Exciting Times

On August 1^st I was handed the keys to my very own studio. The studio is just one of 10 adjoined to Saltburn Gallery. I am really enjoying having my own space and also being part of Saltburn Artists’ Projects. For more information about Saltburn Artists’ Project take a look at the website below.

www.saltburnartistsprojects.org.uk

Since getting the keys to my studio I have been very busy. I spent the first couple of weeks painting it and moving my things in.

I then went away to Ireland for two weeks on my work placement. Since returning I have bought my furniture and moved in fully and have just completed my first few weeks working in my own space and I love it.

Along with entering competitions and applying for other interesting opportunities, I am currently working on my first collection of products, including cushions and wall panels, which I am aiming to exhibit in "Off the Shelf", a selling exhibition at Saltburn Gallery starting in November. I hope to also do a few print workshops in a local primary sometime before the end of the year.

Sketchbook update

Whenever I get the chance I have been busy filling the pages of my little sketchbook for The Sketchbook Project Tour. Here are some pics of how its developing.

I love creating patterns using the cut-out technique and folding the paper.

Workhouse Studios Work Placement

I have just arrived home from a two week placement with Workhouse Studios, situated in Kilmacthomas Co. Waterford, Ireland. Workhouse Studios is one of Ireland's newest craft groups, built on the philosophy of design-led, innovative products including jewellery, glass and textiles. Its members came together in 2008 to form this dynamic collective of designers and the studio was born. Workhouse Studios was set up by Sabrina Meyns, Claire McAlister and Eily O'Connell (jewellery designers), Ann Nolan (textile designer), Aisling Cook and Maggie Cashman (glass designers). The groups designer's each play an active role in developing the offering, from designing and building the website, to the display units and the studio itself.

For more info about Workhouse Studios and the designers check out their website –http://www.workhousestudios.com/

The few weeks I spent at the studio were very busy. All of the girls were exhibiting their work at ‘Custom House Studios’, a gallery in Westport Co. Mayo. In the first week we had a road trip to Westport for the Opening Night of the exhibition. The exhibition runs until the 12th of September, it is well worth a visit.

The remainder of the two weeks were spent getting ready for the Workhouse Studios Open Day. Amongst other things this included lots of painting and PR work.

On the open day I got to run my first creative workshop which I really enjoyed. The day itself was very successful, and lots of work was sold.

It was a really fun work experience, all of the girls were lovely and their work is amazing!!

Sketchbook has arrived!

I am taking part in the Sketchbook Project Tour: 2011. What happens is you apply to take part, you then get sent a little sketchbook which you can fill however you like. When completed you then post your sketchbook back, this must be by January. Then next year your book goes on a tour of museums and galleries in America. Whilst it is on tour you can track it to see where your book is and who is looking at it. After the tour your book is stored in a permanent sketchbook collection at The Brooklyn Art Library.
For more information about The Sketchbook Project Tour click on the link below
http://arthousecoop.com/projects/sketchbookproject/features

Today my sketchbook arrived which I am very excited about. I could not wait to start working in it.

'Lines and Grids' is the theme I have chosen to base my sketchbook project on. I want to fill my book with layers upon layers of cut work, colour and pattern. Here are my first few pages.

To see how my sketchbook developes, keep checking my blog!

Arts Thread!

Arts Thread is the world's only creative graduate website, and im on it yey!

HOW IT WORKS
Arts Thread media has been created as a social enterprise: a new online educational tool designed to connect students, graduates, universities and Industry, exclusively within the field of design.

For the first time ever, creative students, universities, industries and schools can network worldwide —with just a few clicks of the mouse.

Check out my portfolio pages on Arts Thread by clicking on the link below. http://www.artsthread.com/viewer/graduate_portfolio.aspx?p=1101

Degree Show

My degree show, ‘With a Twist’, opened on Thursday. Thank you to everyone who came along to support us. The exhibition looks amazing this year, the standard of work is really high, it is well worth a visit. If you have not already been you still have chance as it runs until Saturday the 12th of June. As well as my own work the exhibition at Hartlepool Art Gallery includes, a range of innovative surface design and designer maker products, from fashion fabrics and accessories to contemporary interior fabrics and wallpaper as well as designs for card and gift. Concept journals, drawings and sketchbooks are also on display providing a visual feast. Opening times - 10.00am – 4.30pm

Finished!

My final major project was finally completed and handed in on Monday, yey! Now there is the small matter of getting everything organised for the degree show. Then we are on our own in the big bad world, it’s daunting but at the same time all very exciting.

Here are a few pics of some of my finals