New paintings and regular art updates.
Just found this jumper I knitted about 40 years ago! I apparently was using a twisted pearl and knit stich. No pattern, I made it up as I went along! It was in one of my divan drawers that just got sent to the tip, the drawer not the jumper!
I forgot to ask how these were made when I saw them at the weekend. I don’t normally like fake flowers but these were cute and life size. I think they are made of cloth. I suppose you could wash them if necessary. It’s fascinating how many crafts there are, and what you can make things out of. Like plastic, wool, wood, cotton, paper, ceramics and metal. The world is full of “stuff” , often nice “stuff” but these tranklements take up a lot of space, and are they necessary to enhance your life? You choose.
I’ve just been to Growthpoint, it’s a place where you can go if you suffer from anxiety or mental health issues. I was pleased that the bee paintings I did on small circles of wood have all sold. I managed to buy some plants, they are for sale all the time but today was an open day. So I got eight plants for 50 pence each. I’ve got to sort the yard out, I hope to do that this weekend if the weather is OK. Then I can plant the ones I bought. Today is a good day.
Share a lesson you wish you had learned earlier in life.
A few years ago I met a fused glass artist who showed me how to work with glass to create jewellery, bowls and other hand made craft pieces. A friend of mine helped mount the glass with wire weaving.
I wish I had learnt more about it so I could experiment more with glass. This piece was made with dichroic glass which gives it a metallic sheen. I made it into a pendant.
The trouble is that I can’t afford my own kiln so I’m limited in making things at workshops. The original glass artist moved away and it took a while to find another one, I’ve been to a couple of workshops with her and really enjoyed it.
I’m interested in doing other crafts too, like ceramics, but again there is a lot of cost involved. But I am a bit of a jack of all trades (master of none?)
I could have chosen a much more important subject to show how I have learnt from experience, but I’m not in the mood to consider a serious subject today.
I’m running out of minature paintings, I’ve sold a few and given some as presents. They are all different and I need to paint some more. What to paint? I’ve done anything from a Morris minor car to the planet Jupiter. I’ve also painted the moon, birds, flowers, hearts, patterns and giraffes in the sunset. Cats of course and stained glass windows.
They are more craft than fine art I think, but if someone wants a tiny painting, matchbox sized, they don’t need much space to display it! It can go on a shelf or a bookcase, or anywhere else. They are not expensive despite the time it takes to paint them. I just love sharing art.
A blanket by my sister. She was crocheting lots of blankets and granny squares. One of the things she had was many balls of wool. I think they will have to go to a new home. It’s good to see she was creative in a different way to me, but she must have put many hours of work into this. I will truly miss her.
I’ve been asked to paint some of my small paintings, bees, birds, cats, maybe dogs, flowers. But I might add a few small mechanical paintings too.
How can I know my audience? Mainly by what has sold before, but also what is liked on social media. I cannot paint exactly what someone wants without getting a description of a commission from them, but I can try to get an inkling of what is interesting. For instance I have been painting more abstract images, but I feel they are more fine art subjects. If someone buys a tiny painting is that more of a craft piece. I need to know because if I carry on I need to earn a crust or two, even if it’s only a crumb sized one! We will see.
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Colourful patterns swirling round and merging. It could be alien or insect. Maybe a design for fabric or a stained glass window. I like complexity, I don’t know if something like this would be a good idea for printing onto a note card?
I have talked about doing this before but have never been organised enough to do it. I have lots of ideas but I think I need some expert advice. Which are the best sites to get things printed at? I need quality prints, but not too expensive. I found a shop that might do it but I haven’t got the money to do it yet…
Two boards I had paintings on today. I also had a table with small paintings, jewellery and prints. I sold a few pieces which was good and I think I got a good reception from people. Overall most people in the group seemed to have a good day. It was quite busy all day from when we opened to the last few minutes. It was also good chatting with artists and finding out bit more about their work. I’m tired but happy.
Burslem, Tunstall, Hanley, Stoke-upon-Trent, Fenton, Longton.
Six towns United as one city. Stoke-on-Trent.
I remember seeing this print and taking a photo of it, but I cannot remember where it’s from. So apologies for using the image and if I’m infringing copyright let me know and I will remove it. I like the style of the illustration. It’s almost grecian in style. The Potter is throwing a pot on a foot treadled wheel. The background looks a bit like a Minton tile. I did Google it and found some very similar images.
Pottery is such a wonderful craft. The things you can make out of clay. From tableware to ceramic insulators. Sanitaryware (bathrooms) to delicate ornaments. The Potteries has a great history. It’s fame is world wide. I’m proud to live here.
Mallaband-Brown