Furoshiki: one day workshop at NSCCD

On Saturday I held my final creative workshop for the year: Furoshiki. This workshop is incredibly appropriate for this time of year as we created reusable and sustainable gift wrapping using shibori resist techniques, indigo dye and cotton fabric.

In 6 hours we covered a variety of techniques including stitched resist designs, asashi (using a tube to create a pattern) itajime (folded) and tesuji (pleated) shibori. Whilst there was a lot to learn, the output was incredible, with many beautiful fabrics created in the process.

Honeycomb shibori

We marvelled at the magic of the indigo dyeing process, watching it change colour from green, to turquoise, to indigo.

Simple things such as bamboo sticks can create delightful patterns, like the one above. 

We were far too busy trying to squeeze as much in as we possibly could that I totally forgot to take a group photo of our happy creatives. But rest assured we all left tinged with blue and bitten by the indigo bug. ;) 

Coptic Binding

Something I have wanted to try for quite some time was to make a book using the coptic binding stitch technique. I have wanted to learn this technique since I saw it at the Tasmanian Art Fair in 2010. The Third Door had some beautiful examples of coptic binding and I was entranced by how they lent themselves to draping and that the opened flat which is perfect for a sketch book.

Coptic binding

Coptic binding was used by early Christians in Egypt and examples can be dated back to the 2nd century AD. It is a method of joining sections of parchment, papyrus or paper using chain stitch linking across the spine.

I had some spare time recently so I decided to teach myself the technique. Using some fabric scraps, I created a cover that alluded to what the content of the book will be (this will come at a later stage).

Fabric embroidered cover

 For those who have been following my blog you will recognise Kochira the Cat Kelly (in the style of  Australian artist Sidney Nolan's Ned Kelly, the famous Australian bush ranger) who features in my animation, The Drive.

The decorative binding

I really enjoyed making the book, and plan to make a few more when I have some more spare time.

If you would also like to give this a try I found the following sites very helpful:
- Coptic binding directions illustrated by pictures 
- Coptic binding tutorial on Youtube. 11 mins long.

Blue and White Ceramics in their new homes

Ive just received some more images of my porcelain wares in their new homes.

Below are images from Vicki who just happens to be the editor for a prominent Australian magazine dedicated to ceramics. 

Image by Vicki

My 'CrabApple Tree in Blossom' vessel is on display in her office (middle vessel). Behind it sits the accompanying card made from an off-cut of lino print from my time in Hill End.

Image by Vicki

How very exciting that my ceramics have ended up in such a wonderful place!

More blue and white ceramics for Pozible

December has been spent making, delivering and sending out pozible gifts (lino prints, tea towels and ceramics) for my supporters. 

Left over bits of my lino prints for the gift tags.  

Notice my handy assistant, Kochira the cat, keeping an ever watchful eye on me (and the fish) in the background! 

I wanted to get the ceramic gifts out before Christmas, and consequently forgot to take nice pictures of them. I only have one of them lined up in my studio.

Thankfully I have received pictures from some of the recipients - and its lovely to see the ceramic vessels in their new homes.

Image: Bel and Shane

Image: Josie

Image: Liz 

Image: Murray

Im still collecting images of the gifts in their new homes. If you were one of my supporters Id love to see how your gift looks in its new home.

Printing fun at Megalo pt 2

As promised here are some more pictures from the 6 week block of Introduction to Screenprinting on Fabric I taught at Magalo.

Thank you to Claire, Barbara and Ngaire who have shared their images with me, so that I can share them with you! 

Screenprints and images by Claire

Claire created some lovely patterns through repeating a single image printed in different colours and explored printing onto pre-cut fabric pieces with the intention of sewing them into garments. I look forward to seeing the final product!

Screenprints and images by Ngaire 

Screenprints and images by Ngaire

 Ngaire combined beautiful hand drawn images with text which resulted in lovely compositions.

Screenprints and images by Barbara

Screenprints and images by Barbara

Barbara experimented with combining imagery created using the photo-emulsion technique combined with paper cut stencils. She printed lengths of fabric by randomly printing the image onto cloth. I love her use of fabric as a shade cloth over the deck area which is perfect for afternoon drinks, morning teas and hanging out in the hammock. After Christmas the shade cloth will be taken down and used to make PJs.

Such a wonderful and creative bunch of people. I am always so impressed by their creativity. They were so inspired that they are going on to form their own print club to continue printing at Megalo next year!

Traversing Frontiers Exhibition at Mary E Black Gallery 6 - 22 September 20013

 Wow! Its hard to believe that ten weeks have passed and that I have finished my residency in Halifax.

This past week has been a blur as I have been putting the finishing touches to my artwork. I installed my pieces on Tuesday and the opening night (reception) was on Thursday 5 September 2013. We had a great crowd and it was fascinating to see all 10 participating artist's final work in the gallery.

Pictures from opening night can be viewed here.

For those who have been following the progress of my residency you will know that I have been exploring and researching landscapes, ladies and literature in Nova Scotia. The spoon has become a metaphor for the experiences and strength of pioneering women, symbolising nurturing and referring to the hardships and lack of food the pioneers experienced during the early years of Canada's history.

Below are some images of my final pieces in the show.

Top row: Adrift in a New Land

Canadian red clay, majolica, cobalt

Bottom row: Lost in the Backwoods / Deep stillness of the woods

Canadian red clay, majolica, cobalt, decal, leather, copper pins, found forest wood

Genteel Poverty

Cut and etched antique silver spoons, antique linen  

Nature Vs Nurture

Antique silver spoons, copper wire

Dimensions variable

2013

Gallery installation view

Gallery installation view

For more images of my work and artwork in the exhibition by the ten participating artists click here.

I would also like to extend my thanks to all those who supported my Pozible project who helped to make this opportunity a reality. I have had the most amazing time. Nova Scotia has such gorgeous countryside, rich history and I have met so many fabulous people. 

It really has been a life changing experience!

x

Hello Beautiful

Hello beautiful!

Thats what I say every time I see Melbourne.

The streets of Melbourne

Everything is done so stylishly and effortlessly, from the graffiti in Hosier Lane in the CBD, woven wicker sculpture in Federation Square by Patrick Dougherty and a spot of tasteful yarn bombing just up the road, a project that was supported by the City Council.

Graffiti in Hosier Lane in the CBD

Wicker work in Federation Sqaure

Views of the City from inside the sculpture

Yarn bombing

And talking of tasteful, we indulged in a delicious slice of Chocolate Fig tart from the charming 19th Century Hopetoun Tea Rooms -  a real treat and a must if you are in the area. 

Chocolate Fig Tart

We spied some beautifully presented macaroons ...

Macaroons

and found some non homogenised milk by Jonesy's Dairy Fresh - and enjoyed scooping the cream floating in the top of the carton. Yum! Decadent top quality milk at regular prices (only $4 for 2 litres. I refuse to buy the cheap milk from Coles or Woolies)

Jonesy's non homogenised milk

By this stage we were travelling through the countryside and found a charming some charming scenes

and a fabulous shop that sold local produce and delicious home made cakes, including an intriguing Persian cake that was flavoured with cardamom. Unfortunately I was too full from lunch to indulge, but Ive found a similar recipe here.

Inside Cliffy's Emporium

Love letter from the resident jam maker - cute!

 And to top it off a National Trust plaque that reads:

"On this spot on the first day of March 1755 nothing much happened. It was a very, very peaceful day".

Craft-a-noon High Tea

 A letter arrived in the post late last year.....

It was an invitation to Craft-a-noon tea along with craft instructions and we were advised to bring along an old t-shirt (this was to cut up and shape into chrysanthemum flowers)

When I arrived the table was set with Gran's best crockery. (styling by Leah)

Followed by some flowers artfully arranged in an old jam jar (flowers styled by Sheridan)

Quickly followed by baked treats (there were also freshly cooked scones but they were eaten too quickly to get a photo)

And along came some more delicious goodies, on the left are greek delicacies, right Summer delight peach bites.

After we sampled all the goodies, followed by a good yarn about all things art, craft and design we got stuck into our craft project. 

The above is the result of a fun afternoon shared by all :) Im thinking I will turn my flower into a brooch.

Have a go!
- if you click on the instruction image it will be large enough to read, and you can see they are quite simple. All you need is an old t-shirt, scissors, needle and thread, delicious baked goodies and a group of lovely friends.

oh, and dont forget the champagne.

Kx

Special Ceramic Commission

I have been asked to create a series of pots that celebrate and remember special times in a person's life for a private commission.

European Church, porcelain pot approximately 7 x 9 cm

Working directly from images I have translated the pictures by hand onto the porcelain surface.

Beach Scene, porcelain pot approximately 7 x 9 cm

Using etching and water colour techniques, the images are a pretty soft lavender colour before the firing process begins.

Canoe, porcelain pot approximately 7 x 9 cm

 After the firing process, the lavender will turn a beautiful royal blue.

 Lake, porcelain pot approximately 7 x 9 cm

Ill post some more images when the pots are complete.

Kx