Debbie Smyth

HERMES

2011-10-28T05:30:00.000-07:00

Overdue with my blog update yet again, so I will quickly wizz through my most recent news. Firstly Origin, went amazingly. It was second year exhibiting at the show and so far my sales are up on last year. I am currently swamped with orders but loving it.
Also during the hectic week of selling at Origin I was installing Hermes window displays. At Origin by day and at Hermes Stores by night. quite an exhausting week but the most exciting too.
So how did this Hermes commission come about? all thanks to Origin last year, I met a lovely lady, Becky Cocks at the show who is a stylist for Hermes. I worked in conjunction with Becky to produce the nationwide Hermes windows for October/November. "Hermes, contemporary artisan since 1837" was the theme, so all window drawing were produced with this slogan in mind. My drawings are currently installed in Hermes stores at New Bond St, Sloane St, Royal Exchange, Manchester and Brown Thomas in Dublin. Please if your passing, do have a look in and I'd love feedback too. Here are some installing shots......

Such a great commission to get and it was great fun working with Becky Cocks, production team Creea and Hermes of course. If you don't get chance to see them, here are some photos, hope you like.........

ORIGIN 2011

2011-09-10T06:28:00.000-07:00

I will be exhibiting my exciting new range of work at Origin 2011 at Old Spitalfields Market from the 22-28 September

STAND B06

Please stop by, I'll be there all week for a chat and to answer any questions you may have.......

Heres a few work in progress pics.....getting ready for Origin

www.debbie-smyth.com is now live!!!!

2011-09-10T06:16:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to sort out my branding and website for a while now and finally MY WEBSITE is live. Please check it out to see my full range of work.

Also here are a few quick pics of my new business stationary, thanks to the lovely David Sedgewick at Design by Dave

and heres a photo of the piece of art I made for Dave......don't ya just love swopsies!!

NYC Subway

Sony Playstation

2011-09-07T14:10:00.000-07:00

May was a busy month, not only did I install my first window display, I also completed some work for Sony Playstation at The Great Hall, Wembley Stadium for the Champions league final. Very exciting job and was great to be involved in something big. The biggest mission on this one.....trying to find pantone referenced shoe laces....on a tight deadline....not particularly easy! Got there in the end.

So the brief was to complete large laced Sony Playstation themed words on various walls, all different colours within the Great Hall. Here are some pictures.....created using screws and coloured shoelaces.

Nevillle Johnson

2011-09-07T13:57:00.000-07:00

Yet again I am a bit late with my news, but things have just been manic this summer. Installing this, installing that, here there and everywhere and also I became an aunty.....which I'm sure you know is extremely time consuming!! Anyways, lets get to business. Back in May I installed a window display at Neville Johnson's new flagship store at 3 Wigmore Street, London. Being a Manchester based company, the brief was to merge Manchester and London into a window display. But the real mission on this one was to make a double sided piece, viewable from both inside and outside......so I have created the window display on lots of cubes and boxes.....like massive grown up building blocks!! Window is still installed for your viewing pleasure, but if you don't get to see it here are some pics

and some inside shots....

NEW YORK TIMES....

2011-05-19T08:46:00.000-07:00

Nearly forgot about this it was so long ago......completed a commission for The New York Times T Magazine back in 2009 and only today have a realised they published it late last year in T Design Fall 2010. Now the task is trying to get my hand on a back issue.....hhhmmmm.
Here's a couple of screen grabs of the issue

or view it here----page 81

Fly Away Home @ SIT

2011-05-10T12:02:00.000-07:00

After a long week of pinning and threading, I finally completed Fly away home, but not without the pinning expertise of my boyfriend, who I ended up roping in last minute to help me meet the deadline. So before I commence showing you the finished piece, I would like to say a big Thank You to Zac. Other people I would like to thank are the staff at the Museum in the Park, Lizzi Walton and also Imelda Hughes for accompanying me to the opening of SIT, introducing me to a lot of lovely people and making it an altogether more fun experience.
So without further ado, here's some images of Fly away Home which is part of the Exhibition WORDPLAY at the Museum in the Park, Stroud.

Other artists involved in Wordplay are Jessica Turrell, Tilleke Schwarz, Clyde Olliver, Lynn Setterington and Lauren Steeper.

Visit Stroud International Textiles for more information on the exhibition

Show runs until the 22nd May

Stroud International Textile Festival

2011-04-27T13:31:00.000-07:00

Working locally this week in the lovely Museum in the Park in Stroud, installing a piece called Fly Away Home, for Stroud International Textile festival which opens this Saturday 30th April.

LIST OF ALL EVENTS HERE

So heres the draft drawing of FLY AWAY HOME I hope to complete by Saturday.......the final piece will be 8m x 4m

And heres some images from the gallery today....... getting through it....

obvoiusly the lighting has to be adjusted

More images of the completed piece later in the week......provided I get it completed on time that is.......

And remember to check out SIT, theres loads of exhibitions, talks, seminars workshops etc spread over the month of May in lovely Stroud and the surrounding area.

LIST OF ALL EVENTS HERE

Drawing with Thread

2011-03-14T14:48:00.000-07:00

After a week working on site at Shire Hall Gallery, heres the result

And check this out........a big thank you to Rich, Phil and Tom for creating this video

Exhibition runs until the 1st May.......catch it before you miss it!!!

Drawing with Thread......the install

2011-03-14T10:19:00.000-07:00

Installing Drawing with Thread at the Shire Hall Gallery, Stafford...............final photos and video coming soon!

I'll have the final photos in just a mo!!!!!

Notonthehighstreet.com

2011-03-10T05:23:00.000-08:00

I am now selling some of my lovely works on notonthehighstreet. and they are featured in the catalogue which is out now....request a free one from the notonthehighstreet website......theres lots of othere lovely things to look at not just my works.
Alphablox...which I launched at Origin last year are now selling on notonthehighstreet.com. With a choice of 3 fonts and 10 colourways the possibilities are endless....create any word you like.....or choose from the precreated ones....LOVE....HOME

Heres some photos of my little Alphablox

I also completed some work for notonthehighstreet!! They commissioned me to complete my depiction of their logo on the reception wall at their offices in Richmond. Here are some photos. Some installation photos can be found on the notonthhighstreet blog

CraftSpace @ Creative Careers Festival, mac

2011-03-10T04:59:00.000-08:00

In January I was working with Craft Space at mac in Birmingham for the Creative Careers Festival, and what an insightful few days it was.

“Craftspace invite participants to create with rising textile star, Debbie Smyth exploring drawing using thread. Debbie has developed a visually stunning technique to create playful but sophisticated artworks using a networks of threads stretched between plotted pins. Come and experiment with hammer, nails and thread and a whole new approach to drawing.”

I worked with hundreds of teenagers within the space of a few days to create a threadiffiti wall. Here of some snaps of the few days.....

I learned a lot over those couple of days and came to the conclusion....teenagers ain't that bad....you just gotta point 'em in the right direction

Cowarth Park

2011-03-10T04:43:00.000-08:00

This is a very exciting commission I completed last year and was very different to a lot of things I had previously done. I worked with Interior designers at Fox Linton to produce 5 floor to ceiling panels depicting bulrushes for Cowarth Park Spa foyer.
Here are some photos

And thats that.......visit the Cowarth Park website to see more and also keep an eye out for the May Hotels by Design supplement in House & Garden magazine where there will be a wee write up on the commission

Very much overdue......

2011-03-10T04:21:00.000-08:00

So I've been a bit slack with my posting but the plan is to get right back up to date asap so I keep all you lovely people in the loop with what I'm up to....
My last post came just after Origin last year, which proved to be a very worthwhile experience and I will be applying again this year. The shows new venue and setup suited me very well- running in line with LDF brought in a new type of clientèle, and opened my work, along the the other exhibitors, work up to a much wider and varied audience

Here's a little pic of my stand at Origin 2010 and below I'm doing a bit of threading at the show

And a few pics of some of the commission I gained from Origin

and another

So thats a little about Origin 2010.......my minds on the go now thinking of new ideas for Origin 2011 if I get in that is.....bigger and better hopefully!!!

The Big Draw

2010-10-28T08:58:00.000-07:00

"To celebrate The Big Draw, as part of it's travelling Curious about Craft mobile exhibition, Craftspace will be inviting the public to create with rising textile star, Debbie Smyth to explore drawing using thread. Debbie has developed a visually stunning technique to create playful but sophisticated artworks using a networks of threads stretched between plotted pins. Come and experiment with hammer, nails and thread and a whole new approach to drawing."

When: Saturday 30th October, 10am till 3pm

Where: Kings Heath on a mobile unit near All Saints Church (look for Curious About Craft? banner and signs) All Saints Church Centre, Vicarage Road, Kings Heath Birmingham, B14 7RA

Hopefully see you there for an action packed day of drawing drawing drawing......!!

Below is my interpretation of "Curious about Craft?" logo......pop along on saturday to see it in the flesh and to have a go at making your own unique pin drawing!!

Upcoming Shows

2010-09-11T05:19:00.000-07:00

I've got a busy autumn ahead of me and heres a little glimpse of what I'm up to

Its my first year at Origin, which runs from the 23-29th October at old Spitalfields Market, London.

This exciting new venue in the heart of creative London and the new timing of Origin as a major presence during the London Design Festival will inject new life and a renewed sense of excitement into this highly respected, established event.

Come along, meet me on Stand K29 and see my interactive and exciting new range of work. Further to this, I will be threading live on the stand for the duration of the show

Heres a sneaky peak of some of the new work I will have on show

Trolleyed 525x525mm

This is a Craft journey not to be missed!!

I will be exhibiting with New British Artists again this year at the Affordable Art Fair in Battersea Park from the 21-24 October. Come along to stand H10

I am working with project/ten again this autumn on a site specific, Cardiff inspired piece at the Wales Millennium Centre which will be unveiled on the 29th November. September saw the launch of the project/ten residency at the ffresh lounge in the centre. Pop along to see a variety of new work by the collective on show.
Also the project/ten autumn #1 show is fast approaching approaching. Housed in unit 22-24 morgan arcade from october 1-16, it promises to be the collectives most exciting show yet.

10/
An exhibition at the National Botanical Gardens of Wales demonstrating 10 years of textiles and 10 years of growth by staff and graduates of the textiles department at West Wales School of the Arts. Show runs from 10th September to the 30th November

Urban Scenes/
Exhibition at Galanthus Gallery, Hereford runs from the 16-31 October, showcasing architectural inspired work by artists Carolyn Blake ,Dawn Dupree, Debbie Smyth, Malcolm Dobson, Steve Leaning, Stacey Bentley, Sangeun Kim ,Kirsty Summerling . Show launch night is Friday 17 Sept from 6.30-8.30pm

Also Threadbare continues until the 30th October so catch it before I pull all the pins out. See previous blogs for more info.

THREADBARE

2010-07-28T04:07:00.000-07:00

So far THREADBARE has been a great success, It runs until the 30th October so plenty of time to go see it at Manchester Craft and Design Centre.

Heres some photos from the opening too

Interactive threading, Pimms, chats, and lots of lovely people.......thanks for coming along everyone

lots of people getting involved

here's some doctors hands.....really interesting watching him threading....very percise

And finally a pic of me posing......Thank you to everyone at the craft centre for all you help....Kate, Dena. Lippy aka Jane, Steph, Clint and everybody who works there......your all stars!! Looking forward to seeing you all soon.

Masterclasses are on the 4th September and 9th October, please contact Manchester Craft and Design Centre for further info

Last day installaing Threadbare

2010-07-02T02:18:00.000-07:00

Its been a very busy, hot, sticky week down here at the Manchester Craft and Design Centre installing THREADBARE, lots of people dropping in for a chat or just to observe and I've also had plenty of interviews. Click here to see video interview with Jenny from Indie Quarter (keep an eye out for the annoying fly...typical....luckily they editted out the swatting...ha ha)
Also heres a link to a lovely article by Manchester Confidental, and another by Susie Stubbs, editor of Craetive Tourist
Not much time as I have to get back to putting the finishing touchs to the installation.
Threadbare opening is tomorrow Saturady 3rd from 2-4pm. Live music with Jo Rose, complimentary refreshments....pimms...ummm and also there will be a chance to get involved with some threading.
So come on down for a fun action packed afternoon!!

Heres a couple of installation pics......

Quick THREADBARE update......

2010-06-28T09:16:00.000-07:00

Threadbare is up and running and I have to say the first day has been a success.
Interview this morning with Andy Brydon was slightly nerve wracking but dont think I got too flustered..... and he has done a lovely write up about THREADBARE.....heres the link and if you fancy a listen to the interview, here you go
Pinning-wise......on track to be finished by Friday......woop woop
So far so good.....
More interviews tomorrow and hopefully I'll have a few pics......so watch this space

Not long now........

2010-06-23T07:27:00.000-07:00

Heres a sneaky peak at what will be happening at Manchester Craft & Design Centre next week.....

Getting myself all packed and sorted for my trip UP NORTH and thought I'd pop a few pics of some of my new work up.......
All of which will be on show alongside my Threadbare installation which opens on the 3rd July.

ugh also....found some lovely article on me today.....heres a link..... thanks UKhandmade!!

and another by Indie Quarter......thank you!!

I'll have lots more pics when I get back from manchestaaaa of the completed installation..... sooo watch this space!!

Threadbare @ Manchester Craft & Design Centre

2010-06-17T07:40:00.000-07:00

Hooray....my first solo show is fast approaching!!
Threadbare
I will be installing my Northern Quarter inspired pin and thread drawing in Manchester Craft & Design Centre from the 28th June to the 2nd July.
Feel free to pop in during the install week to see me in action or better stilll come along to the opening on the 3rd July 2-4pm. There will be lots of pimms, live music and also a chance to get in on the action as there will be some live pinning going down!! Be great to see you there!!
The show runs until the 30th October.

"Visiting Manchester is always hugely inspiarational for me and exhibiting with MCADC is the perfect opportunity to showcase my fascination with Manchester's Northern Quarter. By capturing the charm of the mundane streetscapes with the simpliest of materials, pins and thread, I hope to give my installation the buzz and life of its unique surroundings."

project/ten summer #1

2010-06-17T07:08:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update to let you all know how the live pinning for project/ten's summer #1 exhibition went. I won't blab on for long......instead i'll upload a few pics from the evening

For more info click here

Thanks and stay tuned......lots more updates to come......including info about my first solo show Threadbare

I AM A THREAD TOO SLENDER TO SUSPEND ALL THIS REALITY

2010-06-04T07:32:00.000-07:00

summer #1

project/ten, cardiff's only roaming gallery, will be settling for three weekends in june, taking residence in a warehouse on northcote lane, cardiff.

opening hours: every friday 8 - 11pm and saturday 1 - 11pm from june 11 - 26; entrance through milgi, 213 city road and from northcote lane, cardiff.

this, the gallery’s second pop-up exhibition, will be a continually changing exhibition in respect that sold work is replaced and walls refreshed throughout. summer #1 will also introduce the collective’s latest additions - new artist from west wales, ben lloyd; matt needle, a graphic designer boasting an impressive list of clients that include nike, reiss clothing and tiger beer; and carwyn evans, who recently graduated with a masters from the royal college of art, london.

as well as exhibiting new work from the growing collective each weekend will feature a large-scale site specific installation which promises to make this exhibition bigger, better and bolder and will build on the foundation laid by the first pop-up.

all are welcome to the official launch at the milgi warehouse on friday june 11 from 8-11pm where debbie smyth’s( thats me!!!) outstanding and intricate nail and thread work will be produced on-site in a 'live pinning.'

all work is for sale with prices ranging from £15 - £4500 and can be viewed at our new look website www.project-ten.co.uk

project/ten

2010-04-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

2010 saw the beginning of a new gallery collective in cardiff which features the most contemporary and progressive art and design in the capital.

Led by cardiff-born gallerist-curator, Cat Gardiner, project/ten operates as a web-based and pop-up gallery, promoting and supporting high calibre contemporary art and design in temporary locations.

Each artist and designer has a link with wales, and each stand strong in his own right. a new concept, and cardiff’s first design-focused gallery, project/ten builds a network of inter-disciplinary creatives as a platform for collaboration, dialogue and exposure, all in the name of progress.

project/ten's first show - spring #1 - was as Cardiff Arts Institute and featured work from artists Rob Stevens, Rhian Thomas, Osian Batyka Williams, Justin Bartlett, Tom Kitchen, Shaphan Cole, Ruth McLees, Jen Oakes, Huw Aaron and myself.

If you missed the show, a selection of the collectives work is still on show on the stairwell leading up to the exhibition roon at Cardiff Arts Institute

project/ten's second show - summer #1 - is coming soon. Details will be posted shortly

In the meantime, the big fuss arts festival is happening at milgi, City road, Cardiff, over the first may bank holiday. project/ten will be making an appearance with a feature wall so head down and support what's going on.

Finally a big thank you to Cat and Andy at project/ten for involving me in such an exciting collective!
Doing a super job guys!!

Coast to Coast

2010-04-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

The past while has been a bit busy and I'v fallen a bit behind on my blogging so lots and lots of news. First things first is Coast to Coast , an exhibition at Palterman & Thomas Gallery Swansea which runs until the 20th May.......catch it if you can!!

Heres a little glimspe of some of the work I have on show....

Fastnet Rock

Seagulls

Also showing in Coast to Coast is Adele Brereton; a fabulous jeweller who I recently meet at a Crafts Council networking event, so I thought I'd give a lil'shout out to her. She is also showing at Collect from the 14-17 May at the Saatchi Gallery

Lots more news still to come so stay tuned!!

GAARN – The Magazine for Sewing Culture

2010-02-01T14:20:00.000-08:00

Just a quick shout out to Damaris Jakschik for finishing her diploma thesis at Bauhaus-University Weimar, Germany and producing GAARN as a result..... and what a result!

"GAARN is an artful inspiration and a Do it Yourself-magazine that deals with the world of needlework and textile design in a new way. Trends of the modern handcraft along with artists from all over the world, their unique creations and handmade items are introduced. It offers instructions for your own creations as well as a Do it Yourself-section complete with patterns and designs. It also offers individual shopping tips and creative scenes with their places."

GAARN opens a new world for crafters – be inspired........it's trully wonderful, crammed full of tantilising textiles and lots of fun stuff!!!

Thank you Damaris for featuring my work in your project and I wish you the best of luck with getting it published. The future is bright for GAARN for sure

GO GAARN!

Love is in the air........♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

2010-02-01T13:41:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day is nearlly upon us and I have been creating lots of lovey dovey work in the lead up to the special occasion. My new "Love" collection is on show at the gorgeous Palterman & Thomas Gallery in Swansea from the 5th-28th of February

Heres a glimpse at some of my new pieces

Also taking part in the Valentines exhibition is Saloukee aka Sarah Kelly and she is the creator of these sculptured paper-art jewellery. Lots of percise fold and cuts, along with a sensitive touch give Sarahs work a real ephemeral quality and I love it!!

Theres jewellery, trickets and gifts galore all on show at the gorgeous converted Norwegain Church. (see below) So if you are in search for that extra special something for that extra special someone, this show is not to be missed. Drop on by Palterman and Thomas and you wont'be disappointed!!

Palterman & Thomas The Gallery, Norwegian Church, Langdon Road, Swansea, SA1 8QY

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Happy Valentines!!! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

2010.....a new year and lots of new work!!

2010-01-13T11:37:00.000-08:00

Let's start with a big Happy New Year!!
I had a very jolly Christmas....stranded with all my family in the middle of the Irish countryside...snow and ice everywhere....beautiful! The break was much need due to many Christmas orders, hers a few of the bespoke designs I was working on in the lead up to Xmas....a Surfer which went all the way to Austrailia and a Unique and Beatiful gift between sisters

I also have some uocoming shows.......

AAF Brussels is fast approaching and I have been working on lots of new pieces. I will be representd by New British Artists and the show runs from Feb 5-8 2010 at Tour & Taxis, avenue du Port 86c, B1000 Bruxelles. Heres a sneaky peak at some of my new work......

Ugh..... I meant to blog about this earlier but By Hand/On Foot at the White Space Gallery Taunton has been extended and should run until the end on Janurary. So if your in the area pop by the gallery, see previous blog for more details

Thats all for now but I'll have more updates in the next couple of weeks

By Hand / On Foot

2009-11-04T13:39:00.000-08:00

Heres a little info about my most recent show at The White Space Gallery, Somerset College, Taunton which runs from the 30th Oct to 27th Nov;

If you are in the area, it's worth a lil'look......

For the exhibition By Hand / On Foot, I really wanted to take advantage of this interactive space by working on-site in the exhibition space for a week, interacting with passerbys, most of whom were lecturers and students whilst installing Ship to Shore, a 4m x 4m shipwreck sketch.

Also whilst in Taunton for the week, I did a wee bit of lecturing....which I rather enjoyed. Felt great being back in College.Very inspiring.

Best of luck to all the 3rd years I spoke with at the College and also a big thank you to Kirsty who helped me out one morning threading, it was great working with you and looking forward to seeing your stand at New Designers next year

heres a little snap shot tour of the gallery from setup through to completion

Day 2.....day 1 was spent preping the walls
Day 3- progressing slowly, to much chatting
Day 4- still hammering

Day 5- Completed Ship with a 3D net....

pylons connecting across the room

The Pylon Diptych again working well in 3D space. I added the wires to create a flow around the space

The final view, on Monday morning. The work on the left is by photographer Zac Mead who is the other half of By Hand / On Foot. His work includes stunning urbanscapes and moving deadpan portraiture, click here for more info Thank you Zac for all your help and it was great working with you!

Also a big thank you to Imelda, Neil and all the other staff at the college who were all so helpful and lovely during the installation.

The show runs until the 27th of November. After that Ship to Shore will be no more; it's only temporary so catch if you can !!

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair

2009-11-04T09:10:00.000-08:00

It has been a busy week since the GNCCF and I'm only just catching up with myself. It being my first craft fair, I was a bit unsure what to expect but it was great. Had a brilliant response to my work, lots of sales and commissions and lots of interest after the show too. Made some lovely friends with neighbouring exhibitors and saw some old faces too. And the cherry on the cake; I was the winner of the prize sponsored by The Manchester Craft and Design Centre which means I'll be back in Manchester at some point in the new year with my own solo show.....watch this space!!

Also had a lovely write up by Sian Astley following the Preview Evening-Click here to view
Thank you Sian, it was lovely to meet and chat with you and weldone for picking a great selection of makers.....

And finally, a big big thank you to everyone who popped by my stand and for making my time at the fair so enjoyable. Here are a couple of pics of my stand if you missed the fair....

I also created a lot of new work for the fair, heres a glimspe of what was on show....

Detail World Table(below)

World Table (above), which is one of my most recent creations was launched at this years GNCCF. The coffee table, which pictured here contains the world,however it can also be commissioned to encase various other imagery, please contact me for more info on commissioning a table.

Other work on show included my new figurative pieces

Sisiters (below)

Puzzled (below)

And finally some of my text art pieces which also are available to commission(please contact me for more info)
Thanks for reading and pop back soon won't you!

Upcoming Shows

2009-10-13T13:54:00.000-07:00

This year at the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair, I will be showing my new range of smaller scale work which continues to blur boundary between design and the drawn line. Amongst my wall art, will be my new Table Top range which sees my unique drawing style collaborate with furniture design.

Pop by STAND 136 to see it all first hand, buy or even commission something unique and meet me!!

And here's a little glimpse of some of my new work......

I am also showing some work at the

Click here for more info
Thursday 22nd-Sunday 25th October at: Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ

Look out for my pins & thread on the New British Artists stand (next to the bar.....can't miss it)

And finally....before I forget, guess who is the recent recipient of the Crafts Council Development Award.......yes, moi!!

Exciting stuff....it's onwards & upwards from here

Hopefully see you in Manchester next week!!

YSH LONDON TEN

2009-09-16T02:01:00.000-07:00

Come see me at London Design Festival
Read on for more details....

An innovative Textiles, Fashion and Interiors exhibition featuring Ten of the best UK-based designers, artists and recent graduates. Held at the exclusive Westbourne Studios, London from the 21st of September to the 25th 10am to 6pm, come and view these ten leading designers and artists amongst the amazing exhibition space of Westbourne Studios.

Concetta Gallo / Berit Greinke / Arantza Vilas / Pippa Caley / Marie Molterer / Laura Thomas / Ella Robinson / Kitty Joseph / Chloe Scadding / Debbie Smyth

Ysh London will also be exhibiting street fashion photographs from contributors based in London, Paris, Berlin, New York, Tokyo and Shanghai, and www.yshlondon.com will be online at the exhibition for visitors to try out.

Exhibitors are hosting a pop-up shop containing amazing take-me-home treats; after shopping at our pop-up shop, feel free to relax in the member’s only plush Westbourne Studio’s bar afterwards!

Free admittance- Westbourne Studios, 242 Acklam Road, London, W10 5JJTube; Westbourne Park - Hammersmith and city lineBus; 28, 31 and 328

And here's a little glimspe of some of the new work I will have on show...

Private View - Monday 21st 6-9pm...hopefully see you there....!

Mr Jones Watches - Illustration

2009-08-09T16:12:00.000-07:00

Cult watch brand, Mr Jones Watches has just released its third limited edition series and guess who was specially commissioned to design an artwork for the MJW presentation box.......moi!! See the illustration (below left) and the MJW box(below right).......

Visit Mr Jones Watches to check out the new series or even better buy one. You not only get a really cool watch but a free illustration by me too!! Cyclops (below) is part of the third limited edition series....I love it!!Finally a big big thank you to Crispin Jones (the watch designer) for approaching me to do this project and also for being such a cool guy to work with.

Good Luck with the new series Crispin!!

New Framed Work

2009-08-07T09:54:00.000-07:00

Created lots of new work for the Sense Summer Art Fair last week and heres a little glimspe of what was on offer.........

I've branched out into colour with my new range of "boxed words" pieces (7 x 7 inch)

Also several 15 x 15 inch, framed pin and thread drawings were on show......these included;

Eco Barn

Tiegnmouth Pier

Ship to Shore

And some blueprint designs; A helicopter and a Citreon DS

Many more new designs are on the way over the coming months so....watch this space.

Ellesse 50th Anniversary Party, ROME

2009-07-16T11:41:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the iconic sportswear brand 50th anniversary I was whisked off to Rome, pins and hammer in hand to thread a wall with the " make it beautiful, make it better" statement. Below are some photos of me working on the piece at the amazing venue, Chiostro del Bramante, Rome.

And some pics of the final piece.....simplier than some of my previous work but just as effective I think....bold blocky colour...fun fun

Other highlights were Claire Levision Gendler's amazing paper tennis dress based on Eva Lai's lovely illustration, both pictured below....

Ellesse also snagged Si Scott to develop this illustration to launch their Call For Entries design competition to mark their 50th Anniversary, pictured below

Did I mention the amazing venue? Spot the celebrity...Pat Cash is in there....

Uber cool music by Crazy P...

Some strike a pose shots from the night....

and after a few cocktails....

And finally, a big big thank you to my boyfriend Zac who I took with me as a treat for his birthday and ended up roping him in to helping me. Heres a pretty picture he took from the plane....

Click here for more info on Ellesse and the event

Or follow them on Facebook

Thanks Ellesse for organising such a great event and I look forward to working with you again in the future..

Blackpool Sixth Form College Workshop

2009-07-09T10:42:00.000-07:00

Bit behind on my blogs, so lots of news to catch up on! Here we go.....

Well last month, I travelled up to the lovely Blackpool to do a workshop day with a group of students from Blackpool Sixth Form College. The mission was to create a pin and thread drawing of the college with the students. It being my first workshop, I was slightly nervous but they took to the technique like ducks to water. Heres a couple of shots of the oh so talented students in action...

And heres me (looking a bit smily) with the students and the piece at the end of the day. The piece was not far off being finished when I left, however I felt very confident leaving it in the students' capable hands.

The finished piece will be going on display in the cafe of new build of the College once completed and I will have lots more photos of it then

Thanks a million to all the students who attended the workshop and for doing such a brillant job. Also a big thank you to their lovely teacher Lindsay Chapman.

Sense Summer Art Fair - Friday 24th-Sunday 26th July

2009-06-15T11:25:00.000-07:00

Come see me and other members of the Sense Network at the Sense Summer Art Fair Friday 24th-Sunday 26th July . To give you a sneak preview of some of the amazing work that will be there, heres the blog link which also features brief interviews with the artists, designers and illustrators. There will be all sorts of things available to buy and take a look at from prints, to jewellery, to mixtapes to large scale canvas, motion graphics or acrylic resin sculptures.

I will have a new seris of framed and unframed work on show available from just £50.

Save the date, bring friends and come along. We'll be celebrating with a private view party for members of the network and friends on Friday 24th July.

Sense Summer Art Fair

Friday 24th - Private view 6.30pm - 10pm

Saturday 25th - 10-6pm

Sunday 26th - 11-5pm

VENUE:

Sense Loft,

68/70 Wardour Street,

London

W1F 0TB

Crafted is UP and AWAY.........

2009-04-07T08:11:00.000-07:00

Had both an exciting and exhausting week up in Carmarthen. Not only was I installing my new piece in the Oriel Myrddin but catching up with college friends was also on the agenda. Great to be back!!

Everything went smoothly with the installation but it might not have if it wasn't for the dedicated staff of the gallery. A big thank you to you all!! Also the on site pinning went according to plan. Had the odd one bend here and there bit thats only to be expected....my poor thumb though, now thats another story. Think he may have got knocked one too many times.....

Anywho here's some pics on the behind the scene action.......

And some final photos

Couple of detail shots; Shed

and birdies.......

Boxed Birds are available to buy in the gallery shop as well as other smaller pieces;

See below

Also a few pics of some of the other artist's work on show at Crafted

I know I'm biassed but I have to say it is such an interesting and inspirational show. A big thank you to Meg Anthony, the gallery manager, who has been helpful and who has put together such a fantastic show.

Exhibition runs until May 16th so plenty of time to drop in and have a wee look round

Cheers for reading!!

Crafted @ The Oriel Myrddin Gallery 4 April - 16 May

2009-03-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

A new exhibition and more new work. I have been very busy thes past few weeks creating new work for the Crafted exhibition. The Private view is Saturday 4 April @ 2pm and everyone is welcome. Here's a bit about the show;

"Crafted is an exhibition celebrating the materials, processes and techniques involved in the making of extraordinary objects, often using traditional methods to acheive a subversive result. Each maker is fascinated by the physical outcomes that transform their material, however mundane or workaday, into something remarkable. Whether through technology, inventiveness, virtuosity; or the rhythms and repetitions of making, or the investment of time and diligence, these objects are captivating. They express a new mood of exchange, between contemporary craft, art and design."

I will be showing along side artists which include Carol Kingsbury Gwizdak, Thomas Forsyth and Moon Young Shin.

And here's a little sneaky peek of whats I'm going to have on show.........

No photos of the actual piece just yet.....you are going to have to come see the show for that. This piece does differ those I have done before due to the fact that some of the pinning and threading will be done on site......

Some of my smaller work will also be available form the gallery shop.

Exhibition runs from the 4 April - 16 May in the Oriel Myrddin Gallery, Church Lane, Carmarthen.

Open Mon-Sat 10-5

On a different note, I'd also like to thank everyone who was able to make to the artist's talk for the Material Evidence exhibition last Saturday. The turn out was fantastic and it was great to meet and chat with all the other exhibiting artists. It being my first talk, I was incredibly nervous and thank you to everyone for being so supportive. I'd also like to say a big thank you to Jo Hall and Louise Hesketh for their continued help and support from start to finish. It was a pleasure to work with them.

Hopefully see you all at the Crafted Private View in The Oriel Myrddin Gallery on the 4 April at 2pm

Material Evidence @ The Brindley, Runcorn 21 Feb-11 April

2009-03-07T06:11:00.001-08:00

"The exhibition Material Evidence brings together four artists-Clare Lane, Laura McCafferty and recent graduates Debbie Smyth and Caroline Kirton- whose work reflects the importance of making and materials in contemporary art. They represent a new wave of artists and makers with a fresh take on the boundaries between art and craft. By exploring a range of processes, each artist reveals an affinity for working with the physicality of the textile medium in a fresh and exciting way." - Jo Hall, Exhibition curator.

Commonplace industrial structures, architectural forms and bridges have always been a big source of inspiration for me and the Runcorn Widnes Bridge was no exception. Its dramatic scale, the repetitive nature of its structure and its intricacy all simultaneously intrigued me. However it wasn’t until I began to explore the bridge from all angles and view points that it’s captivating and bewildering perspective had me in awe. This matrix of steel rods seemed to funnel and disperse with the arch of the bridge giving it an air of illusiveness. By combining it’s complexity with my simple materials I feel I have captured its eye tricking nature.

One of my initial sketches for the Jubilee Bridge installation (above)

A lovely shot of me installing the Jubilee Bridge, 19/02/09 (above)

And a couple of shots of the final installation (above)

Running on from my pylon series, the bridge was an interesting addition to my pin and thread landscape. However unlike my pylons which I saw as floating linear structures, this bridge had a location; surroundings full of stories. It is the inclusion of these stories, which fundamentally is the less recognized beauty of Runcorn, which brings my piece to life.

The exhibition has had some good press coverage which include
Liverpool Daily Post, AN Magazine and The Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

There will be a discussion at 1pm on 14th March about the work, with all four artists and the exhibition curator Jo Hall. Admission is free.

The exhibition is Supported by Arts Council England.

Some of my smaller work will also be on show, see below

And finally a general overview of the gallery, see below,

Just a little glimpse of whats on offer, all you have to do now is go and see it.

I'm in Tangible......

2009-03-07T05:07:00.000-08:00

Tangible- High Touch Visuals is a new book out which explores the blurred borders of graphic design, illustration, art, interior design, architecture and craftsmanship. Following in the footsteps of Hidden Track (2005) and Tactile (2007), Tangible presents further developments from the work of young designers and artists who are experimenting with this multidisciplinary approach and creating outstanding original “tangible” designs.

The cover (above) and my page (right)

For more information about the book visit

The Designers Review of Books &

Gestalten

Gestalten.tv also has a video interview with Julien Vallée who created the cover and chapter plates for the book.

Or even better if you would like to purchase this lovely book visit Amazon

I may be a tad biassed but it trully is an inspirational book. It's predessor Tactile proved to be an indispensable tool during the research for my final year project. I advise anyone who loves to rebel against the digitally dominant age we live in and get there hands stuck into the make and do side of a project, that this is the book for you.

Enjoy!!

My pylon story...........

2009-02-08T11:19:00.000-08:00

Since my blog is quite new, I thought the next best thing to do is to backtrack a little to update and enlighten you all with what I’ve been up to since graduating. I’ll start with my pylon story…. Well firstly there was New Designers, which was an amazing experience. I got some great feedback, sold some work and really enjoyed myself. The perfect end to my degree and brillant start to my new career..... Here we are- my textile gal-pal Elspeth and I showing our masterpieces at ND 08

....and here's me ....

Following that, I was selected to exhibit at Talentzone which is part of - TENT LONDON -“the most comprehensive and diverse design exhibition of the year during the London Design Festival”- now that was an experience. I felt so honoured to have been selected to exhibit amongst such a inspiring array of designers, the exposure was fantastic and it really gave me a big push in the right direction; a great career starter.

And here's a couple of pics from the stand......

I felt honoured just being selected to exhibit in the show but more amazingly Detank TV awarded me with “Best of Tent” . I was gobsmacked.....

Click here to see the interview

and here's me live on air, spectators n'all.......I was so nervous but surprisingly it went ok.....

My work was also featured on Dezeen, Embroidery Magazine, Architects Journal. I know it's late but a big thanks to everyone who came to see me at the show.

During October my work was exhibited at The Butetown History and Arts Centre, Cardiff for the Best of Welsh Graduates showcase. My work was featured in the Western Mail during the show.

In November, my pins and thread then headed to Lincoln for the Class of ‘08 exhibition at The HUB, Sleaford. A diverse range of work was on show.....very exciting

and here's a couple of snaps from the show.....

And that's that.....my pylon story so far

My first post, how exciting!!

2009-01-30T08:30:00.000-08:00

As I don't have my website set up yet, I thought a good interim solution was to get myself a blog. So here I am....
Firstly, I think it's best to start with a little introduction, so you all can get a little bit more familiar with me and what it is I do……..

I am a textile artist with a workshop in Cheltenham Spa. I create contemporary artworks which employ a variety of skills and techniques to transform unusual and unorthodox materials and objects into playful yet sophisticated pieces. This diverse style developed through training at West Wales School of the Arts, where I gained a first class honours degree in Contemporary Textiles.

Following the completion of my degree, I began to establish my own practice; the past year has been very busy, which has seen my work grow and progress. I have already exhibited at New Designers 2008, Tent London 2008 and other galleries across the UK.

The overall focus of my portfolio centres on the transformation of two dimensional lines and planes into three dimensional shapes and space. The dynamic energy of the drawn line is pushed in my pin and thread work. Creating a network of lines by stretching strands of thread between accurately measured and plotted pins gives an new lease of life to the a simple illustration. Anchored to the panels whilst simultaneously is floating in space, an element of deception is created which invites the inquisitiveness of the viewer.

As a multi-disciplinary thinker, my newly created forms can then take on a life of their own, as happy decorating 21st century interiors as featuring in fashion shoots; unique gifts at one scale, gallery installations at another.

Check out some pics at flickr
Also see Cool Hunting, Matandme and fforwm for some more info, pics etc

Your comments and emails are very welcome as I'd love to hear from you
Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy getting to know me cos there's more to come....