right at HOME . . .

Feeling slightly fraudulent labelled as Helen Foot Design's UK Buyer I visited HOME and Top Drawer at London's Earls Court last week.  The quality of the exhibitors was exceptional so I'm going to share my top 5:

One. . .

Je Vous En Prie.  The owner and designer, Fabienne, was one of my interns when I worked at Wallace Sewell, so it's fantastic to see her doing so well.

Two . . .

Donna Wilson.  Her work is always fantastic and humorous.

Three . . .

Ary Trays.  Their collaborations with numerous different designers gave a fantastic array of designs in the collection.

Four . . .

Clare Nicolson. Beautiful prints.

Five . . .

Lisa Stickley.  More fantastic prints. 

This is the first trade show I have visited since I set up the business and I'm wondering 'could I do a stand next year?' . . . 

images from here.

Oriel Mostyn . . .

The second stop on my North Wales trip was the Oriel Mostyn Gallery in Llandudno.  The stunning building is a clever integration of old and new, designed by architect Dominic Williams.  Mostyn consists of 5 galleries which showcase the best of contemporary art being produced in Wales and internationally.  I'm not sure I understood the exhibition that was up when I visited (an ant selloptaped to a book and a film of a woman stuffing a tin of sardines in her mouth featured) but I really loved the space.  The stairwell with its wood-effect concrete finish is amazing . . .

well worth a visit.  Images from here.

Ptolemy Mann . . .

I've been here there and everywhere over the last couple of weeks and seen many exhibitions.  The first of my trips was to North Wales last week to catch the Ptolemy Mann show at Ruthin Craft Centre before it closed that weekend.  The gallery space was a glorious wash of colour, bold, sharp and rich.  Lengths of digitally printed fabric hung floor to ceiling alongside Ptolemy's signature hand woven art pieces.  Displayed were also designs from her consultancy for architects and collaborations with fashion and interior designers.  A truly beautiful show.

Unfortunately the exhibition has now finished but if you would like to see more of Ptolemy's work then visit her website : www.ptolemymann.com.  Blog image from here.

Liubov Popova . . .

'Building the Revolution' also introduced me to the work of Liubov Popova.  As a female she was a rare commodity in the male-dominated world of Soviet art.  Her work fused Cubo-Futurism, Suprematism and Constructivism, for which she gave the term 'Painterly Architectonics'.  Having worked extensively as a painter she extended her practice to include poster, book, theatre and fabric designs.  I find her print designs particularly inspiring . . .

images from here.

Building the Revolution . . .

On the first of my trips to London this year I went to visit 'Building the Revolution' at the Royal Academy.  The exhibition showcases Soviet Art and Architecture from 1915-1935.  The show includes drawings and plans by innovative designers and artist of the time displayed alongside modern day photographs taken by Richard Pare of how the builds appear now.  Richards work is incredibly striking.  If you get a chance, I highly recommend a visit.  The show closes on the 22nd January.  Here are some of my favourites . . .

images from here.

Made by Hand . . .

Here are a few snaps from earlier this month at Made by Hand in Newport.  After months of handweaving I launched my first scarf collection at the show.  Inspired by the Festival of Britain, each scarf  is named after a British city.  What's your favourite? Glasgow, London, Swansea or Brighton . . .

Tredegar House, Newport

Stand 100

Glasgow

Swansea

London

Brighton

busy, busy, busy . . .

Lots of juggling going on in the studio at the moment what with Hothouse, teaching, curating and making.  I've been in production mode for the last couple of months now and the deadlines are nearly upon me.  Lots of cushions have been sent to London for the Designers / Makers pop-up shop which opens in Exmouth market tomorrow and new ones are being sewn ready for Made By Hand in just under two weeks.  I finished weaving all my new scarf collection earlier today, so this week will be all about braiding, washing and labelling.

Last warp on the loom.

COLLABORATE is also opening next Wednesday so the team are busy getting all the work ready for hanging.  Look out for the posters . . .