UPDATE: Knitting in Nottingham...

Here's a glance at the finished knit machine commission.  It's a terrible photo as I snapped it using a battered hand-me-down phone in a dark room after I'd already wrapped it in camera-repellent-shiny-reflective-clear-plasticky-stuff.  But it's an original not for reproduction.  And the recipients were "over the moon" with it in the flesh :) 
So yay and phew!

Recovery exhibition...

A collage and watercolour enhanced version of the below illustration is currently on display at the Institute of Mental Health in Nottingham.  It forms a teeny part of a fascinatingly eclectic exhibition organised by City Arts, on the theme of recovery.  This is a topical subject for me, especially in view of my current placement within a CMHT.
In keeping with my love of drawing things that have inherent connotations, the toolbox both represents the idea of needing assistance to facilitate the process or reach the destination, whilst also recognising that one size does not fit all - Our support mechanisms are entirely individual.  

The exhibition brochure can be found/downloaded etc. here. 

Knitting in Nottingham...

Spent a delightful afternoon last weekend at Ruddington Framework Knitters Museum, collecting photos and sketches as reference material for a recent commission.  See below for a selection of the snaps, and for a sneaky peek at the rough sketch.  Planning to incorporate a row of original windows into the illustration as these were a vital element in production, to allow as much light into the workshop as possible.  I'm also hoping to add in a glass globe (as can be seen in the sepia factory photo), which were part-filled with water and hung from the machines to diffuse the limited available light... a bit like a pre-electricity spotlight - Genius! 

Talk at Wollaton Hall and Deer Park...

To coincide Heritage Open Days, this Saturday 8th September at 2pm, I'm doing a bit of a talk (Eeek!) on the inspiration behind my drawings of vintage Nottingham lace machinery in The Yard Gallery in Wollaton Stables at Wollaton Hall and Deer Park, Nottingham.  Nottingham's Industrial Museum is next door, where the Leaver's Lace Machine below resides... and there's a exhibition of vintage lace draughtsman's drawings and blueprints taking place too... So plenty to see and do if I'm a bit dull!  And designer Debbie Bryan will be giving a talk on her heritage collection the following day if you're not free until Sunday...

Drawing life into drawings from life...

Encouraged by Woolgather Art Prize to do something that breaks from the norm to feed my creativity, I spent Sunday 25th March at Nottingham Industrial Museum drawing their collection of lace machines.  Most of these have been redundant since the 1960's but my quick observed scribbles hopefully capture some life...?  The developed drawings, hand finished with watercolour and collage, will be available to buy as limited edition prints from Wollaton Park soon...

Swapsies...

Taking part in the International Postcard Show at Surface Gallery in Nottingham… Submitted a little Russian matryoshka doll with a slightly human face, which I drew after thinking about feeling trapped, as it fitted quick nicely on a 6x4” piece of card… 

The gallery is open Tues to Fri 12-6pm and 11-5pm on Sat, with the cards on show (and on sale for a bargain £15 squid) until February 11th... so go looksee at the collection.

Then afterwards, it's time for the exchange! ...when I'll most likely receive another postcard gem back in return for mine. Exciting!

robins coming out of my ears

been drawing robins by the flockload over the last week. in a stamp shape because they are going to fly through the post (from the land of robin hood no less) and hopefully arrive before christmas. blob of paint for the red breast and a quick bit of machine stitching for added interest (still to be added to the bottom two... )