One more thing...

This week I finally completed a small 3D piece that I started in about May last year. I'd do a bit then he'd be forgotten or put to the side for a bit and so on until finally, he is complete. He's built from a paper and wire frame, papier maiche, paint and lace. He's sat on my bookshelf and I think he's lovely!

And there's more...

And here are some drawings from this week. These drawings are an exploration of the theme 'freedom' and in particular of breaking free. I was inspired by the idea of rising up from whatever is tying you down, spreading your wings and flying free. The birds seemed an apt, if obvious, way of visualising this and I also really like drawing them!

I'm really pleased with this last one and am currently developing it as a fabric piece in layers of silk organza with lots of stitch. I like the dark area at the bottom and the way the crow rises above it all, like leaving all your troubles behind and moving on.

Resolutions?

So, its a new year and inevitably that starts with all the things that I'm going to improve on this year; being more organised, creating more artwork, actually taking pictures of my work, posting them online etc. It never pans out quite as I plan, however, every year I do get a little bit better so who knows, maybe this year I will actually start making use of this space!

To start things off here are some drawings from September last year, an expansion on the crow theme.

Today I have been doing a workshop with some children supported by Carlisle Mencap as part of their Playscheme. We made cardboard automata using basic materials and lots of imagination. Here are some of the results!

Some recent drawings

I'm developing a slight obsession with crows, I see a lot of them on my travels to and from work and I think they are very interesting birds. They are really quite beautiful and yet there is something a bit sinister about them as we tend to associate them with death and darkness. I find this interesting as in my own work I like to create things that are beautiful yet have a sinister undercurrent.

Art Exhibition at the Cathedral

In Carlisle Cathedral at the moment there is an exhibition of art by adults with learning disabilities. One of the pieces is a large collage based on the work of Gustav Klimt that I did with a group of Service Users in one of the day services. It is all their own work and they showed great commitment and enthusiasm throughout the project.

A couple of quick pics!

I now have a camera but still not quite got round to the regular posts thing. Never mind, here are a couple of images of things I've been up to this weekend. Two tops customised with applique, buttons and lace trim and a shirt and tie made into a bag (or a bhirt.)