July 21st went to MCDC Makers Meet Up. An evening of networking, advice and information sharing plus a chance to meet some of the MCDC staff.
Went to 3 drop-in sessions which were extremely useful - Social media and marketing, Business development and exhibiting, Applying for studios and competitions. A lot of food for thought.
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Took a lot of photos of my eye using my camera - not very easy as you can't see what you're doing! Most weren't in focus but I managed to get a couple of decent ones. Also took pics of a couple of buttons that looked a bit eye-like. MUST get some really good, close-up and in-focus photos of my eyes AND of other people's eyes. Then I can do much better art work. Michelle gave me a project to design a flyer for the workshops to be held at Trinity House on 13th August. I actually did 4 but, at the time, I didn't have the Branding Guidelines so they couldn't be used. Not to worry - good experience and gaining an insight into setting up a new company. It is so important to get things absolutely perfect - remember it's YOUR branding.
Here's the flyer that was designed by a consultant. I'll be there all day so I hope to see you then. I've been working with Michelle to help her prepare a grant submission for her new venture Herart. I met Michelle some years ago when I attended one of her workshops. I still have the gorgeous tie dye piece which I have never stitched into because I think it is perfect as it is.
We've been given our homework for the summer - create 30 close up images of things close up. Can use any technique and the work can be on any scale from small to huge on a wall (I've got an idea for that). Been having a bit of a brainstorm and have come up with a few ideas. I'm going to try and do something very creative with this close-up of an oyster shell. Used oyster shells for a project couple of years ago. Oysters 75p each at the fishmongers. Bargain. Caused a bit of puzzlement by picking my own (obviously went for the most interesting colour and texture- wise). Further puzzlement when I asked the fishmonger to open the shells and get rid of the oysters. Handed me the shells, just couldn't contain her curiosity any further and asked what I was going to do with them. I told her I was going to use them in an art project. Oh, by the way I'll have 4 of those lovely scallop shells from that basket. Curiosity satisfied she wished me luck in my project. Below is an image of my sea- forms belt complete with and oyster shell and pearl. Unfortunately the pearl is imitation. Walking along the curry mile in Rusholme on our way to Michelle's office after a very nice lunch. Barbers' shops very busy, guys getting ready for Eid and wanting to look their best. Outside one shop there were some chairs - just the job as I needed a bit of a rest. Got the OK to sit down. Relaxing, watching the world go by and being serenaded by a little yellow canary in a big cage on the pavement. The shop owner came to ask us if we were OK and said we could stay as long as we liked. Would we like a coffee? I has a cappuccino and Michelle had a latte. He told us we were always welcome to have a sit-down and a coffee. Hospitality, consideration and generosity knows no barriers. I know it's not a canary but it is very yellow. I also suspect it won't be very good at singing. Enjoy my little bit of yellow sunshine. Me and my blog haven't been speaking to each other recently. Not because we've fallen out. I've just been so busy - college work, getting my freezer under control, meeting artists and doing a massive pile of washing. Where does all the washing come from? I think I've got a "pile it high" dirty washing pixie living in my house.
To arty business. Went to Valley Artists exhibition in Rawtenstall. Scroll down to see my posts. 5th July I had my first meeting with Michelle Ayavoro. Met for lunch and then went back to her office to discuss my placement, what her priorities are, what she would like me to do AND THEN the fun bit looking at her artwork and talking about patterns. I've been invited to a board meeting of HerHands and have set up our next meeting. I know I'm going to enjoy this placement immensely and will learn a tremendous amount. I went to see Joanne on the 3rd July at her studio in Rawtenstall where Valley Artists were having a summer exhibition. She was so warm, friendly and sharing. Her studio was full of wonderful nudes from quick sketches to large paintings and , what I love the most, her abstracts. Joanne explained how she develops a painting of a life model into an abstract painting. She was very complementary about some of my life drawings which gave my confidence a boost. She also gave me a few suggestions for taking my work a step further. I'm going to see her again in a couple of weeks and we're going to do some drawings together using charcoal, sharpies and whatever else I want to use. How wonderful is that? How generous of Joanne to give me her time and expertise. I think this just goes to re-inforce my philosophy ... most artists will say "yes" when you ask for help. If they say "no" then that's the worst that can happen.
If you want to see Joanne's wide range of work go to .. www.valleyartists.co.uk www.fineartamerica.com The summer exhibition of the Valley Artists was brilliant and there was some wonderful art - paintings, mixed media, ceramics, portraits, photographs and drypoint. David Tomlinson had a number of drawings and acrylic paintings which I liked very much but it was his drypoints which drew my attention straight away. He explained the process to me. A drypoint needle "etches" the design onto aluminium which is then inked and printed using a press. He said it is very painstaking but he likes to see the marks and tones he creates. He's actually made the models you can see in the prints and which, on the surface, have no relationship to each other. He told me to let my imagination run riot and remember that people live in structures - house, factory, family, your mind, community.
Thank you David for your advice. Certainly given me food for thought. You can see more of David's work at www.valleyartists.co.uk Preview of Nexus exhibition today. Only 2 students turned up and one of them was me. Put on a brave face ... move on ... think of tomorrow which is going to be another exciting day. I'm meeting an artist who specialises in life drawing.
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