Frosty friday.

I am sorry about missing the midweek meander but yet again computer problems, love them or hate them we are lost without them now! It has turned cold here and we are experiencing frosty nights but beautiful cold crisp days full of winter sunshine. All of the seasons we experience here in the UK have their up side and I really enjoy these bright days in the middle of winter, they are as invigorating as a cold shower!

 I thought that you might enjoy these fun spool holders which I found on Hazel Terry's wonderful blog www.theartroomplant.blogspot.com

Eleonor Bostrum uses porcelain to make decorative ceramics with a utility twist. These are her bobbin holders available here.

 

Enjoy your weekend.

Midweek meander.

I'm staying with my 60's and 70's theme this week having mooched away a few hours looking at Cathy of California's blog (I've had a flu bug) well that's my excuse for doing a bit of fun research and I'm sticking to it! Today I'm focusing on these wonderful textured wall hangings, as with so much of the design from that era these pieces are inventive, lively and fresh.

Burlap wall hanging 1964.

I think this is a great design with such a wonderful mixture of shapes and stitches.

All these wall hangings are from 1971, I would love to have seen them in colour however seeing them in black and white really makes you look at the construction and texture, I love them.

Finally I couldn't resist these beautiful simple forms which wouldn't be out of place with the ceramics of today. This is the work of Eva Zeisel 1952, the past informing the future yet again!

'Meet The Makers'

Hello again, here is a selection of work from local ceramicist Claire Farley, Claire manages to capture the feel of life in rural Cumbria in her work as well as making something useful and different. lets take a look.

You feel like you don't want to intrude on this couple, tuck them away in a secret corner of the garden to finish their chat!

I think these look really pretty in this lovely planter, just right for Christmas maybe.

 Two more of Claire's garden planters 'shallow dish planters'.

Don't these look sweet planted up, good enough to eat!

I may have to buy these, they would look great in my veggie plot.

This little guy looks like he should be hibernating but you can enjoy his company all year round.

You can see more of Claire's work at www.pinfoldpottery.co.uk

but better still come along on the 22nd October and maybe she can make you just what you want.

'Studio15, Meet the Makers. Hope to see you there.

The past informing the future.

The need to create has always been with us, art from the past informing the future. The simplicity of line is so beautiful how can you not be in awe of these ancient artists?

Do you think that these artists are influenced by ancient art?

Artist Henrietta Cobett, printmaker and sculpter.

Henrietta Corbet-Running Horse.

The wonderful Cumbian artist Lorna Graves.1947-2006.

Lorna Graves- Angel and Birds.

Lorna Graves-Animal and Moon.

The fantastic outsider artist Jesse Reno.

Jesse Reno-Wind from many Directions.

Lucky lucky me.

During my teaching year at the University of Cumbria I have been lucky enough to have been working with some inspiring students, it is their final year shows at the moment so if you can get along to see them then what are you waiting for? I have decided over the next few posts to show you some of the work that I have enjoyed starting with the thought provoking and inspiring Emma Mckenzie.

Emma works in ceramics and I have been watching her develop her ideas for quite a while, she is leaving us now to continue her studies in Manchester, I am sure that she will have a successful future in front of her so this is one to keep an eye on!

Emma in her studio.

I am particularly draw to Emma's work as it touches something deep within the viewer, speaking to people  in different ways of universal human experiences, this enables you to project your own stories and emotions onto the pieces . Although photographs can never do this work justice as it is very tactile, I hope that you will find it as interesting as I do.

Inspired by material gathered during a cultural exchange placement in Bulgaria exploring the themes around private memorial in public spaces.

The red clay used for these figures was dug from the site of the tragedy.

In memory of the fishermen who lost their lives to the sea during Scotland's perfect storm of 1881.

To see more of Emma's work www.emmamckenzie.com

We do not see things as they are

we see things as we are.

Talmud.