Friday 30 November 2012

Timbatree


 
Timbatree is a fun and environmentally aware alternative to the traditional Christmas Tree. It is a natural wooden tree without the messy hassle of falling needles. It takes about 5 minutes to build and then however long you would like to spend decorating it. A timbatree has all the decorative options of a traditional tree… and then some. We love the built in tea light holders. Prices start at £89.
 

 

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Wednesday 28 November 2012

Maker of the Week - Murray Marks



Murray Marks makes a wide range of Shaker kitchenware, mainly boxes, fruit carriers, etc. All are handmade in American Maple and/or Cherry, with lids of various woods, including burrs and specialist veneered tops. Murray trades as Marcovitch Shaker Box.

 
 

 

Where did you train? What did training teach you and what do you wish it had taught you?
After a lifetime in social work and an amateur interest in woodwork and furniture making I was able to develop my skills in retirement when I went to the USA to learn the art of Shaker box making with John Wilson, one of America’s foremost box makers, at his woodwork school (The Home Shop) in Charlotte, Michigan. John continues to supply almost all of my Shaker box materials.

Is being a designer / maker your only job? I am now making Shaker boxes and other Shaker ware almost full time.

One favourite living designer? Matthew Burt, based in Hildon South Wiltshire, is a furniture maker and designer whose work, both classical and quirky, I greatly admire.

One favourite historical designer? Frank Lloyd Wright. I have visited his house Falling Water in Pennsylvania several times and never fail to be amazed by his “organic architecture” - the way in which the house and its interior harmonise with the environment.

What is the most interesting / fun job you have had?
While at university I ran an adventure playground in Tiger Bay, Cardiff working with a group of children building all sorts of structures, dens and go-karts out of scrap timber, usually acquired from demolition sites. This would never be allowed today with all our Health and Safety requirements.


What is your most prized item of design / craft? A wonderfully creative freestyle embroidery done by a psychiatric patient from a long stay hospital in Somerset which shows the inner workings of her mind and a great sense of humour. 

What item of design / craft do you covet most? An original piece of Shaker furniture whether a chair, box or table.

At age 16 who most influenced your style?
Nobody! I was too busy doing my own thing and banning the bomb!

Last book / film that blew your mind?
Film – “The lives of others” about the Stasi.

What music are you currently listening to?
Jazz
 

How many hours do you waste on the internet each day?
No more than 30 minutes, if that.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
Very happy living here in Romsey Hampshire but with some more sun please!

Where and what is your studio?
I have a workshop at the bottom of the garden next to a small stream of the River Test.

Do you have a good work/life balance? Yes apart from when several shows are coming together when I worry about stock levels.

What one word would describe your feeling of doing your work?
Pleasure!




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Bursaries for Emerging Artists


Ideas Tap are currently running a bursary scheme with Sky Arts.

Through the SkyArts Ignition: Futures Fund, Ideas Tap are offering £30,000 bursaries and mentoring for five emerging artists aged 18-30 to fund their creative practice for a year. The Fund is open to applicants from the fields of visual arts, dance, performing arts, music and creative producing. 

The Fund is designed to help the winners to develop their creative practice and take their work to the next level. In addition to the prize money, winners will be paired with a mentor by Sky to help  develop their networks, skills and knowledge. 
 
For further information or to apply visit www.ideastap.com/futuresfund by Wednesday 19th December.  

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Tuesday 20 November 2012

Sarah Young - Fabric Kits

Sarah Young is showing 2 new fabric designs - (Tea-Towel/Fabric Kit) at MADE12- Brighton's Design and Craft Fair this weekend.



Hester the Hare.

Hester the Hare is a moonlit hare to one side, and leaps along under the sun on the other.

Hester is a silkscreen design on 100% cotton. It can simply be used as a tea-towel/dish -towel (wash at 40 degrees centigrade) or following the easy printed instructions Hester can be cut out, sewn and stuffed to make a bright, attractive child's toy or cushion.


Clarence the Lion.

Clarence the Lion's namesake was also cross-eyed and starred in a very old children's programme called Daktari.

Clarence is a silkscreen design on 100% cotton. It can simply be used as a tea-towel/dish -towel (wash at 40 degrees centigrade) or following the easy printed instructions Clarence can be cut out, sewn and stuffed to make a bright, attractive child's toy or cushion. 

All 6 Tea-Towels will be on sale from Sarah's space at MADE12 and are also available through the post from etsy

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Image of the Day - Alice Walton



Alice Walton Ceramics combines traditional themes with modern technique. Alice will be launching this new shrine Christmas decoration at MADE12.

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Monday 19 November 2012

MADE IN ENGLAND - Book Launch


As well as showing 4 or so hand-made bicycles from skilled UK makers. MADE12 will feature the book launch of MADE IN ENGLAND - The Artisans Behind the Handbuild Bicycle.

Made in England is a book by frame builders, about frame builders. It takes a unique look at the world of bespoke frame building by showcasing the artisans in England who craft these bicycle frames.




The authors, Matthew Sowter and Ricky Feather, travelled around the country along with talented photographer Kayti Peschke, to interview the people who are leading this industry. Each artisan shares their methods, their passion, their skills and their quirks. Through these intimate conversations they express what makes them unique in this international art. The book showcases exquisite photography of the frame builders and their working environment, contrasting the raw, rough workshops with sleek images of the beautifully finished final products.


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Maker of the Week - Sally Haysom

Sally Haysom is an illustrator who  loves applying her drawings to all sorts of hand made goodies, from jewellery to printed textiles and more.
Where did you train?
I studied Illustration at Falmouth in Cornwall and it was a wonderful 3 years.The main thing it gave me was time to explore my ideas, strengths and weaknesses.  It also instilled in me a good sense of the importance to the business side of things!  I do feel that it was a very narrowly aimed course however, and it could have made students aware that there is a much broader range of options available after graduating than pure, commercial illustration.  I tried to fit myself into this mould for 3 years before finally realizing it wasn’t for me and exploring other options.
Is being a designer / maker your only job?
My design work is now my full time occupation, although it has taken a lot of hard work and time to get here!
One favourite living designer?
I absolutely love the work of jewellery designer Helen Noakes.  She encompasses everything I love about high craft – brilliant technical skill, originality, beauty and fun.  The little figures suspended in resin have a narrative feel, suggesting a story or history behind each piece, and they are so beautifully set with her silver work.  For me they just stand out so far from most of the jewellery you see at craft events.  I covet every piece!
 
One favourite historical designer?
I will have to stray slightly from the designer here and go for an illustrator, as that is also a huge part of what I do, and has actually formed the larger part of my development.  I really like the work of traditionally fairy tale illustrators, such as W Heath Robinson.  The muted colours, magical scenes and romantic style – always beautifully executed and composed with an eye for pattern and design within the images.
What is the most interesting / fun job you have had?
My work being what it is, I don’t actually work on jobs for clients, but one of the last jobs I did for a client was the ‘Wow! Gorillas’ project run by Bristol Zoo.  For that project I, had to design and hand paint a life size gorilla sculpture.  I covered it with illustrated text, pictures and patterns about Bristol and gorilla conservation.  It was so much fun, and completely different from anything I’d ever done before.  I’d definitely do another one if I had the opportunity!
What is your most prized item of design / craft?
I have a knight in shining armour who I love!  It was a gift from my parents years ago, and to my shame I don’t actually know who made it – there is no mark or name on it – but he is a balancing ‘toy’ with a stand and he sits on it with just his hoof tips, and the weight counterbalances it perfectly so he just rocks back and forth on his horse!  It’s brilliant, fun and everyone who visits comments on it.  I will have to find out where he came from!
 
 
What item of design / craft do you covet most?
As I mentioned earlier, I am totally smitten with Helen Noakes’s jewellery, and that is next on my birthday list!
At age 16 who most influenced your style?
Blimey, that’s going back a bit!  When I was 16 I was really into painting and painters like Lucian Freud and Stanley Spencer.  I also really liked Paula Rego who had an element of fairy tale and symbolism in her work so maybe that’s where my love of fairy tales began.  But back then I was trying to paint in acrylics and oils and spent loads of time at life drawing classes working on my drawing.
Last book / film that blew your mind?
This question always makes my mind go blank....um....I read ‘Remains of the Day’ a little while ago and really liked that.  It was a quite, understated but insightful book.  Beautifully written.
 
What music are you currently listening to?
I’m getting quite into folk type stuff at the moment – Seth Lakeman is the current favourite.  I’m not really into DJ’s or electronic type music though, I like real instruments!
How many hours do you waste on the internet each day?
Waaaay too many.  Continual blogging, facebook and email checking.  I need to allocate it a time slot and stick to it.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
I’m a water baby and country girl at heart, so anywhere by the sea – either somewhere warm, or Cornwall.  I love Cornwall because I spent a lot of time there as a kid and then at Uni and there’s just nowhere like it.  It is, however, subject to the good old English weather, so I might go further afield to sunnier climes instead!...I quite like the idea of West Coast America.
Where and what is your studio?
I work from a home studio, which is currently in one end of my living room, but I’m moving house soon and will have my very own room!  It’s absolutely stuffed with equipment and materials. I love learning new techniques and skills, but each time I do it adds a new box of tools or supplies to the mess!
 
Do you have a good work/life balance?
Hmmm....that’s tricky.  I’m really trying to work a rough 9-5 day Monday to Friday at the moment, and giving myself evening and weekends off.  It’s just so hard sometimes to be disciplined.  I’d say my work/life balance could be better!
What one word would describe your feeling of doing your work?
Disbelief  (that I’m actually getting to do what I love full time!) 

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Saturday 17 November 2012

Image of the Day - Holly Berry

Holly Berry designs and makes woven textiles, celebrating tradition, colour, pattern and story telling. Her newest new piece, the HOLD wrap, will debut at MADE12.

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Friday 16 November 2012

Image of the Day - Karen Dell'Armi


Karen Dell'Armi creates bold, statement contemporary silver jewellery, which is lightweight and easy to wear. These Hope etched silver stacking bangles and lots more of Karen's work, will be shown at MADE12.  

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Thursday 15 November 2012

Handmade Bikes at MADE12

HANDMADE BIKES AT MADE12



This year we welcome our friends from Bespoked Bristol who will be showcasing various handmade bicycles from skilled independent makers in the entrance lobby at MADE12 

Bespoked Bristol is Britain’s foremost event promoting high quality hand crafted bicycles and takes place each April at Brunel’s old station in Bristol.


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Image of the Day - The Earring Cafe



These Birdy designs - inspired by a quirky 1920's necklace and a very entertaining half hour up in the treetops at Kew Gardens watching a deliciously little parakeet chattering to himself - are by Amanda Glanville at The Earring Cafe.. Amanda's beautiful glass beads and tiaras will be on show at MADE12.

 

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Wednesday 14 November 2012

Image of the Day - Naomi Flowers



Naomi Flowers makes visual and tactile hand-built non functional ceramic forms, created with interwoven layers of surface decoration. These are impressed and incised hand built stoneware vessels which are hand painted and overlayed with drawn/printed imagery. Naomi will be showing her work at MADE12.

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Tuesday 13 November 2012

Accommodation in Hove for MADE12 Visitors / Exhibitors



This beautiful home in Hove was featured in the October issue of Homes &  Antiques Magazine. The owner, Lizzie, is offering a double bedroom with breakfast for £60 per night, with free parking and wifi. The house is conveniently situated with good access to the A23 and A27 and is on the 5b bus route into Brighton for those wishing to avoid parking fees.

Address:
223 Nevill Road
Hove
BN3 7QP

Please contact Lizzie on 07879 883951 to make a reservation.


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Monday 12 November 2012

Image of the Day - Peter Archer


Peter Archer makes turned, carved and stained sycamore vessels.  Peter will be showing his work at MADE12.

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Sunday 11 November 2012

Maker of the Week - Petra Bishai


Petra Bishai is a silversmith whose work is inspired by urban life reflecting her fascination with living in a large city. She recently showed her work as part of the Dialogue Collective at MADE LONDON.
 
Where did you train? What did training teach you and what do you wish it had taught you?
Epsom School of Art.  I always wanted to work for myself and the course gave me the basis to do so. 


Is being a designer / maker your only job?

I teach occasionally but I recently gave up a part time post to concentrate on making.

One favourite living designer?

Helen Maurer glass designer.  Her work transforms you to another place.

One favourite historical designer?  
I love the punk street style from the 70’s more a movement than a particular designer.

What is the most interesting / fun job you have had?

Any job where I have control and get to do what I want to do is good with me.

 

What is your most prized item of design / craft?
I love to use things and wear them slowly out.  I try not to be too precious.

What item of design / craft do you covet most?

A ring that my mum owns designed by my dad and a Bahraini jeweller in the 60’s.

At age 16 who most influenced your style?

Bowie and punk

Last book / film that blew your mind?

I love my local library in Deptford but am terrible at remembering the names of books and worse on films.

What music are you currently listening to?

Punk rock legends Scrotum Clamp.

How many hours do you waste on the internet each day?

Far too many.


If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?

I love being in London and it’s a big influence on my work but I’d love to do spend time in Beirut, New York or Paris and up until recently Damascus.  Cities are definitely the draw.

Where and what is your studio?

I’m in a group studio in Deptford.  I have my own space but am surrounded by other brilliant designers who keep me sane and happy.

Do you have a good work/life balance?

Most of the time….

What one word would describe your feeling of doing your work?

When it’s good: ‘laughing’ but when it’s bad it’s ‘sickening’.

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Saturday 10 November 2012

Image of the Day - Karen Fox


Karen Fox produces striking contemporary jewellery inspired by the Elizabethan era of flamboyant dress and the beauty of urban landscapes. This is a Ruffle Cuff, made from stainless steel mesh-cloth, and 24ct gold vermeil. Karen will be exhibiting her work at MADE12.

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Friday 9 November 2012

Image of the Day - Plico Homeware


Plico Homeware with accessories by Jo Butters, produce a textile homewares range and will be showing their work at MADE12. This is a bespoke upcycled armchair reupholstered in wool with a  'Tuft' scatter cushion and a 'Roll up Roll up' scatter cushion both in wool.

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Thursday 8 November 2012

Image of the Day - Diane Turner



Diane Turner makes bold jewellery pieces, rich in colour and texture from foraged wood, precious and base metals. This beautiful bangle is made from oak and silver. Diane will be showing her work at MADE12.

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Wednesday 7 November 2012

Image of the Day - Lizzie Aitchison


Lizzie Aitchison makes bags from handwoven pieces which are designed, woven and individually crafted in Waternish on the Isle of Skye.  These are the Unish Bag (with flap) and the Gillen Bag (small bucket bag). Lizzie will be showing her work at MADE12.

 

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Sunday 4 November 2012

Maker of the Week - Mickey Wolters


Mickey Wolters is a ceramicist trading under the name Porte-bonheur de Wollie. Mickey lives and works in The Netherlands. 
 

Where did you train? What did training teach you and what do you wish it had taught you?
Fashion Academy, Amsterdam and School for Ceramics, Gouda.
I learned all of the of basic skills but I wished I had learnt more about the business side of it.

Is being a designer / maker your only job?
Now, yes, but I started work as a fashion designer/stylist for several years until I educated at the School for Ceramics.

One favourite living designer?
Designer? May it also be an artist, painter? I have many favourite artists, and Michael Sowa is one of them. His work is whimsical, imaginative, surreal and cute at the same time and  sometimes a bit tragic but with lots of humor, I totally love his work.

One favourite historical designer?
The same as above I have many favourite artists; Miroslav Sasek his work is also imaginative and with humor and I love the vibrant colours in his work.

What is the most interesting / fun job you have had?
What I am doing now, Ceramic Artist. Working with my hands in the clay, drawing, screen-printing, painting. And I liked running my own shop, until there was no time left for making ceramics, drawing and being creative, and I just cannot live without, that is why I quit the shop.
But it was not always fun, in the beginning when I started making ceramics a long time ago, I had many side jobs, For example, at the security in a ridiculous outfit in the evening at the reception desk until everyone had gone home and I had to wait for a team to check and lock up the building, but they forgot one time! And there I was in the dark, alone at a very enlightened desk in an enormous building on a deserted terrain! – The wrong storybook!             

What is your most prized item of design / craft?
A hand formed tiny cat face, this was the start for me making a whole collection of ceramic jewellery.

What item of design / craft do you covet most?
The bird with the pearl necklace painting of Michael Sowa or a face vase of Picasso, not really achievable of course!.

At age 16 who most influenced your style?
Our dog Wampie, I love animals especially dogs and cats. they are so much fun, playful, unrestrained, honest. When I was sad sometimes, I talked to our dog and she always listened, at least I thought she did.

Last book / film that blew your mind?
I have seen recently and again on dvd the film Chocolat. Not blown away but I really like this film, it gives me a good feeling, the same with the film Amelie. And I like movies with costumes from the 30s and 40s because of the clothes, hairdo, furniture the whole style.

What music are you currently listening to?
I listen to many kinds of music, at the moment to Ben L’oncle, a French musician who sings both English and French and Billy Holiday, Marvin Gaye, Angie Stone and the music of the film Amelie and lots more.

How many hours do you waste on the internet each day?
About an hour I guess, but most of the time I am busy answering emails in English. I always try/hope to write some kind of proper English.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
I would love to live in a storybook where everybody is nice to each other and to animals, where you can where pretty frocks every day and eat cake and candy and still be healthy.

Or in the UK, I love the countryside or London and because there are so many more opportunities for artists in terms of materials, fairs, courses, galleries and artists meeting places, or maybe Paris because it is such a beautiful and romantic city

Where and what is your studio?
My studio is at home I have a room/space in my house that I've made up my studio but in fact my whole house is my studio, I even put a small table in my bathroom at the door to my small but very cozy roof terrace, so I can have some daylight and sniff fresh air while drawing etc. and watch my cats making a mess.

Do you have a good work/life balance?
Ummm, I have never enough time to do everything I want to do, but I love my work!.

What one word would describe your feeling of doing your work?
It differs, sometimes engrossed and sometimes tranquil, I know that's two words. Maybe ENGROSSED is the best word.

 

 

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