I Heart My Book

Anyone who has ever attended Oxford and Cherwell Valley Art College in Banbury, will know how they drill it into your head that you need to carry a sketch book with you everywhere at all times. Your sketch book must be your life and all of that. Anyway, that kind of sticks with you and even though it's not as necessary anymore to fill a whole sketch book before making a collection, I still do as I feel it develops my ideas and concepts.

After falling out with my brooch 'Cauliflower Cheese and Doilies' last night, I had to throw something else together to take my mind of it and so that I would be able to sleep!!!
So after having a critique last week with the girls, and taking on board what they said about my old work, I used elements which worked to produce this new piece...

I name her 'Glam Nan'.

Bracelet; Silver plated copper, etched, with pearls.

Glam Nan is a piece based on how glamorous my Nan was. Her patterned blouses were always teamed with pearls or some shiny neck piece. The bangle is made from copper and has a pattern etched onto it. The piece has been plated with silver and the pearls sit nicely in between the metal.

Blood, Sweat and Absolute Tears!

How I didn't pull my hair out last night, I do not know!!! That will teach me for attempting to file out scratches when really, really tired.
But onwards, and upwards. It's another glorious day, and I am feeling a lot more positive about my collection than I was last night. Also, I have received good news about the exhibition, I do not need to hand in my work until the weekend so that gives me plenty more time to make everything PERFECT!
So, to reach perfection, I have decided to take the piece to the left apart and clean everything until I can see my own face in the metal. Also, the rivets are slightly loose so it will help them feel more secure.
It's all part of the learning process I guess!!!

Exhibitions which I have visited to research my current collection - 'Made of Memories'.

Before I start making anything, I like to plan and research various ideas. Contemporary jewellers always fill me with great inspiration and so I visited the 'History Makers' exhibition at the RBSA Gallery.
http://www.rbsa.org.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/history-makers/
My favourite designer, Betty Pepper had some work exhibited there, along with other jewellers, ceramic and textile artists;

Emma Turpin at the RBSA Gallery. 'History Makers' Exhibition.

 Amanda Mercer, Anya Keeley, Catherine Chester,Corrinne Evans, Elaine Hughes, Emma Turpin, Emma Wells, Gwen Bainbridge, Heather Shaw, Jo Pond, Katherine Richmond, Katherine Wardropper, Katie Almond, Kirsten Wass, Leila Arzaghi, Lucy Harvey, Lucy Seddon, Miriam Rowe, Sadie Chesterman Bailey, Theresa McCafferty, Virginia Graham, Zoe Duthie. 


Katherine Richmond at the RBSA Gallery. 'History Makers' Exhibition.



Lost in Lace Exhibition

Whilst in Birmingham that same day, my friend and I visited the 'Lost in Lace' Exhibition at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.http://www.lostinlace.org.uk/about
I was really impressed by the work and it related well to my current project. There were examples of old, detailed lace and how it is hand made and then you had the modern version of lace. Various artists had been given a brief on 'Lace' and interpreted it in brilliantly unique ways. The work varied from detailed paper cut outs, intricate beaded Swarovski  crystals hanging from the ceiling to actual hands on installations.

'Cauliflower Cheese and Doilies' Brooch

Piece number two in the making. I actually finished most of this brooch yesterday but have not yet taken a photograph. Since this picture, I have rivetted lace tablecloth to the brooch. It just needs a good clean before the exhibition next week.

Brooch: Silver, tubing and Fabric.

This silver brooch is inspired by dinner time at my Nans house. The shape of the brooch is taken from the doilies and table cloths which my Nan would have decorated over every table in the house. I have textured the inner circular piece of silver, by hammering the metal to give it a fabric appearance. I have used rivets to attach a piece of fabric which was my Nan’s.
The brooch includes a handmade pin on the back and is light enough to wear on most fabrics.

Springtime Inspiration

All throughout my work, since University until now, Betty Pepper has been my biggest inspiration. I love how her work tells a story and her use of mixed media. Just thought I'd post her piece 'Springtime Necklace' to celebrate the lovely weather we are experiencing at the moment. (Not that I can enjoy it whilst beavering away in my garage workshop!)

Piece one of three complete! Although I have changed the pearls to a chunky gold chain as it looks much better (Thanks Jay for that input).

Pendant: Copper, brass and fabric.
This piece is inspired by Christmas time at my Nan’s house. The shape is taken from Christmas decorations which hang from the ceiling and the fabric was my Nan’s.
I have cut the shape out of copper and used brass tubing to make the rivets. I have made a copper jump ring which attaches the pendant onto a string of pearls, but this could be worn on a chain.
I wanted to make something which reminded me of Christmas, without using red, green and flashing lights. The piece is designed to have an aged, vintage feel about it.

Hello World Wide Web

Sooooooo....here I am, doing the one thing I never thought I would do and that's writing a blog!   I am currently sat at work, itching to get into my workshop as I have 7 days left to complete my three pieces for The Mill Spring Show in Banbury.
http://www.themillartscentre.co.uk/
I will update photos shortly to show my pieces in the making xx