and architectural colour consultant. Renowned for her impeccable eye for colour, Ptolemy produces striking ikat dyed woven artworks for corporate, commercial and domestic spaces, which have been exhibited and specified all over the world. Working with a UK manufacturer, she has also recently added limited edition mill woven cloth to her repertoire, suitable for cushions, drapes and other applications. Ptolemy is also in demand as an architectural colour consultant, bringing vibrant palette’s to the usually colour-shy world of external facades, as well as devising internal colour schemes for healthcare environments to aid way finding and psychological well being.
Tickets are available from the Stroud International Textiles website:
Cost: £40/£35 (Students/Friends of SIT)
£5.00 for light lunch
There are limited tickets available particularly at the concessionary rate. The last weave symposium I was involved in (warp+weft at the National Wool Museum) ended up with a waiting list of disappointed people, please do book asap!
I look forward to seeing you there!
With a respectful nod to tradition, the invited speakers are all forging new ground within the fashion, science, furnishings and art spheres taking weave into dynamic new arenas. From e-textiles to art for architectural spaces, each speaker is a pioneer in their discipline and is taking their expertise into unexpected arenas.
Speakers:
Laura Thomas, artist, curator and design consultant. Well known for her trademark encapsulation of delicate textile structures in acrylic resin, recent significant commissions include a Museumaker project to design a triptych window for The Beaney Museum and Art Gallery in Canterbury and a vessel presented to Cricket Australia from the Welsh Assembly Government to commemorate the Ashes being played in Cardiff in 2009. A recipient of a Creative Wales Ambassador Award from the Arts Council of Wales, Laura is currently developing new bodies of work in residence at the Ruthin Craft Centre.
Asha Peta Thompson, is a founding partner of Intelligent Textiles Ltd (ITL)along with Stan Swallow. Asha is an expert in woven technical textiles, specifically electronically active ‘e-textiles’. The ITL patented processes have been applied to many products and principles from heated bedding to iPod connected garments. Recent press coverage has focused on their partnering with the Ministry of Defence to develop embedded technical functionality into military clothing, predominantly as a replacement for conventional cables in soldier systems.
Kirsty McDougall, is one half of Dashing Tweeds, Britain’s latest tweed textile company. Opening up a contemporary arena for a classic quality fabric, Dashing Tweeds has created a range of tweeds for the 21st century, designed by photographer Guy Hills and weaver Kirsty McDougall. Quirky colour palettes, inventive yarn combinations and sophisticated tactile qualities have taken the traditional tweed into uncharted territory, winning them fans across the fashion world. Of particular note is their LumaTwill™ range which is a fusion of technical sportswear with elegant tweed cloth. Light reflective yarns punctuate the woollen checks, so when worn at night it illuminates as light hits the fabric.
Melissa French, artist, designer and coordinator of the Puff & Flock textile collective. Melissa’s practice sees her span the commercial and conceptual sphere. A graduate of the renowned MA Textile Futures at Central St Martins, Melissa has garnered a reputation for work that questions the expected application of woven textiles. Her Urban Upholstery concept takes textiles beyond decoration. This time-based work integrates various metals in her woven fabrics to enable them to endure time and weather whist evolving through natural rusting or oxidising. Inspired by graffiti, urban guerrilla movements and traditional interior textiles and design, Melissa wants to bring an element of beauty, pattern, design and ultimately surprise to the urban landscape.
Ptolemy Mann, artist and architectural colour consultant. Renowned for her impeccable eye for colour, Ptolemy produces striking ikat dyed woven artworks for corporate, commercial and domestic spaces, which have been exhibited and specified all over the world. Working with a UK manufacturer, she has also recently added limited edition mill woven cloth to her repertoire, suitable for cushions, drapes and other applications. Ptolemy is also in demand as an architectural colour consultant, bringing vibrant palette’s to the usually colour-shy world of external facades, as well as devising internal colour schemes for healthcare environments to aid way finding and psychological well being.
Tickets are available from the Stroud International Textiles website:
Cost: £40/£35 (Students/Friends of SIT)
£5.00 for light lunch
There are limited tickets available particularly at the concessionary rate. The last weave symposium I was involved in (warp+weft at the National Wool Museum) ended up with a waiting list of disappointed people, please do book asap!
I look forward to seeing you there!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
warp+weft, Smith's Row, Bury St Edmunds, 12.3.11 - 31.4.11
Just a quick message to let you know that the warp+weft exhibition continues on its tour this month. It opens at Smith's Row in Bury St Edmunds on the 12th March, continuing until the 31st April. I'm really delighted that the gallery has also got the sister exhibition warp+weft: from handloom to production that was previously on show at the National Wool Museum. So for the first and only time you'll see everything together in one very beautiful gallery space.
They have also borrowed an extraordinary Peter Collingwood artwork from the Crafts Study Centre, which was originally on display the British Embassy in Brussels.
Another date for your diary at Smith's Row:
The Legacy of Peter Collingwood
20th April 7.00pm – | £5 (£3 members & students)
Jason Collingwood is a weaver and teacher of international acclaim. Linda Theophilus is a curator, artist and co-author of Peter Collingwood:Master Weaver. Join them in this inspiring discussion and hear Linda ask Jason about the life and legacy of his father and how it informs his own established weaving practice.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Resonant Colour, Llantarnam Grange, Cwmbran 19th March - 7th May 2011
Some images from my latest curation project......
This exhibition entitled 'Resonant Colour' is the first of a series of 'Makers to Curators' exhibitions instigated by Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre in Cwmbran, generously supported by the Arts Council of Wales.
Alongside my work, I have had the great pleasure of selecting work from five makers whom I admire greatly. It goes without saying that this was another dream project to select work that I find hypnotically beautiful and intellectually stimulating..... many thanks to Nicholas Rena, Heike Brachlow, Sara Moorhouse, Ann Sutton and Kate Blee for kindly agreeing to be part of this exhibition.
The connecting thread is the use of colour. It is often assumed that applied artists are primarily concerned with the making process and practical function of their work, over and above conceptual and intellectual endeavours. However, here all the exhibited work sees these factors on equal footing. Colour is not a mere decorative afterthought, but is fundamental: it is at the core.
There is an accompanying publication with wonderful essays by Royden Hunt and Sara Moorhouse. Photographs are by Toril Brancher and design by Icon Creative Design. Thank you too to the wonderful team at Llantarnam Grange for this opportunity and their support.
The exhibition opening is on the 18th March, 5 - 8.30pm - please do come along if you're in the area. Hope to see you there!
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| Loose Threads: from black to pink, Laura Thomas Photo: Toril Brancher |
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| Painted warp detail of sample, Laura Thomas Photo: Toril Brancher |
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| Nicholas Rena Photo: Toril Brancher |
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| Ann Sutton Photo: Toril Brancher |
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| Heike Brachlow Photo: Toril Brancher |
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| Kate Blee Photo: Toril Brancher |
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| Sara Moorhouse Photo: Toril Brancher |
This exhibition entitled 'Resonant Colour' is the first of a series of 'Makers to Curators' exhibitions instigated by Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre in Cwmbran, generously supported by the Arts Council of Wales.
Alongside my work, I have had the great pleasure of selecting work from five makers whom I admire greatly. It goes without saying that this was another dream project to select work that I find hypnotically beautiful and intellectually stimulating..... many thanks to Nicholas Rena, Heike Brachlow, Sara Moorhouse, Ann Sutton and Kate Blee for kindly agreeing to be part of this exhibition.
The connecting thread is the use of colour. It is often assumed that applied artists are primarily concerned with the making process and practical function of their work, over and above conceptual and intellectual endeavours. However, here all the exhibited work sees these factors on equal footing. Colour is not a mere decorative afterthought, but is fundamental: it is at the core.
There is an accompanying publication with wonderful essays by Royden Hunt and Sara Moorhouse. Photographs are by Toril Brancher and design by Icon Creative Design. Thank you too to the wonderful team at Llantarnam Grange for this opportunity and their support.
The exhibition opening is on the 18th March, 5 - 8.30pm - please do come along if you're in the area. Hope to see you there!
Museumaker commission for The Beaney, Canterbury
During December + January, I was busily completing my Museumaker commission for The Beaney Art Gallery and Museum in Canterbury. After a couple of shifts in focus from my original proposal, it was decided that I would create some 'Loose Threads' windows: an interpretation of my acrylic sculptures into laminated glass. The windows are just over 2 metres in height, and the widest centre panel is 86cm. Huge thanks to Rodney at Innovative Glass Products for his brilliant help in making the windows.
The Museum is currently closed for redevelopment, due to reopen to great fanfare in the summer of 2012. The windows have now been put in storage and are due to be installed in the Autumn, so for the time being I can just share with you these photos of the windows being made.
The Museum is currently closed for redevelopment, due to reopen to great fanfare in the summer of 2012. The windows have now been put in storage and are due to be installed in the Autumn, so for the time being I can just share with you these photos of the windows being made.
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| The Beaney Museum and Art Gallery, Canterbury |
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| The new extension designed by John Miller and Sidell Gibson Architects |
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| The window, marking the juncture between the old and the new building |
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| The selected design in gradating reds to orange |
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| One of the finished panels in the Innovative Glass Products workshop |
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| Detail of the cotton, linen and silk threads laminated in toughened low iron glass |
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| Detail of the cotton, linen and silk threads laminated in toughened low iron glass |
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| Two of the panels side by side in the Innovative Glass Products workshop |
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| The centre panel and lunette |
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