Monday 17 December 2012

Maker of the Week - Suet Yi Yip

Suet Yi Yip is a ceramicist based in Nottingham. She produces work with a simplistic charm.


Where did you train? What did training teach you and what do you wish it had taught you?
I trained at Nottingham Trent University. I learnt the use of different materials including wood, glass, clay, metal and resin in a degree course called Decorative Arts. If there is something I wish the uni had taught me, it would be the EQ I need to deal with art as a business. Is it something inherited or something we can learn? I dunno.

Is being a designer / maker your only job?
Yes, it is my only job at the moment. Before this, I worked in Hong Kong as an Art tutor (part-time) for 4 years, a shipping clerk for 1.5 years, a secretary for 5 months and an English teacher for 1.5 years. It’s a lovely blend of life experience more than work experience to me.

One favourite living designer?
Laura Baxter. Her work has warmth, which I don’t usually feel with other jewellery.


What is the most interesting / fun job you have had?
The work placement for Katrin Moye. It made what I like and who I am today. 

What item of design / craft do you covet most?
Shoes from Belle & Sofa in Japan. It’s not easy to find comfortable and beautiful shoes but Belle & Sofa has done a great job. Their shoes have characters through which people can see the greatness of craftsmanship. I’ve got a pair of casual shoes, now saving up to get another pair from them.

At age 16 who most influenced your style?
Nobody. It’s a dark age for me. I was lost in realistic-style watercolour paintings over that period of time. 

Last book / film that blew your mind?
'The Way Home', a Korean movie, is always on my mind.  

What music are you currently listening to?
Yiruma’s piano music.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
Somewhere close to hills and flowers, with a little barn house and my studio. It would only be in my dream.

Where and what is your studio?
It’s a home-based pottery studio in Nottingham.


Do you have a good work/life balance?
I think so.

What one word would describe your feeling of doing your work?
Real


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Sunday 9 December 2012

Maker of the Week - Daphne Krinos


Daphne Krinos makes original and distinctive precious jewellery with a graphic look.

Where did you train?
I trained at Middlesex University

Is being a designer / maker your only job, or do you have other employment? Jewellery making is my only job

One favourite living designer?
A designer I admire is Jasper Morrison for the simplicity of his designs

 

What is your most prized item of design / craft? My Ane Christensen wall piece in my kitchen. Favourite craft/design object: three bowls by Ane Christensen

At age 16 who most influenced your style?
When I was 16 I did not have a style that I can remember

Last book / film that blew your mind?Favourite book (at the moment) 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami. It makes me think I am living through a comic book and it takes me to another world

What music are you currently listening to?
Whatever my lovely sons burn on CD for me


How many hours do you waste on the internet each day?I spend far too long on the internet but I try not to do this every day

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?I would live in a sunny place, not too hot, but with a lot of light. Maybe in Greece if the country was in a better way..

Where and what is your studio?My studio is in Hackney, my favourite place in London



Do you have a good work/life balance?
I try!

What one word would describe your feeling of doing your work?
Bliss

 

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Tuesday 4 December 2012

Sarah Young Showing at TATE BRITAIN (on Friday)


Well, for one evening!

 Tate Britain will be hosting their first 'craft fair' as a Late at Tate event, to run in conjunction with the Pre-Raphaelite show.

Mihara Yasuhiro, Ophelia Has A Dream (detail) 2012
© Mihara Yasuhiro, with thanks to Paolo Roversi and WOW

'Explore the continuing influence of the Pre-Raphaelites on contemporary art, fashion and music
Expect a vibrant evening of performance, music and much more...'
42 Pots

Emily Peacock


One of my new tea-towels
More work on my Etsy shop

They are joining forces with Etsy, and there will be 10 makers at a table top show that will take place at Tate Britain, Room 1840, on Friday 7th December, the event starts at 6pm and runs until 10pm.
The craft fair will close at 9.30pm.

PapaTotoro
ImmortalLongings

ToviCorrie
The makers are:
EmilyPeacocktapestry.etsy.com Contemporary Needlepoint Kits
Narin Silk.etsy.com: Scarves & Paintings
Archives.etsy.com: Pewter Art
42Pots.etsy.com: Stoneware Pottery
ToviCorrie: Leather Accessories
PapaTotoro.etsy.com: Block Printed Homewares & Scarves
ImmortalLongings.etsy.com: Art & Stationery
SarahYoung5.etsy.com:Prints and Tea-Towel/Cut and Sew Kits
BunnysVintage.etsy.com: Bespoke Kimono Jackets
NicolaMascall.etsy.com: Miniature needlepoint

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Monday 3 December 2012

PALACE ART AND CRAFT FAIR - Deadline Today

The phrase 'no rest for the wicked' springs to mind as we finish up the paperwork for our three very successful Autumn shows and embark tomorrow on the selection for the revamped Palace Art and Craft Show.
The Palace Art and Craft Fair returns next year but with 2 very important differences. The dates have moved from the crowded Autumn period to May which we hope will enable us to make more of the beautiful setting (botanic gardens, walled Kitchen Garden and riverside walks) with the warmer weather and longer evenings.
We are spitting the fair between Art and Craft with 60 spaces in each section enabling us to pick the very best of each. We think that the inclusion of both Art and Craft will suit the area and make for a popular, busy and successful show for the South West of London.
Deadline for applications is today - apply online if possible

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Sunday 2 December 2012

Maker of the Week - Alice Shields


Alice Shields is a ceramicist making coasters, cufflinks & brooches decorated with transfer illustrations
 

 
Where did you train? What did training teach you and what do you wish it had taught you?
I did a BA degree in Three Dimensional Ceramic Design at Bath Spa University. My degree taught me that there is too much to learn about Clay! I wish it had prepared me a little more for the world post University and the reality of being self employed.

Is being a designer / maker your only job?
This is now my sole employment

One favourite living designer?
I really admire the ceramicist Edmund de Waal. I love the simplicity in his thrown work, his use of glazes and the presentation in which he displays his works. His vessels have a narrative and speak to each other.


One favourite historical designer?
I love the figurative Ceramics that came out of Staffordshire in the 19th Century. Most of the makers weren’t credited for their work unfortunately. I find the social and whimsical narratives very inspiring within my own work.

What is the most interesting / fun job you have had?
It wasn’t paid employment but I went to Honduras when I was 19 and worked on an Iguana station for a month. That was pretty interesting!

What is your most prized item of design / craft?
I picked up some beautiful ceramics last year in Morocco. I love the colours and patterns used in Islamic art and design. It also reminds me of the 3 hours spent at this Pottery and how bored my friends were as I tried to narrow down my selection.
 
What item of design / craft do you covet most?
An Edmund de Waal Vessel!

At age 16 who most influenced your style? I was heavily into drawing with pastels and pencils at school and I loved Edgar Degas.

Last book / film that blew your mind?
I’m just reading George Orwell's Down and out in London and Paris and I literally cannot put it down. Moonrise Kingdom was also a treat. Definitely Wes Anderson’s best to date.

What music are you currently listening to?
I have 6 Music on all day in my studio so whatever Lauren Laverne wants to play for me.

How many hours do you waste on the internet each day? Probably more than I should.
 

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
New Zealand because it is such a beautiful country. It is geographically so diverse and I
love walking and being outside. Whilst I am a big people watcher, there are more sheep than people which is quite nice!

Where and what is your studio?
My studio is at Bath Artist’s Studios, with a collective of about 60 artists. I share with two other Ceramicists and we are in a rather small space but we have room for a kiln, a couple of wheels and a few rickety tables and shelves.

Do you have a good work/life balance?
Having a balance is really important to me. Christmas will always be a really busy period for any maker so it is important to me throughout the rest of the year to make sure that I have weekends and evenings off when I can to see friends and do fun things to stimulate me and motivate me to get back in the studio on Monday morning!

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Friday 30 November 2012

Timbatree


 
Timbatree is a fun and environmentally aware alternative to the traditional Christmas Tree. It is a natural wooden tree without the messy hassle of falling needles. It takes about 5 minutes to build and then however long you would like to spend decorating it. A timbatree has all the decorative options of a traditional tree… and then some. We love the built in tea light holders. Prices start at £89.
 

 

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Wednesday 28 November 2012

Maker of the Week - Murray Marks



Murray Marks makes a wide range of Shaker kitchenware, mainly boxes, fruit carriers, etc. All are handmade in American Maple and/or Cherry, with lids of various woods, including burrs and specialist veneered tops. Murray trades as Marcovitch Shaker Box.

 
 

 

Where did you train? What did training teach you and what do you wish it had taught you?
After a lifetime in social work and an amateur interest in woodwork and furniture making I was able to develop my skills in retirement when I went to the USA to learn the art of Shaker box making with John Wilson, one of America’s foremost box makers, at his woodwork school (The Home Shop) in Charlotte, Michigan. John continues to supply almost all of my Shaker box materials.

Is being a designer / maker your only job? I am now making Shaker boxes and other Shaker ware almost full time.

One favourite living designer? Matthew Burt, based in Hildon South Wiltshire, is a furniture maker and designer whose work, both classical and quirky, I greatly admire.

One favourite historical designer? Frank Lloyd Wright. I have visited his house Falling Water in Pennsylvania several times and never fail to be amazed by his “organic architecture” - the way in which the house and its interior harmonise with the environment.

What is the most interesting / fun job you have had?
While at university I ran an adventure playground in Tiger Bay, Cardiff working with a group of children building all sorts of structures, dens and go-karts out of scrap timber, usually acquired from demolition sites. This would never be allowed today with all our Health and Safety requirements.


What is your most prized item of design / craft? A wonderfully creative freestyle embroidery done by a psychiatric patient from a long stay hospital in Somerset which shows the inner workings of her mind and a great sense of humour. 

What item of design / craft do you covet most? An original piece of Shaker furniture whether a chair, box or table.

At age 16 who most influenced your style?
Nobody! I was too busy doing my own thing and banning the bomb!

Last book / film that blew your mind?
Film – “The lives of others” about the Stasi.

What music are you currently listening to?
Jazz
 

How many hours do you waste on the internet each day?
No more than 30 minutes, if that.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
Very happy living here in Romsey Hampshire but with some more sun please!

Where and what is your studio?
I have a workshop at the bottom of the garden next to a small stream of the River Test.

Do you have a good work/life balance? Yes apart from when several shows are coming together when I worry about stock levels.

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




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Bursaries for Emerging Artists


Ideas Tap are currently running a bursary scheme with Sky Arts.

Through the SkyArts Ignition: Futures Fund, Ideas Tap are offering £30,000 bursaries and mentoring for five emerging artists aged 18-30 to fund their creative practice for a year. The Fund is open to applicants from the fields of visual arts, dance, performing arts, music and creative producing. 

The Fund is designed to help the winners to develop their creative practice and take their work to the next level. In addition to the prize money, winners will be paired with a mentor by Sky to help  develop their networks, skills and knowledge. 
 
For further information or to apply visit www.ideastap.com/futuresfund by Wednesday 19th December.  

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Tuesday 20 November 2012

Sarah Young - Fabric Kits

Sarah Young is showing 2 new fabric designs - (Tea-Towel/Fabric Kit) at MADE12- Brighton's Design and Craft Fair this weekend.



Hester the Hare.

Hester the Hare is a moonlit hare to one side, and leaps along under the sun on the other.

Hester is a silkscreen design on 100% cotton. It can simply be used as a tea-towel/dish -towel (wash at 40 degrees centigrade) or following the easy printed instructions Hester can be cut out, sewn and stuffed to make a bright, attractive child's toy or cushion.


Clarence the Lion.

Clarence the Lion's namesake was also cross-eyed and starred in a very old children's programme called Daktari.

Clarence is a silkscreen design on 100% cotton. It can simply be used as a tea-towel/dish -towel (wash at 40 degrees centigrade) or following the easy printed instructions Clarence can be cut out, sewn and stuffed to make a bright, attractive child's toy or cushion. 

All 6 Tea-Towels will be on sale from Sarah's space at MADE12 and are also available through the post from etsy

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Image of the Day - Alice Walton



Alice Walton Ceramics combines traditional themes with modern technique. Alice will be launching this new shrine Christmas decoration at MADE12.

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Monday 19 November 2012

MADE IN ENGLAND - Book Launch


As well as showing 4 or so hand-made bicycles from skilled UK makers. MADE12 will feature the book launch of MADE IN ENGLAND - The Artisans Behind the Handbuild Bicycle.

Made in England is a book by frame builders, about frame builders. It takes a unique look at the world of bespoke frame building by showcasing the artisans in England who craft these bicycle frames.




The authors, Matthew Sowter and Ricky Feather, travelled around the country along with talented photographer Kayti Peschke, to interview the people who are leading this industry. Each artisan shares their methods, their passion, their skills and their quirks. Through these intimate conversations they express what makes them unique in this international art. The book showcases exquisite photography of the frame builders and their working environment, contrasting the raw, rough workshops with sleek images of the beautifully finished final products.


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Maker of the Week - Sally Haysom

Sally Haysom is an illustrator who  loves applying her drawings to all sorts of hand made goodies, from jewellery to printed textiles and more.
Where did you train?
I studied Illustration at Falmouth in Cornwall and it was a wonderful 3 years.The main thing it gave me was time to explore my ideas, strengths and weaknesses.  It also instilled in me a good sense of the importance to the business side of things!  I do feel that it was a very narrowly aimed course however, and it could have made students aware that there is a much broader range of options available after graduating than pure, commercial illustration.  I tried to fit myself into this mould for 3 years before finally realizing it wasn’t for me and exploring other options.
Is being a designer / maker your only job?
My design work is now my full time occupation, although it has taken a lot of hard work and time to get here!
One favourite living designer?
I absolutely love the work of jewellery designer Helen Noakes.  She encompasses everything I love about high craft – brilliant technical skill, originality, beauty and fun.  The little figures suspended in resin have a narrative feel, suggesting a story or history behind each piece, and they are so beautifully set with her silver work.  For me they just stand out so far from most of the jewellery you see at craft events.  I covet every piece!
 
One favourite historical designer?
I will have to stray slightly from the designer here and go for an illustrator, as that is also a huge part of what I do, and has actually formed the larger part of my development.  I really like the work of traditionally fairy tale illustrators, such as W Heath Robinson.  The muted colours, magical scenes and romantic style – always beautifully executed and composed with an eye for pattern and design within the images.
What is the most interesting / fun job you have had?
My work being what it is, I don’t actually work on jobs for clients, but one of the last jobs I did for a client was the ‘Wow! Gorillas’ project run by Bristol Zoo.  For that project I, had to design and hand paint a life size gorilla sculpture.  I covered it with illustrated text, pictures and patterns about Bristol and gorilla conservation.  It was so much fun, and completely different from anything I’d ever done before.  I’d definitely do another one if I had the opportunity!
What is your most prized item of design / craft?
I have a knight in shining armour who I love!  It was a gift from my parents years ago, and to my shame I don’t actually know who made it – there is no mark or name on it – but he is a balancing ‘toy’ with a stand and he sits on it with just his hoof tips, and the weight counterbalances it perfectly so he just rocks back and forth on his horse!  It’s brilliant, fun and everyone who visits comments on it.  I will have to find out where he came from!
 
 
What item of design / craft do you covet most?
As I mentioned earlier, I am totally smitten with Helen Noakes’s jewellery, and that is next on my birthday list!
At age 16 who most influenced your style?
Blimey, that’s going back a bit!  When I was 16 I was really into painting and painters like Lucian Freud and Stanley Spencer.  I also really liked Paula Rego who had an element of fairy tale and symbolism in her work so maybe that’s where my love of fairy tales began.  But back then I was trying to paint in acrylics and oils and spent loads of time at life drawing classes working on my drawing.
Last book / film that blew your mind?
This question always makes my mind go blank....um....I read ‘Remains of the Day’ a little while ago and really liked that.  It was a quite, understated but insightful book.  Beautifully written.
 
What music are you currently listening to?
I’m getting quite into folk type stuff at the moment – Seth Lakeman is the current favourite.  I’m not really into DJ’s or electronic type music though, I like real instruments!
How many hours do you waste on the internet each day?
Waaaay too many.  Continual blogging, facebook and email checking.  I need to allocate it a time slot and stick to it.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
I’m a water baby and country girl at heart, so anywhere by the sea – either somewhere warm, or Cornwall.  I love Cornwall because I spent a lot of time there as a kid and then at Uni and there’s just nowhere like it.  It is, however, subject to the good old English weather, so I might go further afield to sunnier climes instead!...I quite like the idea of West Coast America.
Where and what is your studio?
I work from a home studio, which is currently in one end of my living room, but I’m moving house soon and will have my very own room!  It’s absolutely stuffed with equipment and materials. I love learning new techniques and skills, but each time I do it adds a new box of tools or supplies to the mess!
 
Do you have a good work/life balance?
Hmmm....that’s tricky.  I’m really trying to work a rough 9-5 day Monday to Friday at the moment, and giving myself evening and weekends off.  It’s just so hard sometimes to be disciplined.  I’d say my work/life balance could be better!
What one word would describe your feeling of doing your work?
Disbelief  (that I’m actually getting to do what I love full time!) 

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Saturday 17 November 2012

Image of the Day - Holly Berry

Holly Berry designs and makes woven textiles, celebrating tradition, colour, pattern and story telling. Her newest new piece, the HOLD wrap, will debut at MADE12.

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Friday 16 November 2012

Image of the Day - Karen Dell'Armi


Karen Dell'Armi creates bold, statement contemporary silver jewellery, which is lightweight and easy to wear. These Hope etched silver stacking bangles and lots more of Karen's work, will be shown at MADE12.  

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Thursday 15 November 2012

Handmade Bikes at MADE12

HANDMADE BIKES AT MADE12



This year we welcome our friends from Bespoked Bristol who will be showcasing various handmade bicycles from skilled independent makers in the entrance lobby at MADE12 

Bespoked Bristol is Britain’s foremost event promoting high quality hand crafted bicycles and takes place each April at Brunel’s old station in Bristol.


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Image of the Day - The Earring Cafe



These Birdy designs - inspired by a quirky 1920's necklace and a very entertaining half hour up in the treetops at Kew Gardens watching a deliciously little parakeet chattering to himself - are by Amanda Glanville at The Earring Cafe.. Amanda's beautiful glass beads and tiaras will be on show at MADE12.

 

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Wednesday 14 November 2012

Image of the Day - Naomi Flowers



Naomi Flowers makes visual and tactile hand-built non functional ceramic forms, created with interwoven layers of surface decoration. These are impressed and incised hand built stoneware vessels which are hand painted and overlayed with drawn/printed imagery. Naomi will be showing her work at MADE12.

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Tuesday 13 November 2012

Accommodation in Hove for MADE12 Visitors / Exhibitors



This beautiful home in Hove was featured in the October issue of Homes &  Antiques Magazine. The owner, Lizzie, is offering a double bedroom with breakfast for £60 per night, with free parking and wifi. The house is conveniently situated with good access to the A23 and A27 and is on the 5b bus route into Brighton for those wishing to avoid parking fees.

Address:
223 Nevill Road
Hove
BN3 7QP

Please contact Lizzie on 07879 883951 to make a reservation.


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