Julia Douglas' Blog

2011-06-14T02:01:00.000-07:00

New commissioned work inspired by The Herring Road is being shown in an exhibition in The Peter Potter Gallery in Haddington at the moment.

The Preview is this Friday 5.30-7. Please come along for art, wine, music and readings.

For the Herring Road commission, I was instantly drawn to the traditional outfits that the fishwives wore, in particular, their striped double-layered skirts, which are the focus of three paintings ‘A Fishwife’s Tail – West, South and East’. The interesting use of the two layered skirt, with the upper one being tucked up to form a pocket (as well as reveal it’s striped lining) may well have been used by these women whilst selling the herring or bartering them for meal and eggs. With the focus of these paintings being solely on the these skirts, I aim to highlight to their distinctive shape and pattern and, consequently draw attention to their significance in helping to tell a story about the fishwives lives and the culture in which they lived.

In this exhibition I am also showing one of the works made during my artist residency in Timespan Museum and Arts Centre in Helmsdale, Sutherland, where I spent 3 months exploring the crofters homes and their lifestyle in the 1800's. I found this bucket in one of the croft ruins in Wester Helmsdale. It had no bottom on it and a big hole in the side. The crofters were (and still are) extremely resourceful and frugal, and would mend what they could before replacing it. This bucket would have been a vital piece of equipment, so I mended it by weaving it a new bottom and wrapping the hole at the side with string. It’s now a perfectly good bucket again…for everything except liquid!…and is valued once more, transformed from the rejected to the treasured.

There is also sound work/music and an installation by Wounded Knee and two videos of performance work and some brilliant 'snail drawings' by Ross Combe.

Well worth a visit!

I do hope to see you there.

Preview Invitation to the Herring Road

2011-06-01T00:25:00.000-07:00

Ideas are starting to come together now for the upcoming exhibition at Peter Potter Gallery, inspired by the Herring Road.

Today I'm going to be stuck in a dark room, tracing stripes onto three canvases, so may not be able to see straight by the end of the day!

It would be excellent if you could make it along to the Preview (which happens to be a week after the exhibition actually opens, so as not to clash with the Edinburgh College of Art degree show opening). There will be recitals, music and fishy food, as well as the expected wine and artworks, of course!

The invitation gives a wee clue as to what I'm painting.

Hope to see you there.

Walking the Herring Road

2011-05-25T04:40:00.000-07:00

I have been asked by the Peter Potter Gallery in Haddington to create work inspired by The Herring Road, as part of their 'Lost Landscapes' project.

The exhibition opens on Saturday 11th May with a preview on the Friday night. Please do come along.

The Herring Road is the historic 45km route from Dunbar to Lauder, which was used in the 18th and 19th centuries by people bringing home a stock of salted herring for winter use and also by fishwives carrying huge creels of herring from Dunbar to the markets in Lauder.

My research began last Saturday when I spent the day walking half of the route (14 miles) with a group from the gallery including the two other artists who will exhibit alongside me, Drew Wright and Ross Combe.

It was a hard walk with the wind in our faces all the way and I was totally exhausted by the half way point. How they managed to walk all the way with heavy baskets of Herring on their backs is beyond me (however, there does seem now to be a bit of a dispute as to how true this actually is!)

I only have this week to research and next to make, so it's a pretty tight deadline!

It is the women themselves that interest me most, rather than the road itself, and I am beginning my research by investigating the clothes they wore, their creels or baskets and what they may have taken with them on the walk.

'They wear a dress of a peculiar and appropriate fashion, consisting of a long blue duffle jacket, with wide sleeves, a blue petticoat usually tucked up so as to form a pocket, and in order to show off their ample under petticoats of bright-coloured woollen stripe, reaching to the calf of the leg. It may be remarked that the upper petticoats are of a striped sort of stuff technically called, we believe, drugget, and are always of different colours. As the women carry their load of fish on their backs in creels, supported by a broad leather belt resting forwards on the forehead, a thick napkin is their usual headdress, although often a muslin cap, or mutch, with a very broad frill, edged with lace, and turned back on the head, is seen peeping from under the napkin. A variety of kerchiefs or small shawls similar to that on the head encircle the neck and bosom, which, with thick worsted stockings and a pair of stout shoes, complete the costume.'

I also like the stories of their haggling with them always beginning by asking for double what they actually want:

"Come awa, mem, an' see what bonnie fish I hae the day."

"Have you any haddocks ?"

"Ay hae I, mem, an' as bonnie fish as ever ye clappit yer twa een on."

"What's the price of these four small ones ?"

"What's yer wull, mem ?"

"I wish these small ones."

"What d'ye say, mem ? sma' haddies ! they's no sma' fish, an they're the bonniest I hae in a' ma creel."

"Well, never mind, what do you ask for them ?"

"Weel, mem, its been awfu' wather o' late, an' the men canna get fish; ye'll no grudge me twentypence for thae four ?"

"Twentypence !"

"Ay, mem ; what for no ?"

"They are too dear; I'll give-"

"What d'ye say, mem! ower dear ! I wish ye kent it: but what'll ye gie me for thae four ?"

"I'll give you a sixpence."

"Ye'll gie me a what ?"

"A sixpence."

"I daur say ye wull, ma bonny leddy, but ye'll no get thae four fish for twa sixpences this day."

" I'll not give more."

"Well, mem, gude day" (making preparations to go); " I'll take eighteenpence an' be dune wi't."

"No; I'll give you twopence each for them."

and so it would go on!

The information above was taken from: www.inkeeper.net

A wee snippet of the song Caller Herrin'

Wha’ll buy my caller herrin’?
O ye may ca’ them vulgar farin’;
Wives and mithers, maist despairin’,
Ca’ them lives o’ men.

More to come soon.

Review by Giles Sutherland

2010-09-03T05:05:00.000-07:00

'[Close-Knit] is a credibly fresh attempt to read a series of deeply felt historical events and circumstances from a new perspective with new materials. It succeeds both as art and as a form of social cohesion.'

You can read the whole review here

Close-Knit Exhibition in a nutshell

2010-09-03T01:12:00.000-07:00

Here is a wee image of all of the works in my exhibition Close-Knit, currently showing in Timespan, Helmsdale Sutherland, until October 10th. Please go and see the works in the flesh if you can.

If you'd like to know more about each piece, please click on the link below the image for more photos and information.

I would love to hear your comments?

I'm also making a wee book which will be available from the end of the month. It contains lots of lovely images and snippets of information gathered during this residency, about the lifestyle of crofters in the Highlands in the 1800s.

I'll keep you posted.

Close-Knit Exhibition work 5

2010-09-03T01:08:00.001-07:00

The Old Chanty

The knitted bedpan is designed in the style of one that would have been used by an old or sick man who had taken to his bed. A little worse for wear and bearing the scars of its life, not functioning quite as well as it once would have, but still loved and cared for.

Jean Sargent gets it!

Close-Knit Exhibition work 4

2010-09-03T01:05:00.001-07:00

One Perfectly Good Bucket

I found this bucket in one of the croft ruins in Wester Helmsdale. It had no bottom on it and a big hole in the side. The crofters were (and still are) extremely resourceful and frugal, and would mend what they could before replacing it. This bucket would have been a vital piece of equipment, so I mended it by weaving it a new bottom and wrapping the hole at the side with string. It's now a perfectly good bucket again...for everything except liquid!...and is valued once more, transformed from the rejected to the treasured.

If you'd like to see what this bucket looked like when I found it and how the work was created, please read this earlier blog.

Close-Knit Exhibition work 3

2010-09-03T01:00:00.000-07:00

For Your Own Good

I made this work with the help of some children from the local primary children and the knitting group, who meet weekly in Timespan.

The knitted installation is inspired by Badbea, a deserted clearance village 6 miles up the road from Helmsdale. Though Badbea is a dramatically stunning spot, it is windswept, rocky and desperately near an extremely high cliff edge. It is said that the families were so nervous their children would accidentally fall of the cliff, they tethered them to posts and rocks while they were out playing.

According to the 1841 Census, when Badbea was at its busiest, there were 21 children under 10yrs living there and so we have knitted 21 bootees and 3 large boulders, which aim to tell this story.

For Your Own Good was created by myself and:

Children

Emilee Mae Simpson

Findlay Adams

Imogen Roberts

Isobel Kelly

Maddy Cowie

Megan Booth

Thalia Adams

Knitting Group

Alison Oliver

Anne Sinclair

Betty Kelly

Gerry Wood

Ina D.S. Macpherson

Jean Sargent

Joan Murray

Linda Letton

Lisa MacDonald

Lorna Jappy

Muriel Emey

Penny Woodley

Ros Hulme

Ruth Mackay

Sandra Jennison

Close-Knit Exhibition work 2

2010-08-25T08:44:00.001-07:00

Foxglove Croft

Made collaboratively with Lorna Jappy

This spoof Estate Agent’s window display is accompanied by a document, which aims to sell the idea of living in a croft in Badbea, a deserted clearance village 6 miles up the road, whilst, at the same time, describing what it might have been like to live in one of the most challenging clearance sites during the 1800s.

This document will be included in my publication Close-Knit, which complements this exhibition and will be available after 24th September from Timespan's shop or my online gift shop www.baffie.co.uk.

Close-Knit Exhibition work 1

2010-08-25T08:42:00.001-07:00

Keep The Fires Burning

The two gable ends, pictured in the light-boxes, were both found in Wester Helmsdale and are brilliant examples of the skill and creativity of the crofters. Virtually nothing remains of these crofts except for these vitally important fireplaces. But with these, we can imagine a glimpse of what it would have been like to live in these homes. The hearth was the focus of indoor family life, around which the whole family would spend their evenings. The crofters would never have let the fire go out. For this work I installed warming flowers and smoky grasses, in order to recreate that focus point and create a ‘memorial’ for the heart of these homes. The space in which these works are housed is the same dimension as a croft (3/4 size).

Edwyn Collins, the 2010 Chieftain at the Helmsdale Highland Games

2010-08-24T03:16:00.000-07:00

The day after my opening at Timespan was The Helmsdale Highland Games. Myself, my husband, Colin Usher, and dog Becca had a brilliant day watching the antics.

It was a moving procession, with Edwyn Collins walking all the way up to the games from right outside my front door on Dunrobin Street.

The other highlight for me had to be the tug of war, with local lads heaving with all their might whilst still managing to hang on to a can of tennent's and smoke a fag!

2010-08-24T03:03:00.000-07:00

If you'd like to see pictures of my exhibition opening Close-Knit at Timespan please go here.

Close-Knit at Timespan

2010-08-14T09:50:00.000-07:00

I'm heading back up to Helmsdale on Monday to install my exhibition, 'Close-Knit', in Timespan Museum and Art Gallery. Please do come, if you can?

If you can't but still want to see my new work, I'll pop some up on here, OR, I'm also working on my first publication, available in about a month...how exciting!

Timespan Blog

2010-08-03T10:35:00.001-07:00

Remember, you can have a read of Timespan's blog if you want to know what I've been up to up there.

The exhibition opens 20th August and you're all invited...of course!

500 Miles North featured on BBC website

2010-07-25T10:29:00.000-07:00

I'm part of an exhibition of work by seven artists who were all voted as 'the brightest and best future rising stars' in the Observer in 2007. The exhibition is on at the moment in the Hannah Maclure Centre, Dundee. Work includes gorgeous glass by Elin Isaksson (pictured) and artist, Ronnie Forbes, opened the show on Friday at the busy private view. The exhibition runs until the 27th August and you can see a wee example from each of us on the BBC website here and the pictures here. Hope this makes you curious to see more?
Here's a wee snippet:

The 500 Miles North show was sparked off by the Courvoisier Future 500 list, a network of people involved in art, business and culture.

One of the highlights is 'Highly Sprung' by Julia Douglas, a dress made from 12,000 clothes peg springs.

"There is really something for everyone here, from dramatic contemporary painting on a massive scale, to incredibly intricate glass work."

Featured on Man Shops Globe for the Sundance Channel

2010-07-11T07:18:00.000-07:00

I was interviewed by Man Shops Globe on the Sundance Channel last year to be featured in a programme about Edinburgh. I can't see a clip of the programme online yet but there are photos of me and my work, including these chandeliers titled 'A Wee Bit of Light Relief', which I made collaboratively with artists Clare Waddle and Rebecca Wilson. I'll keep you posted if I spot a clip.

ESSA Auction

2010-06-11T02:18:00.000-07:00

Visual Arts Scotland, along with the Society of Scottish Artists and The Royal Society of Painters in Watercolour are supported by an umbrella organisation called ESSA. We are holding an auction at the end of this month to help us raise the money we need to pay the rent at the Royal Scottish Academy (RSA) for our annual exhibition. The works for sale will be available to view online at www.essa-scottishart.com, and at Lyon & Turnbulls Auction House at 33 Broughton Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3RR, from Saturday 25th June. Please have a look and we'd be extremely grateful if you could show your support.

Artist Residency in Timespan

2010-06-09T09:43:00.000-07:00

Over the next 2 months I will be in Timespan in Helmsdale, Sutherland as artist in residence. If you're interested in what I'm getting up to please follow their blog here

craftscotland textiles feature

2010-05-28T06:52:00.000-07:00

This month I'm one of a few makers who use textiles being profiled on craftscotland's website.
Read more here

Please help me win Barclays Take One Small Step competition

2010-05-15T04:02:00.000-07:00

Hey!
I’ve applied for a competition to win £50,000. This will help baffie get going online and support it over the next four years, as I develop the baffie brand anad open a retail outlet in Edinburgh.
I’d be really grateful if you could you show support by backing my idea here:

https://www.takeonesmallstep.co.uk/Entry/View/3974

The video is boring for the first minute, just me wittering on, but it’s worth hanging in there to see some gorgeous products by Cosima Sempill of Kitty and Dude fame, and my great friend and brilliant storyteller, Jessica Wilson. As well as this you will see a guest appearance by craftscotland’s Emma Walker and some lush choonage from Hoochie Fig’s Keith Paton. Big thanks to them.

You should definitely vote if you are a maker as this will allow me to buy more wholesale from the word ‘GO’.

Also, if you are feeling really kind, please share this message with all your twittery facebook type friends.

Many many thanks and…wish me luck!

Julia

craftscotland at Collect

2010-05-13T03:07:00.000-07:00

That's the craftscotland posse away to Collect now. Good luck to them and to all their makers (especially me good pal Rebecca Wilson (above) and of course Elin Isaksson (below) who I will be exhibiting with in The Hannah McLure Centre in Dundee this July).

2010-03-25T01:53:00.000-07:00

I've been invited to put a few pieces into a wee exhibition in The Broughton Deli on Barony Street in Edinburgh (just round the corner from Concrete Wardrobe on Broughton Street). It's a lovely little deli with a cafe area at the back and well a visit, if only to taste Ailith Anderson's delicious local and ethical menu. Whilst there, descend the stairs to the basement where you may be surprised and delighted to find Broughton Deli Records set up and run by Eyan Fryer of Mother Funk and Soul Spectrum.

If I haven't given you reason enough to visit, there's still the exhibition to tell you about. Self Catering has been curated by Nicola Brooks, who has filled the corners of the deli cafe with intriguing Cabinets of Curiosity, jam packed with lovely kitchen accoutrements, both genuine and constructed by the artists. A lovely idea!

The exhibition starts tonight and runs for two months until May 24th. Give me a shout if you want to meet there for a coffee and a big juicy cake!

More information here.

Stories and Legends from Rosslyn Chapel brought to 'vivid life'

2010-02-18T02:47:00.000-08:00

My brilliantly intelligent step-father, PL Snow (or Peter, to his pals) has gathered and (re)written A Rosslyn Treasury: Stories and Legends from Rosslyn Chapel. Gripping, thought provoking, insightful! I'm very proud! Visit Peter's site to find out where to get your hands on it.

Deirdre Nelson

2010-02-11T04:56:00.000-08:00

Deirdre Nelson is one of the invited artists at Visual Arts Scotland's Annual exhibition this year. I'm really chuffed as I absolutely love her work! Our ideas overlap at times, sometimes rather frustratingly, as I'll have an idea and then see that she has already done something quite similar...and really well!

Deirdre is also craftscotland's featured maker at the moment: featured maker craftscotland

She too has a blog if you want to see more (lovin' the spoons!): dstitch.blogspot.com

Visual Arts Scotland's Annual Exhibition

2010-02-11T04:42:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's that time of year again already, so get yourselves down to the Royal Scottish Academy to see the ESSA Annual Exhibition, with hundreds of works on show selected by three exhibiting societies (VAS, SSA & RSW) and it's all FREE!

I've been helping out with the selection and install for Visual Arts Scotland (downstairs) and will be working upstairs helping to sell work by The Society of Scottish Artists for some of the time, so come in and say hello if you're passing?

Oh yeah, and my husband's company, bluemungus did the design for this lovely flyer and the big banners you'll see on Princess Street.

VAS also has a blog. If you want to find out more find the link on the right.
Cheers
Julia

Domesticated Exhibition in Swindon

2010-02-11T04:25:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of lovely images from the exhibition which is now on show in Swindon. Please go to the Domesticated blog to find out more or read this article on www.news.bbc.co.uk

p.s. Isn't this cushion drawing gorgeous? It's by Jem Stiff, who also made the wooden cushion and a wooden hand towel.

Craft Feature on Newsnight Scotland

2010-01-18T01:32:00.000-08:00

There was a great wee feature last week on Newsnight Scotland, which included craftscotland's The C Word ad campagne.

If you're interested you can watch the article for the next 3 days at:
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00pzq04

Domesticated Exhibition is coming to Swindon

2010-01-06T09:30:00.001-08:00

Chandeliers in Concrete Wardrobe

2009-12-28T11:21:00.000-08:00

'A Wee Bit of Light Relief' and its mini offspring are currently on display in Concrete Wardrobe's window. Click on the image to see them larger or, better still, get yourself down there to see them in the flesh!

Concrete Wardrobe
50A Broughton St
Edinburgh
EH1 3SA
0131 558 7130

ESSA Exhibition - CANVAS

2009-12-09T03:42:00.000-08:00

I have a few wee drawings on show in an exhibition called CANVAS. It's a fund-raising exhibition for 3 of the Scottish exhibiting societies: VAS, SSA & RSW. It's all original works by members of these societies and prices range from £20 up. Please pop in to 46a George Street, Edinburgh and pick up a bargain...you never know, it could be an investment!

Big Things on the Beach light commission

2009-12-09T03:37:00.000-08:00

What a shame, we were second choice to artist Michael Pinsky. He does look rather good though!

Big Things on the Beach - Portobello

2009-12-03T09:35:00.000-08:00

A proposal that Clare Waddle and I put forward for the Portobello Big Things on the Beach Temporary Art Commissions 2010: Commission 2 Light based artwork has been shortlisted. There were more than 40 proposals and we have got down to the final 3! I'll keep you posted...

We are the 'artisans' featured in this weeks Sunday Times

2009-11-08T02:11:00.000-08:00

Each week the Sunday Times has been featuring 'artisans' from The C Word and they clearly decided to keep the best till last :-) This week it's our turn (me, Rebecca Wilson and Clare Waddle)!

Please follow the link below on the right to view the full article but here's a couple of quotes to wet your apetite:

'The chandelier, named A Wee Bit of Light Relief, is the work of the artists Julia Douglas, Clare Waddle and Rebecca Wilson, who put their collective heads together to design the quirky piece for Craft Scotland’s C-Word campaign. The original has already been snapped up and orders for more are very healthy.'

(get your orders in quick 'cos we're casting like mad here! At present there are three sizes to choose from but we are happy to discuss your space with you and tailor it to fit. www.juliadouglas.co.uk)

'While the group’s work harnesses traditional craft practices, from embroidery and knitting to hand-made ceramics, there’s a high-end elegance to their aesthetic.'

Makers Featured in The C Word advert

2009-11-05T01:09:00.000-08:00

You can now see the profiles of all of us makers involved in The C Word by pasting this link into your browser or clicking on the link below right:
http://www.craftscotland.org/the-c-word---makers.htm
There's some really talented folk involved, all of whom have now been featured in The Sunday Times 'Ecosse' section, except for us...keep your eyes peeled this Sunday!

Instant Magazine

2009-10-29T05:55:00.000-07:00

Rebecca, Clare and I got a wee feature in this weeks Instant Magazine. It's a cafe culture lifestyle magazine you can pick up free in Edinburgh. It's in the style section (because we are oh so stylish!) under 'Craft Works'. The article is about CraftScotland's stand at Homes & Interiors Scotland and also features textile artist James Donald; Woodworker Joachim King and Joanna Kessel, mosaic artist.

'With a common interest in crossover potential within visual arts, Julia Douglas, Rebecca Wilson and Clare Waddle co-exhibited at the Homes & Interiors Scotland Exhibition. They are currently working on an exhibition inspired by the home, which they hope to tour. www.juliadouglas.co.uk, www.rebeccawilsonceramics.com www.clarewaddle.co.uk

The Homes & Interiors Scotland Exhibition at the SECC in August showcased over 100 exhibitors. Highlights included an interior design presentation by world-renowned designer Nina Campbell, known for her luxury fabric, wallpaper and accessory collections. The centrepiece of the exhibition was the Interior Design Showcase (this year including garden design), in which eight of Scotland’s top interior designers created roomsets in a full-scale house ‘built’ exclusively for the show. www.homesandinteriorsscotland.com/exhibition'

To read the full article please follow the link on the right, cheers!

The C Word is Chandelier

2009-10-14T00:45:00.000-07:00

The C Word is Misunderstood
The C Word is Unique
The C Word is A Work of Art
The C Word is How I Make My Living
The C Word is Passed Down from Generation to Generation
The C Word is Cutting Edge
The C Word is Desirable
The C Word is Scottish
The C Word is Craft

Domesticated Exhibition

2009-10-14T00:26:00.000-07:00

The Domesticated exhibition in Bath ends this weekend so try and catch it if you can.
It features work by myself (of course) Christina Bryant, Sarah King, Colin Pantall, Kate Peters and Jem Stiff.
If you can't make it, it will be touring to Swindon later in the year, maybe that would be more convenient for you? I'll let you know the details. Cheers!

Glassmaker, Jessamy Kelly, is profiled in The Sunday Times for The C Word

2009-10-14T00:11:00.000-07:00

You can read the article 'Glassmaker's cutting edge design for life' here:

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/visual_arts/architecture_and_design/article6869312.ece

Hoping to get my own profile in The Sunday Times soon too...watch this space...

A Wee Bit of Light Relief has it's own blog

2009-10-07T03:56:00.000-07:00

Our chandelier, featured in The C Word, now has it's own blog at: www.aweebitoflightrelief.blogspot.com
Rebecca Wilson will keep it up to date with the latest news of this collaborative work, so keep an eye out.

We would be happy to make you a bespoke chandelier to fit your space. Please just ask? Currently we have 3 different sizes available ranging from just over £1,000 to just under £4,000. The smallest one, 'A Teeny Wee Bit of Light Relief', is pictured here...

The C Word is here!

2009-10-02T06:04:00.000-07:00

Our chandelier is one of The C Word's

2009-10-02T00:23:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned before, the chandelier I've made with Clare Waddle and Rebecca Wilson, titled 'A Wee Bit of Light Relief', has been featured in a craftscotland cinema ad campaign. The C Word was premiered in London at the Curzon Cinema in Mayfair on the 24th September to great acclaim!

It was a well attended event and all who saw the advert were full of praise. Among the visitors were: Joanna Foster, Chair of Crafts Council as well as their Head of Communications, the Director of English Heritage, Goldsmiths, Head of Marketing for Crafts Central, RCA, Creative and Cultural Skills, Shoreditch Sisters, Cut Out and Keep, The Guardian, Sarah and Manuela from National Museums Scotland, Fenella and Felicity from Hatwalk and five students from Dundee College who had won a competition to be there.

Emma Walker, the Chief Executive at craftscotland, was interviewed about The C Word by Janice Forsyth of BBC Radio Scotland as part of the Movie Cafe hour. She and I were also interviewed by The Sunday Times and featured on 20th September. This was great, as he made me sound much more eloquent than I was! Here's a snippet:

“It’s quite a reputation to work against, that your business is outdated, fuddy-duddy, crafty,” says Julia Douglas, a textiles and ceramics designer based in Edinburgh.

“At heart I consider myself a fine artist, but one with a deep interest in the traditional processes used to make things. Being called a craftsperson doesn’t offend me. But I run up frequently against snobbery from the art world, it refuses to accept that craft can be funky and contemporary and conceptual. As far as the art world in which I trained is concerned, craft is just woolly jumpers, full stop.”

To read the full article follow this link:

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/visual_arts/article6841183.ece

The Times plans to profile one of The C Worders each week, not sure when mine will be, but you can read the first of the profiles here:

Joachim King’s profile (27 September 2009):

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/visual_arts/architecture_and_design/article6850689.ece

and finally (for now) watch out for further news in The Crafts Council's e-bulletin and in their next publication, The Herald, The Evening Standard, The Scotsman, The Skinny and The Guardian and on Radio 3 Italia!

Please do look at the website and join their facebook page to keep up with progress? All links on the right.

Happy reading!

Fight launched to save The Park Gallery

2009-09-28T07:04:00.000-07:00

The Park Gallery, Falkirk's future is in doubt after a decision to relocate to Callendar House was approved in principle by councilors. I have an exhibition planned for there with Clare Waddle and Rebecca Wilson at the end of August, so am particularly worried about this!

Read more about it here:

http://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/news/Fight-launched-to-save-Park.5674996.jp

Please help to save its current location by signing this partition:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/218037971

Thanks

Craft Scotland in The Sunday Times

2009-09-28T05:36:00.000-07:00

I got a wee quote in The Sunday Times last week in an article titled Craft Scotland Bins The Woolly Jumpers. It's about The C Word cinema advert they have coming out, which features A Wee Bit of Light Relief, a cast bone china chandelier, which I've designed collaboratively with Clare Waddle and Rebecca Wilson.

Read all about it...read all about it...

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/visual_arts/article6841183.ece

Domesticated blog spot

2009-09-28T05:32:00.000-07:00

If you want to read more about this exhibition, you could keep an eye on updates on their blog spot? Please follow the link below...

Domesticated

2009-09-16T07:09:00.000-07:00

I've been invited to show my paper
plates 'Model/Series' and my 'Bone-aid' pasters in a touring exhibition entitled Domesticated.

It's first showing will be in Bath in Walcot Chapel. Opening Thursday 8th October 6-9. Then open 11-6 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until 17th October. Other times by appointment, contacting domesticated.uk@gmail.com or 07905998893.

It's then moving on to Swindon in Artsite’s Post modern Gallery. Opening Thursday 4th February 2010. Then open Thursdays – Saturdays until the 28th February. Other times by appointment, contacting domesticated.uk@gmail.com or 07905998893.

Link to blog down below...

Please try and pop in if you can? Sounds like a cracker!
Cheers!

CVTF500 AND THE FUTURE OF ART

2009-07-03T02:43:00.000-07:00

Hay! Got a mention on the Courvoisier blog about the 'Inaugural Art Show'. You can read a review of the show here:

http://cvtf500.com/blog/

Review of The Courvoisier Future 500 Art Show

2009-06-17T06:57:00.000-07:00

View London have reviewed The Inaugural Courvoisier Future 500 Art Show. You can read it here (no mention of me though :-( )
www.viewlondon.co.uk/whatson/courvoisier-future-500-art-show-article-8324.html
Also, look out for further reviews by Urban Junkies, the Observer and the Financial Times.

whohub

2009-06-12T02:49:00.000-07:00

I was asked to fill in an interview at www.whohub.com. I'm not to sure what it's for but, hey, what's the harm?

The inaugural CVTF500 art show

2009-06-11T02:00:00.000-07:00

I've been selected to show a piece of my work in the Courvoisier The Future 500 Network art show in London, which is great! The members launch is tonight and the general launch tomorrow night. Please get along there if you can, it should be a good mix, after all we've all been voted as the ones to watch! :-) General launch: 6.30pm - 10.30pm / Friday 12th June 2009 Venue The Future Gallery 5 Great Newport Street, London, WC2H 7HY United Kingdom http://www.futuregallery.co.uk/ Curators Ed Bartlett Lucy Johnston

Clare Waddle is finally online!

2009-05-01T03:40:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to my pal, Clare Waddle, who has a website at last! Her works stunning! Take a peek at

www.clarewaddle.co.uk

She is one of two artists I'm collaborating with for an exhibition at The Lighthouse in Glasgow. See more about that below.

Hope you like her stuff?

Visual Arts Award

2009-05-01T03:37:00.000-07:00

I'm really chuffed! East Lothian has agreed to fund the making of The Lighthouse exhibition with a Visual Arts Award. No excuses now...best get cracking...

Temporary Art Show Review

2009-04-01T03:39:00.000-07:00

Here's a wee bit of a review of the Temporary Art Show in the Huddersfield Examiner, 13th March 2009:

"Huddersfield artists are bringing art for art's sake to the people - without funding or any interest in selling their work. The Temporary Art Group's second show is a riot of Sellotaped sticks and tiny wheelchairs. Plenty of artists whine about not being offered lucrative exhibitions or lavish grants. Not Paddock couple Kevin and Georgia Boniface, though. They decided they weren't going to wait to be invited to show off - and didn't expect to make any money from their art, either. The pair and their pals - Alice Bradshaw, Bob Milner and Tom Senior - staged their first three-day Temporary Art Show at Bates Mill in Queen Street South, Huddersfield last May, covering costs between them. And they were so staggered by its success that they've gleefully set about doing it all over again, only this time in a six-month slot in empty units at Halifax Piece Hall - now up and running. Their credit crunch-ignoring, DIY ethic is an industrial-strength blast of fresh air for West Yorkshire's art scene."

Follow the link below to see pictures. Love the wheelchairs by Rachael Allen Untitled (grey wheelchairs) and Untitled

Temporary Art Show at Temporary Art Space

2009-03-02T09:01:00.000-08:00

I've sent my paper plates, 'Series', away down to Halifax to be part of an exhibition on the broad theme of "temporary." Temporary Art Space is an unfunded, artist-run project with a lifespan of six months.

Other artists showing are: Rachael Allen, Georgia Boniface, Kevin Boniface, Alice Bradshaw, Edward Cotterill, Francis Elliott, Karl Jeron, Natalie Kay, Milk, Two Sugars, Ian Smith, Jared Szpakowski and Josie Faure Walker.

The opening is on Friday 6th March 2009, 5-8pm, if you fancy going and it runs until 27th March 2009.

Units 34-35, The Piece Hall, Halifax, HX1 1RE, UK | +44 (0)7597 395 045
info@temporaryartspace.co.uk | www.temporaryartspace.co.uk

Please follow the link for more specifics?

Cheers!

Craft Scotland Review

2009-02-25T03:22:00.000-08:00

Our work got a nice wee mention on the Craft Scotland Website in

'Ceramics Capture Imagination at VAS Show'

Please follow the link to have a read...

Visual Arts Scotland 2009

2009-02-04T09:38:00.000-08:00

My collaborative piece titled 'A wee bit of Light Relief' was selected for Visual Arts Scotland 2009...

Hooray!

If you go and see it before March 19th you can let me know what you think of the art exhibition by Bob Dylan...should have stuck with the songwriting I reckon!

New work for Visual Arts Scotland at the City Arts Centre, Edinburgh

2009-01-07T05:20:00.000-08:00

Clare Waddle, Rebecca Wilson and I finally finished our collaborative work 'A wee bit of Light Relief' yesterday, hooray! It's a ceramic chandelier, made up of cast household objects, which relate to chores. We called it that as it's a mini version of a piece we plan to make for our exhibition in Glasgow's Lighthouse in 2010.

Here's hoping it will be selected for the upcoming Visual Arts Scotland Open Exhibition in the City Arts Centre...I'll keep you posted...

(See link for further details.)

Review of Fabric of Life in the Newbury Weekly News

2008-11-30T02:24:00.000-08:00

Ooid Sprout Bags

2008-11-26T08:22:00.000-08:00

One of my designs was bought by New Zealand based company, Ooid. They have used it on one of their lovely organic cotton Sprout Bags. After spotting them in The Red Door Gallery in Edinburgh I thought I might send them a design for their new batch.

Please follow the link to find out more.

Immaculate Consumption

2008-11-26T08:15:00.000-08:00

I have been asked to send work to an art space called The Box in Brighton for a project titled 'Immaculate Consumption'. As I understand it, first port of call will be an online blog style catalogue with images of all the works included. Then if you want to see them in the flesh you can go in to the space where they have a 'stockroom' in which the work is displayed.
Watch this space for more information...

All the braws!

2008-11-24T12:58:00.000-08:00

My home life has changed dramatically since I last wrote.

A couple of weeks ago I went up to Braemar in Aberdeenshire for the weekend with my boyfriend, Colin. I thought we were just heading up to return my 'Prayer Gloves' to The Brander Museum in Huntly, but, whilst on a stunning walk at The Muir of Dinnet, Colin proposed to me. It couldn't have been more perfect! So,...I said 'Yes'.

Also, we are now the proud owners of Becca the Labrador puppy. As you can see, she's a real beaut!

As Colin would say 'All the braws!'

Fabric of Life at the Arlington Arts Centre

2008-09-01T08:12:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned before, I'm taking part in a group exhibition of textile art in Arlington Arts Centre this month. It features work by Michael Brennand-Wood amongst others but it's way down south in Newbury (RG14 3BQ). Pop in if you can?

I passed! Chuffed to bits!

2008-09-01T08:05:00.000-07:00

I passed my driving test today WOOHOOOOO! I have wanted to drive since I was really wee and it's taken me this long to learn, but, hay it's done now...and with only 3 minor faults. I learned to drive with Brian from the AA Driving School and would highly recommend him, he's good for a blether and giving you confidence.

The House Of Books Has No Windows

2008-08-21T04:26:00.000-07:00

I went to see a brilliant exhibition at The Fruitmarket Gallery on Monday, highly worth a peek! It's by Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller. They 'make immersive works of art which combine image, video, sound and music in architectural and sculptural installations which draw an audience into a highly credible fictional world.' I was lucky, I arrived just as the gallery was opening, so virtually had the gallery to myself. This meant I could go right inside 'The House of Books Has No Windows' where the scent of old books was strangely comforting and familiar. The most powerful piece, however was 'Opera for a Small Room' (a room within the gallery, which my mum reckons looks like it should have belonged to my dad!). I have been working up a proposal with a 3D animator, Henry Broadhurst, and this theatrical experience within a gallery space is a similar experience to what we would like to achieve. Our proposal was shortlisted for Channel 4's Animate but sadly never got picked. I think it needs a bit more time to develop, and this exhibition was certainly inspirational.

Fabric of Life at Arlington Centre

2008-08-13T11:47:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be showing some of my work in Arlington Arts Centre very soon, please pop in if you're down that way, it sounds like a cracker! It's a group show called 'Fabric of Life' and features work by Michael Brennand-Wood and Kate Westerholt as well as many other textile artists.

It starts on Monday 8 September and runs until Wednesday 5 November and it's free.

Here's their spiel:
'We have brought together a group of textile artists, whose work plays with the relationship between their art form and its foundation in domestic life. For many there is an intrinsic association of textiles with home life, from the basics of clothing to elaborate furnishing. What were once commonly learned and highly valued skills have, with new technology become increasingly redundant. Many artists now work with a cultural memory of these specialist skills applying them to new and inventive formats. Fabric of Life will show a diverse collection of creative textile art specifically designed to question any preconceptions of this art form.'

Upcoming Exhibition

2008-08-13T11:42:00.000-07:00

I am currently collaborating on an exhibition with Rebecca Wilson and Clare Waddle. We are all inspired by the wealth of stimulus found in a house and aim to create well-crafted works of art: attractive, witty and challenging.

We are still in discussion with various galleries to secure dates…I’ll keep you posted.

Rebecca Wilson 'Jelly Babies; Finest Bone China' and 'China Dolls;Real Fruit Jelly'

Clare Waddle 'Easy Chair'

How Do I Look In This?

2008-08-13T11:36:00.000-07:00

My exhibition, How Do I Look In This?, has just finished at The Park Gallery. This is a lovely wee contemporary gallery in a massive park in the middle of Falkirk..quite unexpected! I showed clothing based sculpture alongside Susan Cutts, who makes stunning paper clothing sculptures. We each made a work inspired by Prêt-a-Porter at Callendar House, an exhibition of clothes that belonged to Ailsa Porter who was an air hostess in the 50’s and 60’s. This show is on until October 19th and is really interesting.

‘Prêt-a-Porter explores one woman’s unique twentieth century costume collection donated to Falkirk Museum. Mrs. Porter traveled the world as an air stewardess in the 1950’s and 60’s and her clothes reflect her time living a jet-set lifestyle. With over 300 items donated from hot-pants to baby-dolls this collection charts changing styles in women’s fashion from spring, summer, autumn and winter seasons.’

Visual Arts Scotland

2008-08-13T11:35:00.000-07:00

I have now been made a professional member of Visual Arts Scotland (VAS) woohoo! I am also a committee member, so attend meetings to be involved in decision making, help with all aspects of putting on the exhibitions and am on the selection panel for the Annual Open.

Courvoisier The Future 500

2008-08-13T11:34:00.001-07:00

Last November I was voted as one of ‘The brightest and best Future 500 rising stars’ (or top 50 in the Art & Design category) in The Observer by Courvoisier. I have no idea how this came about, but am certainly not complaining!

Colin Usher

2008-08-13T11:27:00.000-07:00

My felly, Colin, is a very talented man! He has a regular gig doing design work for a company called Eastern, but is also involved in loads of other projects ranging from producing and directing pop videos, corporate photography & video production, including doing lots of media stuff for the Proclaimers, and putting on exhibitions of his own photography.

And, if that wasn’t enough, he drums in a band called Ten Storeys High who have just released their debut album ‘The Thrill of the Fall’. Now I know you’ll think I’m biased but it is rather good!

Fab Pad

2008-08-13T11:26:00.001-07:00

As well as being an artist, I am a tutor on the Fab Pad programme, a housing project devised by Impact Arts. I work with vulnerable young people when they start a new tenancy, helping them develop ideas and learn the skills to turn the house into their home.

I run workshops each week in both Craigmillar and Wester Hailes, and also visit them in their home with an interior designer and take them on shopping and inspiration trips. It’s a brilliant project and, on the whole, I really enjoy the job.

Hospitalfield House

2008-08-13T09:11:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to get the chance to spend three months as Artist in Residence at Hospitalfield House during the summer of 2006. This is a fantastic mansion house in Arbroath, Scotland, where I was funded to stay by the Friends of the Royal Scottish Academy.

I made works of art whilst there, inspired by the objects that have been left behind by Patrick and Elizabeth Allan Fraser, the last owner/occupants. I felt that the treasured furniture and crockery contained the spirit of the previous owners; they had a presence and kept me company when I was alone, and so, remembering the house’s earlier history as a hospital, I mended the damaged objects using medical means, caring for them as one would a human body. I was also inspired by the book The System of Objects by Jean Baudrillard.

Since my residency I have given talks on my experience in the house to the Friends of the Royal Scottish Academy, Hollyrood Arts Club and to students from Virginia Commonwealth University at Glasgow School of Art. My voice only shakes for the first 5 minutes!

My residency at Hospitalfield House culminated in an ‘Open Doors’ weekend, during which I exhibited my work around the house, and an exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy.

In Residence at the Royal Scottish Academy

2008-08-13T09:03:00.000-07:00

In January 2007, I exhibited the work that I had created during my three-month residency at Hospitalfield House in In Residence at the Royal Scottish Academy (RSA).

I showed alongside Miranda Blennerhasset (her work is shown in the top two images on the right) and Catriona Grant (a hugely talented photographer). They were also funded by the RSA to undertake the residency that year.

Extreme Crafts at The Rogues Gallery

2008-08-13T08:55:00.000-07:00

I was part of a group show over in Lithuania last year at the SMC, The Contemporary Art Centre, Vilnius, Lithuania (CAC). I just showed my wee plaster box ‘Bone-aid’, but was chuffed to be included in a show with such a cool title!

RSA Ottillie Helen Wallace Prize and other Awards

2008-08-13T08:53:00.001-07:00

In 2007, I won the RSA Ottillie Helen Wallace Prize because I was (allegedly) the best female sculptor in the Royal Scottish Academy’s Annual Exhibition. Hooray!

Other awards I have won include: The Sally Schofield Memorial Prize for my work in Visual Arts Scotland in 2006; an Artworks Award in 2004 from The Clore Duffield Foundation, an Aberdeen Visual Arts Award in 2002; a Shell Expro Award for my work in Aberdeen Artists in 2000 and the N.S. MacFarlane Charitable Trust Award at The Royal Glasgow Institute in 1998.

The Graeme Mearns Band

2008-08-13T08:49:00.000-07:00

I was really happy when I was asked by the band if they could use one of my art works for their debut album ‘Some Kind of Bliss’. I think their music is brilliant, clever lyrics combine with slap bass and funky drums…well worth a listen.

Grays School of Art, Aberdeen

2008-08-13T08:48:00.000-07:00

I graduated with a degree in Textiles and Surface Decoration in 1998 but didn’t feel comfortable with the idea of being a designer so went straight into a post-graduate degree in Art and Design, during which I started creating humorous and thought provoking sculptural and two-dimensional works of art.

Welcome to my blog!

2008-08-13T05:03:00.000-07:00