New Ways Of Working...

Technology scares me.

I mean, really scares me.

It's this intangible entity, that in one moment can be our best friend, the next our worst enemy.

I still can't believe that I actually have an online shop and that Instagram has become such a wonderful community that means a great deal to me.

Technology has become a huge part of my life but I have had to get through many a wobbly moment, as I suspect many of us have had to also.

It's been like that when I decided to try and learn how to use Photoshop. 

It took me years to pluck up the courage to begin, because for years I simply told myself so often that I couldn't do it, and so, in a way, it became my truth.

Now, I'm never gong to be a master of Photoshop, and I will probably only ever use about 1% of its abilities, but I do enjoy slowly learning its tricks (thanks to my amazingly patient friends and some fab online tutorials!)

This past few months I set myself the challenge to create a zine, initially for some teaching prep, but it has evolved into more of a passion-project that I would possibly like to develop further in the future.

I've really enjoyed creating a series of digital-collages that include snippets of my own artwork and scanned vintage papers. 

At first I began trying out some of the new techniques that I have learned, but I think that the theme of 'womanhood' and the different roles we have to play in our lives has started to emerge.

A book that often surfaces through my work in a myriad of ways is 'Women Who Run With The Wolves' by Clarissa Pinkola Estes, and the digital collage of a woman having to wear her protective 'Mama Bear' mask echoes the influence that this amazing writer has had on me over the years.

I hope to finish the zine soon, I purposefully haven't planned it out and I just want to let things emerge - it may be a little strange, but then, so is Life!

Wishing you a wonderful week chucks X

Delivery Day At Hope & Elvis!

Yesterday I popped over to Hope & Elvis to see Louise because we had some exciting deliveries to make...

We had to deliver our art-works for the second round of judging for the Harley Gallery Open Exhibition.

(Keep your fingers crossed for us!)

Also, just look how beautiful Louise's Calm Amongst The Chaos dress is!

(Thanks for doing the wafty-dreamy action shot for me Louise!!!!)

We both felt a tad (lot!) nervous as we approached the gallery!

After the deed was done we celebrated with an ice lolly...careful you don't drip that on your dress chuck!!!

Cheers!

Just look how beautiful this is, isn't it lovely when nature just does its own thing!

Thanks for a lovely, lovely day, it was fab to see some of my arty chums too and have a good (socially distanced catch-up.)

X

Order Amongst The Chaos...

Isn't it strange how quickly you get into a new routine?

I've always needed routine to feel safe I suppose,

 and I've never been great at adapting quickly to change.

These are the things that help to make sense of my days:

  1. Painting.

2. Doing a bit of exercise in the morning, either a short jog or my Davina DVD (I do love Davina!)

3. Trying to learn Photoshop (I've been taking an online course from Domestika, they're a bargain!)

Doing even a little bit of one or more of the things on my list have given me some kind of stability and routine, especially on those 'wobbly' days.

I hope that you're all keeping safe and well, 

have you found things to do that help you make sense of the days?

Big hugs X

An Exciting Delivery...

We ventured out the other day so that I could make an exciting delivery to the very beautiful Heart Gallery in Hebden Bridge.

I can't believe that my work will be in this beautiful gallery, even though you can't see it in the photo, I am grinning from ear to ear!

My very kind hubby (wearing a Mrs B home-made mask, bless him,) was such a star, he really does help me out an awful lot.

Hebden Bridge is such a creative town, we noticed these Tretchikoff - inspired artworks dotted around the town and some really interesting political collages...

Love the yarn - bombing too!

Middie had her own mini ham sandwich for dinner!

I'm hoping that Marco's pizzeria is open next time we call, it's amazing and is a really welcoming place with a great atmosphere.

It was such a treat to pop into Lucy And The Caterpillar, it's such a beautiful vintage shop full of treasures...

I think that Middie wants to go now...

Hope you enjoyed our little trip, it felt like quite an adventure after being at home for months on end.

Best wishes chucks 

X

Harlequin...

I've just finished this painting and I've enjoyed every minute of it.

I have spent a lot of time on the background and it's at this point that I could really overwork it.

During this very strange time I have decided just to paint whatever makes me happy and it's been very interesting to see what has emerged!

I love how the colours of the painting seems to run down onto the easel - there's over twenty years of paint build-up on that poor easel!

I think that I'll use Harlequin for A4 prints, and maybe some other bits and bobs for when my shop opens again.

Hope you like him!

X

Same Sea, Different Boat...

Yesterday I was so excited to receive my printed square of fabric from the very fabulous Sue Brown.

'Same Sea, Different Boat' is a collaborative project that 'celebrates creativity during the Covid-19 pandemic'.

Louise of Hope & Elvis, Sue Brown of the yard: ARTspace and Liske of the Little Heath BarnStudio have joined forces to organise and coordinate a really exciting project where you can produce a small collagraph printing plate or embroidery that communicates your experience of the lockdown period.

Last week I sent my plate to Sue (Sue provides very clear instructions and the plate is made from very basic materials that you will have at home).

I really wasn't sure if my plate would print but Sue made it work! Thanks Sue!

 

I still have a little bit of stitch to add before I send it back, but I wanted to blog about this because there's still time to join in (if you're quick!)

You can see the project developing on the ladies' Instagram accounts.

I can't wait to see when the quilt is stitched together! 

 

 

Thank you so much Louise, Sue and Liske for organising such an exciting and utterly brill project that joins so many creative souls together!