-
Focus On Good Things
This morning, I had a little trip into Nottingham. I went to the Focus Gallery at the top of Derby Road, Canning Circus. I took along a *few* pieces to see which the lovely Antonia would like to display, and she chose them all!
I am very pleased, and very excited, to now be stocked by this gorgeous gallery. It’s been closed for a few weeks for much needed and very long overdue (and long promised) maintenance. They re-open this Wednesday. The overhaul looks great, Antonia and her staff, friends and family have done a brilliant job. Along with long standing artists and makers, they’ve brought in a great range of new creatives as well.
If you don’t know about the Focus Gallery, you’re missing a gem. Established in 1971, it’s Nottingham’s longest running independent gallery. You will find a wide range of cards, gifts, jewellery, art and much more – oh, and you can usually park right outside (metered parking on the street).
-
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….
-
Forthcoming Events
Whoops, where does the time go? I should have been posting this ages ago, but I’ve been kinda busy getting ready for the said forthcoming events, as well as playing with the new laser cutter at the studio. The latter has not been as successful as I’d hoped, why does technology fail you when you need it most? Perhaps I should have made things a little sooner..
Anyways, busy weekend for me.
Saturday, I am at Southwell Methodist Church for “Handmade With Love” – a collection of around forty hand-picked, hand-made quality gift and food stands. Free to enter, it’s on 9.30 to 4.30, so an early start for me!
Sunday, I am at Deborah Williams Hair Dressing Salon in Stapleford, as they get ready to gear up for Christmas. A small selection of food and gift stands, come along for a warm welcome, and join us for a glass of Prosecco or a beer, and some very special offers.
Hopefully you’ll be able to make on or other of the events, or both! Meanwhile, here’s a sample below of this year’s new Christmas design, first time out this weekend and a new technique for me. I’ve made a range of colours of these, and hope to be able to also offer personalised Christmas decorations – what a fantastic gift idea!
-
Upcoming Events
There are two events coming up, quite soon!
This Sunday, I will be at the Brinsley Winter Art and Flower Festival – a small, but perfectly formed event, surprisingly enough being held in Brinsley! If you don’t know, it’s a village close to Eastwood, the historic home of D H Lawrence.
The event is being hosted at The Moor Cottages, 34 & 36 Moor Road, Brinsley, NG16 5AZ and I was pleased and honoured to be invited to take part.
Brinsley WAFF Facebook Event Page
Two weeks after that, it’s our annual Christmas Shopping Event at Shed 2 Studios. Come along November 20th/21st; Friday 3pm-8pm & Saturday 11am-4pm for a warm welcome, a heated mulled wine and a hot wood burner!