Re:form

2011-07-01T05:20:00.000-07:00

Today I had a glimpse into a dark wonderland I've always been a MASSIVE fan of Simon Kirk but today going into his studio had a strange physical affect on me, between the breathlessness I readily get in the face of aesthetic pleasure and a feeling where looking really looking at the edges and surfaces makes my eyes want to burst with the level of information being offered. He has a way of manipulating his materials that creates a multi layered surface with depth and interest without it merging into a 1 dimensional accumulation.He maintains interest, content and wit by offering remnants of an image or text within a freedom of expression that I am truly jealous of and left me with a tear in my eyes.

Thankyou Simon

Pecha Kucha and the Rest

2011-06-20T09:23:00.001-07:00

feldman, originally uploaded by keri.

I went public baring of part of my self with what may be termed as massive trepidation.
I discovered when I am truly and deeply anxious my body sleeps- my mind seems to stay awake but functioning in slow motion.
The relief felt when it all was over was like an amazing rain storm.

It's been a bit of a turning point, on to pastures new. Some real, some surviving with a few words of encouragement only in my head and I'm happy for that.
The static of the come down is still smarting but its pushing those pedals of creativity even faster, kinda like I'm free wheeling down a hill.
once again happy to be where I am.

2011-06-12T00:24:00.000-07:00

This week I've achieved or at least at the moment I think I have, only time may have an alternative view on things.

After deceiving my son about the actual day of his birthday- in my defence he has only just worked out what days are in a week let alone the order that they come in. I denied him even further by bucking the party bag trend, something which gave me a massive sense of achievement and entertainment as a group of 5yr old boys left kids kingdom with bandito style tashs instead of the obligitory plastic crap.

After days possibly weeks of apprehension I took part in Pecha Kucha#8 in Southend where I fought against my nerves a set continually moving of images that lay my soul open to any arts interested party that cared to view. I hit the mark with each slide and bit my tongue to prevent the usual prattle that can emerge from an uncomfortable mouth.

Wether good or bad I'm not sure, lots of positive comments, the constructive would probably give me a better insight.

But it was one of those character building things my mum goes on about.....and yes mother I feel stronger.

2011-06-10T08:03:00.000-07:00

HOLD that thought till all this is over

2011-04-14T07:35:00.000-07:00

There does come a point in your life when you just have to close the cupboard door and resist from picking at the bones left within.

I've come to that point.

I'm working on some new pieces that play with the mistakes,accuracy and gaps in information that we leave for future generations.

My concern is not so much what is said but what isn't and how we read or misread that information or lack of it.

2011-02-14T12:49:00.000-08:00

We moan and groan...well I do at times

and sometimes what is required is to just take a step back and reflect

a chance to pause

and listen to the quiet

Just lately my life has been twisted and tilted a little

a close friend dying and now being single after 13yrs..... yes I said 13yrs (it could be 14, I'm not really sure...I was probably busy at the time)

Throughout this I felt like I can cope, with whatever

I've always got that creative element that pre occupies and in truth probably dominates or shields my brain.

Maybe it's selfish .....I don't know...

I read this Blog Belle of the bald and was amazed at the power of that creative gene

Maya is a talented ex student of mine, and a wonderful example of the sheer compelling power of doing,.....the need to be creative .... to make stuff.

I find the energy and commitment to this creative outlet an astounding and powerful thing.

the distraction of my tilts and shifts fade away

2011-01-09T10:40:00.000-08:00

East exhibition "Talking textile" has started my year off well with this piece selling at the Sedborough Gallery -Fairfield mill.

A replacement will be found before the next shows

Snape -July

Northampton-March

Nuneaton-August.

I'm already full with ideas for the next show

I'm thinking Dickensian ledgers and Whitby jet,sooty fingerprint and ink drop and worn leather.

A tale of Winter Moody

2010-11-06T11:39:00.000-07:00

My my my over the last few weeks how my life has change, I now find myself Calm and on my own yet somehow feeling relaxed. Buying value bacon- this makes me cross and not due to the taste, probably at how the impact of peoples action me even into the preserved meat section of Sainsbury's. Wondering what is gonna happen and how things shouldn't have to fit into the usual box of public experience. Feeling pity.........No "fuck it" I refuse to do that. With the urge to make cushion covers and dreading christmas dinner. Crackers - it about sums it up

2010-09-19T01:13:00.000-07:00

Love this shopwww.etsy.com/shop/ElleJW?ref=seller_info

beautiful images lots of greyhounds,whippets and deerhounds.

2010-08-13T10:34:00.000-07:00

My worlds been pretty crappy for the last few months and I've neglected to post for the fear of boring you silly with the greyness. But I've been away and got back to some of the important stuff or not so important stuff if you not in my shoes- it all depends on where your standing, sometimes all you really want to do is spend time in the studio, sitting on my own with Radio 4 in the background, sometimes all I want to do is be surrounded by the kids laughing, sometimes its soo good just to break away and breath, sometimes i like standing in the middle of a rain storm or have the waves crashing around you( only when it's warm tho, I'm a bit nesh) sometimes you can't control what happens to you, only how you react to it, sometimes I just want to sleep for days on end, and sometimes I just want to shout FUCK IT really really loud. But whatever goes on with my life I'll be OK......

2010-06-21T22:34:00.000-07:00

Gosh it's been a busy old few weeks,

quite frankly i'm shattered, absolutely bloody knackered.

Leigh art trail went very well and the studio rent is paid for a while

East's exhibition pieces selected , and then sold-shit now need to do some more

Students show looked good, regardless of the moany people that are never satisfied.

Yvonne Pedretti's retrospective -it was brilliant to see a lifetime of work in one place

I miss her so much,every day something is not quite right and i then remember

I did a speech and didn't cry, which is always a bonus

I found out about secret lives, and the most beautiful images ever.

So i think I'm closing a door, and starting down a new road lets hope it's a little less bumpy

thankyou everyone that came to my rescue.

2010-05-21T23:03:00.001-07:00

Snapshot: "July 18, 1933 Frances Parker", originally uploaded by mrwaterslide.

The summer is here,

I should be relaxing, I should be playing cricket with my kids, I should be picking fruit and drinking cockatails ,

instead I'm

Chasing mice and snails , answering complaints at work and home , bribing my children into compliance ,looking for the extra hours to find inspiration. Then the sun comes out and I can sit for just a second basking and forget.

Arrestatie Emmeline Pankhurst / Emmeline Pankhurst being arrested

2010-05-06T00:41:00.001-07:00

Arrestatie Emmeline Pankhurst / Emmeline Pankhurst being arrested, originally uploaded by Nationaal Archief.

Politics
I've been thinking about politics and what it represents today, The loaded messages and the influence of the media.
I've been brought up in a strong northern family and seen the devastation of Maggie Thatcher on communities,remembering the "Coal not Dole" stickers on our school lockerdoors.
I'm slightly jaded by the twoing and frowing of the political parties.But I need to focus, recount the number of women that weren't in the position I am today.
Look to the unjust and the groups that will feed upon the tired and weary within our society.
We need to stand up and be counted if only to show those that would put people down, that the many women that protested years ago and felt that need to be recognised were not only fighting for the female race, but for the right to be significant.
Use the power to influence

2010-04-26T22:53:00.000-07:00

The story so far

killing the zips

2010-04-10T00:00:00.001-07:00

killing the zips, originally uploaded by reform.

My current angle.
I'm still thinking connections but only 8 weeks til the art trail so the pressure is slightly increasing.

2010-04-02T06:49:00.000-07:00

Flash I'm in desperate need of...... assistance inspiration energy time motivation another pair of hands and a clear head, and some real kickass disco music. Please Rescue me.....soon

My day in the park and an encounter with a boy offering cheese

2010-03-04T08:27:00.001-08:00

My day in the park and an encounter with a boy offering cheese, originally uploaded by reform.

Today is thursday, it's my day off.
so in an attempt to entertain a 3yr old we went to the park.
There was a young boy in the park and this is how the conversation went............

"Do you want some cheese" he said
"No thanks"
"Does he" pointing to my youngest
"No I don't think so ta"
"Have you been to the new Aldi yet?"
"no"
"They are giving stuff away outside"
"Why aren't you at school?"
"I wanted to go to Aldi's"
"Was it worth it?"
"I bought this cheese "
"Is it good"
"nah"
"I'm ment to be in French but I got the bus"
"oh"
"I've got muddy shoes now I'll have to go home to change the last time i went to school with muddy shoes they knew I'd been the park."
"Bye"
"Go back to school you might learn something interesting"
"OK"
I saw him later going back into Aldi

stitch detail

2010-02-28T09:49:00.001-08:00

stitch detail, originally uploaded by reform.

today I've been pushed and pulled about

work -pulled along..going with the flow
The archers- pushed to reflect
The kids- pulled into baking
The rain- pushed inside, when I wanted to dig
baked beans - pushed to the point of blackout

side note...... for those that know me well. My baked bean in isolation phobia is a contstant source of amusement, but a sink full of washed baked beans almost sent me spiralling into confinement.
God danm Mr Hienz

Fastenings/connections

2010-02-20T12:14:00.001-08:00

Fastenings/connections, originally uploaded by reform.

2010-02-15T08:42:00.001-08:00

I like the unexpected and will bend and twist to go with the flow,

But was slightly wierded out by the coincidence of looking through

http://mercerieambulante.typepad.com/

2 pages in to find this embroidery the only one in English and about where I live.

Someone ment for me to see it and for that I'm grateful if a little spooked

2010-02-04T00:31:00.000-08:00

Just how much do I iove this work.

http://mercerieambulante.typepad.com/

2010-01-09T00:12:00.001-08:00

it's all in the eyes, originally uploaded by reform.

1. Untitled, 2. the sounds of snow, 3. me today, 4. New fab turquoise ring, 5. makesureyourealive, 6. Sepia portrait, 7. I've stepped off a cliff (4.9.08), 8. September Sun SPT, 9. 365 Day 285 / SPT 14th Feb 08, 10. Rabodiga y elefantito, 11. ., 12. Fletch

2010-01-08T05:44:00.001-08:00

I love my camera, originally uploaded by reform.

In the last few days I've been hit with the fragility of the lives we lead. And the immence capacity of the human spirit. It's been a very hard time for a lot of people, but again and again, through the teary haze you come back to the old stand by of living your life.

I'm not going to be going on any epic journeys, breaking any world records or putting my body under vast physical stain ( no marathons for me, no siry) But to live and embrace the smallest things, and try to appreciate every detail.

Sketchbook

2010-01-03T08:29:00.001-08:00

sketchbook, originally uploaded by reform.

I've been accepted into a new exhibiting group called EAST
A textiles group...... I hear the cry
so you might see a new slant

I feel like I'm driving lost.... not really knowing where it is I am or where I'm heading.

What I do know is that
I'll need my glasses

Village Green stand -memory notes

2009-09-30T10:37:00.001-07:00

Village Green stand -memory notes, originally uploaded by reform.

I had a wonderful day,with Gloria Blue

A village green "fete" not really,
From stories of apples and walnuts to thongs and combinations,
with tears at a mans everlasting love for his wife,
Cries of "Oh Matron" as we changed behind a hospital screen.
thankyou

2009-09-19T12:10:00.001-07:00

Carole Lombard, originally uploaded by likeabalalaika.

Why can't I - Wake up one morning with an ant asleep on my pillow beside me - and how would I know he was sleeping. Why can't I - Wear bias cut cocktail dresses and lounge around in satin heeled mules all afternoon - Southend... I don't think could cope with this as school run attire. Why can't I - Remember where is the safe place, that I put things of consequence - if I did it would surely render it unsafe. Why can't I - Feel more adequate at life as a whole - maybe it would dull the edge, and I'd simply go back to spreading butter. Why can't I - Laugh longer and harder and louder - because I may be escorted from the library.

2009-09-11T11:24:00.000-07:00

Susie is 86 years old And as sharp as they come, Was told not to giggle as they passed the unexploded bomb, Had a coat made from blackmarket forces blankets, it was grey/blue and thin, a blanket from a submarine. The Germans always missed the railway and hit her house, The air raid wardens said the bomb blast had taken the stairs carpet, It was strange how it had managed to put the stair rods back tho'. She saw Glen Miller with a GI but didn't get Nylons. She went bare legged in the courts, and knew a Titanic surviver. And got excited in the air raid shelter over a bun with currents, and sat on a bus with a brown paperbag, inside was a live eel, for her mother-in-laws stomache

2009-09-01T08:39:00.000-07:00

Broken

I broke my last post- if you highlight it you will reveal the words beneath the whiteness.

I don't know what I did.

I bought this pipe and broke it too,

2009-08-26T08:17:00.000-07:00

Last night I couldn't sleep I was wittling about My car braking down and ending up in the central reservation of the M25 with 2 kids and a giant greyhound. Being too lively when I teach Being too dominant, Finding work to hang in the new college gallery space, That my favourite shoes have died and what will I do about getting some new ones. That I have a box of tomatoes that need cooking, Understanding the targets and the jargon form work, Finding people for selection committees That the place I'm going to to buy vintage clothes may have been burned to the ground. You'll be pleased to know in the clarity of daylight all this has dissapeared to a slight nag in the bottom of my stomache, until the next night .......

2009-08-20T01:19:00.001-07:00

Not that all my work looks the same, originally uploaded by reform.

I never realised the whiteness

The systematic grids and squares

Should I lock up the emulsion

Disguard all the sand paper

And drink all the meths

Will that give me a new start

What would Madam Lola say............

2009-07-30T09:21:00.001-07:00

My creation, originally uploaded by reform.

Part of the Best Dress oral history project

Lottie and her best dresses,

Born in dec 1912

She saw a zepplin in World War 1

She sold cockles at 14 so she could look at the boys,

Her family were from Stepney and liked a drink.

She danced up Southend high street and even the end of the pier,

She ate pigs trotters in the cinema.

she wore her sunday best on her wedding day.

Her favourite dress was Blue.

2009-07-26T05:27:00.001-07:00

Old pips, originally uploaded by reform.

Filling my head this week

Cherries-The colour on your fingers and the taste on your tongue Waltzing- Victorian women dancing in the snow,a white muffler and mulled wine. Blood Orange Snap Dragons- I see them as I walk the dog, but stealing them from someones garden I would consider risky. I think about Auntie Jessie, she'd have been in there to get em. Fresh ripe tomatoe sauce- Thursdays is market day, Wolves-Trips to the zoo, the comfort of a pack. Swimming badges-Tears

Painting with make up workshop

2009-07-14T08:29:00.001-07:00

make up 1, originally uploaded by reform.

On saturday Freya aged 6 got very busy,
working hard to create this portrait using old make up.
Thanks to all those that joined in.

more favourites

2009-07-04T23:34:00.001-07:00

more favourites, originally uploaded by reform.

Leigh art trail virtual tour 2009

2009-06-20T10:38:00.001-07:00

Leigh art trail virtual tour 2009, originally uploaded by reform.

The thing thats been taking up so much of my time

2009-06-07T12:56:00.000-07:00

What I love

Happy accidents-When you turn a page or put something down and it all just comes together.

Wax-The smell, the feel, the look.

Almonds- Separating the marzipan from the yucky icing on a cake.

Sitting and remembering- The feeling when something just pops back into your memory, I wish you could bottle that.

Beetroot- Pulling them out of the ground, then roasting them with orange.

Dimples-On the biggest smile in the world.You can't help but grin back.

When all the work is done and an exhibition is ready to hang

Leigh Art Trail

2009-05-28T05:07:00.000-07:00

What do I know:- He had the same name as my dad "Fred lad" to his friends He was a driver in the 1st World War He was Gassed during the conflict He had to eat 1/2lb of raw liver a day Apparently the liver is a very clever organ When he died he left 4 kids and my Gran had 4 pence h'penny in her purse Then she shined the vicars shoes He was my grandad

2009-05-12T08:01:00.000-07:00

Combinations

Slate and Fabric- Desperately trying to put my finger on what I'm after

Myself and Pomelo (My current addiction - OOOh the out of season withdrawal)

Words and Numbers- aesthetically just work so well for me

Children and Climbing frames

Chalkboards in the Rain

Strawberry Jelly and Ice cream

Covered Button and skinny belts

My Auntie Jessie and Pink Wafer Biscuits

2009-04-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

Work in progress

Things I can't do, that I really should be able to:-

Stay focussed enough to be able to bake fairy cakes without forgetting about them

Keep my room in some assembalance of order- piles of things... is not order

My 8 times table- Mrs Charman my teacher, didn't believe in going over anything you'd missed

Do painting with my kids and let it go.....

Not worry...... when a 5yr old says you like a witch...

2009-03-28T08:46:00.000-07:00

Things that I may be coming obsessional about:

Stories from old people about the clothes they worn for going out dancing

The CC41 label - is it wrong to get over excited about utility

Beating anyone bidding against me on ebay

Typewriter text

Making kites out of plastic bags

Denying myself chocolate, cakes and anything tasting wonderful

Making my back smaller- the possibilities of loosing either a rib or shoulder blade

The fact that while feverish my son said ..quote " I don't want olives in my drink"this concerns me somewhat.

2009-03-08T13:54:00.000-07:00

Oh my GOD

This woman is just too talented

Bridget Davies

It makes me dizzy to look at her work.

I'm so lucky that she's a friend too

We are doing an exhibition in April

I think I may faint

2009-02-17T07:56:00.000-08:00

I always know I'm having a good time if I laugh till i cry and this is how I STARTED MY FORTIES Surrounded by my best mates including Bridget Lots of alcohol incorporating lots of fresh juice brilliant music including The Dooleys-exceptional Great food The best surrounding what more can you ask

2009-01-17T07:50:00.000-08:00

Coffee tastes so much nicer when made with hot water, cold just doesn't do it. I found this out the other morning, After playing follow my leader bed hopping around the house to escape my darling children cold just didn't do it. You so definately need hot water after a freeezing walk in the woods with a shivering greyhound and a 2 yr old that wanted to be anywhere but there. Your coffee so definately needs to be hot.

2008-12-12T01:11:00.002-08:00

After the sparkles

How brilliant are these??

Just a tad fragile tho!

I think i may have a streak of pyromaniac in me,

Step away from the matches.

2008-12-12T01:11:00.001-08:00

2008-07-08T12:45:00.000-07:00

New sport- Endurance drawing

6- Hours Silverpoint drawing
1- Clematis flower
1-Cup of tea in a horrible polystyrene cup
3- Very sore fingers
2 -Eyes suffering paper glare

Dinner 2 prawns sandwiches containing 15 prawns

7- Inches square, of paper
1 -Mediocre drawing

Then home for baked beans on toast, 119 of the little round orangey things.

9-Miles driven
2-Hours life drawing
5- Heads fitting into the body
11-Attempts at getting the forshortening of the knee
2-Eyes suffering snow blindness
1-Stiff neck

1 cup of tea in a proper cup.
16- steps to bed
5-hours sleep
2-Boys wide awake

1- Mother Yawning

2008-06-22T13:05:00.000-07:00

Once again the Bunster has come up with the goods,

She with the help of the Royal Mail, kept me sweating till the morning of the show but look at this for stunningness.More perfect than I could have imagined.

So now back down to washing up, wiping bums and shopping in Liddels.

But thanks to these lovely little critters,
I get to keep the studio going for at least another 8 months

My sanity is saved.

So now to start a fresh with new lino and a tidy desk.

But here's a peek through the gleaming white boards to the storage unit that was and is Jo's desk. Thankyou

Now for some serious sorting......pass me the bin bags

2008-05-10T13:57:00.000-07:00

Here's to having power tools

drinking shandy and dipping your feet in a paddling pool.

Its getting close to Leigh Art Trail

so I'm busy

Drilling and sweeping

and sitting and looking,

Gilding and painting

and sitting and thinking,

Listening to the Archers

and looking a bit more,

Drinking tea and looking for the thing I just had in my hand.

It's such a hard hard life.

2008-04-24T07:04:00.000-07:00

I love this guys work,

This Empty world

There is so many empty spaces,

Broken rooms and big old machines.

And soo much RUST

I get this strange kind of curious feeling when looking at the pictures

a good kind of nausea that comes with old stuff.

Stuff that used to be busy and have a life,

That is now just static

But hints of a past purpose.

2008-04-14T07:27:00.000-07:00

I love this bit of the A1 it takes me home and I can never decide which lane to drive in.
I like it when it goes all dark and rainy yet its still warm.
I hate the reality of life it all works so much better in my head.

At the moment I'm really liking

Black grapes( they taste so good)
The new light in my dinning room( I can see to type)
The fact I can have a shower,
Seeing my friends,
The idea of a meccano quilt
And the fact Bunny as (Lupin Noir) and I are working on a collaboration....exciting

2008-04-01T01:22:00.000-07:00

A blunt chisel, my thumb and some hinges.................... there was always gonna be blood

Some wax, wirewool and an old door furniture............. there was always gonna be delight

Kids on holiday and someone stealing an hour...............there was always gonna be tears

A whole day in the studio & no time for dinner..............there was always gonna be a Pot Noodle

2008-03-18T13:57:00.000-07:00

My current list

What I need:
More hours in the day
or days in the week.
More room to breath
or a cleaner.
More money in my pocket
or someone to sew up the holes.
More of an organised house
or somewhere safe to put my camera.
More chocolate
or a personal trainer.

More weekends away
or a really long sodding holiday.

2008-02-15T13:45:00.000-08:00

Mmmmmm

l is loving

Mulled wine NOT at christmas

My Boys

Topics

Furniture wax

Clean sheets

New plaster

Old stuff

2008-01-13T12:22:00.001-08:00

It's been so long

Bad Tricia

since then I have:

Wasted 30 mins of my life stuck in a boot
( seriously just the one)
Got goose pimples at getting my washing machine reinstalled,
Got the warm cosy feeling from getting into bed finally having clean sheets.
Eaten far too much chocolate
Bought some spy drawers
Lost a camera( more likely hidden by a small child)
Made some slate stuff
Made a little fairy and pirate skull,
Blown my nose a million times.

2007-10-31T13:29:00.000-07:00

At last

I was thinking I'd been exiled.

Right whats new

My hallway is very dusty,

we have builders in the house.

I've overdosed on meccano and
made lots of custom keyrings,

I spent the day in a blacked out caravan it was brilliant.

a giant camera obscura.

And I've been tagged by some etsyites

ok middle name is Anne

Isn't everyones

A- Alcohol- As a student I drank far too much Barley wine ( very old mans drink)

With lime and ice in an attempt to make it somehow ladylike.

( it would never happen)

N- North _ My surname was never funny until I moved down South and a northener named North tends to amuse.

N-Nits- I've never had them, but also never had long hair either.

E-Easy- I just asked my partner for describing words for me that start with an E. and thats what he said..hmmmmmm its not strictly true honest.

2007-09-18T12:07:00.000-07:00

Its been so long

I have

Bought Meccano

Battered Meccano

I've been away

and come back

I've swam

and steamed

and now I'm exhausted

2007-08-29T12:23:00.000-07:00

I glimpsed at my own version of heaven

it consisted of

Free sketchbooks

Massive print room

Ready made silk screens

Loads of materials

Wine

Chocolate

Brown paper

Gold paint

Foo fighters

Really cool people

and

Some glass drawer knobs

all was good in my world for 2 perfect days

Thankyou

.......................................then I came home!

2007-08-09T13:02:00.000-07:00

She loves me
She loves me not
She loves me

cheers Darling...XXX

She's funny
She's naughty
She's talented
She's slightly insane
She's in love with Mr T

2007-08-05T13:36:00.000-07:00

That Jen Meastre she gets in your blood

Inspired by the pencil ladies nail creations

I got on a roll

I worked hard at the studio
I produced :

Some Star slates
Tin hearts
Customised slates.

At home I produce:

3 good dinners
1 really crap dinner
A Deviantart page,
A street map on a table cloth,
A cool den from a quilt cover,
A collage of my work space

2007-07-29T11:54:00.000-07:00

This week

I became beautiful thanks to the wonderful Bunny.

She is the most awaresome person.

My children are now no longer pox ridden.

I lost the will to live on the forum several times.

I did a bit of flower drawing,

I tried to paint and it was pants

I lost the will to live in the studio several times

I swore at paint brush, some masking tape and a couple of paintings.

Work OK'd me to go to New York,

I gained faith in the niceness of some people

2007-06-24T11:28:00.000-07:00

so bad sorry

I have been busy

this is whats happened:-

End of teaching

End of buying off Etsy

The start of Leigh art trail

A rise in stress levels

The acquistion of cow chain

The start of a new obsession

Fletchers 1st birthday

Fletcher embedding his teeth into his tongue

Lots of blood

Clearing the studio

Remaking my space...nice

Meeting complete stranger over the internet

Finally putting Fabulous faces to Etsy names.

2007-05-20T11:47:00.000-07:00

Do check out Gilflig she's brill.

Now what have i been up to

I didn't imagine the dead mouse in my brothers shoe, he confirmed i wasn't loosing my mind.

A interesting fact ..bit late I know

My Nana got thrown out of her nursing home as they believed she was trying to slit her wrists with nail scissors.....her version.. she was trimming her bikini line.........she was 92yrs old

so many question i didn't want answering sprang to mind.

Leigh Art trail is up and running so im working like an idiot.

This week I have

Learn't I'm a "tryhard" with socialised power traits.

That i am prone to be reactive, rebellious, and sulky.......Who me!!!!

Been woken up at 5.20 cos Mason can make a diamond shape with his fingers.

Been pimped to the hilt by the tag team of the Wonderful Nonsuch and the Fabulous Askey

Drilled lots of holes in metal andthen covered it in varnish

Cut down a big slate piece to make six small bits.

Spent too long looking for the screws in it that i'd covered over so amazingly.

Looking For Cow Chain.

2007-05-20T11:31:00.000-07:00

Heres the Bird of the month

Gilfling

She is not only super talented, but very super generous as well.

I do really recomend you check out some of her stuff the drawing are to die for and take a peek at the corset.......... The textile pieces have a really nice antiquey feel, using loads of vintage stuff and look sooooooo classical.

top girl.

2007-05-06T11:55:00.000-07:00

Get this.......

Ive been working on alot this week....it includes

Trying to find more unusual facts to tell about.

Trying to remember an incident, where the cat left a dead mouse in my brothers shoe,

Wondering if my imagination is running away with me,

Getting the right sized space for a electric wheelchair to do a 3 point turn in.

Drilling big holes in pieces of slate,

Creating long thin bits of rusty metal,

Creating marketing stratergies to persaude people they want rusty metal on their walls,

Running faster....at the moment my 3 yr old runs faster than me.

Stopping myself going dizzy when i look at the stunningness of this necklace

2007-04-20T11:21:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged ...thankyou sakurifabuki

10 things mmmmmmmm.... i tried to think of witty stories, and funny events but alas i have discovered i am boring.. so i will revert to my old faithfull...

THE LIST( a truly stupendious thing that my life could not survive without)

I always think of going to the dentist when getting into a hot bath and have done since i was small....that was probally the only time we bathed???????

I have a brother who once cut a goldfish in half length ways, with a lawn mower. The fish was in the fish pond as was the mower.

I always have crap teas on a friday..

I have a phobia of baked beans in isolation...especially when they are on the floor.

I was never allowed to go to the beach on the first day of our holidays ...usually Scarborough or Cromer.

I called the Doctor Dr Pokey when having my first child.

I have a goldfish named Cock.....Named by my 3yr old son.

I drew stars in biro over our brown leather seventies settee as a child, and let my brother take the rap.... i was about 7yrs old.

I need to ponder on the last 2.

2007-04-12T00:34:00.000-07:00

This weeks Top Bird

You really have to check out Jennifer Maestre's website

www.jennifermaestre.com

Not only is she a whizz with pencils, her nail stuff is truly beautiful if a little dangerous.

2007-04-11T11:52:00.000-07:00

I feel like i may be alive....

look at this for some kind of heaven...well in the summer anyway.It was brilliant watching Mason doing his Forest Gump impression.

I got all Tom and Barbara, wanting to keep goats and grow butternut squash. Til D told me that she didn't have water and electric for 10 ....yes ...10 years ...the shine then dissapeared.

This week I have

Lost a black torch in a power cut,

Come up with an idea for glow in the dark torches.

Made 3 books,

Made 6 pointless hearts,

Put together some really inspirational bags of stuff that i don't want to sell,

Recieved a beautiful surprise sculpture from this weeks top bird.

Eaten more chocolate than is technically good for me.

Got all breathless over old slate, wood and flagstones.

Cleaned poo out of a bath full of water.

Been told off for not sending thankyou cards,

Compared to other members of my boyfriends family .

Joined a brilliant Flickr group - rusty and crusty.

Poured chemicals over gold leaf on slate,

And been sick on again.

2007-04-01T04:31:00.000-07:00

How much more can a girl take..... please

Etsy have a spring sale... Check it out type in UKsale under tags and descriptions. Or check out the uk etsy sellers blog at http://uketsysellers.blogspot.com

This week I have

Bought a mower

Battered by credit card in Paperchase

Been unable to get in my bathroom

Been unable to get out my bathroom

Unscrew door handles with tweezers

Made more tin skeleton

Practised catwalking with my students

Confirmed my phobia about baked beans in isolation

Been sick on

Been pooed on.

Holidays now.....are to sleep...and make.

2007-03-25T11:37:00.000-07:00

I have dissappearing toolbars.

Cor you just don't know how pleased i am to be back on it again, it means i can dump all this absolute, good for no one but me rubbish that whizzes about the brain box in my head.

Firstly good news...... I was ambling around etsy as i do most days I known i really should be more effective with my time when i happened upon a small treasury box and i typed in Flippin eck... why? i'm sure i could have put in something cooler but hey.

pick some of the best of m'favourites and by buggery if it didn't make front page. A very nice ego boost if i say so my self.

So that was GOOD.

...

I nearly forgot the UK etsy Pants challenge here's my entry... it was brilliant.. check out the UK etsy sellers blog for the full details.....PANTastic

P is away in Vegas playing pretend golf.... mmmmm ... but he's happy. Kids are missing him loads.

I'm desperately trying to eeeck out time to work on stuff for the Art trail and Etsy, but there just don't seems to have enough hours in the day to do the stuff and it's really bloody annoying....

Dads brought me some bog oak to cut up hopefully t make some outdoor stuff for the art trail... just need a big drill bit then I'm away.... hols soon so I can see big lists appearing.

2007-03-18T11:54:00.000-07:00

Weekends over and another week begins.......

This week I have:

1 Sold a pair of tin pants.

2 Sold a slate commission, that was a present... always makes me nervous.

3 Upset one friend.

4 Realised the workshop potential of spinning tops...(an hours worth when I'd planned 20mins)

5 Got swollen hands as Fletch is such a lump.

6 sent two mothers day cards.

7 Watched a play about vaginas

Actually looking at it like that i feel like i have achieved.

2007-03-11T12:45:00.000-07:00

I'm sooooo chuffed,

on www.esty.com the UK sellers are doing their bit for red nose day and we have made the front page, yes after lots of pleeding messages to admin but it's there .

My viewing went from 40 to 400 in one evening which is amazing..stoked or wha.

And it's all for "charity mate"

I'm not selling loads but it's just good to be getting out there.

Less of that.....

Had a great spring like day in the studio pottering and tidying felt abit like Mary Poppins.

finished a commision and did some of the small slates I'm experimenting with that are flying of to the far corners of the world.

The stamps we had made for Art-o-matic have come back, and there is a great text one about chrysanthemums which is names of colours and goes on about greenhouse pompoms....makes me think of cheerleading gardeners...love it.

Also finished my felted pants challenge for esty they will be posted on friday....until then it's all highly confidential....lets say m'gran would be proud!

Anyway here's some of this weeks stuff

2007-03-04T11:18:00.000-08:00

Do as I say not as I do.....

I put the picture in the exhibition, very slyly and quite embarrassed, we were ment to do an A3 board with statement etc...ok cool i can do that yes normally i'd relish the chance, but not when you only have 2 hours to do it and kids around your ankles.

Previously i'd been downloading free font and in my haste used some fancy distressed industrial looking font....so with that a the pieces off i went handed the work in ...it was done. ..Relief

Only to remember that I am constantly telling my students not to try to disguise work with fancy fonts..here i was prime example,

The private view came, i reluctantly went along staying a little too long in the bar opposite...But low and behold the wonder you can create with good lighting. A prime spot beautifully lit was my work looking very nice( better than expected) and this stupid crappy board so I'm avoiding all students and hoping no one notices.

And the Pencil lady has recieved my slate in the US ....Hoorah..and in one piece.

2007-02-23T11:47:00.000-08:00

This week has been all upsy downy,

ART-O-MATIC went well and we seem to be filling up for the next set of classes, the studio has never been so tidy.

F is getting better, but due to his snottyness i've been having to go out in the evenings to do the work to put in to the Beecroft. So this is my first night in.

Working on smaller slate bits to go on to etsy, but I'm carring out a shipping survival test, trying lots of varieties of packing to lots of far flung places.Really hope it works and the people like their slates.

I'm finishing the 2 large peices that have got the steel strips, which i'm pleased with but rusty metal cuts to fingers not good( I'm tetnused up).

I'm happy with the type of line in the batik,(thats the resist used on the leaf)but not so with the arrangement, the lines end abit blobby.

2007-02-08T10:53:00.000-08:00

Wow wee cavey What a week, first my arms went tingly when I bought this absolutely dogs belt from radcow on etsy, not being young enough or unfortunately rock chic enough for a cuff .I asked her to do me a belt and I'm so buzzing with the result http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=5169769 and shes one top bird to boot.. Thanks Iris Then sunday studio ALL day what bliss, 5 metre Peter the skull came into being with his smaller twin 2 metre Peter, I made them as try outs, for an etsy swap, sold the spare over night..... result. Art-o-matic is up and running so much to do so little time. Half term next week concentrating on Beecroft exhibition.... thinking big coroded circles on slate with resisted edges. Been to see my metal guy (not a robot)metal man as in someone who sells metal... give me food for thought. And on the same line doing workshop on edible sculpture got Mr potatoe head in my brain should be fun. Then I will breath and hopefully... sleep...aahhhh

2007-01-27T13:44:00.000-08:00

Today has been great spent the afternoon at the local photo gallery, working with a group of kids on a project we ended up calling Time Warped Family Album.

It was a 3 hour session which flew by .. no breaks....

Kids were brilliant and I did a page with their off cuts

2007-01-25T11:54:00.000-08:00

I seem to be spending so much time spent at my pc rather than in the studio, need to face the facts with two small kids it has to be this way, I could take them to the studio. It may result in some interesting art pieces.

Etsyhttp://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5036177 is going well made my first sale in 2 days but everyone seems so nice maybe there is a underground forum group that is there to slag you off.

Bought some bits check outhttp://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=102375 for some really quirky jewellery i've bought 2 lots. Andhttp://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5028856for the most imaginative jewellery and sculpture they both rock....!!!!! i think I'm 17 again

Got a smashing banner see below.......

J has used some of my drawings for a stamp which is really cool, seeing someone elses take on your stuff but looks good over on the artomatic blogg.

I'm abit annoyed at who ever nipped in at the last minute and stole my meccano on ebay and this is not the first but 2nd time but i'm not gonna give in, I will win in the end.Fancy making some books.

Also trying to source some interesting packaging.... more as the trail unravels.

2007-01-19T13:10:00.000-08:00

Wow.......... look at the possibilities. I'll not be able to sleep tonight.

Who would have thought that the favoured weapon of choice of a 6 year old girl against her big brother would hold such potential 30 years later

2007-01-16T11:36:00.000-08:00

I should be working in a circus....
Could never juggle but I'm having to learn really quick, Fletch is so good I keep forgetting I've got him saying yes to more work then being stuck for babysitting, thats the mum thing for you.

Got some nice projects coming up, a Rothko inspired piece using torn paper in a group home and hopefully if the course runs I want to put together an electronic sketchbook with the sketchbook course so far a really strong group but need to reach the lucky number 8 and I'm teetering around 7.
what will be will be.......
Going to try to make time to do the etsy shop front but hopefully tomorrow ( famous last words)

New working space feeling very fortunate as it could have been soooo much worse.....battery hens spring to mind...
Anyway ready for lots of new stuff......

2006-12-30T11:59:00.000-08:00

To anyone interested,

Here are some examples of my work, most of it is made from reclaimed slate or steel,the sizes range from 1 slate (approx 30 cm x 20 cm) to 9 to 12 slate considerably bigger and heavier ( you need decent walls for that one) anyway see what you think and comments would be welcomed.

2006-12-28T06:50:00.000-08:00

I enjoy the run up but it never quite lives up to the expectations. Sometimes chocolate cake is better to look at than taste, kinda how christmas is for me.

Any how onwards and upwards and sideways,

I've got a bit of a 1930's vibe going on at the moments bought some cool stuff and seen some even cooler stuff which i can just sit and quitely covet,

I think this may have abit of an influence on my work,( no one else may be able to see it) got a book on art deco book binding which is filling my brain ( how sad my life is)

Any way I've got full day in the studio tomorrow and Tuesday which should give me abit of a kick start. Need to start thinking of whats to be submitted to the beecroft exhibition, they're looking for recent stuff and Sketchbooks, mine which will be finished but may need it so may finish my Czech book just needs somework on the bindings.

2006-12-21T10:37:00.000-08:00

Busy Busy Busy

I 've come to a conclusion that too many artist have too much time to think let alone spoil the broth,

had a great day at spitalfields and came back just buzzing with ideas and inspiration,

There was lots of deja vu of clothes but some really nice little gem hidden in the heaving masses.

Working on my sketchbook like a mad women but a bit dissapointed when it was scanned as there wasn't the continuity and flow that i'd expected and the scanning seemed to bring that out for me. ho hum

Thinking alot about the outdoor possibilities and trying to come up with solutions to stop the wind pulling on the weakest points also think I need a focus and on the brink of some of the Bauhaus imagery and shapes, we'll see........

Next home for Christmas and the need for a bigger car

2006-12-10T11:59:00.000-08:00

At last I'm no longer exiled, for some reason I was locked out from here,

Todays been good
Progress being made with art o matic
Lots and lots of pages being created and big sheets being done
The angels went down well as did the slates
Shows how much i know wasn't going to bother taking them but very glad i did 4 months of studio rent paid tar very much.

2006-11-18T11:22:00.000-08:00

And then all of a sudden it came to me......... this is what I need/want ( i often get the two mistaken, funny it usually happens when i'm shopping) to be able to make money from the studio, the floors too dirty to be hired out for ballroom dancing so i need to put my brain, money and hands where my mouth is and get going. But I'm busy the textured can mirrors are going goooood, The slates are awaiting gilt lines The cards aren't going good indeed bit bad my precision isn't what it was. The angels are cute ( gag) Kids in nursery tomorrow so no profit infact its costing me, but my sanity will be on the up hay ho

2006-11-12T11:46:00.000-08:00

Blissful hours I honesty do love my children very much but 5 solid hours in the studio was a little piece of heaven. First I cleaned the sink this created the right sort of productive environment somthing which very rearly happens at home let alone the shared space of a studio. I then heated copper Made a frame, Gilded some slate, Sanded some beer cans, Went to Argos and bought a limbo pole which is musical no less( not creative but great anyway you look at it) Made up some dye, Painted some angels pink,didn't work more like HO HO HO angels Embossed some patterns then linked them together with crystals. And then to bed, happy in the thought there will always be a small messy space i can call my own!

2006-10-29T11:32:00.000-08:00

Someone has stolen one of my very precious hours, the clocks went back but not in my house we are in the limbo time of small children re ajusting. But I want it back. Anyway Creatively...... What I have achieved this week Made several dirty angels Cut out xmas trees and attatched them to bottle tops Cut out numerous circles in card Nailed beers cans to a frame Spent more money than I ment to Spent a lot of time looking for a burnishing tool still illusive The ideas are coming thick and fast but it's time that is the problem thats why i'm so pissed off at having it stolen. Going to the bathroom to sulk then back to the dirty angels

Things that I like

2006-10-18T13:22:00.000-07:00

Things that inspire me My dads shed, The chipped paint on my parents bathroom door ( I locked myself in sulking,.... mardy cow) The wallpaper behind my grandma's wardrobe, The process of aging on materials that aren't my face, The giraffe coming through the back window, Carole Lombard and Leigh Miller it changes daily, the ideas and the emphasis swapping, it can be difficult to keep track but I want to be doing stuff, sticking and gluing. Back track I've just had my 2nd baby boy and the creative impulses are kicking hard against the nappies and the sleep deprivation, the nappies will always win the messy fight that ensues but the arty stuff plays dirty getting into your brain and popping up when u least expect it .