Autumn and thanks

The weather is turning here, the temperatures are rarely higher than 17-18 degrees during the day and the mornings and evenings are really chilly.  Leaves have started turning colour and falling.  Autumn is coming.  I love the colours and the coolness - just wish I could keep the light.  I miss the light during the days.

I have to say a BIG thank you to everyone who has sent a message or left a comment wishing me well.  The worst is over but I am left feeling like a wrung out rag.

Janice was correct to say I've taken 2 steps forward and 4 back this year.... certainly feels that way.  It all seems to have gone downhill since the cancellation of Andalusia in April. 

So the next few months must be recovery and planning for 2011.  Yes, 2011.  I've just a few teaching commitments left in 2009 and a few for 2010 but in 2011 I am at the Loch Lomond Quilt show in April and Pebbles Gallery in November.  I'm also going to try and arrange one more exhibition locally during that time.  So that's 18 months to rest, recover and make new art.

Here are some pictures of the studio as it was left last week - all that was required was the hanging of the new textiles pieces and photographs. 
These are not "arty" pics - just taken yesterday and the light was limited. 

 

 

Studio closed reminder

Studio is closed

Helen has suspected Swine Flu

So sorry for any disappointment – she is disappointed too.

That's the wording on my poster for the end of the drive.

Just wanted to remind everyone not to come along on Fri -Sat - Sun as I am unwell.

Energy has gone, everything aches, food is not staying where it should.  Keep away!

I do worry though, that some poor soul will come and be disappointed.

I feel so guilty for letting people down.

Important - Cancelled Open Studio

It is with REAL regret that I am writing to let everyone know that the studio open day is cancelled. 

I am strongly suspected of having the dreaded swine flu and can only just drag myself out of bed.

I am as disappointed as those who might be planning to visit (after months of work and preparation) - but you really don't want to meet me this week!

I do hope no one turns up with a wasted journey.

Helen

Guest blogger

Today we have a guest blogger to entertain you. 
Here he shows his latest work, all designed and stitched by DS himself. 

Isn't it just wonderful?

Festival of Quilts

I managed to make it to the Festival of Quilts - just.  I hobbled around very slowly and I'm still recovering.

I always get drawn to this shop.  I've never been to Africa but I do have a fascination for it - the culture and the mark making in the arts and fabrics.

I came away with one of these (this is off the web site I haven't unpacked mine yet). 
I'm going to get some more of this Indigo wax print fabric and do something but I'm not sure what yet.  I want to play - with no rules and restrictions.  You can see the wonderful African fabrics here.

The SAQA stand.  Shall I start my membership again?  (I let it lapse for a while).  I'm waiting to hear what's going on in Europe (and the UK especially) before re-joining. 

I do love this fabric but resisted the books as I know I would never get around to making them.  Well......maybe I should sometime if I like them enough. 
I find it hard to follow someone else's designs when I've been trained to create original artwork.

Glendale Show 2009

Every August Bank Holiday the Glendale Show is set up - the largest in north Northumberland. 
For us its just a walk across the fields (well for me a very slow walk hanging onto Ian).

Of course it's mainly about tractors...

and sheep... (and discussions about sheep)...

and who has the largest leeks...

For us it's also about entering and taking part...

But lets not forget the Sloe Gin, owls and, for DH, motorbikes...

I love seeing the beautiful flowers...

 

EG Northern Region Summer School 2009

 Landscape Impressions

 

 

What a great class they were.  They worked really hard for three days and produced wonderful work.

Thanks for the flowers and the token girls, much appreciated.

If you are interested in joining the Embroiderers Guild in North Northumberland there is a branch in Alnwick - meeting on the first Saturday of the month.  Drop me an email or leave a comment if you want more information.  Being a member of the guild gives you a monthly meeting with either a speaker or a workshop and you are entitled to attend these regional summer schools.

The Count Down begins ......

 

Can it really be 1st September?
It is?  Really?  So only 11 days to go. 

Come along if you can....

Paintings, textiles, jewellery

Textile supplies

Look for signs for the Art Trail and Crossing Borders.
We are just off the A697 south of Wooler, plenty of parking.

Getting ready for the Open Studio

Getting the brushes and oil paints ready...............

Selecting colours - a refined limited palette reflecting the moods of the Cheviots.

Working large and small.......

Preparations

The image below tells you something about the day..... rain, lots of rain (and that the grass needs cutting!)

 

So what am I working on?  Well it's a bit hard to show you everything as I want to keep some things as a surprise for the Open Studio and also for publication.  It's a balancing act sometimes.  I'm only managing a few hours a day too due to lack of energy - frustratingly horrid when I want to get on and work. 

Let me show you the fabrics...... hand dyed silks, rayon and velvet. 
Nothing dyes like silk.  Nothing gives wonderful implied texture like silk.

The Artista has been busy "printing out" some designs for me.

More texture - I'm checking to see if prepared panels and canvases are ready to paint / gesso.

My baby is growing up

Well the little boy is now 9 years old.  I still remember bursting into tears when they first showed him to me.  He was wrapped up in a white towel with just his little head showing.

I couldn't cuddle him much as I was lying flat during a C-Section.  Then he went to special care almost straight away.  I didn't see him again until 24 hours later and felt very detached from him

("Baby, what baby?... oh that baby... did I have a baby?...it wasn't a dream then?
......guess he must be mine.")

It was all very surreal and I would try to have things happen differently if I could do it all again.

Keep calm...............

 

Just what I needed.  Perfect.

I got mine from here.

Portfolio is published

A note to let you know that I have published a Portfolio. 
Its a snapshot of my work - textiles, photographs and paintings.

You can find it here on Blurb.  Its available for £13.95 ($28.10) plus shipping.

I'll have some copies for sale at the Studio Open Day (11th, 12th, 13th September 2009, 10am-5pm)

If you go to blurb you can see a preview of the first few pages. 
I'm really pleased with it and its really cheered me up.

Summer holidays

The summer holidays are really here now and the weather is being good to us. 

We started with a trip to Pauline Burbridges studio...... not a lot new, few smaller pieces pinned to the wall with no proper edgings for £300...... 

 

Meanwhile back in the studio..... I finally attached the BSR for the first time.  Its going to take some getting used to..... I seem to be neater without it.

And a sneak preview of some new work coming along.  Yes its grey, don't alter your monitor.

Yes I know, no colour.  What NO COLOUR!  Well actually its grey with a hint of purple.... of course :)

I am thoroughly enjoying having DS at home.  He is at a wonderful age.

Thursday we took a trip to Lindisfarne (Holy Island).  I have never seen it so busy!  Northumberland is becoming more popular I think.  Shush, should I tell you all how beautiful it is?......

Its billed as the "Secret Kingdom" and I'd very selfishly like to keep it that way please! 

Here we are at the top of the Castle.

Here's the castle and in the centre of the picture on the horizon you can see Bamburgh Castle.

View from the castle.  Look at the number of people!

We stopped for lunch on Lindisfarne on our "secret beach".  This is just 3 minutes drive from the village centre.  Can you see the sea in the distance?

Look at complete lack of other people - fantastic! 
Who needs to be abroad when England can be this beautiful with such beautiful clean and warm beaches.