Sketchbook Posted!

Today I posted my little sketchbook off to the USA.

In Feburary my little book will start touring museums and galleries across America before being stored in a perminant collection in The Brooklyn Art Library. In the library all 28833 sketchbooks from around the world will be barcoded and available for the public to view.

For more information about The Sketchbook Project Tour 2011 click on the link below -

http://www.arthousecoop.com/projects/sketchbookproject

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!

Christmas 2010 card collection featuring Rudolph, Holly, Santa, festive baubles and snowmen. Available to buy at 'Off the Shelf', Saltburn Gallery.



Sketchbook Completed!

I have finally completed my little sketchbook for The Sketchbook Project Tour 2011. Its now ready to be sent off to Brooklyn where it will begin its tour of the USA.

Front cover

Gift wrap print workshop

Today I went back to primary school to do a print workshop with two classes of 5 and 6 year olds. We had great fun printing Christmas wrapping paper and tags using a simple block printing technique. Well done kids you did a great job!

I look forward to my second visit in January when each class will be printing their own wallpaper lengths based on the topic of Treasure Islands.

‘Off The Shelf’ preparations

It’s all go, go, go at the minute. Just a week ago today I graduated from Teesside University (CCAD). Since then I have been helping with the preparations for the ‘Off The Shelf’ exhibition which is due to preview on Friday.

A joint effort from studio artists

‘Off The Shelf’ is a selling exhibition showcasing an amazing range of artworks including painting, glassware, ceramics, artists’ books, jewellery, printmaking, textiles and photography created by over sixty artists, including myself. As well as exhibiting some work in the show I have been commissioned to add my own surface design to the walls of the gallery, which of course I am very excited about. The design I am using I have taken from my Gold Mosaic wallpaper. The scale of the pattern has been made larger and random patches of the Gold design is scattered around the gallery space.

Studio tenants at Saltburn Artists Projects will also be opening their doors to the public on the same evening as the preview of ‘Off the Shelf’. This will be a fantastic chance to see the creative processes, speak to the artists and have an opportunity to purchase unique hand made artworks made by myself and other Studio Artists.

Open Studios and Preview of ‘Off The Shelf’ opens 6-9pm on 26th November 2010, Wine and cheese will be served. Please do come along, everyone is welcome.

New Design Britain Award Finalist 2011!

I have had some very exciting news this week, I have found out that I have reached the final 16 in the ‘New Design Britain Awards 2011’. New Design Britain is an important competition as it provides new designers the chance to show their talent in surface covering, furnishing, lighting, soft furnishing or accessories at interiors 2011. Interiors 2011 is a huge exhibition which runs from 23-26 January 2011 at the NEC, Birmingham and I am going to be there! It is a unique opportunity for retailers, interior designers, architects and contractors to compare an array of inspiring products from more than 600 exhibitors, including big brands, international trend-setters, leading interiors manufacturers and suppliers and up and coming designers.

During the show judging will take place by a prestigious panel of judges including M&S, House of Fraser, Stuart Jones, Heals, ACID and Barbara Chandler. Winners will be selected from each of the five categories and will be awarded placements at leading industry suppliers.

I entered two 3.5m hand screen printed wallpaper lengths from a collection. Only one of my designs will be exhibited, however I have to wait to find out which. My collection of wallpaper designs are designed to fit into modern kitchens, restaurants and cafes and are inspired by decorative ceramics, tiles and mosaics.

Ceramic Stack Wallpaper

Gold Mosaic Wallpaper

Find out more about the show here - http://www.interiorsbirmingham.com/

Thank you also to photographer Jason Hynes for taking these pictures they are fab. Take a look at more of his work at http://jasonhynes.co.uk/

Highly Commended!

In September I entered the Tigerprint "Gifted" competition. For the competition you had to submit a design for a gift bag which would be sold in Marks & Spencer. My entry is below.

The results of the competition were released just this week and I was very pleased to find out that my design was "Highly Commended" and that I have got a mention on the Tigerprint website.
Take a look - http://giftedcompetition.tigerprint.uk.com/highly-commended/

Inspirational!

On a recent market research trip to London I visited the Pavilion of Art & Design which is held in Berkeley Square. The show brings together some of the finest names in art and design from around the world. It was well worth a visit.

Here are some pics of creative design which I particularly liked but unfortunately could not afford to buy.

Tiled coffee table.



Funky wall.

Interesting examples of cut work. I love this cut lampshade.

Very large painted wall panels.

Swirled fabric bench, very clever!

I was very excited to to see this painting by Bridget Riley who is one of my favourite artists. I love this.

To find out more about Pavilion of Art & Design London click on the link below.

http://www.padlondon.net/