Upcycled | Recycled | Design
It’s been a long time coming (9 years), but I was finally persuaded to deliver a workshop on creating a piece of art in my style.
Sue from a local craft group called Chorley Charitable Crafters persuaded me to deliver a workshop for her and her group.
It’s given me a taste for facilitating creative adventures……
I have been invited to exhibit at Heart Gallery’s new exhibition, Botanical Bliss. Opening on Sunday the 10th May.
I was thrilled to be included in this exhibition because even though my current work doesn’t focus on flora and fauna, I’ve been researching and exploring behind the scenes.
I’ve had the intention for a while to create some plant life pieces, and this exhibition has given me the push I needed.
I will be showcasing a small collection of completely new pieces and intend to develop more in this range.
The display concept was focused on showcasing my new developments. I have lots of new ideas and new experiments that I wanted to discuss with buyers. They weren’t finished products, so I decided to create a display based on my workshop setup.
It worked really well as I could show buyers my development process from start to possible future. We chatted about possible new products, and from those conversations, I have a really exciting new product line that I’m going to develop, but it’s hush-hush for now.
On top of all that, on the set up day, I found out one of my images was used on the front cover of the event brochure!
Artisan Made UK is about connecting trade buyers with independent makers. But it’s much more than that, It’s about community.
Running your own business, being a sole-trader can be lonely. Our industry is so misunderstood and at times overlooked. Artisan Made UK is about making friends, supporting each other, collaboration, and championing our niche.
In short, it’s a friendly event perfect for finding your tribe.
A year or so ago, I was asked my opinions regarding the rise of AI in a handmade creative forum. My response was more of a musing really. I reflected on the parallel of how portrait painters must have felt with the invention of the camera.
I imagine, the camera thinned out the need for portrait painters, but did it also open a door and create more space for abstract art and expressionism?
What is AI going to create a space for?
There is no denying our buying habits have been dramatically altered by big giants like Amazon and Temu1. We subconsciously expect online purchases to arrive the next day – instant gratification with no effort.
As an independent artist, I can’t live up to that expectation. Things take time. As they should. But what I can get behind is the consumer movement which is quietly growing in the background – The Human Connection
I read an article recently about how consumer habits are increasingly shifting away from badly made mass-produced dross. The example given was the comparison between a handcrafted Japanese mug and a mug bought from a global chain store. The store mug was perfectly functional but soulless, mass-produced and common. The Japanese mug had slight imperfections, traces of human touch. It was unique and evoked feelings of well-being and connection when used.
“As AI-generated content becomes more prevalent and, at times, indistinguishable from human work, consumers are paradoxically placing a higher premium on items that show human imperfection, traditional craftsmanship, and a clear, personal, or local origin’.
I was really struck by this concept. How great it would be for consumers to appreciate time and skill. Not only that but to consider the use of materials, the environmental impact and most importantly to buy something with meaning.
My creative practice is not only about seeing the value in discarded waste, it’s about catching special moments, celebration and remembering.
That little bit of silk that reminds you of your Grandma, the postal stamp that reminds you to communicate, or a sweet wrapper because you like sweets (it doesn’t have to be that deep).
If you love independent shops and small businesses, it’s time to invest in the human connection.
For more information about this subject, try this link; Craft in the age of automation why handmade thinking matters more than ever.
I am passionate about communities. I believe we are stronger together, and I see the value in helping each other.
Working as an independent maker in the creative sector can be quite lonely. But it doesn’t have to be.
I’m quite fortunate to have acquired naturally a small group of local creative friends.
I’m very excited about implementing my newfound skills. However, there are a few environmental questions I need to research before jumping in.
All that said, I just wanted to highlight the value of playing as an adult.
Never stop learning, questioning, experimenting, laughing, and doing something for the sake of it.
Find your tribe and have fun.
I’m starting the new year with a refocus, and that means clearing the decks.
The sale starts on Friday 10th January.
I’m having a full two weeks off this Christmas, so the first week back in the Thrift headquarters will be spent preparing this sale.
I’m a Co! A Holly and Co Co
Back in October, I’d been working for 6 months as a community coordinator. One morning, I found out I wasn’t going to be offered a permanent contract. I was quite upset, but that evening, I received a DM from Holly Tucker MBE, the award-winning entrepreneur, founder of Holly & Co and co-founder of notonthehighstreet.
She told me she loved my work and wanted me to become a seller on her creative retail platform, Holly & Co!
This couldn’t have been better timing.
As one door closes, another door opens. Back to being a full-time artist* – hurrah
It’s taken a bit of time to get set up, but you can now buy ThriftDesign art in Holly & Co. Have a look https://holly.co/storefront/thrift-design
*I’m still looking to diversify my income but in a more symbiotic way.
There’s a special place in my heart for independent high street shops. So I was delighted to be commissioned by one of my favourite; a book shop called Ebb & Flo in Chorley.
The owner Dianne, wanted a pencil drawing of the new shop front so she could use it for social media and create bookmarks. She gave me her inspiration, and away I went to create some examples.
I got a bit carried away and created a super detailed sketch of the shop front. Then I remembered the inspiration picture Dianne sent over…. oops.
So I created three versions of the same sketch each slightly different to see which style Dianne preferred. The original detailed sketch won the race. Then I suggested, perhaps some colour?
So here it is, a colour illustration of the Ebb & Flo Book Shop.
Soon to be on bookmarks.
A ginger cat proposes a whole host of exciting opportunities for scrap materials. My favourite go-to ginger scrap item is Terry’s Chocolate Orange wrapper. In this piece, I have used aforementioned chocolate wrapping with an industrial flour sack, bread packaging, red/orange postal stamps, leaflets, old book pages, old maps, fabric samples and much more.
After sketching out the subject, my favourite step is to collect all the different shades of colour I might use together.
This commission was a secret surprise from Mother to Daughter, so the reference photos where a bit limited. I had to use my artists licence and create an image of him with his eyes open.
After the commission was received, I was sent a picture of the real Mungo looking at his portrait.
After the longest month of the year doing admin, I’m finally back making again.
2024’s Best Seller, the Gift Frame Blue Tit is ever popular.
These little beauties will be going to @manchester Museum Shop, Heart Gallery, and the rather fabulous Artisan Made Trade show.
AMUK is very close to my heart as I’m one of the creative advisors who pushed for this event to happen. It’s the only UK trade fair, specifically for British handmade makers.
Without this event, I very much doubt I’d be a supplier to the Manchester Museum Shop or exhibiting at Heart Gallery.
