Our friends at Cardigan have got a one day only pop-up shop in Paint Pots by Brighton Station this Sunday They'll have a large selection of fashion accessories, cushions, wraps, cards and lots of other lovely Cardigan products.
Just look out for the dashing knitted seagulls in the window!
Thursday, 29 October 2009
CARDIGAN - One Day Pop Up Shop - SUNDAY
Maker of the Week - Sarah Elwick
Sarah Elwick graduated from Winchester School of Art in 2003 with a First class honours degree in Textile design. She then studied for an MA in Fashion Menswear specialising in knitwear at the Royal College of Art, London in 2005. Sarah now lives and works in Brighton where she runs her own knitwear business, which she combines with part-time lecturing in Textile Design.
One favourite living craft maker (and why?)
At the moment it's a jeweller called Sally Collins who I met at The Great Northern Craft Fair in Manchester where we were both exhibiting. She makes the most exquisite handcrafted jewellery using really unusual combinations of different metals, found fabrics, and extremely fine crochet that she does on a 0.4mm crochet hook. I find the attention to detail, and use of handcrafting techniques in her work totally inspiring.
What was the last art/craft/design thing you purchased?
A Sally Collins beautiful brooch! Although I didn't actually have to buy it as it was in exchange for some of my knitwear. The joys of craft exchanges!
At age 15 who influenced your style? Was there any individual who very much helped you on your way?
At age 15 I was really into the grunge look, inspired by Nirvana et al. The look consisted of second hand mens moth-eaten cardi's, stripey leggings or tights, and the obligatory Doc Martin boots, with ribbons instead of laces all year round. I don't think I wore anything else on my feet for about two years. I remember my granny being a bit surprised in the summer!
Last best read (book)?
Hmmm, I don't read that much, as I'm more of a doer. When I do it's normally some kind of 'how to' craft manual. I think it may well have been 'The Art of Macrame' which I'm still in the process of mastering.
Where and what is your studio? Do you work alone? In silence, radio?
I currently work from home, in an attic room. Work is always accompanied by music, either on the radio, or my rather eclectic collection of old records. Current faves are The Carpenters, and Paula Abdul.
What is your favourite (art) website (and why)?
I regularly look at a blog called Hula Seventy belonging to a photographer called Andrea Jenkins, based in Portland, U.S.A. I'm not quite sure how I originally stumbled across her blog, but over and above all the other art blogs I have looked at, I have found myself drawn back to hers time and time again. She has a knack for capturing the extraordinary in the ordinary, and has a great eye for spotting unusual colour and pattern combinations.
Surprising activity/hobby?
I don't know if it's surprising, but I love to dance. Tap, swing, jive, samba, I love it all. I must admit to flitting between different classes though, as I still can't decide on my over-riding favourite.
Do you have a good work/life balance? Are you able to switch off from art work?
I think I have a reasonably good work/life balance. I combine my own designing and making with teaching textiles at City College Brighton and Hove. I really enjoy doing the combination of the two, and think teaching helps to prevent you becoming stale as a designer, as it keeps you on your toes. However, I think that slightly obsessive tendencies go with the territory of being a designer. You never totally switch off from what you do, as you're always on the look out for new ideas and inspiration. I have recently joined a choir, which I absolutely love. It's one of the only times I switch off from my work completely, that and swimming.
What one word would describe your feeling of doing your work?
Vocation
Do you think art and craft has any real importance?
Of course. Human beings have an innate drive to create, and to communicate ideas with each other. If you find a medium you feel an affinity with, and can really express yourself through, that's a real gift.
What do think are crimes against good taste & decency in art/craft/design?
I don't really want to get personal about any other artists, or craftspeople, but as for design, there's just one word: Crocs.
Can you think of any 'stories' which might be of interest.eg have you travelled to research your ideas eg what did you do before you started your art career?
I did my research for my current knitwear collection at Winchester School of Art knitting reference library: www.wsa.soton.ac.uk. It's an amazing and inspiring resource of knitting patterns, books and artefacts from 1900's onwards, with private collections donated from Monste Stanley, Richard Rutt, and Jane Waller. I did specific research into Wartime and naval patterns to inform my accessory shapes.I could spend days there.
Sarah will be exhibiting and selling her work at MADE09 in November.
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Online Shop of the week - Seed
(Laura Thomas)SEED, was formed by Sinead Foley, who gave up her day job in Fashion to create this online gallery. SEED was established with the aim of providing emerging artists and designers with a unique, online platform to showcase their talent and to sell their early works. It gives like-minded consumers the chance to discover something new and different from some of the UK’s newest and hottest names.
(Anne Morgan)
(Sue Foley)
(Dayle Green)Click Here to Read More..
Mike Levy at Castor and Pollux
We went along to Castor and Pollux the other night to see owner Mike Levy's new exhibition. Best known for his ceramics with free sgraffito decoration featuring couples, mermaids and individuals frolicking and generally relaxing without their clothes.
We were intrigued when Mike said last year that he was building himself a print studio, buying presses and moving away (temporarily) from ceramics to make prints.
Mike has kept his spontaneous free illustration style he previously used on the ceramics. Most of his prints are monoprints made directly by transfering ink, from an inked surface directly onto the print by drawing on the back of paper, and shading by rubbing with a finger.
The results are fresh, lively and fun. As they are all monoprints (ie only one of them) they might not last too long so it's probably a good idea to get down there and have a look very soon.
Saturday, 17 October 2009
Present Day Printmakers
An exhibition of work by printmakers working today is coming up soon at the newly opened Emma Mason Gallery in Eastbourne. "Present Day Printmakers" will be an exhibition of new and recent work by printmakers who are represented at the gallery. There will be several pieces by each printmaker and the show includes three artists who have recently exhibited at the Brighton Art Fair; Sarah Young, Andy Lovell and Flora McLachlan.
There will also be work by Chloe Cheese, Vanessa Burroughes, Michael Kirkman, Ed Kluz, Jenny Portlock and Charles Shearer. There will be framed and unframed work - and it will all be on line too so if you cannot make it to Eastbourne you can still enjoy it!
Present Day Printmakers
31st October - 21st November
Emma Mason Gallery
3 Cornfield terrace
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN21 4NN
Gallery open Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10.00 - 5.00pm
Tel. 01323 727545
Monday, 12 October 2009
Mike Levy prints at Castor and Pollux
Opening on Friday, Castor and Pollux are showing owner Mike's mono prints and paintings.
There will be a number of them up on the website this week and you can email castorandpolluxart@mac.com for an invitation.
Thursday, 8 October 2009
The Midcentury Show in Bristol on Sunday 11th October
This Sunday 11th October The Midcentury Show will be in Bristol. This is the first time for the show to visit Bristol, following the success of the shows in Dulwich, London and De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill on Sea.
The Midcentury Show is a one day event where dealers and galleries show and sell their work - ceramics, furniture, glass, textiles, and art from the middle of the last century.
The Midcentury Modern Show
Paintworks
Bath Road
Bristol BS4 3EH
10.00am - 4.00pm
Entry £5.00 (children under 14 free)
Free Parking
To find out more about the exhibitors who will be there and for further details visit: http://www.modernshows.com/
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