Number fifty

Can't quite believe that this is blog post number fifty! I didn't think that I would get into blogging as much as I have, although it's something that I will definitely be doing forever. To celebrate, I am posting this image of two little birds which a friend sent to me after having a long and unproductive day at Uni!

The past week...

The past week has been super busy, as I don't have long until my final hand in. 

I've been working within the print room to create a variety of experimental samples using a range of screen printing techniques. Additionally, I have also produced a collection of five digitally printed fabric samples using scanned in images from my paper collages. 

Not only has hand in been on my mind this week, but I was also lucky enough to go to Selfridges on Thursday to Cath Kidston's autobiography signing 'Coming up roses'. Excited was an understatement, as she is such as inspiration. Cath has released the autobiography to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the brand since starting back in April 1993, and everyone in the queue received a beautiful bunch of pink roses and travel card holder to go along with their signed copies of the book!

I was even lucky enough to have a photograph taken with her!

33 ways to stay creative...

A friend posted this on Facebook, and it couldn't be more appropriate! Numbers 1, 7, 13, 18 and 31 are most relevant to the ways in which I work, but should probably do more of 25! Fellow creatives, what numbers relate to you? 

Todays drawings

Today i've been drawing from some beautiful photographs of a sunset I captured during an evening bike ride. Using a combination of continuous line, range of medias and also different scale is what makes these drawings successful. I also feel as if drawing the negative spaces works really well when drawing skies and skylines, due to the ability to capture areas of colour, shape and texture!

Quirky little quote

Just found this quirky little quote. It completely sums up my drawing style, and couldn't be any more appropriate if it tried!

'A drawing is simply a line going for a walk'

Paul Klee

Manipulating my life drawings

After yesterdays life drawing session, I began collaging together different elements of my skies and skylines inspired work using anything from unsuccessful screen prints, scanned in copies of my samples, photographs and also sections of my drawings. 

After looking through my collection of life drawings from the mornings session, I felt as if areas of them would work really well alongside my landscape and skyline collages. Enjoy!

Spring cleaning my studio space

It suddenly struck me this morning when I sat at my studio space that it was in need of a spring clear out! Here is the outcome of  nearly an hours tidying and organising..

Updated studio space wall. New inspiration for my skies and skylines project using collaging and layering!

Playblocks print

I've just found this really fun print designed by Francesca Iannaccone, inspired by a children's shapemaker toy. I love the simplicity of the design, combined with the bright, geometric shapes, however, she's also introduced the print with a cute little animation! Check out her blog at Mrs Eliot Books.

You can watch Francesca Iannaccone's PlayBlocks animation HERE!

Enjoy!

The Art and Soul of Paper Exhibition...

Yesterday, I visited The Art and Soul of Paper exhibition which is situated within three venues including The Gallery at NUA, Anteros Arts Foundation and The Mandells gallery. The exhibition includes the work of 55 paper artists from all over the world who create beautiful sculptures, installations and decorative art pieces all produced from paper. The Gallery at NUA additionally includes a symposium on Washi: The Art of Japanese Paper, which focusses on traditional japanese paper making, print and also the history of japanese paper craft. 

It's definitely worth a visit if you are around the area!

A selection of photographs from the Anteros Arts Foundation gallery. In particular, I really liked Catherine Nash's piece 'Waterfall' (2010). The use of waxed paper combined with delicate colour choices has really inspired me for my own work.  

Catherine Nash 'Waterfall'

Photographs from paper exhibition at The Mandells Gallery. Some really beautiful sculptural pieces were in this collection.

Taken from The Gallery at NUA - Washi: The Art of Japanese Paper

6 weeks to go...

Finally spring is here after a few days of lovely sunshine and blue skies, although my dreaded final BA deadline is fast approaching with only six weeks to go. Can not believe how fast my three years at NUA has flown by, but have enjoyed every single second!

Mid year review has really made me think about how I work as a designer, in terms of speed, presentation and combination of techniques. I need to get cracking with my print collections so I have something really beautiful for my final show in the summer. 

On a more positive note, here are some photographs taken from my 3rd year BA textiles/surface design mid year show entitled 'Seventy-three'. (Our tutor continues to remind us how many days we have left before hand in on May 17th!!)