Maker of the Week - Amanda Glanville

Amanda Glanville makes beautiful colourful lampworked glass beads in wearable jewellery designs and mini fascinators. Amanda trades as The Earring Café.
 

At what age did you know you wanted to become an artist / maker? 
I've always been torn between the performing arts and visual arts, so straight from University in the 80s, I aimed to get my 'dream job' in the theatre, quietly beavering away making jewellery in the wee small hours. Being a natural night owl, this wasn't all that hard!

I've always used beads in my work and years before the whole retro / recycling vibe became trendy, I was using antique beads in my work, and found myself specialising in Victorian and early 20th century glass. A chance ad in Crafts magazine about a one day glass beadmaking workshop in the wilds of Lancashire got me stated on my lampworking path. My interest in millinery was sparked by necessity - I've short hair and wear specs and was going to a wedding - most fascinators are too big. Again I'm mostly self taught but did a fantastic fabric dyeing and constructed textiles course with Bridget Bailey and really need to spend some Me time playing with fabrics.

Is being a an artist / designer your only job?
My 'bar job' is working in the Box Office in the Arts Centre where I got my original 'dream job', which was a bit weird at first, but is actually really fun. I also work on the occasional freelance arts marketing / copywriting contract for performing arts and village hall touring..

If you could be anything else what would you be?
Probably a copywriter, and if I was to be really hard-headed about it I'd be a commercial copywriter rather than working in the impoverished arts!

One favourite living artist / designer?
Wendy Ramshaw. Fantastic how her career just keeps developing. And I've always been completely knocked out by her stacking rings.

One favourite historical artist / designer?
Oooh, tough one. Probably the unsung heroes who designed Queen Elizabeth I's dresses and jewels,

Who / what has had most influence on your work?Winston Doull, the South African German-based beadmaker with whom I had my first beadmaking lesson.

What is the most interesting / fun job you have had?Working on window displays for The Body Shop in it's glory days in the late 80's was really fun, but I'd have to say you can't beat working for yourself. It can be frustrating because you have to keep bread on the table but it's worth it for those rare times when you're designing 'in the zone'. Also, for me, it feels like I've found my 'tribe' when I'm in the presence of Designer/Makers - we all talk the same lingo, and we may moan a lot, but we're definitely a 'tribe' that's much misunderstood!

What is your most prized item of art / design / craft?
Oh crikey, I've got a huge collection of glass beads by some really amazing internationally-renowned designers - some of which are technically astonishing, others have been made by complete beginners and are fantastic despite their imperfections. I think my favourite would be a flying saucer complete with alien, made by Paddy Bush (Kate's brother!)

What item of design / craft do you covet most?A Wendy Ramshaw stacking ring set. Any colour / size. I'm not fussed!

Last book / film that blew your mind?I've recently discovered Haruki Murakami (I've usually got at least 3 books on the go at once, but he made me put down the other two). I can't wait to read his latest.

What are you listening to?  I'm not great at keeping up with music so when I'm beadmaking I usually have Tom Robinson's 'Fresh on the Net' on the iPod to blitz myself with loads of new bands. I keep the iPod way out of reach so I can't easily turn it off!
I've always been pretty eclectic in my musical tastes, so happy to listen to anything except wail-y opera.
I always like to catch Nihal's Radio 1 show too. I stumbled on the show when it used to be on early Wednesday evenings, and the Asian/drum and bass/ ramped up bhangra stuff really floats my boat. And like most makers, good old Radio 4 is usually on (although I jump ship when Moneybox, You and Your's and Quote Unquote loom).

How many hours do you waste on the internet each day? 
Varies. As a Night Owl, it often expands into the wee small hours, but I'd say 3-4.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why? 
I'd have a house at Godrevy Point in Cornwall, one on the Isle of Lewis near my mate Annie, a bolt hole in London theatreland and another in Edinburgh for the Fest! No pressure!

Where and what is your studio?I rent a space in a friend's house (in her conservatory) where the melty glass stuff happens. It's on the same street where Edith Holden wrote Country Diary of An Edwardian Lady so you get a massive amount of varied wildlife, in a semi urban setting. I was once distracted from an important commission by a family of foxes playing by the pond!
I've also got a 'Beadroom' at home where I beaver away on designs muttering to myself. 

Three words that describe your feeling of doing your work?
Often surprised (and) delighted

Chips or mash?
I wouldn't be a true Glanville if I didn't say chips with far too much vinegar!

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Tibetan Art and Culture Exhibition - Brighton

The Tibet Society of the University of Sussex is organizing a Tibetan art and culture exhibition, in partnership with Tibet Society London, as part of the Brighton Fringe from Sunday 26th to Wednesday 29th of May. The exhibition is a celebration of Tibetan culture, and  explores just some of the personal and political implications of living in exile from an occupied country.

There will be free entrance to a mix of work from UK based Tibetan artist, Ugyen Choepell, art work by Tibetan children in exile from Dharamasala and Nepal (from NGO 'Art Refuge UK') and a photo exhibition of contemporary ceramic plates from 'Moving Universe' of words of solidarity with Tibet in 35 different languages.

In the evenings the event will offer a mix of films and documentaries with director Q&A's ('Little Tibet' and 'Escape from Tibet'), poetry, singing and talks.
Full information about all events can be found on the Tibet Society’s website:

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Palace Art and Craft Fair - Peer Prizes

With so many fantastic exhibitors at our shows, we always like to know what they think of each other! At every fair, we organise a Peer Prize, where we ask each artist / maker to vote for their favourite exhibitor.  Exhibitors are not allowed to vote themselves - although we did catch one 'rogue' this year - not mentioning any names!

At the Palace Art and Craft Fair each exhibitor voted for their favourite artist and also for their favourite maker.

Lauri Hopkins won her second rosette of the fair being voted as her peer's favourite artist.

 



Peter Archer won the peer's favourite designer / maker.

Congratulations!

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Maker of the Week - Andrew Oliver

Andrew Oliver is a designer producing from salvage, reclaimed furniture which explores form and function.

At what age did you know you wanted to become an artist / maker? 
As a young kid I just knew, so went on to chose every creative topic I could, GCSE art and graphics, AS monochrome photography, resistant materials, fine art NND art & design & contemporary crafts BA Hons.

Is being a designer your only job?
I'm a designer craftsman fine artist, all day all week, even in my sleep. :)

If you could be anything else what would you be?
A top food critic, pro surfer, or a space monkey! 

One favourite living artist / designer? Probably Richard Deacon, he does some amazing things with form and materials.

One favourite historical artist / designer?
Bit of a obvious one but Salvador Dali was an early inspiration, unique style and vision were captivating even if a bit hard to look at some times.
Who / what has had most influence on your work?
Great tutors through out my studies and trusting my own intuition. Looking to the world around me and trying to shape my reality with as much adventure and positivity as possible. Does an idea feel relevant enough to me to proceed, gut instinct, follow my heart type thing. Truly believe great thing's come from within, if you put the right fuel in the tank.

What is the most interesting / fun job you have had?
A 2 week work placement at Hot House Models and Effects, great team and fascinating project's. Huge scale commercial prop making for a shoot in an aircraft hanger sized film studio for a cold war style Tesco advert.   

What is your most prized item of art / design / craft? Probably my books and a hammered finish silver ring made by my good lady Corrinne Evans.

What item of design / craft do you covet most?
Well I'm a hoarder so any old rubbish really lol, but particularly bits of nice wood and old furniture.

Last book / film that blew your mind?
Fantastic Mr Fox loved the book as a kid. Fell over laughing at the film, visually awesome!

What are you listening to?
MR Johnny Cash, Walk the Line. Dum dada dum dada dum dum dum 

How many hours do you waste on the internet each day? Sometimes more than others, I do lots of bargain hunting for supplies, tools, and all things I can recycle. Also love it for research, reference and learning.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
A super yacht, or an air ship would be fun.

Where and what is your studio?
A converted pigsty on a farm, I turned it back into a pigsty when I moved in - lol

Three words that describe your feeling of doing your work?
Like running in a race or a really good stretch/yawn. 
Chips or mash?
Both with cheese on top!

 

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PACF - Shoppers

Look at these beautiful and very happy shoppers at the Palace Art and Craft Fair!! 

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Palace Art and Craft Fair Prizes - The Winners

Ceramic Review have awarded their Best in Show prize to Tony Laverick.

 

Kimberley from the magazine said , "We admire the sheer skill and resolution of his work, and feel that his vessels are exquisitely made. It was a difficult decision, however, as we also adore Agalis Manessi's characterful painted figures.

Madebyhandonline's Best in Show / Best Stand prize was awarded to Naomi Flowers and Peggy Poppleton's beautiful stand.

 

And finally, the Art Review prize was awarded to Lauri Hopkins for her beautiful paintings and collages.

 

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Image of the Day - Kevin Hutson

Woodturn Kevin Hutson creates delicate turned vessels - sometimes almost impossibly thin walled, or with an architectural or oriental feel.

Kevin Hutson will be exhibiting at the Palace Art and Craft Fair at Fulham Palace this weekend from tomorrow.

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Image of the Day - Luella Martin

Luella Martin
"My work has a strong personal narrative - the work is of the places that I know well and have visited often.
Recent solar etchings have also contained some iconic landmarks like Battersea Power Station which I was lucky enough to first encounter as a child growing up in London."

Luella Martin - River Walk, Solar etching

Luella Martin will be exhibiting at the Palace Art and Craft Fair with Webbs Fine Art this week

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Artist of the Week - Kyla Tomlinson

Kyla Tomlinson produces figures and portraits, expressed in oil and charcoal along with mixed media illustrations, She will be showing her work at the Palace Art and Craft Fair.
 At what age did you know you wanted to become an artist? 
It was something that seemed to come very naturally and it never occurred to me to consider anything else! And I am so grateful that it was a talent that was so strongly supported by my family. Cartoon and animated film soon became a massive interest for me, particularly the old classic Disney movies. I was fascinated by how the artists were able to bring to life “cartoon characters” with believable personalities and behaviours, portrayed with such a realism that took you beyond the belief that what you were watching was just a cartoon. 
The thrill for me was the possibility of being able to bring drawing to life-seemed like the perfect combination. So I set my heart on being a cartoonist, until I understood what the term “animator” meant!
Sketching regularly has been a constant training and I continued to develop this throughout my higher education studying both art studies and the moving image. This fascination with character, observation and animation, has stayed with me throughout my life. I have been lucky enough to combine the two by making a career from both animation and portraiture work.

Is being a an artist your only job?At the moment my full-time employment is as an animator, based in Dublin, working on a Disney production. Any spare time I have, I’ll work on personal projects which will vary between illustration, animation, concept development or commissioned work. I have had a varied career. As a freelancer my work is contract based and I’ve had the great fortune of working on many varied projects throughout different studios as well as teaching within higher and primary education.

If you could be anything else what would you be?An actor, dancer or musician. Although I have managed to somehow incorporate this into any spare time that I do have!

One favourite living artist?
David Shrigley, a brilliant, eclectic artist who has worked within drawing, photography, painting, sculpture, animation and m­usic. Best known for his bizarre, witty, humorous cartoons, I love his interpretation of character and his “unique” representation of life.

One favourite historical artist?There are so many, but in terms of portraiture, I always come back to Lucian Freud, for his artistic skill, technique and how he chooses to portray character. Somehow, he was able to create work that to me, never felt static, but luscious, tactile and full of life.

Who / what has had most influence on your work?
I had a fabulous art department at high school. I was extremely lucky. One tutor in particular introduced me to so many artists that I am still influenced by, Lucian Freud, Peter Howson, Jenny Saville, Egon Schelie, John Singer Sargent. But the tutors also instilled a real belief in who we were and how we were going to progress in an art career. It's mainly from these early influences that give me the drive and motivation to succeed. 
I've also always been inspired by those who I work closest to. I've worked with such a range of talented artists and filmmakers that it's hard not to!

What is the most interesting / fun job you have had?
I've had such a varied career between working in film and TV, exhibiting opportunities and teaching. It’s extremely challenging working as a freelance professional, but the risks that you sometimes have to take, always make it an interesting journey. And I’ve met some incredible people along the way.

What is your most prized item of art / design / craft?
A book I have with doodles that were drawn by my Dad’s mum when she was young, and also some of Dad’s woodwork disasters from school days, they have a certain amount of humour and charm to them. I move around a lot because of work, so unfortunately collecting art pieces just isn’t an option for me at the moment!

What item of design / craft do you covet most?This is more of a structure than an item-low impact housing, better known as “Hobbit Houses”! These are beautiful structures that are crafted from natural materials and built with great consideration to their surroundings. The simplicity in their design, eco-friendly appeal and visual charm make them unique and beautiful pieces of craft.

Last book / film that blew your mind?
The most recent thing I’ve been really excited by, is Derek, a TV sitcom written and directed by Ricky Gervais. Set in a care home, it follows the lives of its residents and their carers. A wonderfully written series which is both intelligent and sensitive, but more excitingly is very honest in its portrayal of character and drama. I find that so refreshing, especially in TV series where so often similar situations could be overly sentimental or clichéd. 

 

 What are you listening to?  I’m listening to a lot of contemporary indie/folk style music at the moment (Laura Marling/Anais Mitchell) as well as a good bit of stuff recorded from local trad sessions that some of my friends are involved in. I’m dabbling in a bit of singing/songwriting at the minute so I find this kind of stuff really inspirational.

How many hours do you waste on the internet each day?
I haven’t had a telly for years so often if I want a bit of non-brain action, I’ll visit the internet for a bit of nonsense watching. But I use it daily for a mix of radio, research, blogging and mailing. I am pretty good at keeping a lid on it though!

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
At the moment I can’t imagine permanently living anywhere, but if I could, I’d visit every country. At one point I did wonder if this was a ridiculous notion until I came across an article randomly, of a 33 year old from Liverpool who has recently returned after a four year adventure, managing to visit all 201 countries, without using a plane. So I’m not ruling it out.
I’d have a hell of a sketchbook by the end of it!

Where and what is your studio?
At the moment, my studio is where ever I am and whatever space I have at the time. As I move frequently because of my animation work, I have to make do, but I always have art materials with me so I can carry on working.

Three words that describe your feeling of doing your work? 
Mental but happy

Chips or mash?As a Scots lass, I much prefer mashed tatties! (But I’d still have a portion of chips on the side)

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Prizes at the Palace Art and Craft Fair

We are delighted to be able to offer the following prizes to our exhibitors later this week at the Palace Art and Craft Fair.

Madebyhandonline are coming along to the fair and will select their 'Best Stand / Best in Show' from the craft section. The winner will receive free membership of madebyhandonline for a year as a selected seller, with marketing on the site and social media, plus mentoring support and full merchant services.

Similarly, Ceramic Review will be joining us and will select a ‘Best In Show’ from the ceramicists exhibiting. Their winner will be featured in the magazine's 'Spin Off' pages in either the Sept/Oct or Nov/Dec issue.

We will be selecting 'Best in Show' from the art section of the fair. Art Review is kindly supporting this prize, and the winning artist will be given a free annual subscription to the magazine.

We would like to thank all our prize sponsors for their generosity.

We also always run a Peer Prize at all of our events. We ask each exhibitor to vote for their favourite exhibitor showing at the fair. We feel this is a very esteemed prize, as to be voted for by fellow artists and designers is highest praise indeed. At the Palace Art and Craft Fair we are asking exhibitors to vote for one favourite artist from the art section and one favourite designer from the craft section.

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Image of the Day - Joy Trpkovic

Joy Trpkovic "My handbuilt ceramic work is inspired by natural forms, marine or land based. Delicate translucent funghi, fossis and shells are catalysts for interpretation. I use the simplest tools - my hands, a wooden stick amd a scalpel to carve and pinch the clay to risky thinness.  Hand painted low fired lustres complete the works which have been high fired to 1260 degrees C in an electric kiln. The colours I use echo my early watercolour paintings.

Recent wall pieces reflect the dynamic of shoals and colonies as I arrange groups of small sculptures, enabling display - either wall hung or free standing. Light can pass through the perspex box frames which enhances the delicacy of the work.  New tall paper thin vessels take very translucent wrapped porcelain to risky narrow height"

Joy Trpkovic will be exhibiting at Palace Art and Craft Fair 16 - 19 May at Fulham Palace (This Week)

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Maker of the Week - Nicola Steel

Nicola Steel produces unique, hand blown glass. She will exhibiting at the Palace Art and Craft Fair starting Friday.

At what age did you know you wanted to become an artist / maker?
I got into glass by accident, I began my degree wanting to do metal work- but as soon as I met glass I was hooked and I knew it was what I wanted to do. Once I finished my degree, I was determined to understand more of the technical side of glass blowing and went on to train and work in a London studio for 2 years. I have been lucky enough to have had the opportunities to work with and learn from some amazing glass makers!

Is being an artist / designer your only jobThis year I am focusing on my work and business, but I have also started teaching glass which is really exciting and something I want to pursue!

If you could be anything else what would you be? If I could be anything other than a glass maker, I think I would love to be a chef!! I did once apply for Masterchef, but didn't get in so iItook it as a sign to stick with art!!

One favourite living artist / designer?
There are so many exciting glass artists around at the moment.. its so hard to pick one.. but I think I would say Jimmy Anderegg- an American artist. His work is amazing- the techniques and scale of the pieces are unbelievable, as well as beautiful! I met him at Pilchuck and watched him master paper thin stem wear in 2 weeks as a complete contrast to his normal style- so talented!

One favourite historical artist / designer?
Umberto Boccioni has always been my favourite artist. I love the futurist movement as a whole- but his work in particular has always stood out to me and been an influence on my work. I like the movement and dynamism in his art, as well as colour use - so important!

Who / what has had most influence on your work?
The material itself - glass has so many properties and qualities that can be used to make such exciting things happen in a piece. As you have direct contact with it in its molten state, the possibilities are endless. Exploring and pushing techniques has the biggest influence on my work at the moment.

What is the most interesting / fun job you have had?
Teaching a weekend course at the glass hub! It was great to work with people who wanted to learn and see them progressing! Had a great time and hope to be doing it more!

What is your most prized item of art / design / craft?
A painting by a Manchester based artist called Superdead- I arranged to buy it in 2005 after seeing it in a exhibition in a bar - but when I walked past one day it was gone. It turned out the manager had sold it to a woman on the spot and not told him- I was so sad, but he painted me a new one which was even bigger. I was so happy then!

What item of design / craft do you covet most?
My own studio!

Last book / film that blew your mind?
There but for the by Ali Smith  - a crazy book!

What are you listening to?
Elliot smith

How much time do you waste on the internet each day?
Maybe about one hour... bit scared of computers!

Where and what is your studio?
At the moment I am doing my masters at Wolverhampton Uni so I work mainly from that studio.

Three words that describe your feeling of doing your work?
Passion, excitement and commitment

Chips or mash?
Chips!

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Image of the Day - Kristjana S Williams

​

Kristjana S Williams creates magical landscapes, filled with impossible, exotic creatures by interweaving fragments of Victorian engravings with contemporary illustration and colouring. Icelandic born and a graduate of Central St Martin’s, Williams’ illustration work spans the worlds of fashion, homeware and prints and has gained widespread critical acclaim.

Kristjana will be exhibiting at the Palace Art and Craft Fair at Fulham Palace 17-19 May (This week)

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Government think that Craft is mere manufacturing rather than a creative industry.

The Department for Culture Media and Sport have announced proposals to change the definition of what is a creative industry. Craft apparently is not but is manufacturing. It might seem a minor governmental statistical thing but it could potentially have major implications for funding, esteem and support and feels like a kick in the teeth to what is a huge and undervalued creative sector.

See Guardian article here
See DCMS proposals here

There is an e-petition which in a week has already attracted 12000 signatures showing that people do value Craft as a creative industry whatever the Department believe.

Feel free to sign here

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Image of the Day - Velvet Zoe Ramos

Velvet Zoe Ramos will be exhibiting at the Palace Art Fair, Booth 4, with Renée Pfister Art & Gallery Consultancy

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Palace Art and Craft Fair - 241 Offer

The Palace Art and Craft Fair at the very wonderful Fulham Palace opens to the public on Friday.

We'd like as many lovers (and buyers) of art and craft to come as possible as we know it's going to be a fantastic show in a fantastic venue. We have a 241 offer available which means everyone can bring a friend for free! Just fill out this form before Monday and we'll send you a 241 voucher.

If you'd like to come to the Private View on Thursday Evening 6.00 - 8.30 (Glass of wine, live band and first pick of the best of the art and craft) we have some tickets available here

Hope to see you next weekend.

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Art, Craft, History, Gardening and Gin! - Fulham Palace 17 May

If you're coming to the Palace Art and Craft Fair for our late night on Friday 17, you can also "Take part in the the international cultural festival, Museums at Night, at Fulham Palace!

Join us after hours to enjoy a Walled Garden inspired cocktail by the Gin Garden, try on period costumes, take a mini tour of the museum and garden, and listen to live music while relaxing on the terrace overlooking the lawn.  You can learn a little about Fulham Palace history too!
Free, no booking needed."

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Maker of the Week - Alex Allpress

Alex Allpress is a ceramicist producing earthenware and stoneware sculptural and innovative 'kitchenalia'.  He will be showing his work at the Palace Art and Craft Fair.

At what age did you know you wanted to become an artist / maker?
18 - I did ceramics at school, but I applied to Chelsea Art School, as I wanted to always go there: but Camberwell was where I belonged with ceramics as my first subject. But as soon as I went to Camberwell for my Foundation I loved it and knew what I wanted to do and that is where I met my wife too. Ee now have 3 kids together and that was in 1995.
Is being a an artist / designer your only job?
YES it is now, I have just had twins and my time is shared between teaching pottery, making work, showing and looking after twins. It's an insane life!

If you could be anything else what would you be?
Architect

One favourite living artist / designer?
Hélène Lathoumetie - her work is just amazing, delicate, perfect.One favourite historical artist / designer?
Henry Moore - I love looking at his sculptures, the size and public art. I think good art should be everywhere for everybody.

Who / what has had most influence on your work?
Lucie Rie / Hans Coper

What is the most interesting / fun job you have had?
Working at Manta Ray a set building company - we did the MTV music awards
and designer Paul Smith's windows in Covent Garden. It taught me a lot about presentation.

What is your most prized item of art / design / craft? 
Our Hélène Lathoumetie tea bowl. We wanted to buy a teapot and more but maybe next time. We saw her work at Art in Clay and she won the exhibitors award that year as her entire stand was stunning!

Also Goulds Pottery if you don't know their stuff you should really look it up: the stunning Catherine Gould died tragically this month - she was amazing. After travelling when I came home and had loads of ideas and hadn't thrown for ages, she re-taught me loads of cool stuff on her wheel: she and her husband Bruce Gould are an inspiration and we miss her.

Also a print done by my wife while she was working in Barcelona - I love it and she's not allowed to sell it - it's in our bedroom. It's great being married to another artist.
What item of design / craft do you covet most?
The potter wheel

Last book / film that blew your mind?
Searching for Sugar Man. Great music who knew? Now we all do.

What are you listening to?
Rodriguez

How many hours do you waste on the internet each day?
Too many. An hour or 2  - sad isn't it!

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?Thailand - South, maybe Koh Chang - love the sun, beach, food, life style. Make work, have the kids be free and swim everyday. Feed the fish, go scuba diving have a sailing boat!

Where and what is your studio?
Newbridge on Wye in the heart of Mid Wales, an area known as The Marches. Full of Hills and valleys. Our house is right on the Wye, our kids play on the stony beach all year round -
it's spectacular!

Three words that describe your feeling of doing your work?
AWAY from the kids, peaceful, happy

Chips or mash?
Chips with ketchup!

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Artist of the Week - Talia Lehavi

Talia Lehavi produces Contemporary water-pigments, Japanese ink paintings and monotype prints. She will be showing her work at the Palace Art and Craft Fair.

At what age did you know you wanted to become an artist?Ever since being a little girl, collecting falling needles and watching my grandma, who was a seamstress, from under her sewing machine making beautiful dresses and wedding gowns..

Is being a an artist your only job?
I also teach Japanese Ink Painting and Calligraphy which is another passion of mine.

If you could be anything else what would you be? A pianist or a dancer

One favourite living artist / designer? Fabianne Vardierre - the beauty of her line work, the scale of the paintings, and the sheer dedication and passion and determination that is in it.

One favourite historical artist / designer? Soga Shohaku - Fantastic, original, genius.

Who / what has had most influence on your work?
The two above

What is the most interesting / fun job you have had?
Working in an Asian antique shop, handling arts from 4000bc to today, and meeting the people who collect them.

What is your most prized item of art / design / craft? An 18th C. Japanese scroll depicting the after life, all in gold leaf and refined colours.

What item of design / craft do you covet most?
Anything with gold and pearls

Last book / film that blew your mind?
The Language of Flowers / Vanessa DIffenbaugh

What are you listening to?
Eidan Raychel

How many hours do you waste on the internet each day?
Not a great fan of technology.. prefer to work away at the studio..

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
Just where I am

Where and what is your studio?
My studio is in Belsize Park, North West London, I love it, it is the heart of where I work.. facing an old neglected garden, with two foxes who inhabit it.. a few cats and a dog.. we are all happily working away.

Three words that describe your feeling of doing your work? Silence, flow, love

Chips or mash?
Chips in summer, mash for winter..

 

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Image of the Day - Rozanne Hawksley

Internationally acclaimed fine artist Rozanne Hawskley, who's works often combine poignant found materials - a faded glove, a lily, a photograph or fragment of chiffon to make a powerful, reflective point. Rozanne Hawksley will be exhibiting at the Palace Art and Craft Fair presented by Renée Pfister Art & Gallery Consultancy.

Rozanne Hawksley
Pale Rider, 2008
Glove
Cream silk, lace, leather, lined with cream silk,
glass beads and small chicken bones
H180  mm x L530 mm x  D310  mm

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Maker of the Week - Corrinne Eira Evans

Corrinne Eira Evans makes contemporary jewellery inspired by Victorian botanical prints. She will be showing her work at the Palace Art and Craft Fair.
At what age did you know you wanted to become an artist / maker?   Ooooo I seriously don't recall deciding, I just knew from an early age there was no other interest or passion for me. I knew I wanted to be a contemporary jeweller at secondary school I had a fabulous and enthusiastic teacher. I then went on to do a ND BTEC at Plymouth College in Applied Arts skipping A levels. Here I graduated with a distinction and top student of the year; I just enjoyed myself so much. I moved to Birmingham and studied at the School of jewellery a HND just after my 18th birthday and then finalized with a BA (Hons) at Falmouth in Contemporary craft. To be honest I don't think I wanted to leave studying as it was just a play ground of ideas and experimentation.

Is being an artist / designer your only job?
I have another job to keep me from going insane working by myself. I work in a small family run jewellers in York called Palenque. I love it as it keeps me within reality and love the girls that I work with.

If you could be anything else what would you be?Fashion designer, cake tester or Olympic swimmer I think

One favourite living artist / designer?
Nora Fok! I think her work is amazing. She takes a long time to create her pieces making them beautiful spectacles that you can look at for hours and from different directions they give off different qualities.

One favourite historical artist / designer?
William Morris. I know he's a classic but again attention to detail, his methods and morals of creating art are what I feel they should be. Putting all ones passion and love into each piece without monetary values attached. Resulting in amazing art works that last and fascinate for years.

Who / what has had most influence on your work?Hmm that's a tough one. I've been passionate about jewellery since forever, influences through the years that stand out have been, Peter Chang, Kandisky, Nora Fok, Cornwall country side (where I grew up) & nature/botanical prints has a huge influence of my current works.
My family was a massive influence with my dad as a droughts man and mum as a textile artist, uncles being lino printers & painters, my auntie as a jeweller and my grandparents as blacksmiths and amazing drawings and studies. So I guess I was born to it really

What is the most interesting / fun job you have had?I was a cider & apple juice maker and labeller for about 3 years in between university studies and loved it. Working in a barn and out doors with really fun summertime staff I had a whale of a time. I also got to design their apple juice packaging which ended up winning the best illustrated packaging of the year in the South West award which was amazing!

What is your most prized item of art / design / craft?
Apart from my partner Andrew Oliver, who's art work is amazing, (we have one of his crooked lamps in our hallway which I cherish), I think it has to be my Nora Fok bangle, I love it as I admire her work so much and it's a limited edition. It was also a present from my parents which just adds to its value for me.

What item of design / craft do you covet most?
It has to be jewellery!! I'm a huge magpie I have a massive jewellery collection of lovely artist’s work which I collect when I do an exhibition. From Jessica Hewitt, Barbara Macdonald & Porte-Bonheur de Woollies, to name a few.

Last book / film that blew your mind?
Film: This has to be Avatar. It was the first 3D film I saw and the graphics & colours blew my mind.
Book; Actually The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory. I'm not very good with history but love period dramas and fascinated by the social elements of history. It was so well written and extremely gripping, definitely worth the read.

What are you listening to? 
Jonny Cash!!! I love it. I think it's because my partner sings it so well, such a talented boy! I'm also into Grizzly Bear which my brother, Euan, bought me for Christmas and always a bit of Kings of Leon thrown in there.

How many hours do you waste on the internet each day?
Probably a couple of hours I expect. Flicking through Facebook, liking things and Ebay being seduced by juicy gems!

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why? 
If teleportation was available and money was no object, I would probably live on a remote island somewhere maybe off New Zealand, lovely and warm. Teleportation would be ace; you could go for tea at your parents in England and then nip back to your remote island the next day!

Where and what is your studio?
My studio is very fortunately our spare room at home in York, North Yorkshire. It's amazing I just roll out of bed, get a coffee and get to playing with metals and gems, fantastic!

Three words that describe your feeling of doing your work?
Ecstatic, excited and fun

Chips or mash?
Ooooo chips every time! Thin & crispy!!

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