Tuesday 30 June 2015

The Shadow Garden.



Because she was so very young she wasn't allowed a garden.


And so, 
when the sun shone low
and the air was still...


She would grow shadow trees
and shadow flowers.


And shadow birds would come 
and whisper their song.


In her very own shadow garden.

Sunday 28 June 2015

It's A Leah Halliday Day At Hope And Elvis!

I had the most fabulous day at Hope and Elvis Yesterday, it was the 'Crafters Smock' workshop with Leah Halliday!
Leah is an expert pattern cutter and dress maker, and even though my skills were very rusty indeed, she quickly made me feel that, if I followed each step carefully, all would be well.
Leah helped us to alter our patterns too, if we wished.
You can see Louise ( of Sew Green Fox fame) is concentrating very hard!
And so is Di....we were very studious indeed!
Louise, as always, was there to help....thanks chuck!
Beautiful examples made by Louise and Leah...sigh!


Dinner was absolutely delicious and the sun kindly shone on our little soirée.
The afternoon flew by in a blur of cutting and stitching and laughing...
I have never been so proud of a neck facing in my whole life!
I have a bit of finishing off to do, but it shall be my painting smock and I shall wear it with pride!
Miss Debs was a star, helped us all, and single handedly re- threaded the over locker!
( We likened her to Claudia in the GBSB!)
Look at those machines go!
How I love the Hope and Elvis shop!
Louise's beautiful collections...
All rumours of Tracey being the instigator of the infamous Naughty Corner were dispelled as she industriously stitched away.
Suspicions have been shifted elsewhere, but I wouldn't dare utter who the prime suspect is....
This is one of my favourite photos of the day, this was Louise's work desk, I think it looks like a painting!
Di's beautiful brooch.
It was so exciting when the smocks started to take shape!
I think that Leah was pleased with us!
Obligatory Hope and Elvis loo selfie!
But then it was time to go...
Goodbye my Gnome friend...

Goodbye Hope and Elvis studio...
See you again soon I hope!
PS: And a special shout out to Sandra and Kim, fab to meet you both!


Wednesday 24 June 2015

Serendipity is...



...when something else emerges from the scrips and scraps of other pieces that are being made.

Sunday 21 June 2015

Communal Salad!

Last Thursday was the opening of the Art Foundation End Of Year Exhibition.
'Communal Salad' was held at the 3irty 2wo Gallery.
The amazing thing is that the work exhibited has only been produced in ten weeks, for their Final Project.
Deanna's piece provided a very impressive welcome into the gallery.
Georgina's textiles designs were stunning.
Patrick's sculpture involved so much hard manual work, it was unbelievable.
The variety and breadth of work produced was so inspiring, this is Summer's large scale work.
'1200' is a stunning installation by Becca, comprising of tiny hand sculpted mouse heads made from berries, recycled wood, salt dough and cruelty- free eye liner.
So lovely to see Gwennifer, another of our talented ex- students and a resident artist at 3irty 2wo.
Elli designed a range of merchandise for the 'Teenage time Killers'.
The sweeties went down very well...
As did the Pimms!
Holly's 'Selfie Booth' proved very popular, and as the night progressed it became the 'cool' place to hang out, (just like the kitchen at a house party!)
Selfie alert!
Magda's 'Kolor' paintings were displayed outside in the courtyard and the colours really glowed.
Lizzie exhibited a really thought provoking multi- media installation.
The atmosphere was brilliant, and friends old and new came along to celebrate the end of a very successful year.
How many photos have I taken of Sam taking a photo of me!
Ha!
Here is Hannah's 'Moving Forward' installation.
Heyyyy! It's Hannah Montana!
And here's t'other Hannah and t'other Sam!
awwww, love this little guy!
(He's such a gorgeous flirt with the ladies!)
Told you the sweets went down well!
Ryan's mobile hairdressing unit was so well constructed and designed.
And one of the toilets became a show case for James' comic book.
'Top banana!' Claire!
Congratulations to all the students and the staff.
Wishing you all the luck for the future.....and don't forget us when you're rich and famous!
( We're gonna miss you SO MUCH Burkitt...sob!)