Monday 28 February 2011

Pick Me Up at Somerset House



Coming soon is the second Pick me up at Somerset House in their embankment galleries. The show made it's debut to great success this time last year, featuring contemporary graphic designers both home grown and from further afield.
Taking residency for the exhibition's duration is Anthony Burrell, along with long-time collaborators, producing work on location.
Other contributors include Print Club London, Jack Featherstone, Paul Plowman and Ian Stevenson.




See a list of graphic artists selling at the show
http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/visual_arts/pick_me_up_2011/1316.asp



Book for workshops, artists demos, stencil making and paper modelling.
http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/visual_arts/pick_me_up_2011/default.asp
Open 17 -27 March 2011

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Tuesday 15 February 2011

Outsider Art at Kings Place, London


Exhibition at Kings Place (new Guardian building) - 22nd March–1st April

A dazzling collection of works by contemporary outsider artists will be shown at the new Guardian offices and galleries at Kings Place.
Curated by The Bethlem Gallery, artworks have been provided by Creative Future, The Otherside Gallery, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and Bethlem Gallery itself. The exhibition will be a taster for the forthcoming IMPACT ART FAIR and launch the Fringe Arts Programme, a London-based initiative established to showcase artists marginalised through reasons of mental ill health.

Venue: Guardian Gallery, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9GU
Dates: 22nd March–1st April
Times: Open every day - 10am–6pm
Preview: There is an open invitation to attend on Wednesday, March 30th 6.30-8.30pm

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Wednesday 9 February 2011

Maker of the Week - Snowden Flood

Snowden Flood is an interior accessories designer based in London. Her work celebrates urban and rural landscapes through an ongoing exploration of the theme of souvenirs and keepsakes.

One favourite living craft maker.
I like Pieke Bergmans, wonderful inventive, imaginative and slightly anarchic use of materials

What was the last art/craft/design thing you purchased? What one product/item do you really covet?
I buy things constantly from Etsy and ebay! Last thing I bought was a gorgeous 1950's Scandinavian cheeseboard for my boyfriend for Xmas, hope he doesn't read this! I have always coveted Paul Frankls Skyscraper chest. It's from the 20's. I think I might need another mortgage though!

At age 18 who influenced your style? Was there any individual who very much helped you on your way?
At 18 I was working on the London markets making and selling my own clothes and earrings. I'd done a work experience scheme at Winchester School of Art and was inspired by the students I made friends with. I would never have gone to art school otherwise as my art teacher at school told me I'd "never be good at art"!

What’s currently on your i-pod, cd player, tape recorder?
I listen to music nonstop so a wide variety. But here's some things I've listened to today; The National, Everything Everything, The Coral, Wild Beasts, Bombay Bicycle Club, Gil Scott Heron, Elliot Smith, Doves, Joan as Policewoman, Jolie Holland, Arvo Part. Oh and of course - my brothers new album - Hedonism by Bellowhead!


Where and what is your studio?
Brixton Hill, in my house. I need to move because I need more space!

What is your favourite (art) website?
The American Folk Art Museum! I LOVE it and used to go there lots when I lived in NY, it's not far from where I used to work, beautiful building and wonderful collections. Right next door to MOMA. I've been very inspired by the works in that museum over the years.

Surprising activity/hobby?
Triathlon and accordion playing.


Do you have a good work/life balance? Are you able to switch off from art work?
No it's rubbish. I work all the time, I think that moving to a separate studio will help me alot! But I think about my work all the time and wake up in the night to make notes and sketches of things.

What one word would describe your feeling of doing your work?
Possessed!

Do you think art and craft has any real importance?
Absolutely! I think it's very important indeed which is why humans have been making marks since we lived in caves!


What do think are crimes against good taste & decency in art/craft/design?
Invariably the things produced to make a quick buck, a cynical short-cut, cheap copies of the things that someone put love and care into (B&Q Tom Dixon lights for example).

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Tuesday 1 February 2011

Maker of the Week - John Plater


J0hn Plater is a woodturner who works from his home in Brighton producing beautiful vessels.

One favourite living craft maker.
Apart from me, Bert Buri, Sussex Guild Cabinet Maker, nice bloke and lovely work.

What was the last art/craft/design thing you purchased? What one product/item do you really covet?
A pencil drawing from John Amos, local artist. Possibly a bigger lathe and somewhere to put it, so that I can be incompetent on a grander scale !


At age 18 who influenced your style? Was there any individual who very much helped you on your way?
At 18 I was in Teacher Education, the woodturning came later and self taught. Influences are varied but all reflect honesty of design and construction and truth to materials.

What’s currently on your i-pod, cd player, tape recorder?
Muse, Katie Melua and Bryan Adams.

Where and what is your studio?
A shed in the garden at home.



What is your favourite (art) website?
http://www.societyofdesignercraftsmen.org.uk/. A quality site, full of interest.

Surprising activity/hobby?
Landrovers.

Do you have a good work/life balance? Are you able to switch off from art work?
Yes, coming late to design/craft as a “second career” has helped to keep a perspective.



What one word would describe your feeling of doing your work?
Joy.

Do you think art and craft has any real importance?
For me yes, for others – “…in the eyes of the beholder”. They are a significant part of life’s rich tapestry, offering spiritual and cerebral solace.


What do think are crimes against good taste & decency in art/craft/design?
I find conceptual stuff difficult to cope with and dislike elitism.

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