Upcycled | Recycled | Design
Inspired by a recent exhibition commission and looking forward to new opportunities created during the Artisan Made UK Trade Fair, I set off on an exploration for inspiration at my local RHS garden.
I can’t wait to start creating these botanical blooms as three-dimensional salvaged masterpieces.
I’m very honoured to be part of the latest exhibition at Heart Gallery in Hebden Bridge.
Botanical Bliss Art in Bloom runs from May 3rd to July 27th.
I have created three pieces, especially for the exhibition, as well as some favourites from my current range.
Heart Gallery is a stalwart of the Contemporary Craft world. I first met Alison, the owner, at the beginning of my Contemporary Craft career, when she was giving a talk about approaching galleries: the do & don’ts. Since then, it has been an ambition of mine to stock her gallery.
A couple of years ago, that ambition became a reality, but the novelty hasn’t worn off, I’m still thrilled when I’m asked to exhibit.
Remember to support your independent high street shops
Thanks to the great face to face opportunities created by Artisan Made UK* (Uks only exclusively handmade trade fair) in March, the trade orders are starting to trickle out.
This lovely batch of goodies is heading off down to Buckingham to a stomping independent high street shop called freya Jones Art and Craft.
Is a small independent business myself, I have nothing but admiration and respect for the brave soles who run creative highstreet shops.
As an artist, I am proud to supply these independent businesses and help create a bit of individuality to highstreet towns.
“From every £1 you spend on a local small independent business, 75% goes back into your local community.”
Mary Portas
I’ve been experimenting with a new way of creating pet portrait commissions.
I’ve had a few requests for my coloured digital sketches, so I decided to give it a go.
I created a digital sketch of Scrumpy the cat, and I sent it to the printers.
When I received the prints back, I couldn’t resist working into it a little more with coloured pencil.
My intention (when I get time) is to add a little more embellishment with machine and hand stitch.
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.