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Solo Exhibition
As part of my creative career to now, I’ve been part of several group or collaborative exhibitions, done a residency, created several pieces of site specific art work, regularly run fusing workshops as well as general arts and crafts with schools and community groups, I stock my work in galleries and have decided to dip my toe back in the world of craft/artisan markets again.
But soon, I will be doing probably the biggest ‘thing’ so far – I have a solo exhibition coming up! It’s both exciting, but also daunting, to think that I have to fill a whole gallery space by myself..
Now, I can’t say it will make the slightest bit of difference to my blogging practices, as once again I’ve been neglecting this! But the last few days have seen lots of planning, a bit of testing, and lots of asking questions and looking for opinions – yes, it’s MY exhibition, but I want to get it right!
It will be, shall we say, an eclectic mix – samples of older and some brand new work, both recycled and new glass, some more functional style pieces alongside purely decorative display work as well as the thought provoking response led work I did during the residency last year.
This time though, instead of a bit of work in the war gallery, I have the WHOLE room (did I say this was a solo show??) – the Lally Gallery at the lovely Erewash Museum in Ilkeston. And it’s on for nearly two months.
It’s an amazing opportunity to showcase my work, and also a chance for me to reflect on all I’ve learned and created, as well as to share a little bit of my knowledge of the world of glass.
The next three weeks will probably result in very little sleep, lots of fretting, and hopefully, no breakages! Wish me luck….
This is where it all began…. -
New Class Dates at the Studio!
Have finally got around to adding some dates that I have been promising for ages!
There is a choice of several workshop dates for the full day, introduction to glass fusing, I’ve tried to add a range of weekdays and weekends. If there isn’t a date to suit you, please get in touch and if there’s enough interest, I will add more classes. All the sessions are down at Shed 2 Studios in Ilkeston, Derbyshire.
I’ve also added in a few taster classes – these are shorter sessions, around two and half hours long and differ from my normal classes in that no glass cutting is required. Pre-cut glass blanks will be provided and students will be shown how to decorate and embellish a sun catcher or small wall hanging with pre-cut glass shapes, frit, powders and so on. A great idea for younger makers, people with dexterity issues or simply not so much time. Also serves as an introduction to the world of glass fusing without committing to full day.
Dates for each listed below and there’s some samples below the Paypal button of makes by former students. If you have received a gift voucher, please get in touch directly to reserve a space on one of these days.
Sunday 22 July 2018 Introduction to Glass Fusing Monday 30 July 2018 Taster Session Saturday 04 August 2018 Introduction to Glass Fusing Tuesday 14 August 2018 Taster Session Sunday 19 August 2018 Introduction to Glass Fusing Thursday 23 August 2018 Introduction to Glass Fusing Sunday 09 September 2018 Introduction to Glass Fusing Some samples of work:
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Is it Hard to Find?
Never mind the Hard to Find Gallery! I need to think about my ‘hard to find’ new posts! No, there haven’t been any for quite a while.
I always have a fairly quite time early in the new year, but I could be using that time for a catch up – to tell you what I’ve been up to all these months (aside from buying new kilns of course)
So, my good friend Jackie, of Treehuggery, has just opened the small, but perfectly formed “Hard to Find Gallery” at her studio. It will display a selection of artwork and creations, including some of my fused glass work.
She’s already written a blog post focusing on my work, and you already know about me. Instead I will point you in the direction of this week’s featured artist, the lovely Karina Goodman who I met through Jackie a couple of years ago.
I am a proud owner of two of Karina’s artworks. One was a gift for an ahem, special birthday, and another limited edition print. I would happily adorn all my walls with Karina’s moody landscapes.
Check out the Hard to Find Gallery. And don’t forget to browse the Treehuggery collection of quirky artworks with stories to tell.
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Last Minute Makes!
Quite a few people have been asking me for workshops this autumn and winter, but the studio having a makeover, as well as a shiny new kiln to fire all my lovely students work in (and occasionally, some of mine!) – so with that, and other busy times in my world, I’ve been off the radar a little bit.
Unfortunately, the ‘re-model’ (that sounds a bit posh) hasn’t gone according to plan, and I am still waiting for some of my bespoke furniture units, so I don’t feel it’s suitable for a full fusing class just yet.
However, as a last minute dash I am doing some quick taster workshops next Sunday, 17th December, where you can make either a couple of decorations or sun-catcher – which you might want for yourself, or to give as a unique gift.
I’ll be doing two sessions which will both last for a couple of hours – 10.30am and 1.30pm start. There might be mince pies and mulled wine (non-alcoholic – we are working with glass after all!) and if you haven’t heard enough of them in the shops already, we’ll put on some seasonal sounds. We will be toasty warm, as I will have to new wood-burning heater going too (it’s a bit loud sometimes, earplugs optional!)
For this class, there won’t be any glass cutting – you will have clear glass blanks to work with, and can get your hands on my vast assortment of accessory glass to decorate them with. Please be aware you will be working with (what I call) raw edge glass – it’s been cut, but not rounded off. The class IS suitable for younger people, but any children must work alongside a responsible adult whilst they’re making.
The cost of the class is £10 and you can make three decorations or a sun-catcher. There will be an opportunity to make more pieces during the session for a small additional charge.
The pieces will go in the kiln during the sessions, which will be fired up at the end of the day, so everything should be ready for collection late on Monday onward.
As it’s so last minute, I won’t be putting this as an option to buy via the website, so if you want to book on, please contact me via the contact form or you can call or text me on 07971 423335.
Here’s my new kiln (still needing a name!) and some other students work ready to fire
