Firing Up - Exhibition

I have spent the day putting up the work for this exhibition which starts tomorrow. This is the result of myself and Penny Batley working with 5 local schools as part of the Crafts Council's 'Firing Up' programme. The exhibition is in the Grosvenor Building at MMU and is also part of the Manchester School of Art 'Out of Schools Show'. Preview tomorrow night from 6pm. All welcome.


http://www.artdes.mmu.ac.uk/engagement/outofschools/

Pottery Book

Beautiful book co-written by my lecturer from Manchester Metropolitan University, Alex McErlain.


http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/3294415

Manchester School of Art - degree show

Just been to see the Manchester School of Art degree show and saw some fabulous ceramics, I absolutely loved Joe Hartley's work and want the full set of bread making tools and storage vessels! Beautiful, functional, subtle and ingenious designs, definitely the creation of a designer passionate about what he does whether that is making bread, eating bread or making pots! The vessels also have beautifully made wooden lids and and some even adapt to become bread making tools tools and bread boards. To complete his product line he has also created a multi-functional apron to wear while baking, that can be adapted to wear as a storage bag for carrying the bread after. So, not only skilled with clay and wood but also textiles. Stunning absolutely stunning!! He is definitely one to watch. All the best for the future Joe! 

Joseph Hartley 

I also loved Marie Canning's work, exquisite objects based on ancient herbal medicine. Marie has created beautiful wearable vessels inspired by Victorian ‘ceramic eye ointment pots’ which she has decorated with minute herbal plants including; flowers, leaves, stems, roots and tendrils. Carefully placed oxides pool in the bottom of the vessels highlighting the stunning plant detail. Subtle impressed text tell a story of the medicinal herb and they are finished to perfection with delicately placed gold wires and lustres, just delicious!! Her attention to detail is remarkable. All the best for the future Marie, hope to see you at the shows very soon!

Marie Canning

My Stand at The Contemporary Craft Fair

After setting off from home at an early start of 5am on the Thursday morning I arrived at Bovey just before 10am to set up. By 3pm I was still attaching butterflies to the wall, leaving only an hour  to put the work out on display! It was worth it though as I received an award for the ‘best stand’ which was an honour especially as there was so many fantastic stands and amazing makers. It means I get a free stand next year, so will definitely be back to Bovey in 2013.

Despite the British weather it was a great show and the rain didn’t halter the Devon folk from visiting the show in their droves, the amount of people really did surprise me. My work was very well received and sales were good. It was a really fun and friendly show to take part in and fantastically organised by Sarah James and Nina Fox (thank you both). I am really pleased that I will be taking part again next year.

Here are some pics of new work taken to the show;

The Contemporary Craft Festival

Just a quick post about The Contemporary Craft Festival, which I am currently busy getting ready for! It starts this Thursday and is on all weekend until Sun 17th. Fabulous work for sale made by UK designer makers, everything from jewellery to textiles, glassware to furniture and ceramics. Come and see me on Stand A32.