http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Day to day life Thu, 23 May 2013 10:19:22 +0000 a-n rss generator a-n The Artists Information Company and contributors edit@a-n.co.uk technical@a-n.co.uk http://www.a-n.co.uk/img/logo.gif http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 The fellowship blog I've been writing over the past year became the place that I talked about anything else I was doing. So I thought as the fellowship is over except for the exhibition I'd be better setting up a blog about my every day life as an artist. I'm not saying it's going to be an exciting read though, my life isn't very interesting!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 No artwork today, just tax returns. my head is already spinning and I'm no where near done yet. I wish I could be more organised.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I like my work to be monotonous, I feel I've really achieved something when it's really been a slog. One of the girls from my degree course once told me I was anal in the way I produce my work, this is probably the most precise description of me I have ever heard.   The new pieces I've been working on for the fellowship show are getting to me though. I keep avoiding working on them because it takes so long to complete a section and not only is it boring but because I'm rolling paper it makes my hands ache.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I applied for a place on the residency programme for the Royal Standard in Liverpool last week, and I've just heard I didn't get one of them. I'm absolutely gutted, I was sure I wouldn't get chosen but I was still hoping. I wasn't just hoping for it because of the art opportunity though but also because I don't get paid in August so it would have sorted that problem out as well. Never mind, onto something new.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I only have one day left in work before breaking up for the summer. It's strange, I feel as I did during my degree at this time of year, with six weeks off for my imagination to stall. Although I don't work on my own art in work it defentely helps to keep the ideas flowing being in an art environment. I've still got lots on the go at the moment though, I'm still busy getting ready for the fellowship show in October, with three different artworks to complete. I've had a break from that for a few days, I dug out the instructions my print tutor Michelle Rowley wrote on hardback bookmaking and have been busy making books since Thursday. I could remember how to stitch the pages together and attach new thread but I couldn't remember the measurement rules at all. Anyway I've cut enough pages for about twenty books but I've only completed three. The first to be finished was promised to my daughter and the the other completed ones were made for the art teachers I work for as an end of year thank you. So none made for sale yet but they'll be ready soon. I'm off to help my friend move her work into her new studio today and then I'm going for a long swim at the gym.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I went over to Liverpool yesterday to help my friend move her work into her new studio. What a great space she has got, loads of room, but she needs better lighting. I need to be earning more so I can afford one too! I'm always having to move my work off the couch so the family can sit down in the living room! My dining room table is covered in work, as is the space under the table and my bedroom is full of boxes. The problem is I can't part with my work. I still have some of my degree show work, I'm sure I can recycle it into new work somehow. Who am I kidding it'll still be there when the kids leave home, hey, I'll be able to spread out even further then.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've wasted so much of the day today by going to the gym but finally I can catch up with other stuff now. Just had a long chat with a great friend from my degree course, she's really good at motivating me, so I'm going to spend the rest of the day getting stuck into my art projects rather than the housework. I've been working on various things over the last couple of days, some applications for the independants biennial, a design for a bag for life and the rolled paper project, which is driving me mad, but I can finally see some progress with it now.  I think that's what I'm going to get stuck into this afternoon. I was going to make them into wall pieces but they are started to take on unexpected shapes so I might start joining them together when I've got enough and see what happens.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've been away for the weekend, what a disaster with two visits to A+E, which led to the break being cut short and very little being done since. So last night was the first chance I had to start working again. I've mainly been concerntrating on the work for the fellowship show, but I've also been experimenting with plastic bags. I've wanted to do something with them for ages and keep trying things out but they always look obviously like plastic bags. Anyway I think I may have cracked it. I wanted to create something that resembled dying coral, this I haven't achieved but I have created something very delicate, yet adaptable in shape and possibly movement. But I don't know how yet. I'm really excited about it and as usual want to put everything else to one side. I need to prioritise though, so back to working with rolled paper for now.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've just been reading my most recent posts, I find this helpful when I'm not being focused, which happens regularly, especially this time of year when I've broken up from school. I didn't go back to working on the rolled paper project at all as I've written in my last post. I've been working on the plastic bag project ever since. I'm going to submit it as a proposal if I can get a substantial amount done so that it'll photograph well. Besides that I haven't done much, I went for an hour swim today and whilst I was swimming I planned out the proposal, a statement and a few new ideas for projects, but by the time I'd walked home I couldn't remember any of them. It's always when I'm swimming or sleeping that I have my best ideas. I have a notepad by my bed so I can jot things down when I wake up, maybe a should start taking one to the gym too!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've been really busy the last few days working in my Mums shop because there's been loads of funeral work to do. Today has been the first day I've been able to concentrate on art projects so I gave myself almost the whole day (besides cooking tea etc). I finished writing a proposal this evening and today I started working on the illegal logging pieces again as I haven't done anything with them since they where in The Gallery Liverpool and I haven't got anywhere near the number I want.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've been working really hard over the last couple of weeks. There's so many opportunities at the moment, especially with the Liverpool independant Biennial preparations starting. I've been trying to cram in as much as I can as I realise that I'm back in work soon and I won't have as much time to get artwork done. I'm having a break tomorrow though, my husband is taking me to London for an early birthday present to see Ernesto Netos work. What a treat, I can't wait.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Had a great weekend but have spent what we haven't really got! Ernesto Netos work was great, not at all what I expected though. A lot more fun and child orientated than I had thought and I was disapointed that there weren't more of the nylon pieces that hang with spices in them, but over all really interesting. We where going to go to the Tate Modern too but I've had a horrible head cold so couldn't manage much. Missed the kids like mad, got home last night to quite a tidy house and sat with the kids for the reat of the evening. Back to reality today, tomorrow I'm going to give a hand at the six room gallery to get it ready, then the next day I'm back to work. Only in two days though and then it's the weekend. Kids are back to school on Monday though so no doubt I'll be rushing around getting last minute things.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 It's back to work tomorrow after a great summer. I thought I'd have nothing to do but in fact the time off has given me the opportunity to sort out a few different projects. I'm in the middle of sorting out packages to send off to a show in New York. http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/659237I'm working on an independant biennial project about the Williamson tunnels.http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/655269  I'm working on my fellowship show still http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/564770and I'm also working on another project for the independant biennial on the Wirral. http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/sing...  Looking forward to get back though.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've been back to work for two days now. I've been really busy getting displays done before the kids come back. It's really great to get back into it though. I've got the weekend off now so I'm going to get stuck into some artwork while I have a sit down and watch some tv. Hopefully I'm going to get over to the Williamson tunnels again tomorrow and they'll be open! http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/655269 And on Sunday I'm going to a couple of carboot sales to get some cheap books and maybe some clothes for  bookcovers.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I went to a car boot sale today and spent £11 on books and clothes. I only bought clothes that I thought would make good book covers but infact I'm keeping two dresses and a skirt, haha. One dress was a beautiful river Island dress that cost 50p, bargain. And I've had to part with 12 of the 45 books because they where geography ones, like Bill Brysons etc that my husband wants to keep. He hasn't finished the ones he bought during his degree, he'll never get around to reading all the extra ones.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I didn't seem to get anywhere in work today, got a display finished, lots of photocopying done and that was about it. This evening has gone much the same. I've worked hard all evening but don't have much to show for it. It's not long now til the fellowship show, with the two independant biennial exhibitions following close behind.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Went to the opening of the Liverpool Biennial last night. I didn't get around even half the work but the stuff I saw was impressive. Even better than the last one. I was especially excited to see Magdalena Abakanowicz's 'Embryology' at the Tate. When I wrote my dissertation for my degree I studied Magdalenas work, especially her earlier works. It was just what I expected, tactile, yet repulsive at the same time. Absolutely beautiful, what a treat! I also enjoyed Wannes Goetschalcka's 'Without', videos of the artist doing different tasks to the extreme, well until he's worn the function or himself out I guess. As I turned a corner there he was in a t.v. sized hole in a wall moving wooden walls/boxes around. And that's what he must have done all evening! I loved it. I'm trying to design a costume for work. We're going on a fancy dress fun run for charity. Well I'm not I'm on toilet duty but I'm still dressing up. I'm thinking of being a ladybird. I think a hat/bonnet type of thing and some sort of cloak would be best because I get the bus to work so I don't have to get ready at home then and I could just shove the costume in a bag.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.artinliverpool.com/?p=13709 I did quite well at the Liverpool book fair at the AFoundation today, Michelle my tutor from my degree course and Sarah the print technican came along with a few past and present students which was really nice. A man bought a piece and told me he'd bought a piece of mine before at the manchester bookfair, which I'm so happy about, hopefully he'll  collect my work. I was so excited to see a performance art piece whilst at the AFoundation by Sachiko Abe. She is sitting on a platform dressed in white and snipping paper by cutting around the edges of a piece of paper. The snipped paper is becoming the installation and it is absolutely beautiful. I could have stood and watched her for hours. http://www.afoundation.org.uk/liverpool/details.php?id=57 My friend Carol who also had a table introduced me to a guy who is producing a drawing paper, as in a type of newspaper. There's only been two additions so far, of which he gave me both copies. They are gorgeous. Just full of pages of artists drawings with statements at the back of the paper. What a nice idea. http://drawing-paper.tumblr.com/... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've been painting sections of Van Goghs 'Harvest' and 'Cypress and wheatfield' as examples of layering for the kids today in work. Not at all easy for me as I'm not that good at painting even in my own style. But I think it'll be ok when I've finished. I don't feel anywhere near as stressed out since the p.v. at the Williamson, I had my first really good nights sleep for months last night, I only woke a couple of times. I should be stressed still though. I've got the project on the Williamson Tunnels to do, lots of books to watercolour and cut and pictures to frame up for the six rooms gallery. There's a p.v at the Williamson Tunnels on Friday night that I really want to go too. I wonder if they'd let me record conversation in there, that's if I can go, I haven't been well today, maybe to much sleep has caused it, haha.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Work was good today, I designed some examples of a project based on what job the children want want they grow up. The examples are funny (not really on purpose though) I think the kids will have fun making them. Since I got home I've updated my website www.juliedodd.co.uk finished framing the work for the next exhibition and I'm about to work on the Bridewell project. So quite a productive day so far.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've got to give  talk to the kids tomorrow and then again on Thursday. They are doing a project on butterflies and I'm the artist they are looking at. I'm going to explain why and how I put up the installation.  just know my mind will go blank when I try and speak.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I gave a talk to the kids today. I rushed it but besides that it was ok I think. They seemed interested and asked questions which is a good sign I guess.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I thought I'd have loads of time over half term to get all the little bits of work completed for Six rooms Gallery but it looks like I'm going to be mad busy all week. I helped my friend set up two installations today, but they're not finished yet, so I'm going back over for the whole day on Tuesday and possibly tomorrow evening. I'll get loads done tomorrow, Wednesday and Friday though. Relatives over at the weekend so that's out, but I'm not panicking yet.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Went to help my friend install her work again yesterday. She's cutting it fine, but her work looks fantastic. It's the private view tonight, can't wait, it's going to look amazing. Then tomorrow night is the p.v of both of our works at the Bridewell. which I am not looking forward to at all.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Went over to the p.v. of my friends work tonight at Wolstenholme Square. It looked even better than I thought it would. She'd added some final touches, set the lights up and added music to the explored music set piece and the other installation was fantastic too. I hadn't seen that one anywhere near finished so it was great to see. If you get a chance it's well worth a visit. Wolstenholme Square - With These Walls we are Shaped - Exhibition runs until 28th November http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/group.php?gid=297935392712... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I went into college yesterday to pick up some prints that I need to addition, date and sign for a project that my ex-print tutor Michelle Rowley has got me involved in. I think it's going to be great, several different institutes are going to be involved, with each one giving up to twenty prints to the other institutes to exhibit. I don't know if I'm in it yet though, as teh deadline is sometime in January. Fingers crossed.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Went to set up my 'Security Blanket' at the gallery in Birkenhead Park today as part of an exhibition that my ex-tutor asked me to be part of. But I ended up putting in seven pieces because there wasn't enough work to fill the walls. I've got to make a A5 piece of work by Tuesday as part of a collection of pieces by the artists that have been part of the six room gallery exhibition for a present for Theresia. i know what I want to make but some how I need to make more time. I've also got to find the time to make some work under £50 for an Christmas exhibition at Mersey Bio, but that doesn't need to be in quite yet. And then when that's all over I need to think about an exhibition that my ex-tutor has asked me to show with him. It's all go!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 The p.v was last night at Birkenhead Park, I think it went ok, didn't have to stay long. I'm at the six rooms gallery all day today so I'm just going to finish preparing some grounds  to work on so I've got something to do when I'm there, atleast then I'm not wasting my day off.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 It was one of my ex-tutors (Vincent Lavells) exhibitions last night. A celebration of his 50th birthday and the works he has made. It was interesting to see how his work has developed and changed over the years. There where some ink and varnish pieces that I would have liked to buy if I had the money that were beautiful, kind of giving the idea of landscapes but allowing your imagination to fill in the details. There where lots of familiar faces and it was nice to catch up with everyone.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 In work yesterday I asked if in the New Year I could try to find my way around some of the art packages on the computer system in my spare time. My boss was fine about it and said I could use work time to do it too when there wasn't anything else to do. I have wanted to understand more than just photoshop but haven't been able to afford the packages for ages and I think it would help in work if I knew them too.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 For the last few days I've been feeling all arted out and can't motivate myself to make a start on anything new. I just feel exhausted. I'm hoping the time off at Christmas will sort me out and I can really get stuck into something new.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've been in work today, trying to sort out the stock taking/ordering, of which I am not very good. I think the main problems is that my mind wonders as I am counting and I keep having to start over. Most of it is done now though, so onto more fun stuff. I started making stencils of letters but I haven't got very far yet, I need an alphabet set of A4 and A3 ones and I've only drawen out the A4 ones so far. But there's always tommorrow.  I'm planning on working on some of my own stuff tonight after tea. I've got so much to do and have ideas for new work that I can't start yet. I think I might have to jot the ideas down before I forget them, or I'll forget about them.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Tomorrow I'm taking work to leeds for the 'Home from Home' group exhibition. I'm always really nervous when I'm going to meet people for the first time, and I'm dreading showing them my work. Strange because I'm excited for it being in the exhibition but I'm always worried about them verifying that it's what they expected.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I managed to stab myself in my thumb today with a stanley knife in work and I printed off loads of images that where cropped without me realising. Not a good start but the rest of my day has gone well and once I got home I had a really productive evening. The new project is going really well, I'm probably the happiest I've ever been with my work before.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 work is really busy at the moment in preparation for the gsces, I can't seem to get anything completed and it feels like it's time to go home almost as soon as I get there. Yesterday I went to meet the owner of Wro, a resturant in West Kirby to discuss exhibiting some work in a new loft space but the meeting ended with me being comissioned to make five pieces of work. Great news for me and I need to make a start on thats as soon as I can. So i think the joint exhibition work will have to go on hold for a week or two.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 My idea for a butterfly installation fro the Butterfly park in New Ferry has been excepted, so as soon as I've completed my commission and work for the joint exhibition with Steve I'll make a start. Don't think it'll take long though. I went over to Blackburne house to discuss putting work into an exhibition space. It went well and I can basically put in whatever I want. It's not until November so there's time to make something new. There's no charge for showing your work and I think they only take 20% of anything sold. The downside is that the space isn't really right for sculptural pieces, but I think I can probably work around the space to make some sort of installation work still. The skylight is crying out for installation work but I think it's just too high for me to do anything with, but I'll have a think, it would be a shame not to use it.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 It was the p.v to the Liverpool Open tonight which I have a piece of work in but I couldn't go because I couldn't get hold of my son so that we could pick him up early from his friends house. So was so annoyed with him when he finally got in touch but relieved too! I've had news that I'll be showing my work at Memory B(l)anks exhibition at The Axis Art Centre 6th- 17th June.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 The commisson is nearly finished and I've started work on the butterflies. The problem is we don't use enough plastic bottles in this house so I'm going to have to start asking people to save their empties.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 The commission work is finally finished, took a little longer than expected but I'm glad they're completed in just over a week late, at one point I thought they'd never be completed. I'm just waiting to install them now.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 The butterlies are coming on nicely but slowly for lack of bottles. I'm not sure how they are going to be hung yet, I really don't want to make holes in them but I can't think of another way. I suppose the answer is to go and look at the space that's been allotted, but it'll have to wait until next week as I've hurt my leg and am struggling to walk. Great hey, but atleast I've got two weeks so I'll be well recovered before going back to work.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Spent yesterday washing nearly three hundred butterflies! I'm feeling better about the quantity now, there's no where near enough yet but it's looking possible that there will be ready in time now.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 You wouldn't believe my excitement yesterday when my friend rang me to ask if I wanted her to drop off some bottles. I later realised that I spent a considerable amount of time on the phone telling her which bottles provided me with the most butterflies and why some bottles where only good for cutting little butterflies from because they have so many ridges! She didn't comment, does this mean this is usual behaviour for me? I do feel I am going a little mad being stuck in because of my leg. Anyway there's know another 40 butterflies to the collection. I'm hopefully going along to the butterfly park on Friday to look at the space. I already know that they are going on the outside of a very large container, so I need to buy some netting for them to be attached to, but I'm going to wait until I've seen the area before buying it, just incase I buy the wrong size or colour. Carol suggested I also have a table for the open day, so I've had a little think and a rummage and I've almost got enough to show, so I'm spending today sorting out boxes and making new stuff.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Started the butterfly installation today at the butterfly park. It's not going to be how I really want it, but much better than I imagined it would be with using the netting to display the butterflies on. What is pleasing is the shadows the butterflies cast, they are absolutely beautiful. I had an idea they would be more interesting than the buttereflies the other day when I was cutting them in the garden and the sun caught one, casting a shadow on the table, but I couldn't have guessed how well they'd work. And from a distance the netting isn't noticable but the container still is, I didn't realsie the paint was patchy until I looked at the photos I'd taken. I should get the installation finished tomorrow, which would be really good as I could spend the rest of the week getting work prepared for my table.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I finished putting the butterflies up today, my back, neck and leg are killing now, can't wait for bed. Tomorrow I'm going to concerntrate on getting work completed for my table. The installation looks like a school project, but actually is better than I expected. I knew before I started that using the plastic bottles would give this home made and cheap look to the project, but I also really wanted to recycle and use a product that is so detrimental to the environment to make a statement about what we are doing to our planet and I think I have achieved this and they are atleast eye catching. They would have looked better without the netting but I knew from the off that it would have to be used, so it isn't disapointing. This has meant putting holes in the butterflies though, which does ruin their individual appearance and has meant I've had to use fishing wire which can be seen. I spent an hour today snipping at the fishing wire which has helped though. But overall I am suprisingly pleased, I do keep wanting to go and have another look though, incase my judgement has been poor and I suddenly realise my mistake. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've nearly completed all the work for my table at the butterfly park at the weekend. I'm thinking of having mainly affordable artwork on the table but I would like to have a section that shows what I'm really about, so I think I'll show a small collection of my 'Illegal logging' work and 'Forest: lungs of world' too. Just need to print off a couple of statements and I think I'm done then. Tomorrow is my last day of before going back to work so I think I'll spend it organising what I've got on for the rest of this year, as at the moment I'm up the wall and don't know what I'm doing at all. I also need to get stuck into my tax return.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've just been reading my last post to see what I've already written and although I sounded organised and update I'm not at all. I didn't spend the day organising what I've got on for the rest of this year or starting my tax return, in fact I've no idea what I did with the rest of the day or the rest of the week for that matter. I have finished the work for the table and boxed it up ready, but I haven't done any price labels or statements yet, which is why I turned on the computer, but I'm still not doing them! I joined twitter the other day, I've absolutely no idea what I'm doing though. Thought it was about time, I've wanted to do it for ages, I really do need to set aside some time to find out what to do though. I'm about to start the set for the school production, so I'm researching this weekend. Looking for ideas to spark my imagination. I'm going to be making planets, stars and rockets, just need to decide how!   ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 The New Ferry Butterfly Park open day was a great success, even with the rain. Lots of people attended and hopefully lots of money was made. I didn't do so well, only sold bookmarks and a couple of activity sheets really, cost more to get home afterwards. But never mind, I wanted to be there anyway so I could see what the response was to my installation and of course to support my friend Carol. All her work has paid off, everything has come together really well, I'm so pleased for her, she has put so much into it. http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/614513... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I haven't stopped over the last week, I seem to have taken on more than I can manage. And I don't seem to be making anything in a hurry even though I feel completely panicked. Work is really busy right now, today I spent most of my time drawing out a poster but with school production creeping up on me I need to make time for the set props. I'm back in on Thursday so I'll make sure I make a start then. I got home at 2.30 and five hours later  all I have managed to do is take some photos of a painting I'm doing and make tea. But I'm off work tomorrow and have the house to myself so I think it'll be a creative day with no interruptions hopefully.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Feels like it's been a long day already. I'm back from work, just had a late lunch and am unenthusiastically ready to get stuck into my work. I know though that once I get started I'll enjoy it and won't be able to stop. Plans for the rest of the day are to work on my latest painting and when I get stuck on that I'm going to make more 'inner beauty' pieces. I'm sure that isn't what will happen though as I've come home to a poorly daughter who keeps throwing up and I've got tea to cook, dishes to do and clothes to wash, but besides looking after Jade the rest can wait!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I haven't done anymore work to my painting. I'm not sure where to go with it next yet. I have been working on my 'inner beauty' project though, 400 made now. At last I'm getting closer to the amount I want. I'm probably going to lay them out next week and see how much room they take up. Work was hectic on Thursday and Friday but I did make a start on the planets for the school production. They are drawn and cut out but that's as far as I have got with them. I spent a lot of time scanning in the kids work on Friday. They have been designing images to put on mugs. They are all scanned in, they just need cleaning up a bit and flipping so they are back to front. Shouldn't take to long to get ready now. I think if I have anymore spare time this weekend I'll just continue with the 'inner beauty' project. I feel I could do with finishing it now so that I can concentrate my mind on one thing at a time again.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I'm not feeling very motivated today. It's back to work tomorrow so I really need to make a start on something. I spent most of yesterday on the computer trying to work out how to scan in an image that was to large for my scanner! I managed it in the end and with a few alterations it looked fine. I've entered it into 'The Climate Project T-shirt Challenge' http://causes.threadless.com/climateproject/subs/#/submission/3932/ doubt it'll get anywhere but if you don't try and all that... I designed a couple of other ones quickly on photoshop first and entered them when I was trying to figure out how they wanted the images displayed in the packages they want you send it back in, anyway one was excepted first. But I'm not happy with it, atleast I know how to use everything now, next time it'll be a doddle, haha.  I am now on twitter, thought I should give it a go, haven't got a clue what's going on though. I read the 'twitter basics' but I still haven't got a clue when I put it into practice. Right I'm off to make a start on something, don't know what! Will report back when I've got an idea!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've been tired all evening and now I can't sleep. I think it must be because I'm nervous about tomorrow. I'm delivering work to Crewe for a show I'm in 'Building Blocks of Life' is in. I don't know why I'm nervous, I suppose I'm worried the work isn't as good as it appears in the photos I sent. I always feel like this about showing my work to others, it's strange, it doesn't matter how happy I am with the work I always feel a bit panicked before showing it to others. It'll be interesting to see what the curator 'Emma Thackham' does with them though. I was surprised to see how they where displayed in Leeds, I had an idea in my mind that I would stack them up as far as I could and leave them to tumble over and that would be it but the curator 'Louise Atkinson', had other plans. She used an old case to put them in and then tipped them out. It worked really well so I have used a little wicker case to deliver them in, so hopefully that will get used in displaying them.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I delivered the work to the wro today. At last, I feel relieved that it's done now, it's been so long since I first visited. I installed them, but with no-one there to see them I am nervous that they might not be what is wanted. I handed in the invoice though so I'll just have to wait and see.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I didn't need to worry about the paper sculpture commission for the Wro. I had a message when I got home from work today saying that they are happy with my work. What a relief! I'm glad because I thought it looked good but you never know what other people will think do you? I always have a panic that my judgement can't be trusted. It's the most difficult thing I think I've found since I've left the degree course, because I can't call on people to give me their opinion especially when it comes to presentation. When I was installing it into the space I was really panicking, I must have been there for ages, just changes the sculptures around. Anyway, that's one thing off my list I can tick off now, just tax return, finishing off 'inner Beauty', starting some more work to go with it and every day tasks like making kids tea to do now, haha. One thing at a time, atleast I'm making progress! I'm back to making the stage set for the school production in work. It had to go on hold for a while as I had to wait for them to decide what else needed doing. It's not that much really this year, just planets, stars, rockets and the addition of a control panel, which I found out about today, it's alright though I've got until next Friday to complete everything. I've already done most of the planets, but I've been told they're not going flat against the curtain now but will be hanging still, so I need to paint the backs of them too because them might spin or move in the breeze a little .... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Went to pick up my work from the Axis Arts Centre yesterday. Apparently the show was a huge success and the dean has asked if the show can be shown again! I always feel a bit deflated at the end of a show and a little lost too. I haven't known what to do with myself since, but this evening I'm back to making 'Inner Beauty' and feel ok.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Back to work tomorrow, making planets! Not sure what I've spent today and yesterday doing really, but I definitely haven't put my time to good use. Last night was Wirral mets foundation show p.v. which my daughter had work in. I was so proud of her, she's done really well. She's off to UCLAN in September to study illustration, I'm going to miss her terribly. I was surprised to find the majority of the work on display was quite dark and a little sinister, but some really good work showed through as usual. And there was some really promising altered book work on the ground floor from another course.      ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I made good progress today in work on the planets, I think they will be finished tomorrow, I hope so anyway as that's the deadline! They were interviewing for a new art teacher today so the department was very busy. It did make me think that maybe I chose the wrong path when I finished my degree. Maybe I should have done a PGCE, I know I probably wouldn't have any time for my own work but I'd have money now. At the moment it's so difficult to manage I think just a little more would take so much weight off my shoulders. When I graduated I was so excited, so caught up in my own world, by everything I'd learnt and everything I was anticipating that I couldn't clearly see further down the line at the likely future.   ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Feeling much better today, got paid for my paper sculptures which has taken the pressure off considerably. So in a better frame of mind I've been able to get back to working on my projects and I'm feeling positive again.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've run out of magazines for my 'Inner Beauty' project, so it's on the back burner for the moment. I'll probably go to a couple of carboot sales at the weekend and pick up some fashion magazines then. I've been reading up on palm oil over the last few weeks and would like to start a project about it. I initially found a book on herbs, oils etc and decided to make a palm tree from it. I designed a way that I could make the whole tree from the book without sticking extras on but this wasn't comletely successful, the leaves kept flopping and I had to reinforce them. I spent two days working it out, cutting it out and figuring out how to make it stand and then finally when it was finished it I realised it wasn't what I wanted to do at all! I was working with a book because this is the material I most enjoy working with I suppose but I didn't consider using anything else and itw as completely wrong for the project, I should have been using a source for my material, not something just asscociated with it. So I'm back to the drawing board, I'm thinking product packaging from the products that use palm oil, but the actual palm tree doesn't work either, I wanted to make them in multiples and I still want this with whatever I make but the palm tree doesn't have any impact. I'm thinking maybe palm leaves, but that's as far as I've got with it, I haven't started anything hastily, haven't got the hours to waste, so for now I'll just keep thinking and hope that I get a visualisation of whatever I'm going to do with it.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I had an idea last night when I was falling to sleep that I thought was great, given it was 3.30 in the morning, but on reflection it wasn't as great as I had thought. I'd been reading Bill Brysons 'A walk in the Woods'  he was talking about how delicate trees are. Although I've been looking at the fragility of trees in another sense, because of our ability to destroy them so flippantly, I was inspired by the passage. In chapter 10, page 164 he talks about the inside of trees being made up of three paper thin layers of cells that enable trees to live. And I thought I could represent these by making paper trees just out of three sheets of paper. So I got up, went down stairs and started cutting, until I made something I liked. And then finally i could sleep. Today I feel differently, the artwork itself is ok, and in multiples could work but the reasoning behind it is poor. I have found this great site that simplifies how trees are made up though. I suppose that's what struck me really, how simple Bryson made it sound, that trees fundamentally have three parts inside them that keep them alive and yet how complex a tree is, he does go on to explain some of the complexities, eg.  the gum tree produces latex when wounded to repel insects, all of this interests me but what fasinates me is still what trees give to the rest of the World, they don't just provide beauty, but shelter and they home many animals and plant life etc, but probably most importantly to us they absorb and store carbon dioxide. I am so tried now though. http://www.agriculture.purdue.edu/fnr/stoutwoods/act_pullingparts.html... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've decided to stick with my latest idea for a while and see what happens. I usually have the idea behind my work before the art idea forms, and although I did for this 'possible project' I need something better to base it on with a clear statement. I quite like the work though. I think the simplicity of the design works and once there is quite a number of them and they are all different it will be apparent that they aren't uncomplicated, each one is quite intricate and unique.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I made loads of trees yesterday and the day before, I think I have well over a hundered, so I will be going with this project for definite now. Still haven't got a clue what it's about really. But I'm enjoying making them. I think what I like the most is that although I am repeating a process over and over again, (as usual) they are all different so it's not as tedious. With the bonus that they can be folded back up and stored away in a shoe box!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I hung lots of the paper trees last night and they made me feel really uneasy. The scene from ‘Seven’ when all the little tree air fresheners are hung up to disguise the smell of a deteriorating body came to mind! They have to be hung though as they won’t stand up. I hope they don’t have the same effect on others. The tree is a simplified development from a lung tissue book I made for assessment when I was on the degree course, but that could atleast stand up! Maybe I should have made the trunk on the trees wider, but I don't think they still would have stood without more pages for support because the pages are to flimsy. I'm off today. I have got to do some housework, but I'm just going to rush around so I can spend the afternoon on artwork before everyone's home. I've been trying to set up a shop page on my website and I spent most of yesterday on it. It's not public yet as I haven't set up a paypal account, photographed everything and priced everything. How do you decide on prices? And what should I do about postage? I haven't a clue. Anyway I just can't do it all again today, I'll go mad. So I'm going to leave it until the weekend now and concentrate on some paper cutting.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I didn't sleep well last night thinking about all the projects I've got going on all at once. I'm never good when I have to juggle things And the shop pages I'm trying to set up for my website kept going round and round in my head. I should have just worked on them yesterday when I was off and had the chance. I think I've worked it all out in my head now though. I thought it over when I was in work today and I think the best way to approach it will be to have an opening page with a bit of everything on in picture form and then each picture can link to a page on that type of work. I have also been thinking about how each page can be presented, eg. the page for 'Forest: Lungs of the World' will need a statement so they know what the work is about, a photo of the installation, a description of what they recieve, and a photo of what they are going to recieve. I thought about photographing just one of the books but I'm worried about people coming back to me saying they haven't got what they paid for, so instead I've started photographing all the books individually and numbering them so I remember which are which if they sell, and then if they do I'll just have to replace them with a new photograph of another book. It's not as complicated as I've made it sound, haha. Anyway I've completed the front page of the shop, (I think, unlesss I decide to sell anything else) and I've started the Altered Books page, but I still need to take photos of the 'Illegal Logging' work and link everything to my pay pal account, which doesn't even exist yet! I'm kind of wishing I hadn't started it now, it's nerve racking and tedious...  ... I've just uploaded the two pages I was writing about here, and I'm so glad I did, the 'Altered books page' isn't working, I think I need to split it into two pages, either, so there's a 'Forest: Lungs of the World' page and an 'Illegal Logging' page, or what might work better is an altered book page which just shows two photos, one of each installation and then they link separately to their own pages which only show the for sale images etc. I think I prefer this but it means the customer would have to go through three pages to get to the sales page they want. Would that work? Would they continue to the sales page? Oh, that doesn't work then does it? I don't know what to do, need to re-think the whole thing...  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've been working on the sales page to my website again, I haven't put in extra pages to get to the sales page I've just added an extra sales page and changed the first shop page slightly, so now instead of linking to an altered books page there are two links one to 'Forest: Lungs of the World' and one to 'Illegal Logging'. I still haven't set up a pay pal account, or photographed anything else, they are on my to do list. I have been working on this now for about a week and still haven't got it sorted. I've also been thinking about what I'm planning on selling in the shop. Should I be selling cards, bookmarks etc as well as my artwork or is it cheapening my work? I just don't know what to do. I'm just not going to rush into anything right now, I'll continue working on it but won't publish it until I'm sure I've got it right. It could be a case of more is less, I might be better off just having my actual artwork up for sale. I just don't know what to do right now. Time for a break I think.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Elena Thomas left me some advice on the last post that I'm going to take. She suggested selling some of my work on Etsy, so I'm going to try it out, putting my cards, bookmarks and little books on it, leaving just installation work, paper sculptures and framed work on my site. Starting again means a lot more work but I have to get it right. I'll probably have to wait until next weekend to really make a start on it as I'm mad busy all week but that's ok.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I am setting the rest of today aside to work on my website, so hopefully the sales pages will be up and running next week or the week after. I haven't stopped this week so there's been no time to work on it at all. Working in the school has been busy, one of the teachers is leaving our department, so there's been lots of tidying ready for the new teacher in September. I'm really going to miss her. I wanted to make her a paperweight out of paper as a leaving present, but it's not really heavy enough now it's dry. I might give it to her anyway, it's quite pretty. It was very time consuming to make because each layer of paper had to be glued and after a few pages where stuck together they had to be pressed but it was quite enjoyable and more messy than usual, making a pleasant change. There was alot of waiting as well whilst it dried, this was helped in the end by putting it in the oven on slow cook. I didn't enjoy the sanding stage though and this is what has really taken up most of my time and left my hand feeling tingly. I think I need to invest in a better sander if I do it again. I might start a new project when I'm not so busy, when I started out making it I was thinking if it worked I'd make some trees using the same principle but it would be far to difficult for me to shape and sand but I might make lots of the same kind of thing as eggs, I think if I could get the shape right they'd be beautiful seen together.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I spent most of yesterday trying to get the sales pages right. I think they are done now, just need to set up a paypal account and I'm up and running. I don't have much to sell on there now I've got rid of all the little stuff, but it does look better. I've started making some more of the paper sculptures that where in my last blog post. I've started twenty, but haven't got very far because it takes so long to glue together. I'll probably be finished this time next year!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've been working really hard to get the egg things made and I've now got them ready for sanding. I'm really pleased with how quick I've managed it, I didn't enjoy the messiness as much as I thought I would. I just need some good weather again now so I can sand them outside. Haven't done anything else to my website yet, I've been thinking about adding some paintings and prints but I've never been any good at photographing framed work, so I need to practice a bit first. Any tips would be very welcome :) I break up from school on Friday so I'll hopefully have more time for art then. Need to get 'Inner Beauty' finished for September and start something for Blackburne House for November, that one really seemed like a long way off when I signed up for it, but I can feel it creeping up now. Have no idea what I'm going to do for it yet as it needs to be framed work really. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Last day of school today... I'm exhausted. It's been a really sad day too with on of my colleagues leaving, she gave me a beautiful painting she'd done that I'm going to find a perfect place for later. She liked her 'egg in the making' present, and has told me she can't stop holding it and thinking about all the work that went into it. She's sweet. The head of department gave me a book ' Book Art, Iconic sculptures & installations made from books.' I've wanted it since whenever the butterfly park open day was, when a friend showed it to me. It's a gorgeous, must have book, I'm thrilled, so many hours are going to be taken up enjoying it. I've already spotted lots of familiar work in it!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 It's taken me all day to sort out my tax return, there where receipts to find and bank statements to sort through before I could do anything, but finally I've got it sorted. Such a relief to get it out the way. I always say this, but next year will be different! Besides that there's not much else to report, I've finished one egg, 19 to go! Not sure it really looks like an egg, I'm not worried though, I'll wait to see what they look like when they're all finished. Sanding them is so tedious, but the end results are pleasing. I'm going to enjoy the rest of the afternoon in the garden whilst I sand my eggs.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Juggling everything has been difficult over the last few days but I'm finally on top of everything I think. I've spent alot of time working on ideas and examples for summer workshops, but they are shaping up now. I spent yesterday helping at an art in the community outreach day which was really enjoyable, loads of great artwork created and really enthusiastic kids, which is always a joy. Can't wait to get stuck into the other workshops over the summer. Haven't done much of my own work, but the eggs are slowly forming. I'm itching to start other projects using the same method now that I know what I'm doing. It would definitely be easier if I used a bandsaw to shape them first and then just finished it off with sanding. I've really made a rod for my own back doing it my way. Well I've learnt the hard way and next time I'll make it easier for myself. I think what I'm liking about them the most is that they look delicate and intricate and yet really they are quite robust and the detail is by chance. I can't sand indoors so I'm going to spend this evening cutting 'inner beauty' pieces whilst watching telly with me feet up. I know I moan a lot about how much I've got to do, but I've got a great life really, not many people can feel excited and passionate about their work. And how many people find work relaxs them?  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I can't believe what I've done, I've been sanding these 'eggs' with a really fine sandpaper all this time! I can't believe all the time I've wasted! I've been using a new sander which uses triangle shaped sandpaper which velcros into place, (annoying really because you can't buy cheap sandpaper and cut to size) but I didn't realise that there were different grades within the pack I'd bought. And I just took a piece out to use. Anyway now that I'm using the right grade I can get an 'egg' almost ready for varnishing in a day! The annoying thing is there's only one type of pack I can buy and there's only two really rough pieces in it. I think I'm going to go through a lot of packs. There's five 'eggs' done with the rough sandpaper now, they just need finishing off with the finer stuff and then varnishing. Still so many to do.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've had a couple of really busy days at Summer school, great fun though.Today I've been making a wall mounting for the landing. I haven't decorated the hall, stairs and landing yet, that's next on my list, but it's ready for when I have. The 'eggs are coming on slowly, my enthusiasm is fading, as I have already moved on in my head to what I want to do next with the idea. I'm trying to persevere with it asI've put in so much work and I might be able to sell them on the shop page of my website, if I ever finish that too!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I found out yesterday that 'Discover Paper' featured my work a few days ago. http://discoverpaper.com/2011/08/the-works-of-julie-dodd/ I'm thrilled, such a boost when I was feeling unenthusiastic. So back to it! I think my problem is that I have to much going on again to focus, so I'm going to make a list and prioritise. I already know what needs doing first though, 'Inner Beauty'. I'm struggling with it because I don't know how much work I will need. I might try and meet up with my exhibition partner and have a look at the space again, take some measurements etc. Might be an idea to take the work with me, not exactly difficult as the installation fits into a shoe box! need to find a way of attaching it to the wall still. Then I need to make a start on the work for Blackburne House, ideas are brewing, but no decisions have been made. That's really worrying me because this is the time I need to get it done, when I'm off work. All year I've thought 'when the summer holidays come round I'll finish everything off and get on track' and now they have I don't know what to do!    ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I feel like I've done nothing... yesterday was wasted, I spent hours on the internet researching to no avail and as for actual artwork, I sanded an egg and did a little cutting in the evening. I made my list and then did nothing with it, my enthusiasm faded fast and now I feel weighed down again, I just can't snap out of it. I think the problem may be that I am excited by the prospect of other projects on the horizon. I really need to knuckle down and get on with it. In my defence it was my Mums birthday yesterday and I had to put up party decorations, make a cake and make a party tea! I will do something productive with today! I found out yesterday that Ian and Minako Jackson are winding down the artinliverpool webite. They've dedicated 7 years to it and I for one am very grateful. They are always my first port of call when I'm looking for amything art related, I found my job on their site, have been in exhibitions from their listings and they gave me the opportunity to paint Splashy. http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/569973 Today I'm going to get my shop pages up and running, honestly! And then at the very least I'm going to make plans for Blackburne house. The problems I am finding are that the space is beautiful but difficult to display in as it's very tall but you can only display to one level. There's only wall space, and I find it difficult to think 2D and everything has to be mounted off a rail onto hooks. I feel really stuck. I think I need to get a sketch book out and play for a while.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I haven't got any further with my shop pages but I am thinking about things eg. should postage be included in the price?  I need to look into paypal more, do I need to set up as a shop with them or not because I'd like to use my paypal account for other things, like payment for shopping online, ebay etc? But the good news is that I may just be getting somewhere with my ideas for the exhibition in Novemeber, you can follow my blog here: http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/1196518 So all other projects are on hold for the near future. But that's ok, the only other project needing to be finished is 'Inner Beauty' and that's nearly done. Workshops for the next three weeks, but plenty of time still with afternoons/evenings and weekends free.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Todays workshop went well, the start of a project and the kids were great, listened well and got on with it. I was just helper, but I got stuck in and there was loads to do. Looking forward to the rest of the week. Spending this evening watching family films because it's my sons birthday tomorrow and I will be in work. Itching to make artwork, might stay up an hour after he's gone to bed just to do a little to settle me down.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Not much artwork made this week, well by me anyway. But assisting in the gallery this week has been great... tiring... but great. The kids were so enthusiastic, I think I walked around with a grin on my face all the time. Even up until the last seconds they were thinking up more ideas and not once did I hear, 'I'm bored' or 'I don't want to do this', it was an absolute joy to work with them. Weekend to recover and then back to it, I really can't wait. I need to concentrate on my artwork for both Blackburne house and the joint show at the Bridewell this weekend. http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/1196518 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/856146 I'm still concerned that the work I'm doing for Blackburne House won't work as a piece but also won't suport itself and be able to be hung from the hooks, so I really have to get on with that piece so I have time to iron out any problems, but I feel my priorities should be with the joint show because that's got to be ready for September. I need a couple more pairs of hands I think. I tried to get my kids to help, but they were having none of it, saying I'd complain at the way they did it, as if I would!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Todays workshop went well, some children struggled a little making the wire sculptures so more help was needed by some but they all enjoyed the experience and there was smiling faces when they saw the end results. I've been sanding eggs all afternoon to get away from the Blackburne House work which I am struggling with right now. http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/1196518 I think I might be being a little hard to myself but I'm feeling very anxious about producing something and that's causing all sorts of problems for me. I need something good to pop into my head but it's not happening and the whole thing is making me frustrated.  However the eggs are coming on well, I still have three that haven't had any work done to them, but the rest are nearly ready to varnish, yay, it feels like it's taken forever.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 There's only one egg left to start work on now, but still some tidying up to do on the rest before varnishing, so I estimate another week before they're finished. When I first thought about making the eggs I had in mind the declining number of some species of birds in our country due to loss of habitat and climate change, but as the project has been progressing I have become obsessive over the shape of the eggs. Eggs are so perfectly formed and trying to reproduce this is an almost impossible task for me. I am hoping that with some more sanding and constant observing as I work I will be able to create better form to the sculptures. Some of the flaws make them more attractive and interesting and I would like these to remain where possible but most importantly I need the overall shape to be correct.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I'm getting there. Eleven eggs are well formed now, but still nine to complete. There's light at the end of the tunnel now! I'm wanting to start the next project now though. Using the same method I want to create hundreds of 'sticks and stones', all different this time, about imperfections, individuality, uniqueness etc. Mmm, need to mull over it for a while... Kind of disapointed to find other artists using the same technique and doing it better than me http://www.hl-web.net/ http://www.miekedingen.nl/... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Had a chat through twitter with an artist the other day who was interested in a-n blogging, she wanted to know whether I recieved a lot of feedback and if I felt pressured to include 'artspeak'. I told her I use a-n blogging as a diary. It's a way to organise my thoughts, keep me focused & I often refer back later for inspiration. I don't get much feedback, so I couldn't tell her much about that, but I have made invaluable contacts though blogging and reading other blogs. As for 'artspeak' I just write as I think, there's no use pretending I'm something that I'm not! What I didn't mention, which came to me later is how isolated I feel sometimes when I'm engulfed by a project and using a-n helps me to feel connected to the outside world and part of a community of other artists. As I don't have a studio this has been invaluable to me as I really miss that interaction.  I told her a little about blogging, how I got started through my degree and about useful sections on the site but I didn't mention how you can save but not publish blogs until you're ready. This was a great tool when I first blogged. I think my first five or six blogs where stored up until I had the guts to publish them. As she is following my blogs hopefully she'll read this anyway.  Tomorrow is the last day of workshops, I've really enjoyed the last few weeks and it's given me some of the confidence I need to move forward. Haven't done much of my own work so far this week, but I'm going to get cracking on the eggs this afternoon and hopefully get them ready for varnishing. This evening is going to be set aside for the Blackburne House work. http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/1196518 I think if I could get a couple of projects completed the pressure would be off me and maybe my brain could start working again!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Last day at the Summer art workshops today, sad to be finishing, but had a lovely morning with the children making props for their puppets theatre set. The 'eggs' are nearly finished. All sanded, yay, but six still need to be started with the varnishing and the rest have had at least a coat each. They're not exactly how I had expected them to look. I used a different make of varnish, I don't know if that's why or if it's the magazines but they're not as pastel coloured as I'd hoped. I'm still pleased with them though, but I will consider what I use more carefully next time.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 All the Eggs are now in the process of being varnished. It'll be a great feeling to get them finished, they have taken up so much of my time. I think they might be completed tonight. Getting them smooth is difficult though and I've found that using my fingers is easier than a paint brush as I can feel my way around the curves to find where needs more attention.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I thought I'd finished the Paper Eggs last night but when I woke up this morning I could see marks and bumps in some of them. So it's back to varnishing today. Almost there though. I've found that any little lumps, bumps and faults from sanding them is smoothed out in the varnishing but I can also make them more egg shaped with touch ups, so I could still be varnishing next year! It's quite therapeutic though so I'm enjoying myself, haha. The egggs are getting lighter in colour with ever layer applied which is pleasing too.   Statement for Paper Eggs The arrival of migrating birds to Europe from Africa is declining rapidly and at this rate, many species will be wiped out from the UK if we don’t do something about it fast.  Numbers are decreasing each year because of a possible accumulation of several issues, but loss of habitat and climate change are most certainly the main factors.  The loss of trees means loss of habitat, nesting, and food. Recycled magazine pages were glued in layers to revert them into a wood like material to sculpt ‘Paper Eggs.’ (Recycled magazines) 20 eggs    ..... just added a new page to my website for the 'Paper eggs'.... you've seen it all before though... http://juliekdodd.moonfruit.com/#/paper-eggs/4554734566... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I really have finished the Paper Eggs now, yay. I think they need to be stored in little boxes, so making them is now on my to do list. http://juliekdodd.moonfruit.com/#/paper-eggs/4554734566 Went to help out with the setting up of the Summer Arts Workshops Exhibition today, but didn't get much done because i could only spare a few hours, but hopefully it'll get finished tommorrow. Back to work on Monday so I really need to get cracking if I'm going to get the Blackburne House and Bridewell work finished, school uniforms bought, my daughter packed off to Uni, hall/stairs and landing decorated, the parquet floors sanded and varnished and the ironing pile greatly reduced! Who am I kidding? Oh well there's always October half term!!  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 The childrens art show is looking good and my work there is finished. 29th is the opening, the day after our wedding anniversary so I've told my husband that's our special night out, haha. I really wanted to go to the thank you evening for Ian and Minako Jackson (artinliverpool) tonight but my husband is working and so I'm staying in with our son. I'm back to work on Monday (my birthday) but as I'm only working until 1.30 there will be lots of time to celebrate! I feel like I haven't stopped this Summer, it's a god job I get all that time off work! I feel like I've been producing work like I'm on a production line and I'm thinking I'm going to find it hard to stop. Ideas have been coming fast over the last few months, a good thing I know, but I need my life back I think. I'm feeling quite drained. This evening I'm wire and print blood cell work. I'm thinking that when it comes to showing the work I might say that I don't want a p.v. as I don't know enough people to attend and I could just use  it as an opportunity to show and photograph my work in a beautiful setting.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Can't concentrate on artwork this week so I've been making boxes for the 'paper eggs' instead. I think it's because we moved our daughter into halls this week in Preston and I'm feeling really strange about it. It feels odd at home and I can't bear to go into her room. Anyway, the boxes... My friend Carol Ramsay suggested I present them in cube shaped boxes with brown shraded paper as nests for them. But as I have so many book pages I decided to have a mix of recycled papers, book pages and brown envelopes. Not sure if I like them, I think the template I made might have been the wrong choice, but I wanted to use as little glue as possible.I need to shred more paper for each box still, but it gives you an idea of what they're like.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 The making of anything artistic has almost stopped, certainly ideas have dried up. This seems to be becoming a pattern, it happens when I go back to work in September after having the Summer off. Last year I panicked and thought that was it, I'd never have an idea again, but this time I know it's just a glitch. Maybe I need to find routine and some order again and it'll come then.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 The problem I've been having is that when I'm not creating something or thinking about creating something, I start to feel anxious that it will never come back which I think stops me creating something or thinking about creating something... But I remembered that last time I felt this bad I started swimming to clear my mind. So I've started to do a couple of hours exercise each day, well that's an exaggeration, I just thought about it on Wedneday! But I did an hour on Thursday, two hours yesterday and an hour and a half today. And although it's a lot of effort, it's working, I'm finding myself able to switch off a bit whilst exercising allowing ideas to start popping into my head. I was thinking yesterday about something that might develop. While I was exercising to a dvd I was thinking about how I used to do aerobics when the kids were little to a video tape, we used to have loads of videos and I wondered if they where packed up in the attic or if I'd chucked them out. I remember toying with the idea of throwing them away, wondering if dvds really were going to take off! Anyway I found loads of them, all ones I mustn't have been able to part with. Some I still can't, the ones of the kids when they were small, I need to have them put onto dvd, but there's lots of others. Just sitting there completely useless, so I'm thinking what to do with them. I've seen things done with videos before especially the film itself but I think there's still room there for me somewhere. What popped into my head while I was exercising was lots and lots of streams of words cut from the tape that had become tangled and unreadable, but I don't know if that will go anywhere. I'm kind of thinking of all those recordings never to be watched again, maybe the words from them could be recorded physically on the tape by cutting. But more likley I'd like to record my thoughts as a sort of 'video diary' by capturing the words through cutting or maybe I could record an interview with someone in this way instead. I don't know, it's probably one of those ideas I won't have time to develop until my next summer holidays. But I'm feeling more enthusiastic about what I'm doing, more positive about the outcomes etc. Hopefully I can keep it going!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Had an invite to show my book work at the bluecoat as part of their first artist book fair on Friday 14th Oct, 11am- 5pm. http://www.thebluecoat.org.uk/events/view/events/1134I'm quite excited, been planning new work for it, don't know if I'll have time to make it all, but I'm going to give it a go, starting this afternoon! I've been thinking about the tree project I started over the Summer, (postings # 60 (1 July 2011) -  # 63 (6 July 2011) on this blog) I was quite happy with them until I adapted them for a drop in session. They became larger and without detail for more manageability for little hands. And the tree trunks became thicker which has enabled them to stand. Although I would like the detail to remain I wouldn't mind expanding the overall size if it meant they could stand up because I'm really not happy about them hanging up as they still remind me of the scene from Seven with the air fresheners.  So I have decided to start again when I have time.  Don't know when that'll be because i've got so much on at the moment, maybe October half term or Christmas!!  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 News update on my website http://juliekdodd.moonfruit.com/#/news/4554800403 I've been working hard over the last week to get some new work together for the artists' book fair at the Bluecoat. I've been meaning to make some new books for ages, but I never find the time. But with loads of ideas building up it has been good to put some of them to use.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 It's been a busy week and I'm glad it's finally the weekend although I'll be working on bookmaking projects throughout but atleast I can really get stuck into it. Have got quite a lot done now though so I'm not worried anymore about not having enough to show. I had some good news today, I received a phone call off a good friend who wants me to do some workshops with her. So November should be busy now too. Can't wait, I think it's going to be lots of fun and I get paid for it! What more can you ask for? I ordered some business cards last week and was pleasantly surprised when they arrived early and I'm so thrilled with them, they did cost 18 pound something though but they're worth it, much better than anything I've had before and they should last for ages as I got 750 business cards and 100 postcards. The cards themselves cost hardly anything but the postage plus the vat cost the most. On this weekends art agenda: Finish egg boxes Finish tree books Finish concertina books Start lung tissue books Make tags Print art statements Rest!  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I have such a busy day ahead of me, but just can't get into the swing of things. I'm on my third coffee and I still haven't done a thing. I think I should concentrate on one thing at a time or I won't get anything done. I might spend today making everything that is lung tissue. I'm thinking of the books that when splayed out become sculptural and of something new in boxes within boxes. Here's my business cards and postcards Elena.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I didn't make lung tissue books or boxes in the end, instead I spent most my time making some new little books about tree pores. One is complete and two others just need covers adding. I am really happy with them but each one has taken about four hours to make. I spent last night printing off statements for different book installations because I'll only be taking a small amount with me to show and I want to explain what they're about. I found loads of prints that I was going to make into books but never got around to it, so I undid the 'black and white cell book' and added some more to that book first (I am much happier with it now) and used the rest to make a new book. I still have Tuesday to work on some more books but I think I'll be spending most of the day sorting boxes to take with me. I need to make a check list so I don't forget anything. I went to one book fair with no money at all by mistake. I had no change for people and couldn't even get a coffee, I won't be making that mistake again!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 With not much time left now until the Book fair I'm working hard to get as much done as possible. I've finished the other two 'Little Books of Pores' books and am quite happy with them so onto the next thing. I'm going to work on some new boxes within boxes ideas this evening and then tommorrow I'm going to get everything ready to go because I'm in work Wednesday and Thursday. It's the Fellowship Show for Wirral Met on Friday evening for the group that finished the year after me. I can't wait to see what they've produced. I am very grateful for my time on the fellowship program, I got so much out of it, my practice developed vastly and it was a very productive year for me.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I realised I couldn't possible make everything I wanted to make in the time left before the book fair so instead I have packed everything up ready so I know what i have got... and there's plenty! (Even though I have limited what I put in to my best work) Two bag ikea bags are packaged full, I don't know how I'm going to carry them. I'm going to make some price tags tonight and then if I have any time spare this week I'll make a few extra books. I can't believe how nervous I am, I haven't done a book fair by myself before!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I'm not making anymore bookwork, I've decided I'm done with that for now, so yesterday I tidied away all the mess I'd been making, ready for something new. I was planning on starting the 'sticks and stones' project that I've been thinking about since I made the 'Paper Eggs' but I might become sidetracked. I've been dreaming about coral over the last few nights, mainly dead, white coral but not always, last nights coral was full of vivid, beautiful colours. Don't know where it will take me, if anywhere, but for now I'm finishing off the 'Blood Stream' wire installation pieces. I think there's still a few days work left to do before I can start something new.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Couldn't have asked for a better day at the bluecoat yesterday. Sales were really good, made lots of contacts and some of my work will be on sale in Landbaby at the Bluecoat nearer to Christmas. Three of my 'paper eggs' have sold, all of my 'back to your roots' books sold and lots of bits and bobs, but my bags seemed to be just as full and heavy on the way home!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I'll be on my way shortly to a day of workshops in a primary school. I'm nervous as ever but looking forward to it at the same time. I've been working on replenishing bookwork stock over the weekend. I've almost replaced the 'Back to your Roots' books. I am planning to use next week to complete my wire cell work and to hopefully take it over to Liverpool whilst I am off work.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 The workshops went well on Tuesday, I was working with year 2 & 3, and it was tiring but very enjoyable. The next ones are in December now instead of November, I can't wait to get stuck in. After the workshops I took a look at my friends new studio, fantastic space with plenty of room for two more artists. I wish I could afford to take on a space there, it would be great to be working alongside other artists again, but it would be such a commitment financially that I just can't justify doing right now. But I am determined that I will one day, hopefully sooner rather than later, have my own studio space. Talking about studio spaces there is a calling for applications for a one month artist residency at arena studios and gallery in Liverpool that I am really tempted to try for. It's for the month of November with an exhibition at the begining of December. I want to make a start on a couple of other projects if I can too. I have a garage full of plastic bottles which need using and I've been collecting magazines for 'Sticks and Stones'.    ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I was hoping that half term would bring lots of new ideas and be a very productive time. But I've been caught up with Christmas preparations in my Mums florists shop this week, but there has still been a little time for artwork. I spent my only day off replying to emails etc, it felt like such a waste of a day, but at least I sorted all the things out that that have been playing on my mind and I had been putting off. I decided not to try for the residency that i spoke about in an earlier posting. I probably wouldn't have been successful anyway but if I had I don't think I'd have had enough hours in the day to get everything done that I'm commited to. So I decided I'd be spreading myself to thin, it just wasn't an option really. So after feeling I was letting myself down with that, I spent the next few days brooding... then picked myself up and started working again. I've applied for a couple of other things that I'm hoping to be excepted into, and I emailed the woodlands trust for information on tree felling and planting so I can re-start the project I wanted to produce with the hanging tree idea. I had an email last night to say that a photograph of one books is featured on Artists Books 3.0 http://artistbooks.ning.com/photo/photo/listFeatured?xg_source=msg_feat_photo funny, not one of my best books, but nice to be on there. And there's a nice write up of my 'Paper Eggs' on 'All things Paper' that I am really pleased with. http://www.allthingspaper.net/2011/10/julie-dodd-paper-eggs.html    ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I have found myself doing very little over the last two days. A lot of sitting round thinking, but that's about it. I have finished the project for Blackburne House and all that is left is to install it now. I'm sort of between projects at the mo. I had an email off the Woodlands Trust advising me to get in touch with the forestry commission. So I am going to get the statistics I need for my hanging tree project from their site. I have put a lot of thought into this project recently because I was going to propose the project for a residency. But as I didn't put myself forward I am going to shelve the project again for a little while at least. Notes on the project for later reference: The paper trees will represent our native trees (I think there's 32 types, so need to look at different shapes) The cut trees could represent the amount of trees cut down in a week, month or year etc. It could be an interactive piece, the visitors could be invited to take a tree home with them, but first cut out it's replacement, replenishing the woods with the average number that really are planted to replace the trees. (need to find this out still, some companies boast to replacing every tree with two new ones. Is this the norm now and are they replaced with their own species. I think I read somewhere that it costs £16 for a native tree to be planted, surely they're not spending anywhere near that. Are they being replaced by non-native faster growing trees? I looked into this a little when I was developing 'Pores for Thought' http://juliekdodd.moonfruit.com/#/a-year-of-trees/4549675559  Other notes cut larger trees to allow for larger trunks, so there's no ripping especially when making the templates for the visitors to use. Staple instead of sewing for quickness. The replacement trees could be cut from book pages that are already stapled and folded.      ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 After such a disapointing day yesterday http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/1196518 today couldn't have been more different and my mood has changed to the extreme, I want to jump up and down. I'm surprised and excited to hear that I am can start a residency tomorrow, I'm very nervous but thrilled. So much to do this evening in preparation! But I've just spent the last ten minutes running round like a headless chicken and achieving nothing! So i'm taking a few minutes to calm down. I'll be starting a new blog to document my progress. Then when I got off the phone about meeting up and introducing myself tomorrow, I checked my emails to find a lovely message from the Arts & Heritage Development Assistant of Knowsley Arts and Heritage Service in the Prescot Museum saying they'd like to exhibit some of my work in a book art show. I feel so lucky today. Maybe I should go out and buy a lottery ticket!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Work felt like a hard slog today, mainly because I’ve got a head cold and ear ache but also because I’ve been counting stock all week for the audit! I'm just going to lounge around tonight and take it easy in the hope that I'll be well for tomorrow when I visit arena studios again! Here's the link if you'd like to follow my new blog postings following my first experience of being a resident artist http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/1655873  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I feel a lot better today. I've been resting a lot this weekend so that I'm well for work tomorrow, taking the day off is not an option as I need the money. I've managed to get some things done over the weekend though, I went over to the studios yesterday, worked on six baubles last night! don't ask. And I've just started the sticks and stones project. Tomorrow I've got to catch up with everything I didn't do in work when I was doing the stocktaking, but atleast that's out the way now. When I finish work I'm going to my friends studio to exchange and work on ideas for kids Christmas workshops. Hopefully we'll come up with something good while we mess about and have fun!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Went over to friends studio on Monday after work to develop some ideas for kids Christmas recycling workshops. It was very productive and I think we're almost there, just got to work on a few things to make them easier for little hands. Yesterday we had ladder training in work, most of the stuff discussed was common sense but there were things I have never  considered before when using a ladder. Stuff like, sensible shoes, I thought mine were fine (little dolly shoes with elastic to hold them in place, no heels) but no, they have to support the ankle and have a better tread. Today I had a lovely email from the Woodlands trust to say they are going to feature my tree work on the front page of their website next week.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've been very busy the last few days, but at least I am finally better so can cope with the work load now. I've been preparing for the kids Christmas workshops and my part of it is nearly there now. Think I've got some good stuff, all the patterns and templates are planned out, just need the examples finishing off now. I've been spending all my spare time working on the installation I'm creating at Arena Studios, you can follow the month long blog http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/1655873 Work was very enjoyable today, I spent most of my time sewing and drawing butterflies and flower heads. I'm off tomorrow. In the morning I'm visiting my friend (who's running the kids workshops) to catch up and see where we're both up too. And then it's off to Arena for a few hours. Here's the link to my work on the Woodlands Trust site. http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/en/campaigning/woodwatch/woodwatchers/Pages/juliedoddsculptures.aspx... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Went to my friends studio yesterday to sort through more ideas and examples for the kids Christmas workshops. Got quite a lot done and just have to iron a few things out now. Meeting again next week and then hopefully we'll be ready. Asked my boss if I could swap my days to do the workshops today. He's great, he was absolutely fine about it and let me choose when I'd make the time up. What more could you ask? Work was fine, put up a new display for the entrance hall, did some photocopying and cleaned the paintbrushes! Spent some time over at Arena studios today, time is running out and I need to get a move on, so I will be continuing to spend all my spare time on my 'Inner Beauty' project for the time being. I recieved an email today from another artist who said that he liked my open approach to explaining what I do on a daily basis. Now I've been thinking and I'm not sure I should do that, I write blogs to clarify things to myself more than anything, to remind me of projects I've thought about doing so I can refer to them later, to focus my attention, to get feedback because usually I work alone etc but maybe I shouldn't be writing so openly. Although I'm not sure, I don't think he'd reads my blogs, I think he was commenting on what he'd seen on my website. I wasn't aware I was saying much of anything on there. I'm worried because I'm just starting out really as an artist and I often feel I don't know what I'm doing, or I'm out of my depth and talk about it as well as writing about processes and experimentation of creating my work. I don't want to look back and think 'why did I write that'.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I went along to a drawing session at the Royal Standard this evening after going to Arena. I had a good look around, lots of stuff going on, drawing to different types of music, a microphone on a pencil so you can hear your drawing etc. Everyone was really getting involved and enjoying themselves with loads and loads of completed drawings around the walls. I had a little go to drawing to the music. It was quite enjoyable when I got going, but I didn't have time to complete it unfortunately. Had a busy few days between work and studio and the week ahead looks to be the same. Tomorrow I'm just working in my Mums shop making Christmas wreaths. On Monday I've got work and then a meeting at Arena. On Tuesday I've got the final meeting up for kids Christmas workshop stuff and cleaning recycled materials before going to Arena. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday I have work and then I'll hopefully start setting up my exhibition over the weekend. Eek!!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 It seems so long since I posted on this blog but I've been so busy I've only had time to concentrate on what i'm doing for my residency. This is what I've been up to: ·  Working my day job ·  Installing my work for my exhibition at Arena ·  Cleaning a lot of tetra packs and McDonalds cups for Christmas workshops ·  Cutting and cutting and cutting!!    What's happening for the rest of the week: ·  Working my day job ·  Cutting and cutting!! ·  adding the finishing touches to my installation before Fridays P.V. ·  Taking down work at Blackburne House ·  The start of the workshops ·  More cleaning of tetra packs and McDonalds cups for more Christmas workshops ·  Invigilating ·  Preparing for artists talk ·  Preparing materials & templates for tree workshop at Arena It's all go, which is really great, but when I looked on the calendar I'm busy ever day until Christmas Day. At least I'll enjoy it even more!        ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Alison Bailey Smith kindly asked me back to Mersey Bio where I showed my first solo exhibition to show another (smaller) exhibition. http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/600815 So I decided to show my work on tree pores. She curated it and has sent me some lovely photos of it all up. Thanks Alison! ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 A lovely surprise came in the post this morning, some beautiful handmade papers made by my friend, she said that I'm to do what I want with them. They are such beautiful pieces of work and one is just the right size to frame very easily and has lots of beautiful detail to show off. I'm saving the other for a project I'm hoping to do in the New Year. The workshops went great today. Marie had perfectly timed them so we could squeeze three into three hours, what a task, but it worked great. The kids loved the finished work and so did the staff. Tomorrow we're just doing two workshops in the same amount of time but it'll be harder I think, the children are a bit older though and it's good for them to be a little challenged as well as us, haha. I still have a big 'to do' list, but I'm steadily working my way through it with just a few additional things added on along the way. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I did another workshop with Marie yesterday and got to try out my Christmas baubles with the children. They went down a treat to my relief. Only one more in schools now before Christmas, then I'll be working every spare minute for my Mum in the florists until Christmas Day! Today I printed and framed all the ordered work for the Christmas sales in work, it took me alongst five hours to sort it all out and although everything is now printed I've still got the framing of some to do when more frames arrive. It wasn't a job that I would have thought would take so long, but it might just be me taking to much time over cleaning the frames etc. I've sort of started my 'sticks and stones' project. I'm still trying to figure out the right shapes and I haven't started the sticks as I'm not sure how to form them yet.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I put forward a proposal at the end of October, I didn't think I'd have much of a chance, but I found out this morning that my work has been excepted, I am so excited. SCI are collaborating with Basement Arts Project Leeds to be part of the Stockholm art fair next year which they have already been accepted to be part of. http://sci.moonfruit.com/ http://basementartsproject.wordpress.com/ They asked some artists to submit proposals and luckily I was one of a few  that were excepted, so my work will be going with them! I put forward my 'Building Blocks of Life'. It's good for me that I don't need to work on a brand new project but I going to do a little to it as it is an ongoing project and I haven't worked on it for a while. I think it is nearing completion mainly because it won't fit in it's case otherwise, but it's the mkind of project you could add to for years and years because it's from things you collect. I suppose when I've collected to much again i'll ahve to think of something else to do with it! I'm going to write a short statement and crop some images this evening. It's so exciting!! I hadn't heard about the Supermarket- Stockholm art fair before but it sounds so good. http://www.supermarketartfair.com/... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 It's been a busy week this week with the end of term coming in school and a workshop too. The workshop went well again, we made Christmas angels with the children, they turned out great and the children loved them. It was my last workshop of the year, I've loved doing them but am tired now and can't wait for Christmas so I can have a rest. I'm working for my Mum now that I've broken up and all of next week. I've been making Christmas wreaths all day, I couldn't make them quick enough, as soon as one was made it was being sold. Tomorrow I'm making centre pieces for tables. Now I'm home I've been able to be arty again and have been making more 'Paper Eggs' and Stones for my 'Sticks and Stones' project. Christmas Day is my first day off, I know I'll be itching to get on with my artwork but won't be allowed!  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 With Christmas over I've started working again and it seems effortless and enjoyable again! Although I didn't realise it at the time this break was a much needed one and I feel refreshed and ready it take on new exciting projects and challenges. There's a few things to work on sooner than others. I'm showing some work at Mello Mello in Liverpool at the end of January, I can put in work that I've already shown else where or I can produce new work. Ideally I'd obviously like to show new work but I was so busy with the 'Inner Beauty' installation leading up to Christmas that I couldn't think of anything else while I was preparing that body work for Arena and I haven't got time to get a new body of work together but there are some things I've started and not had time to finish so I'm going to make them my priority and hopefully some new work can accompany already exciting work. Then I'm in a book show in April (I think, will have to check dates) and have promised a new project 'Sticks and Stones'that's been knocking about in my head for awhile but which I haven't had time to produce. I've also got an exhibition with my degree tutor which might also be April, I started 'Inner Beauty' with the intention of showing that but I'm not sure now. I don't know if it'll work well with anything else, I think it has to be shown alone. I will have to putsome consideration into what I should do about that one!! And I think that's it for anything urgent. I had put some thought into a proposal for empty shop money in my local area over Christmas but I've decided against it as if excepted I think I'd be taking to much on. I don't think there would be any way around keeping my job on and that pays the bills! I had considered putting something forward a few months ago and decided against it, then regreted not putting a proposal forward when the deadline was up, so when I found out there was a new call I let myself get excited about it again and started planning, but I just can't commit to something that huge, I don't think I'd have time for anything else. So once I'd made the decision not to try for it I started thinking about how hectic this past year has been and I've decided it's best not to put myself forward for anything else at all until I've had some time to work on my art. I want to producesomething substantial again to show. I put so much time into 'Inner Beauty' and I feel it's paid off, I'm very happy with it as an almost complete piece of work. Long projects like that, 'Forest: Lungs of the World' and 'Human Nature' are my definitely my best works and I'm letting myselfdown when I don't work as intensely. There's one last project that's a maybe for this coming year, but more likely next year, but I'll be starting a new blog for that. No idea what I'm going to do but I am very excited about it.    ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I continued working on a printed cells and wire piece today that needs finishing. It's going well but I have an awful lot to do on it. When I couldn't bind with the wire anymore because my fingers hurt to much I started working on the sticks and stones project this evening. I decided to just cut loads of the same shape unlike the paper eggs as they can be sanded into shape later, so hopefully with the cutting process being quicker the projects completion will be much quicker too. And I found a few started stones in the bottom of a box of artwork I was sorting out before, I must have started them before Christmas sometime but I have no recollation of them, nice surprise though! I've got more of the project done than I'd thought, haha. I still have no idea how to make the sticks yet, I'm definitely going to have to waste some time trying out different ideas. I'll wait until the Mello mello stuff is completed and installed before I attempt the sticks though.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I have had an email about meeting up to discuss the show in Mello Mello, I'm really worried that I haven't got anything good enough to show now. I was thinking a few framed pieces that I have of cells, my two remaining 'blood streams' and the new work, of which I have got quite a lot more done today but no where near enough still. I have been thinking about the 'sticks and stones' project too. I don't think they are going to work if I have the paper all cut the same for each stone now that I've thought about it. Where the rounding of the eggs worked well was where colour, image or text showed in the layering but I think it would be more subtle if it just occurred through sanding. I might have to sand one of the ones I've done when they are dry. In the mean time I've added some smaller layers to some of the stones.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've got about 50 of these little cells wired now but I'm nervous about putting them together. The composition is the most important part and if I don't get it right first time it's a real pain to try and seperate them. I'm worried they look like inside out shuttlecocks too. They are supposed to represent genetically altered cells. I might just start piecing them together and see what happens.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Ok this is what I've got so far. Not sure how I feel about them. I was going to join them together by continuing the pattern as I attached them but I decided by keeping them individual they would have more definition. So I've just attcahed them as they are. I'm happy with that aspect and that they have got movement between them through being attached at different levels, but I think there might be something missing. I don't know, maybe they need layers, maybe it's the actual prints. I'll work on them a while longer and see what happens. The thing that's keeping me going at the moment is that I wasn't happy with the Blood Streams at this stage and yet they have been one of my more successful works in that they have had the most interest and sales have been good. They have grown on me since completion. I think I found Blood Streams and this work difficult because I'm not aware what wire will give me when I start out on a piece so it's a lot more experimental than paper and I don't feel as comfortable and confident with it.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 For those of you interested in the SUPERMARKET Stockholm International Art Fair that I talked about in an earlier post, this blog of Wendy Williams is very  interesting. Focusing on funding for international travel and exchange it's a real insight to the difficulties involved and most recently she is discussing the lead up to exhibiting at SUPERMARKET. http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/983947 My small part is nearly over with only having to hand over the work, but she has so much ahead to do. Exciting though! I'm excited at the prospect of my work being seen by so many international artists. I hope it get lots of feedback, you never know it might open some doors to other things!! Been working hard on the new work for Mello Mello. I'm waiting to hear when exactly we are going to meet up. I don't know what to take with me, I think it's quite a way from the station so I am wondering if I can just take some photographs. Although I've got an idea of what I'm going to be showing I won't know for sure until I see the space so everything feels a little bit up in the air right now.    ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Meeting up at Mello Mello tomorrow, Matthew has asked for images of old and new work. But I'd really like to take all work with me that I'm wanting to show, the only problem is that I have to take the train over to Liverpool which is going to limit what I can take with me. I'm thinking about taking a suitcase, I did this when I took work over to blackburne house but its a bit of a hastle. Still I think its better than taking photographs.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Met up with Matthew (the guy from Mello Mello) today. He was happy with everything I took with me so it's definitely happening! I need to send him a statement, title for the show, prices and publicity images. The p.v is going to be 18th February and he said I can just drop off all the work earlier in the week and he'll install it all. So all I have to do is finish the work!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 When I saw Matthew I briefly discussed how the new installation could be displayed, how it could be spread out or overlapped, with me thinking it would be interesting to see how someone else would display it as I don't have any preconceived ideas of what it should be as this piece has been very experimental ans is still being constructed. I thought it would be good for me not to be so controlling or precious about my work, but since I said it I can't stop thinking about the composition of it. I've been tempted to play with the pieces, well at least to set them out to see what sized area they could cover and so this evening I gave in, I got all the pieces together and laid them out on the floor, and now I am completely panicked about how small it is going to be... And even worse, Matthew would like to show 'Inner Beauty' which I agreed would complement the work as it would fit in with the theme of inside the body and with the other work being based on cells it could break it up well without being odd, plus 'inner beauty' can stand alone so doesn't need anything too similar to itself showing with it. But anyway back to what I wanted to say, I've been panicking about the composition of 'inner beauty' the colour grouping and blending into other colours especially! Can I really let go enough it give complete curation to someone else? I want to, it could be interesting to see what a fresh set of eyes or at least someone how doesn't know what I see in the piece would do with it, but I want to group the different parts together and take them to him with a note on how they go together, would that look like I am crazy? I think it's quite reasonable and maybe even helpful, but it might appear differently to others.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I have decided I am not going to be precious about the new work, its' been a fairly quick, experimental project and so displaying it in a way I don't expect might be interesting and enriching! But 'Inner Beauty' might need some direction so I'm not disappointed. I know it looks like it's just been put up any old way but it hasn't and I'd know. I am aware that nobody else would probably notice but it would really play on my mind for the whole time it is up. I don't mind if it isn't displayed the way I intended it to be like spores spreading up the walls so there's probably a lot of leeway from that angle, but I think I need colours together. I'll just mention to Matthew how the the different colours and shades go best together, he may very well have noticed it himself anyway. And I might suggest taking a look before the p.v. as Elena commented. I could probably make alterations on the actual day, I don't think it would take long, but I'm sure it'll be fine, he knows what he's doing. I think he might be splitting the installation up, I wonder what that will look like, I can't imagine it at all. I've been working hard to get the new work finished, but it's way off yet. I had decided to leave the pieces made up of small groups of cells, but I'm not sure now. I think maybe they should be three larger pieces so that their colours are kept seperate. I don't know...I'm not rushing into anything. I'm better spending my time finishing the cells first anyway, and there might not be time for anything else. Other things. While I've been working on altered cell project lots of new ideas have been coming to me for other projects. I'm going to have a sketch book to hand tonight in case I come up with anything as I'll never remember all the ideas I'm having. The problem with sketching stuff out is that I never know what I was going on about when I look back at it later on, but I suppose if I annotate it properly I shouldn't have any problems. I've had lots of ideas about cells, viruses and diseases, oh and the dying coral won't go away, so I think that might be what I have to start after the sticks and stones project. Maybe that should be for the summer holidays. In work my time has mainly been spent at the computer since I came back after Christmas. I think I've finally got the images for the exam prep onto the moodle site, it was difficult to begin with as I kept getting mixed up with what I was doing but I've got the hang of it now, it's no harder than putting my website together. My eyes have been so strained though, I don't know how people cope working at computers all day every day, I couldn't do it.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I'm struggling to make the cells look random when I'm wiring them together. Its easier to make them match or complement in colour than not and it's differcult not to vary the size as this is easy on the eye. I've found the way to deal with this to put my hand in the shoe box without looking and use which ever cell is pulled out first, but I keep cheating!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 The things you do for your kids...Jade phoned to ask if I could take a photo of myself and send it to her to draw. I had to be wearing a dressing gown, glasses, slippers and look like I was smoking a cigarette. She needed someone who looked forty! I'm not there yet, but she said it was close enough! Still plodding along with the wired cells, I don't feel I'm really getting anywhere at the moment but I'm resisting pinning them to the wall for now.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've been very busy over the last couple of days working through ideas for workshops and then this evening trying to put proposals together. I think I've got a migraine coming on now though so that's it for tonight, enough's enough, but I've made some good progress. Looking forward to tomorrow afternoon when I get in from work and I can try making some of the workshop ideas, so far it's just been sketch book stuff but now I can play! I emailed Wendy this evening about delivering my work for the supermarket art fair in Stockholm to her house rather than to Leeds but she's kindly said that she's going to be doing a collection run sometime next week so that's saved me a job. One less thing to worry about. I was really tempted to go along with them,the flights were really cheap and it would be a great experience and possibly a great opportunity too but then I realised its the p.vof my solo show at mello mello that weekend, typical... I would have chickened out anyway, I'm terrible on planes.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I'm feeling stressed out today, I need to organise myself and my thoughts...   Things to do   Prepare for show at Mello Mello: (eveything needs emailing for 6th feb) finish making the work!! Name of exhibition- beneath the surface? take photos of work for posters and flyers Write a statement and write info about the different pieces in the exhibition  Do I want a stall on the night of the p.v? Look through work to see if I have enough. Email Matthew with the above, plus name of works in the show, medium and price if I want them for sale   Prepare for recycling workshop (for 20th) Spend this weekend testing out ideas make a definite decision on what I'm going to do meeting up on Thursday so take any photos I might need make a finished example to take with me explanation decide what needs to be collected for it and how many   Prepare proposal for Comma (for end of feb) Tidy up proposal for residency decide on workshops ideas make finished examples of exhibition pieces and of workshop pieces contact woodlands trust   Other stuiff Continue with sticks and stones project (for april) Everything else needs to be put on the back burner... dead coral... cell prints...oh that's not much then. Ok the workshop meeting is first so that's what I'm going to work on tonight. I'm drying off plastic milk containers to try ideas out on later. Fingers crossed!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I got stuck into everything last night and for the first time in ages I slept well. I've got somewher with the recycling workshop. One plastic four pint milk container makes the example. I need to figure out how to make several join together and maybe work on other flower designs. When I'm happy templates need making but should be straight forward, examples in different stages of making would be handy too. I'n pleased that there's no glue involved so it's completly recycled, I'll only have to buy scissors and pens. I'm meeting Alison and the others on Thursday evening, I hope they like it! Only my husband's seen it so far, he thinks it's crazy that someone would want something made from a used milk container, haha. Now I've thought about it... it is a little crazy. Seriously though, I am concerned that it isn't arty enough. I think it either has to be arty or a useful item... This might be considered decorative art? I really want to get stuck into making the dead coral reef with milk containers now that I know it's definitely the right material to use. I worked on the Butterfly Park proposal too. I'm going to put forwardthe hanging trees idea I had last year, I think it would be a perfect project for an empty shop. If you haven't previously read about it this was my initial intention but it needs tweaking: 'I intend to produce an installation of hanging book page trees depicting the shapes of some of our native trees. When installed I would invite the public to take a tree home with them but first they'd need to replace it with their own cut tree which they'd be able to do there and then with the assistance of ready stapled, folded and strung book pages and a template. This could either represent a native tree sapling (what should be planted every time a tree is felled) or it could be a fir tree (what often is planted as they grow fast) I think both send a message, it comes down to whether to show an idealistic scenario or reality.' Now that there's a possible opportunity to produce this project I need make decisions. This is what I've got so far: The four weeks could be spent making the trees to be hung for the exhibition and on the p.v people could take one of my trees home as a gift when exchanged for a new tree that they cut on the night. (not sure if it should be the fir trees though as it would look stupid if we didn't get enough people there to complete the installation) Then I could do a childrens workshop, maybe a book based on wildlife from the Butterfly Park, maybe just a butterfly book as I've got an idea for that, needs lots of developing though. I could offer an adult workshop making my tree books, then I could put all the time left to write the proposal into developing the childrens workshop. There's an alternative idea for the whole residency time scale. I could do two drop in workshops where the public make the trees to hang, they could choose from a mixture of native tree templates to make their tree from and it could be hung up for the rest of the residency. This might be good to attract people in, as it could be seen from outside and they might be more likely to come to the p.v as a participant of the project and to collect their own trees. I'd spend the residency making the replacement trees, then I wouldn't be depending on people turning up to the p.v either. The downside is that people wouldn't be taking home an artwork gift from me, instead they'd be taking home their own work but they might like that more because it's their own creation. My own installation would only be seen finished after the p.v though and this would only be a day or two before my residency finished. I could ask for the p.v to be half way through the residency but I wouldn't be giving myself long to make the work as well as fit in the workshops and manage stuff outside the residency. The first installation could really be a community artwork though, they could even hang theirthe installation themselves.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I continued working on the recycled workshop idea last night, making a more difficult piece and playing around with what you could do with them. I'm not as keen on the second one but it requires a little more skill...hmm not sure that's the right word... people with better cutting dexterity and who are comfortable working freehand would probably prefer to work on this piece, or when they've already made the first one and know what they're doing. Not that either are difficult though.   The hanging idea might work with more pieces and probably better if hung directly from the ceiling but I can't find a panel pin anywhere. Anyway it's not that important, so long as I can show a few images at the workshop to give them ideas of what they can do with them. Wendy Williams emailed to see who would be interested in going along to Stockholm so that their names could be added to the VIP lists for the previews and party. Ahhhh, I really want to go,... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Elena has commented that people will find their own use for them. And I think maybe she's right, the original images of the first example look better than anything else I've took since, they show the work off at its best and you can see the detail of the piece more clearly than in the other images. I've taken some of the second piece too so I'll use those if I'm asked to provide anything for advertising. I might just tell them what you can do with them at the workshop to give them some ideas to start from.  From trying out different presentation of them I have found that the material is so flexible it can be easliy twisted around one another or just folded together to form longer pieces.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've been working on the empty shop proposal today. I don't want to present a project proposal with no lee way but I definitely want to put forward the hanging tree idea so I've decided to put forward a the ideas in posting 132 but written more precisely to make sure the proposal is very clear, I don't want any confusion. So I've been trying to separate the two ideas and work on the workshop ideas.  I've nearly finished my altered cell work but have another project I'd like to do before handing it all over. I've decided I don't want to show inner beauty, I'm concerned that with it being a bar it could get damaged and even if I had insurance on it I couldn't replace the hours it took to make it. So I'm going to try and get something else I've been thinking of doing, also need to complete statements, I've been thinking about it whilst making the work but haven't got anything down in writing yet.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Just found out that SCI have got the got the funding from ace, I'm made up for them, well done Wendy! I've been working on loads of proposals over the last couple of days, don't know what I'd do if I got them all, haha. Actually they're quite spaced out, so it'd be fine, I'd just have a very busy year! I know that I said I wouldn't go for anythingelse this year to give myself time to develop my practice and get some new work produced but I've been feeling a bit disheartened as I haven't heard from two exhibitions I really wanted to be part of. I'd applied for the Holland Paper Biennial last year, they said they'd let people know in January, intially I didn't think I had a chance, but then just before Christmas the secretary emailed me asking me to email my address to them. So I thought I might be in with a chance... I've been waiting and waiting and waiting... and nothing! Never mind. Then I heard that a really quirky artist run contemporary art space in Liverpool had a call out for work of an obsessive  nature, I thought my stuff would work perfectly and put forward 'Inner Beauty' but I haven't heard from them either. So I've been moping around for a while but decided it was time to snap out of it and start looking at other things.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've just got back from a meeting about the recycling workshops. My project was fine and I'm alright to carry on developing the workshop. It's going to be an all day bookable adult workshop, class of 10 on 11th March and I get a helper. Fees were confirmed as the amount originally quoted now that the funding has started coming in which is great. I need to decide what materials need purchasing, I'm pretty sure I'm only going to need pens but I'm not sure what type yet. So far I've found that most pens rub off the plastic, marker pen is best but does get on your hands a little bit with one of the types of plastic milk containers. The problem is that the pen doesn't wash off the plastic easily for a good finished result. I had to really scrub at it. The original garland I made was free hand so didn't have that problem but I'm not sure everyone could cut it out without a guideline. The risk assesment needs to be in soonish, but mine will be quite simple. I finished the first complete draft for the Butterfly Park Proposal today, I think it reads well but I haven't shown anyone yet so it might not! I've added some quick simple sketches to show what should be produced from a workshop, not sure if I should put it in though, might be better without. Well it would be better if I made a completed example but it would take ages and it's only one of a couple of ideas. I'll have to have a think about it, time is so precious right now but at the same time I want to get the residency. Maybe if I get the residency I'll suggest making it up before the workshop idea is decided oupn. I dropped off my work to Wendy this evening for Stockholm. I wonder how she'll present it at the art fair. Can't wait to see the photos and hear what respond all the work got.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 It's been a busy couple of days, I've been updating my website, only one page though, the 'Building Blocks of Life' page, http://juliekdodd.moonfruit.com/#/building-blocks-of-life/4549771843 so that it could include the Stockholm art fair but when I looked at the page I realised other work needed doing on it so it ended up taking me hours. I'm thinking of changing the layout and presentation of it, I might jot down a few ideas but I won't be taking it on until at least the Summer holidays. I've been working on the projects for Mello Mello, almost there now then I'll just have to write everything up for it. One of the other workshop leaders at the meeting the other night said that my flower garlands remind her of Tord Boontjeswork. I suppose I can See the similarities, if you are unfamiliar with his work I think this is the stuff she's thinking of http://tordboontje.com/projects/lights/garland/ I wish mine was like his!! Especially those light shade things. I think it's cut from thin sheet metal and is so beautiful,intricate and delicate. But I wasn't inspired by his work, well I might have been, the pupils in school study his work but it didn't occur to me to look at his stuff to create mine. Actually my mum inspired me because she is a florist, I wanted to make the plastic into something from nature, to highlight that it's worth saving, to save the planet. I did take a look last night though, it didn't occur to me was to have a flat garland, it would be easier for others to cut. The flowers where the only difficult bits to design because I had to find a way to add petals securelywithout gluing them and make them stand up, making them flat would have been so much easier. Maybe not as effective though in plastic. He has so much cut design in his work that really illustrates parts of the flowers and leaves, this wouldn't be possible for my project as I don't want to introduce craft knives to the session really but would be really effective. I was aiming to make garlands that looked natural out of an unnatural material and I think I've achieved that so I'm not going to worry to much. So long as people don't turn up thinking they are going to come away with something like Boontjes work it'll be ok, because they'd be very disappointed. A friend sent me this in an email, I love Phoebe Cummings clay work, but had forgot her name, so it was great to reminded and get the chance to re-examine her work, I might have been inspired by her flowers! : http://www.re-title.com/exhibitions/JerwoodSpace.asp Here's more info http://www.vam.ac.uk/blogs/phoebe-cummings-ceramics-artist-residence For me I love the way her work is for the moment, the here and now. I would want to go back and re-examine it every day id I lived near to witness the deterioration. The flowers look like they get more beautiful with age.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Can't think very straight today because of a headache but I had to tell you that 'Inner Beauty' is going to be in the Fixation Exhibition at Wolstenholme Creative Space. I'm so pleased, I was so sure my work hadn't been accepted. I opened an email this morning to find out the exciting news. http://www.wolstenholmecreativespace.com/exhibit.php I've been spending today finishing off work for Mello Mello at a very slow pace, so frustrating. I'll hopefully write the statements tomorrow evening. I've been working on workshop ideas over the last couple of days too, nothing great has come out of it so far, but ideas are bubbling and some things are starting to develop. I'm hoping to get a workshop page up and running on my website soon, although don't hold your breath, I still haven't decided whether to have a shop page which has been ready since the summer. My print tutor from the degree course I took has asked me if I'd like to join her in giving an altered book talk next week so I'm going to be working on that over the next few days too. Maybe a power point presentation and some examples will help me, so I'm going to get that organised.    ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I know you'll think I'm crazy starting something so late in the day, but last night two ideas suddenly popped into my mind for Mello Mello that are so much more aesthetically pleasing than what I've already produced... So I've been working really hard, only on one idea though in case I don't get them done in time at least one might get finished. So the first idea came to mind because over Christmas I decided to do a clear out and whilst doing this I found some printwork I'd produced in college. I was never going to show it again because it just wasn't quite right, I didn't know why but I'd never been happy with it really. Anyway I couldn't bare to through it away but I guess it's been on my mind ever since. Last night an idea suddenly popped into my head of what I should have done with it in the first place so I'm giving it a go. I wanted to make it into one huge piece but I wouldn't get it in the car and also it would probably become to fragile as it's only thin paper. It's quite quick to construct though because the most fiddly part has been done, this is the enjoyable bit making it have movement. The finished piece took me a few hours last night and I've started the others today after work, hopefully they'll fit together nicely on the wall, not sure how they're going to be attached yet though.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've spent all day sat on the floor to make these pieces as there isn't a table large enough. My back is aching but they're done. Obviously they're not going to be viewed on the floor but I don't have walls large enough to photograph them. I've tried hanging them on panel pins and they sit fine on them. I'm surprisingly happy with them, need to write the statement etc tomorrow after work and put together a power point presentation for Tuesday, for the artist talk on altered books at hot bed press.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I'm really pleased and surprised to see this blog is in the top ten artists talking blogs! It was great to get in it when I was artist in residence at Arena but I never thought my day to day life blog would be of any interest to anyone, it's just me waffling on about mundane things usually! Today is going to be spent writing statements for Mello Mello. I've think I've finished the ppt for Tuesday. When I ran through it I realised that I'd only be showing one true altered book installation though. I had considered my 'Illegal Logging', 'Pores for Thought' and 'Building Blocks of Life' as altered books but when I was looking through the presentation for any mistakes I realised that really they're not, they are made from books but they take on completely different forms now and arent recognisable as books at all, the book was only the material used. I realised because I've included 'Paper Eggs' and 'Inner Beauty' at the end to show where altering books has taken to and I was humming and harring over whether to include them when I started thinking about the other work... I've just been trying to find the definition of an altered book but so far wikipedia is as good as it gets...   Just realised I didn't upload images, here they are. I've been working on my statement for Mello Mello all afternoon, this is all I've got so far: ‘Beneath the Surface’ is inspired by human cell structures and explores different printing and construction techniques to represent cell production. Created in multiples using repetitive processes to illustrate how the body renews and repairs in order to survive.   ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Ok, this is what I came up with in the end for the solo show at Mello Mello. Artist Statement I graduated from Wirral Metropolitan College with a first class BA honours degree in fine art in 2009. I continued to develop my practice at the same institute on the fellowship program for a further year and I have since been working independently as installation artist, printmaker, altered book artist and bookmaker. These different areas of my practice often cross over becoming one in the same thing.  I work predominantly as a paper installation artist, my artwork is based on repetition and is inspired by pattern and shape found in nature. I feel compelled to work in multiples, which I use to mimic life, growth and regeneration. I get a certain satisfaction from producing installations using intense processes that are repeated to generate numerous duplicates. I use this concentrated method to create an impact on viewing and hopefully motive a positive response. Beneath the Surface Exhibition ‘Beneath the Surface’ is inspired by human cell structures and explores different printing and construction techniques to represent cell production. Worked mainly in paper to demonstrate the fragility of life and created in multiples using repetitive processes to illustrate how the body renews and repairs in order to survive. And then tiny write ups for each piece of work... Blood Streams 2011 Blood Streams convey how robust and yet delicate the human body is at the same time through the use of wire in conjunction with paper. Altered Cells 2012 ‘Altered Cells’ was created in response to the genetic engineering of cell production. Able to identify fault and alter cells is an advance that can be life changing but where will it lead and at what expense. Cell Production 2012 ‘Cell Production’ followed intense screen printing sessions to mimic cell productions repetitive process and was developed further so the cells flow, moving in different directions, all trying to find their way. Blood Cells 2012 ‘Blood Cells’ represents beauty found in the inner body. The colours chosen for the cells are taken from blood, organs and skin. Untitled Cell Series 2010 Collaged from relief prints this work contains several layers which represent the changes which come about in our lives. Some layers becoming almost unrecognisable. I can't believe it took me all afternoon and evening, but atleast it's done now and emailed off. I'm feeling a little less stressed now. After next week I'll be able to relax a little, I've got the artiat talk this Tuesday evening, Mello Mello work is being delivered on Monday 13th and wolstenholme work is being installed on Tuesday 14th, then I need to crack on with the altered book exhibition work but that won't be as stressful and I can't start sanding until it's a little warmer anyway because it needs to be done outside. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Work was tiring today, painted walls, cut mounts, hanged pictures, painted canvases and cut lots of lengths of ribbon! When I got home I felt to tired to start working again but two coffees later I perked up enough to start again. I prioritised and worked a couple of hours on my presentation for tomorrow night. I thought of lots I wanted to add, so I think tomorrow I'll spend most of the day running through it ovber and over. I need to get a couple of bags worth of altered books to take with me but I have to make sure I'll be able to carry them back because I'm getting the train from liverpool. This evening I couldn't think straight anymore so I've been working on some unfinished stuff for mello mello. Nearly there now, can't wait for a few days of rest.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Just got back from Manchester and I'm exhausted so won't go on for long. Talk went well, really relieved. Everyone seemed to enjoy it, once I got into the stride of things I settled down and I think it flowed ok, even got a few laughs and almost all where at the intended time! I was lucky, mine only needed to last 10 minutes or so. Michelle did the main presentation, I thought I knew a fair bit about altered books but it was a real insight and was very interesting. I started with talking about my practice in general, what led me to work with books and where it's taken me now. I broached the subject of if my work fitted into category of altered books, with my own conclusions and finished off the pp with quotes from the comments received from Elena and Sam. From listening to Michelles talk it seems that when it comes to whether an artwork is an altered book or not, it is considered to be a sculpture if the book doesn't look or act like a book and its function has become only sculptural, but her own opinion is very open to altered books being various forms that books have taken on. I suppose there isn't a right or wrong answer, it's personal, it's your response to the work that's important. I've never been concerned to what catorgory any of my work fits into before, well besides 'craft' it was only that the talk was specifically about altered books that I thought I'd better know, but now I'm not going to allow myself to let it determine what approach I take in making my work again.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've realised that I didn't publish my last two posts, so sorry if you've been bombarded with them all at once. I type them on my phone when I'm not near a computer but it writes in one consecutive line, so I can't edit it, correct spellings or even read it back when I've saved it until I'm next at a computer and I often forget to publish it then. I'm still exhausted but I was really busy in work today, usual stuff though, nothing really exciting. oh I did get to display the lovely birds in reception that the students have been making. They are great, they've been making blue tits, chaffinch's and grey wagtails inspired by Abigail Brown and they're absolutely adorable.  http://www.abigail-brown.co.uk/birds This evening is being spent finishing off work for Mello Mello and then tomorrow I think I'm going to start on the 'sticks and stones' project again.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Just spent about an hour reading other blog posts instead of writing my own. There's lots of interesting blogs and lots exciting projects going on at the moment. I've finished the work for Mello Mello, although I might quickly make some more, but I'll have to see if I have time. With the build up to Valentines day my Mum is going to need me to work all weekend, but might make a start on something anyway. I've put 'Inner Beauty' into five boxes arranging them into different colours and shades of colour ready for Tuesday morning,eek. I'm nervous about putting them up... I know it seems madness as I've alreday installed them before but it almost feels like someone else did that now and I'm trying to follow a pattern that only exists as a blurred memory. I wish I'd photographed it more carefully. I remember thinking at the time, 'this work could be shown so many different ways, it never has to be the same twice', but now I want it to be. And it's especially important to me to show it 'just right' as this place is where I first thought of making this work... I know it will be alright, it just nerves!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I'm going to drop off the work for mello mello tomorrow. I'm feeling a little nervous about it now, Matthew hasn't seen it all yet and I'm worried that it'll be to late to make any changes if its not all alright. I'm also worried in case he has any problems installing it because I'll be away whilst its being put up and I don't get back until the opening night. Fingeres crossed it'll all be ok. Here's the description I've given for the recycling workshop for publicity, I hope it's not to much: Workshop with Julie Dodd on 11th of MarchRecycling plastic milk containers to create flower garlandsLearn how to transform plastic milk containers into beautiful flower garlands just using a pair of scissors. These garlands make unusual décor for any room as an eye catching feature and a hanging addition to an existing frame or mirror.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Delivered all the work to Mello Mello. Just need to send some images to Matthew alongside the statements so he knows which pieces to place them by. He was a lot calmer about the whole thing than me, haha. He seemed happy with it all and knows what he's doing so I don't know why I'm stressing! Tomorrow I'm installing 'Inner Beauty' at Wolstenholme. Joe is kindly opening up at 8am so I can get on with it. I need to be home at the latest by 2 and then it's off to Folkestone for the evening before heading to Paris the following morning. I'm going to miss the 'Fixation' opening, I'm gutted. But I am back on Saturday morning so can get over to Liverpool to Mello Mello if anything goes wrong with the solo show and get it sorted in time for the opening.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Joe opened up early as promised and what a good job he did. Five hours later we had almost finished. My daughter Jade was a star, usually very shy, she carried on working whilst I went out for extra white tack not once but twice! Five extra packs did the trick. The walls really make the work stand out but they are a little chalky and the tack didn't like it so I had to apply a lot more than at Arena to get it to stick. Also one wall was a little damp so I don't know if they'll stay up on it but I warned Joe so he's going to keep an eye on it and I gave him some extra tack and uhu just in case. I'm really pleased with the installation, it looks even better than I'd hoped, just hope everyone else feels the same about it. Joe seemed happy with it, can't wait to see it with all the other artwork up too. Got home to quite a tidy, sparse living room but didn't have time to enjoy it because I had to do last minute packing. Going to draw! I know it's unbelievable but it's really the only artwork I can do while I'm travelling and if I don't do something arty I won't know what to do with myself. If I can get onto wifi somewhere I'll post about the galleries I visit, otherwise I'll update when I return.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Added 19th Feb I've had to wait to upload photographs and video etc so sorry I'm publishing the posts all at once.     We're in Paris! Our room reminds me of Van Goughs bedroom! The walls, ceiling and floor are all wonky and things roll to the corner. We're not here long and we have planned to cram in as much as we possibly can for the kids. We warned them that they'll be tired and they are already! If you're going to Paris before 4th March Le 104 is worth a visit. An impressive building stands in a less desirable area of Paris housing the arts. Various visual and performing arts, music and even magic. To get there we walked through quite deprived run down streets and a lot of the time we felt uneasy, but it was worth it. 'Bâtiment' is a large interactive installation by LeandroErich and is a reasonable 5 euros for an adult and 3 euros for under 30s, I know strange. But it was every bit worth the money. A building façade lays flat on the floor with a mirror reflecting the actions of the visitors who appear to be hanging from the building in death defying and impossible positions. The participants became more and more inventive in their positioning, composing themselves in believable situations making the illusion more exciting and creating anxious moments for the viewer before true perception returned! An entertaining piece of work for participant and viewer alike. I've taken loads of photos and video too so I'll add them when I get home. We found from entering another part of Le 104 a huge central area for the public to use which was surrounded by shops.  Split into sections, different activities were going on in each with people sat in deckchairs around the edge watching what seem to be impromptu performances. We've never seen anything like this before and it seemed unreal, we felt like we were on the set of Fame! There were young people that would suddenly stand up and start performing seeming unaware of the audiences and not the least bit uncomfortable when they got it wrong and started again. A huge blanket covered one area that was scatted with books, Children and mothers sat reading together. And next door teens where dancing in various styles to accompanying music. We stood and watched trying to absorb everything and briefly discussed how this centre would be received in inner city areas of Britain. It's fantastic that the youths at the centre have embraced the opportunity to use this facility to express themselves.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I can get wi-fi in the dining room so can blog at breakfast. I was too tired to write more last night but I want to tell you about another installation we saw yesterday at Le 104. 'Le Labyrinthe' by Michelangelo Pistoletto was free to enter beneath the dance areas I talked about last night. Unfortunately I dropped french as soon as I could and although I regret it now I was terrible at it, so with no English statements I have no idea what this work was about. But I can tell that it's a site specific installation made up of lengths and lengths of corrugated cardboard and I think it has been arranged to resemble ripples from above. This might have been done to resemble disturbed water mimicking how you feel walking through these disorientating, tight spaces with the mirror in the centre being a calm water where you can reflect on your journey through the maze. But really I haven't got a clue. I remember when I did my art and design foundation course our tutor Vincent Lavell told us not to rely on statements, to decide what the work was about before reading them but I still often struggle. I enjoyed the experience though, as did the kids. Moving through it my son James had to be told to be careful not to move the cardboard out of shape as he moved through the tighter spaces, when it occured to us that the shape may have been taking on different forms through the interaction of the public.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Just got back from a very tiring day of trying to get everything done. I'm feeling very nervous for my work being on show at Fixation tonight on the p.v. of the exhibition, I hope there's a good turn out and that none of my work has fallen down. Today we visited the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel tower, Notre Dame and the Pompidou centre. This was what i'd been waiting for, having been before whilst in the third year of my degree with other art students I was so excited to be going back. It cost 26 euros for us to get in and I had to persuade the family to go in with me because all they wanted to do was ride the escalators to the roof to see the view over Paris. So that was what we had to do first. Even with the best view over Paris I really didn't want to do this as the escalators are on the outside of the building and I find it terrifying and can't enjoy the view knowing that I have to get back down at some stage, but with that done we went exploring... There was a lot of closed off areas and a huge amount of space given to 'manga' which doesn't interest any of us. The kids in school study manga and can follow their studies up with a continuation for their gcse exam. It's very popular but I just can't find any appreciation for it. So this time the Pompidou was dissapointing for me. There where a few really interesting pieces that we all stopped to take in but for most of our time there I was rushed along because the others weren't interested. I had seen 'Sasa' by El Anatsui on my previous visit but it's so beautiful and breath taking that I was pleased to get the chance to see it again and show it to the family. What appears to be a huge draping cloth of rich fabrics resembling Gustav Klimts work or something once belonging to an Egyptian pharaoh was in fact made from recycled bottle tops sewn together with copper wire. The most exciting piece of work for me was one of the 'Abakan' pieces by Magdalena Abakanowicz. I studied her for my dissertation on: Motivation and reasoning behind installations of single type objects in mass quantity using repetitive processes. It was fantastic being able to see it in the flesh, get up close to see the detail. But I would really love to see it amongst the others, somehow it didn't seem complete. I think I was spoilt seeing 'Embryology' at the Tate Liverpool which was shown as part of the Liverpool Biennial a couple of years ago. An organic looking installation made up of hundreds of hand-sewn objects scattered all over the floor. You could walk amongst them and I can remember who tempting it was to touch them as they are such tactile objects. I think for me no other work would compare! Appealing but repelling too, right up my street. I'll write more later.   Added 19th Feb Thought you might like to read more about Magdelenas Abakans, this is from my disseration. Multiple Choice Motivation and reasoning behind installations of single type objects in mass quantity using repetitive processes 'Her initial works are abstract but contain noticeable figurative elements. The first internationally recognised works being Abakans. These organic looking pieces differ significantly to one another, but in sharing similar qualities are grouped together. They are made from woven wool, with unusual materials such as horse hair incorporated into the weave. All the pieces are individual, possessing variations of colour, shape, or detail. All of them have connections to nature, and are characteristic of the human body, resembling skin, veins and organs. The properties of the weave enable the pieces to expand and contract, adding to the illusion of human qualities. At this early stage in her career Abakanowicz hadn’t worked in sculptural multiples but familiar traits of latter years were developing'.   ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Just a quick post on the other artwork at the Pompidou. Oedipus by Jan Mancuska is a text based piece which spans from two corners of the room to the corners crossing in the middle. Two versions of the same story are being told and its these different contexts paths crossing that make up the work. But the simplicity of the installation is stunning too. Zilvinas Kempinas 'Flux' had the kids mesmerised and us all flummoxed to how the artist had been able to get the tape moving in the air without suspending it and we couldn't figure out how the fan was keeping the tape from wandering from above the plinth. It's the Professional Preview at the Stockholm Art Fair tonight. I'm still gutted I couldn't go. Paris is a good consolation though.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 We're all packed up and ready for home, sitting in McDonalds with a coffee so I can blog. Just climbed up too many steps to count to the Sacré-Coeur which over looks Paris. Many shops, cafes and galleries sit in back streets on the hill too and we have spent the morning visiting them. There is a square filled with artists painting various areas of Paris and others drawing portraits or caricatures. I was tempted to buy something but decided I couldn't afford anything. It was really pleasant to sitting outside a cafe though people watching but it was short lived with the kids in tow.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Just back on British soil and it feels good. Exhausted but need to blog as I've just seen photographs of our work at the Stockholm art fair through facebook. Exciting stuff. http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/SCI/170190669682733... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I'm very nervous for tonight as I haven't seen my work up at all. I left instructions so hopefully it's not far off what I've planned. I forgot to give Matthew any business cards so I'll have to remember to take some with me this evening. I'm mostly concerned that my reaction wont be good if I'm not happy, I'm not very good at hiding how I feel.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Matthew did a great job, I'd have never thought of installing it the way he has but never the less it looked good. And I'm actually quite happy that I didn't do it myself because the composition of it all was a pleasant surprise. I'll have to go over to Liverpool in the week and take some photographs because mine are terrible. I think it's because I had the flash on. The turn out wasn't great for the show but because the venue is a bar there were lots of people anyway and there was a really relaxed atmosphere to the evening so I just sat and had a drink with friends which was lovely. I've just seen this, if you look closely you can see my work in Stockholm! http://basementartsproject.wordpress.com/  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I haven't moved from the computer for two hours! So much catching up to do on the artist talking blogs. I was only gone a few days but there's tonnes of new postings and there's so many great ones to read right now. I found myself completely absorbed in them, taking no notice of anything else around me but I can't read anymore as I only have time now for a very short posting. It's back to normality today, working in school this morning, working in my mums shop this afternoon and now home to work all evening... I'm not complaining though, I love that I get to be creative all the time, even if it's usually not doing my own work. I feel relieved that I can sit back a little bit now that exhibitions are up and nothing is planned for the immediate future. Planned for this evening is the 'sticks and stones' project, I really need to get a move on with it but it doesn't have to be complete until April. Then tomorrow I'm off work so I'm going to work on a proposal for a residency that I fancy and it has to be in next week I think and then a little figuring out for a workshop project that has to be ready for 11th March. So not much to worry about at the moment!  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Landbaby stocked my work last year after seeing some of my stuff at a book fair in the Bluecoat and they want to restock so I'm off to liverpool tomorrow with more of my back to the roots books and some other stuff to show. Fingers crossed they'll stock more of my work. I'm off all day tomorrow so it'll give me the chance to visit Wolstenholme and Mello Mello to take some better photos and homefully have luch with friends. I was going to post these photos last night but I couldn't get a-n up properly on my pc. I've spent today and yesterday evening working on a proposal for a residency, I'm no where near finished but its got to be in for march 4th and I'm away this weekend so it really needs it to be close to completion. I've nearly finished the pp, but there's so much more to do. I really want it, haven't got much of a chance because they're looking for someone with more experience than me but if I don't try I definitely wont get it!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I went over to Landbaby this morning and now they're going to stock 'Pores for Thought', 'Paper Eggs' as well as the 'Back to your Roots' books. Yay. I popped into Mello Mello to take some more photos. They're still not great and in the daylight the walls don't look to good either, but here they are anyway. I visited Wolstenholme to see the 'Fixation' Exhibition, it's the first time I've seen the show. It's definitely worth a look if your in Liverpool. Almost all of it appealed to me but I suppose that's because of the nature of the work. The first work that grabbed my attention was Samantha Vinsuns. To begin with it appeared she had just framed some book pages but on closer investigation she had meticulously painted some of the letters. Nicola Dales 'Wallpaper' is a hung roll of woodchip wallpaper that trails onto the floor still on the roll, she has inked each little piece of woodchip individually. I wouldn't mind woodchip up on my walls if it looked like this! I want to sand my sticks and stones as it's such a lovely day outside but I'm going to spend the rest of the day inside at the computer working on the residency proposal.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Here's some photos I took today of my work from the 'Fixation' show.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Spent my day in work showing someone the ropes. She's thinking of being an art technician and wanted to know what it involved. She wants a thirty hour week though, I think she'll struggle because she doesn't want to do any other technician job alongside art technician. She seemed to enjoy it though and I don't think I put her off, haha. We tried out a project based on Priscilla Jones work today, http://www.mmu.ac.uk/mmuoriginals/priscillajones/ but instead of using fabric we used collage and watercolour, quite successful I think but a bit strange painting on stitches. It's my husbands birthday today and we're going away for the weekend later, so I've just spent three hours researching for the residency I want to apply for as I know I won't get the chance for the rest of the weekend! What will I do? arhh. Might sneak some time on my phone for research. I think I've finally finished the pp that they want. You have to show your work in 20 images or less, a very hard task. I picked everything that is relevant to the proposal in terms of subject matter, or materials, or presentation and then got it down further by what worked best in the pp from one slide to another. Just the actual proposal to finish now.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've been dying to work all weekend! I spent most of my time making notes which now need typing up. But I am almost there with the residency proposal. I had a promising email over the weekend about workshops over Easter. It's a little far to travel and pay isn't quite as good as usual, not a good combination! But it seems really interesting, quite in-line with my own practice and looks a lot of fun. So I've emailed back with a few questions and I've been working on some new ideas. I'm doing the milk container flower garlands workshop on 11th March. I think there's two spaces left on my workshop still if anyone fancies coming. It's funded so is free to attend. For info and booking of any workshops please contact Alison Bailey Smith info@abscraft.com  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 been working solid all day on the workshop proposal and the residency proposal. I'm sick of writing them now. So, so tired... I just want to make something... something exciting... It's the 'with these hands' meeting tonight at the Green shop where I'm going to be running the flower garland workshop. I made another design for a garland last night, it could do with some tweaking but it's not bad and I've quickly put another together (in ten minutes, hope it takes them longer) so I can take two new ones with me. These are a little simpler and I only used the two pint containers in fear that I won't have enough for the workshop. I'm hoping by showing them this evening I will fill the remaining two places.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Had a boring and tiring day in work today, spent five hours cutting card into various sizes. The meeting went well last night. There's loads going on for artists on the Wirral this year, not sure if I have any spare time to join in anything but I'm keeping my options open for now, you never know I might squeeze something in. I'm itching to start the dead coral project, I'd love to get that done this year and show it. The open studio tour looks good, I would have liked to have joined in with it last time but the most important thing in being part of it is having a studio, haha. It's the Liverpool Biennial later this year and a lot of artists opt for being part of the Liverpool Independents Biennial which runs alongside it. All the work that went to Stockholm is going to be part of it, thanks to Wendy Williams. I would like to be part of it somewhere else too though and maybe hands on a bit with some invigilating. Last time I was part of the 'Six Rooms' project in group three and sold quite a lot of work but the best thing I gained from it was the interaction of other artists. It was great to spend time with them and form friendships. http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/660121  I was part of the Independents Biennial in three seperate venues in all last time and I really enjoyed being part of something that so many artists where participating in. I'm probably leaving it a bit too late to only just be thinking about it but I might have little look around and see whats going on. I got my cheque in advance of my workshops last night, it'll be good to have some money in the bank again! I thought I'd almost finished my residency proposal, I was really happy with my ideas until I got home from work today and read it all through, now I think it sounds like a really boring project and too simplistic. There's only a few days left to submit, I feel like giving up. Might have a rest from it and have a look with fresh eyes later on.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 My workshop making flower garlands is full now. That's a relief, I was worried nobody would be interested. I'd get paid even if only a few turn up but that's not the point is it? I'm really looking forward to it now. I've just got to make a few templates now and see if Alison has bought the pens I need. I'm busy working on some altered book workshops this evening. We're going to produce a cityscape (I think). I'm setting up a blog just for workshops so I don't bore you on here. I've finished residency proposal, I think. I'm going to leave it until tomorrow and read over it again before sending it. I printed it out and saw loads of mistakes that I hadn't noticed on screen. I'm terrible at spelling and punctuation as you've probably noticed. I think I might get my mum to look over it too.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I feel like my head is going to explode! I'm doing too much again. I had a couple of days when I didn't know what to do with myself and now I wish I felt like that again! All through work I was thinking about what I had to do when I got home. I made an example for the kids in work today based on Sabrina Ward Harrisons journals http://www.sabrinawardharrison.com/see/journals.html Her work is about herself, maybe finding herself, constantly reassessing her identity. I find it a little over indulgent. It's very illustrative and she uses text a lot in her work, not relying on the imagery to do the talking. This has always been a no go area in my work, I'm rubbish at expressing myself and even in producing something for the kids to look at was very difficult. I don't want to scratch beneath the surface or have anything for others to judge. I find this type of work very difficult not just in what it was saying but in appearing scruffy. Obviously her work is planned out but when I try to write in a messy way it looks planned out...staged. Anyway it took me hours to put my own stamp on it without giving anything major away and as for my illustrations, well they leave a lot be desired. I'm going along to Wolstenholme Creative Space tonight as they are having their Fixation closing party tonight as part of the North West Visual Arts Open  http://www.artinliverpool.com/?p=27826 I'll be taking down my work for the last time I think as I don't think it'll survive being shown again. I've just got my son to burn my ppt onto disc for the residency proposal I need to send, I tried for an hour and then he came home from school and saved me! (took him a couple of minutes... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Residency proposal has been sent, eek. It had to be post marked before 5 March so I was worried about having the weekend to finish it off in case something happened on Monday because I'm in work for the morning anyway. So I got up really early this morning and finished it off. I really, really want it. The residency is for paper artists, book makers and printmakers with great facilities. It seems just perfect but I'm trying not to get my hopes up. I've got the house to myself today so I'm going to make templates for next weeks workshops and make some book towers for the other workshops for over Easter. I've got all sort of ideas going through my mind at the moment so I'm going to start jotting them down again to release some pressure.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I spent yesterday evening making all the templates for next weekends workshop, I think maybe I need to pre-cut some of the containers so some people have flat strips to work from rather than the container shape. I cut the shape of the garland directly from the container as I go but I can see that it may be easier to cut from a strip, maybe I could give them time to cut them into long strips first. I don't know what would work best. I feel a lot better about my work load now though, nothing urgent to do, so I can relax a little now. I came across Motoi Yamamotos work yesterday 'forest and beyond' I thought it was it was croqueted at first but its salt. It's so delicate. Look at what she does at the end of the exhibition though (it's under the project section, I can't put the link in as it gives the same link as this) she returns the salt to the sea. I couldn't let people do that to my work. I understand that as salt it is site specific and it can't be a permanent fixture, or at least it can't be placed anywhere else afterwards but still I couldn't let others destroy it, I'd have to do it myself. http://www.motoi.biz/english/e_top/e_top.html... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I have exciting news, my proposal has been accepted for the Comma poject. I'm going to start a new blog for this, I'll post a link when I've set it up. I started the day with good intentions. I finished gluing my eggs together, ironed some bags and made some sticks. But with the house to myself I started watching a tv series on demand at the same time and got hooked on it. I've just finished the ninth episode of art race, a competiton between two artists in Ameria who have to cross country paying their way with their art. The one how has made the most money wins. It's an easy watch program which I've wasted my whole day off doing. I need to work this evening to make up for it now. This is one of the many reasons I need a studio! To stop me watching tv.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I made little clay penguins in work today. One of the girls is looking at Antony Gormleys 'Field' and wanted to produce something similar but with penguins. She couldn't get the shape or rough look she wanted with the clay though. Anyway it made a pleasant change from cutting card. I've started a new blog about my residency as part of the 'Comma' project. http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/2071880 I'm spending the rest of my day preparing for my workshop on Sunday.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I should be spending such a lovely day sanding my eggs, sticks and stones but I can't find the electric sander. So after spending the morning searching for it I'm hopefully going to have a more productive afternoon working on a new project... Well a new project, old idea. I want to create a dead coral reef, using plastic. This was going to be from plastic milk containers because they are white, but it's proving very difficult. I can't use glue because it can be seen and I can't stitch it because the plastic is too tough. So I'm going to try using plastic bags. I have thought about using them before but was put off because I want the work just to be white. Anyway I've been designing, well doodling really and I realised I'd already done designs like some of these before! ...I wouldn't usually show people this work as I was so disapointed with it but there are a few elements of it that appeal to me and handled differently I think it could have been a successful project. I made the 'Fabric of Life' for my second year degree show. We had to organise the exhibition by ourselves, fund raising etc. This proved more difficult than most of us thought. I designed the posters, invites etc and set up a page to view on the internet. But it left little time to produce the huge amount of work needed for my site specific installation. I'd just started basing my work on the human body and was looking at the internal and external arrangement of its form, especially patterns found within it. Iused second hand fabric to give my work a history of life and to convey my ideas into a soft sculptural installation that could encourage interaction with the public. The boards for my 'room' had to be put together on site and it was difficult to get help because everyone was installing their own work (I don't know why this hadn't occurred to me before hand) Anyway I ended up getting my husband and his friend to construct it with me but I'd wanted a more complicated structure which they couldn't construct so we made do with a shape that was determined by the original size of the boards. Not at all what I wanted and because none of the board was being cut down I didn't have enough work to cover the surfaces. I spent most of my time crying and my friends went searching charity shops for bits of material to cover the gaps. The last couple of days was spent with several of us just stapling scraps on. It was a nightmare. I was ashamed of the work and didn't want to go to the p.v. but didn't think it could get any worse. But it could, someone asked, 'that isn't your work with the toilet rolls stuck to the side is it?' I just wanted to run away. Anyway I hated the work so much at the end of the exhibition I got great pleasure from ripping it down and throwing it away but on reflection when I knew it wasn't going to work I should have separated the work and shown it as individual pieces, as they did work. It was too much with all the different colours and textures... I don't think of it same now though, I've learnt so much from the experience. 1. Everything should be thoroughly tried and tested before set up. 2. Don't rely on other people, if you can't do the work yourself rethink your idea.(unless you can pay for help) 3. Don't be to ambitious with what you can achieve. (well at least give yourself enough time to get it all done) Anyway, I'm off track again as usual... these singular designs are reappearing in my ideas now, or at least designs that are very similar. It's funny because that installation was based on the human body and this is on coral. I panicked when I realised, but now I've had a while to think t hasn't put me off, I'm approaching it in a very different way, with a different subject matter, different material (although I am thinking of sewing it) and hopefully a very different outcome.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I found out yesterday that I hadn't been accepted in the NordArt exhibition that I'd applied for a few months ago. I was really gutted. So todays workshop certainly cheered me up. It couldn't have gone better, it was a really nice chilled day that everyone seemed to enjoy. Alison the de-junk, re-junk exhibition and workshop co-ordinator popped along near the end and asked if I could produce some work based on the workshop stuff for the de-junk, re-junk show, so good things are happening at the moment for me still, I've got to keep being optimistic.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I had a hard day in work today... well that's a bit of an exaggeration, it was difficult. There are 80 kids taking their art gcses and I had to sort through the canvasses to try and find the right sizes or as close to as I could and get a quick order ready for the ones we haven't got. This week is the worst in the whole school year for me. It's not really hard it's just I'm not much good with numbers etc and I panic when I can't keep on top of things and time is running out  to prep for them. Plus there are kids wanting things all the time because they are collecting their own materials and so you have to stop what you're doing but then forget where you're up to. But it's not bad really and it's only for one week. Wednesday is my next day in and I've got to cut various sized card for a few of the students and there's lots of photocopying to be done. After feeling a little exhausted I ended up leaving with a spring in my step. One of the girls stopped me as I was leaving, she had a huge grin on her face because I'd done some examples for her of penguin shapes. I could tell I'd really made her day, she was very grateful. She's certainly made mine. Yesterday I had to send my husband over to Liverpool to pick up my work from Wolstenholme because I was running a workshop. I didn't look at 'Inner Beauty' last night but I've just seen it and lots of the pieces are stuck to each other with the tack, eek, it's going to be tricky getting some of them apart. That might be it for 'Inner beauty'! I think I'll try putting them in the larder for a while so the tack is really cold. I don't know if it'll work but I noticed that when the work was up at Arena the tack was really sticky and was difficult to remove but at Wolstenholme it wasn't keeping the work on the walls and I had to buy loads of extra packs to do the job. I think it was the temperature difference, Arena is very warm and Wolstenholme is extremely cold.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I went to Wigan today to discuss the workshops for over Easter. The plan has completely changed but its doable and quite exciting. Need to spend some time on it next week because its either going to be a complete success or a complete disaster I think. I've been thinking about the work for dejunk rejunk that Alison asked me to do. I really wanted to create somethings like ivy because I wanted something more like a vine to use as the plastic milk container stuff hangs down rather than grows up right. English ivy is a fast grower and can cover a lot of ground so I thought it could adapt to different environments in the gallery too as I don't know where or how it could be displayed, hopefully in a multitude though. Anyway this led me to think about invasive plants like the Japanese knotweed, where the plant has been introduced into our ecosystem as an ornamental plant but then spread and over runs other plant life. So I spent yesterday evening researching and looked at giant hogweed which I remember being warned about as a child and then at species in America like Kudzu which blankets anything in its path like tree tops, houses etc. It's amazing how resilient and adaptable it is, but terrible how destructive is it. Anyway I was finding it difficult to make a decision on what to base my work upon until today when I started searching the internet again for more invasive plants, when up pops English ivy (where I started from) it is classed as an invasive species in America, and Australia and New Zealand classes it as a weed. I can see why it would be considered invasive, it is easy growing, tough plant here but there the conditions are such that it just spreads so rapidly. I've started experimenting with ideas, they don't look as good as previous ones I've made because the flower isn't predominant but I think when there is a large installation of them it'll look fine. So somehow instead of my statement being about the invasive species being introduced into our country its going to be about them taking our plant life else where.  Hmmm, I need to think for a while.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I thought I'd better try hanging the ivy to make sure the flowers don't weigh down the other work so much that it falls or that the flower heads don't turn downwards.So far so good, but whether it'll be ok still when I have a lot more I don't know. It could be separated but I think it'll look best if it's completelycovering a surface and trailing onto the floor. If I remember correctly the gallery space has has big white boards that work can go on so it could hang from the top of one of them, but it would look really good against so meting dark.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I was hoping to use my garden to make a temporary installation today but it keeps threatening to rain. I would give it a go anyway but I'm worried I won't be able to carry it all back inside quick enough if it did rain. Maybe tomorrow... So I've spent most of this afternoon making the work for rejunk - dejunk. This is going to take for ever, the ivy is quick to do and I can make one milk containers worth in about half an hour or so but the flowering and budding ones with the other shaped leaves take about two and a half hours each. I want to make an impact so there has got to be a reasonable amount made, I hope I have enough time. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I'm so glad that my work day is over. This morning was spent increasing image sizes for the kids ready for their gsce exam on Monday. This afternoon has been spent in the garden experimenting with ideas for book installations for four workshops over Easter, my back is killing now from carrying them in and out of the house. I'm going to have a quite and probably boring evening making plastic ivy but it's welcome because I'm working in my mums florist shop all weekend for the Mothers day rush!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I recieved an email off someone from FastCompany.com/ FastCoDesign.com She said that they'd love to do a post on your Paper Eggs and asked me to send images and some info on how they are made. How much paper is used and how I get a smooth finish. So I've emailed back, don't anything will come of it because my description is so boring but you never know. I've been working hard on making ivy, but I don't seem to be getting anywhere fast! I break up from work soon though so I'll have almost a week to work solid on it. My daugther is coming home for Easter and wants me to show her how to bind a book as she has to present her next project in a hard backed book with end papers etc. So I'll have to set some time aside for that, I haven't done it for ages, hope I can remember how to do the stitching... I'm sure it'll come back to me. I love making books, might make a couple myself I think.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I was sent a link on facebook a couple of days ago to inhabitat showing my work. http://inhabitat.com/julie-dodd-sculpts-delicate-nature-inspired-artwork-from-layers-of-recycled-paper/  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 this is the article about my paper eggs: http://www.fastcodesign.com/1669405/these-marbled-eggs-are-actually-made-of-sliced-up-magazines I've been working on the ivy, it's coming on well but i wish the process was quicker because I want to produce ten times this amount, at least!  But for now I need to put it to one side for a while as I need to do commission and prep work this weekend, going to be a busy one!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 In need of a break. I'm not getting anywhere fast and nothing is working so I'm feeling very frustrated. I'm painting today, not something I am very comfortable with and it takes all my concentration. I've been working since eight and I'm feeling ready for bed, it's only two thirty! I might spend a little while on my sticks and stones to help release some tension and then get back to it! Well I might spend a little while on my stones anyway, I still can't figure out how to make the sticks. Maybe it should be called 'sticks minus stones' haha.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 My sister phoned me to say that she's got her wrapping paper in the Tate shop and her cards in the V&A shop. I'm so excited for her, she's worked so hard. But I can't go back to work now I've been called away from it, I've had enough now, so I'm going to call it a day. I've worked almost solid for two days (with little to show for it) and need some sleep. Tomorrow I'm making templates and examples for workshops, boring but easy. Might get some more stones sanded if the weather is pleasant enough too.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've just caught up with some blogs. There's so many great ones to read right now. I had to catch up with Elena Thomas-(Threads) and Franny Swann - (Footsteps) but there's loads of others that I can see I'm going to be following. Gerald Curtis - (First Residency or how I survived my first residency) is going to be very interesting to me as I follow him in taking the second residency. And I saw Sophie Cullinan - Strained Fruit the other day on the artists talking front page but didn't have time to check it out, but the photo was so intriguing. I love Wendy Williams - (My work, reasons behind it and what happens to it. Nothing else) work 'Cruel Sea'. I've been working on templates today but was so bored I think I let myself be distracted by reading the blogs . Better get back to it. Before I go here's some images of my sisters work.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 An artist/friend has approached me to see if I'd like to put anything in her shop. She was a successful applicant for the empty shop project on the Wirral as was Carol Ramsay the artist who's accepted my proposal for a residency speck at her shop. She is running her project differently though, as a business selling arty things rather than running residencies,  I think. She is holding workshops though which I'm hoping to go to as she is a fantastic bookmaker. It's on sale or return quite and is in line with other shops but my problem is that I struggle with costing at the best of times as my work takes so long to make and I never cover my hours anyway. I know this is a problem for all artists but I need to be thinking about earning a living or I'll have to take a change in career. Workshops are keeping me afloat right now but of course this means I have less time for my own work and this is what I really want to be doing. Anyway I'm off track now, I'm trying to think whats the lowest prices I can put to my work without it being a waste of time making them. I don't want to say no to the opportunity because I need exposure and want my work to be seen amongst other art, but I can't let it go for almost nothing either. I started selling work in Liverpool recently in a really nice quirky and brilliantly located shop but I had to compromise my prices so I'm thinking of doing exactly the same here.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I thought I'd get loads of work done during the Easther holidays but I can see already that isn't going to be the case! The weather has changed meaning I can't sand my stones outside. I'm preparing for workshops for next week, a residency at the end of the month and summer workshops too, so I think I'm going to be flat out with all that. I've been sent some great opportunities for residency and exhibition proposals on the Internet but I'm not sure if I haven't had enough. The last three I've sent have been rejected and I'm feeling I can't take another one right now. But I have got a project in mind in the future which has filled me optimism and which I'll hopefully be blogging about soon. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Sorry, I've been forgetting to publish late night mobile postings again the next morning. After me saying I was fed up and was put off from sending any more proposals I've spent this morning compiling one. I woke up feeling differently this morning, I just thought if I don't keep trying I won't ever get anywhere. Unfortunately I should have been working on it all week instead of only putting it together in a morning but I suppose it's still better than submitting nothing. I did already know what I wanted to put forward though, I just didn't know how to write it. I've got dreaded housework to do for the rest of the day but then this evening I'm going to be working on my 'Invasive Ivy' as I've now got another two plastic milk containers.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 eeek, looks like I'm about to start writing another blog. I've been emailing two other artists for the best part of a year with the intention of a 'maybe' collaboration which we have decided to go public with. I'm really nervous about the response it will get (if any) about actually coming up with something now and with making sure I don't let the other two down. I'll post the link when I have it... maybe  I'm working hard on ideas for that which you'll be able to read about in the new blog and I'm also working hard on my own single projects. I haven't given up on the dead coral idea I just haven't had anytime to work on it. I'm still sanding stones and I'm still cutting up plastic milk containers to make flower garlands. I'm doing a lot of workshop stuff at the moment so there isn't much time for anything else but once the second week of the Summer holidays is over I'll be getting stuck into my own work again.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Ok so the collaborative blog 'Going Public' I'm part of is now up and running. http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/2133404 My first posting was very nerve racking not like on here but hopefully it'll get easier now. I'm working on my stones today. Partly because although it's cold outside it's bearable at the moment and I don't know when it next will be, but also because I've entered them as a proposal so I'm trying to be optimistic and get on with the making just in case instead of brooding and waiting anxiously as I always do, well that's the plan but I am still waiting anxiously! I don't know why I put myself through it! It's surprised me how often I have to go and look at stones for reference! Can you believe it? I keep making egg shapes but I don't think it's because I made paper eggs. I presume everyone is attracted to more rounded stones but maybe not. haha. Ever since I was a little girl when we visited the beach I'd collect stones... normal so far? But I would dismiss the misshaped ones and pocket the smooth more circular ones and I think that's why I keep finding myself sanding them too much or varnishing them too much. Anyway I've made a small amount of progress since I last posted photographs of them.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've unpublished lots of my blogs today because there isn't enough room for them all to come up and I haven't posted for so long in many of them. I haven't deleted them altogether though, I just can't. It's such a pain scrolling down to current ones when I want to post but you never know I might want to refer to them one day! I'm struggling with the stones. Unlike the eggs they don't have to be perfect but I  keep filling in gaps with the varnish. I'm struggling to know when each stone is finished and after uploading the photographs the other day I gave some of the stones another coat of vanish that truthfully they didn't need but made me feel satisfied momentarily and then I regretted doing it. One in particular was gorgeous with all these harsh edges but now they are varnished over. The patterns from them still show through and are quite beautiful but I'm not sure they weren't even more so before. I'm also finding with differences difficult. Individually they all have qualities I like and can stand alone fine, but I don't like seeing them grouped. Maybe this will become easier when there are more. I've been trying to figure out why I'm finding them uncomfortable together and all I can think is that they don't seem similar enough to be together. My artwork is nearly always repeated in multiples and I think this might be whats wrong, but I'll persevere, I'm sure I'll be happy in the end. Last night I concentrated most of my time on the 'Invasive Ivy' but I need to collect more milk containers before anymore can be done now.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Well the 'Tree Cycle' workshops are over and I don't know what to start first now. My work or prep for summer workshops! I think really I know the answer... I'm going to rest a day or two before going back to work so I'm going to make some flower garlands. My others are on display at Wigan library so I have an excuse to make some more for my friends shop. The house is a tip but that can wait until tomorrow.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Ok, so forget the last posting, I'm crazy busy again. I need to get all the 'Illegal logging' work together for delivery to Huyton Gallery, Knowsley for a book exhibition, 'For the Love of Books'. I need to deliver work to Arena for an art auction but I discovered the work hadn't been boxed up well from the exhibition it was in last month so have had to work on it all of today. Luckily I unpacked them this morning when my sander broke down and I had to stop making stones. But they are looking good now I think so if you fancy bidding on them the 'Blood Cells' collection is going to be in the Arena Auction on Friday 4th May: Viewing and registration from 6pm. Auction 7pm till 10pm. Work will be on display in The Elevator Bar in the week running up to the auction. http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/388543711169190/ I need to finalise ideas for my residency at the end of the month and I'm back to work tomorrow.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've dropped off my work for the Arena Auction. Thanks to Josie I only had to take it to Birkenhead. On the way I remembered the pieces had to have mirror plates on them, so I had to try putting them on in the car on the way. Not a good idea, but worked out ok in the end. Someone emailed me the other day from a website called Dadatart from Istanbulwanting to know if I'd give permission for them to publish some of my artworks on their blog. http://www.dadatart.com/2012/04/16/julie-dodd-agac-kagit-ironisi/ I've just realised that it's the De-junk, re-junk Recycling party tomorrow evening and I've got no work to take along as all my plastic flower garlands are on display at Wigan library. oops... I've got three plastic milk containers, I know what I'm going to be doing for the rest of today, better get a move on!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've delivered my logs from 'Illegal Logging' to the Huyton Gallery, the lady there was lovely, I think I might meet up with her for a coffee sometime soon. She's a textile artist and her work sounds very interesting. Unfortunately there isn't going to be a p.v now I think it's because of local elections or something like that, ha ha.  I've finished replacing the flower garlands with some new designs and today I've spent most of my time cutting out trees ready for tomorrows offical opening of the Comma shop. I'm a little nervous but I know it'll be fine.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I spoke to soon, I've been absolutely crazy busy the last few days. I've been asked to make a frame-able tree cross section with the growth rings being made of 30 rings to commemorate their 30th wedding anniversary but it has to get to America by May 15th! So I've been working hard on that, it's nearly finished now but I've still got to figure out how to finish it off. I want to make the outer ring as the bark but can't figure out how to make it in-fitting with the work yet. Also I don't know what to charge. last time I got a cheque from America it was supposed to pay about £800 and once I was charged the fees for changing it over as well as the pound not being great I got about £300. I've got to take into account postage, I think I'llgo with a courier again as that worked out quite well. It won't weigh alot but it is almost the size of an LP. There's other commission work in the pipeline but nothing certain yet. I've been asked to be Wigan Libraries Artist in Residence, I am very excited about this. I've been asked for more plastic flower garlands and I've still got summer school to prepare for. I'm feeling a little stressed, a little tired and in need of someone to make the tea.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 nearly finished, tried out the outer bark ring last night but ended up taking it back off becasue it didn't work. I still don't know how to price the work. I've put in 17 hours so far but haven't spent much on materials only £5 on glue so far but I will have to buy a good watercolour paper for backing it and maybe some mount board to give it some support. I need to price up postage as well.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 The actual piece is finished now and I've just received an email saying that the lady is very happy with it. I'm so relieved. The outer ring was made and then taken off and started again, second time worked though, phew! There isn't anything else I can do now but tomorrow I'll buy some heavy watercolour paper to mount the cross section onto. This evening I'm going to sort out Comma residency stuff as I start there this weekend.        ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 The commission work is now on it's way to Oklahoma and is all paid for. I just hope it gets there in one piece and it's what she expects! Today was the start of my residency. I need to work on other things this evening but will be making posters tomorrow once I've rummaged around car boot sales for more books to make the trees from.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I'm going over to the Arena auction this evening. I'm nervous about my work being in it in case it doesn't receive any bids. I don't mind to much if it only goes for the opening bid of £30 but it would be really embarrassing if nobody bids no it. Haven't been doing any of my own work recently, I've been to busy with commission work and the start of my residency. I'm settling into the residency well now I think so I might have a little time for other things later on next week although maybe not.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 It was the Arena auction last night. my work sold for £110 so i was more than relieved! i helped with registering and payments throughout the evening which kept me busy so I wasn't really nervous until ten minutes or so before my work was auctioned. The whole evening went really well and was really exciting. I was shattered afterwards though and my back is killing from moving furniture.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Got back in time this morning to be at the butterfly park for most of their open day. I wasn't bothered about selling anything but wanted to promote the comma project and my residency there. A few children made trees and there was some interest in visiting the shop so hopefully I'll see more people through the door next week. A couple of people wanted to know about my paintings and lots of people took  my cards, so who knows something might come of that in the future. I'm too tired to work this evening but I've got lots of ideas for tomorrow, I'm really excited have the day to sort things out. I think it's my only day off for the rest of the month so I'd better make the most of it!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 My work has arrived in Oklahoma safely. I was starting to panic because I hadn't heard anything and it's been 10 days so I am very relieved. The lady who commissioned me to make it said that it turned out to be even more beautiful than she could have imagined. What more can you ask? I'm thrilled. Just got home after a really busy day at my residency so off to bed before I start all over again. I'm loving the working side of my life right now even though I'm rushed off my feet.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I really wanted to see collaborative book arts and printmaking project between Wirral Met and BYU today but didn't have time to get there once I'd finished work. Today I painted a flat pack display cabinet to look like wood, framed some work, drew a baby in a womb and colllaged a picture of a teacup amongst other things. I can't say my job isn't varied! This afternoon and evening I am preparing for tomorrows workshop at the Comma shop then once tomorrow is over I'm going to work on my invasive ivy and stones projects until Monday.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I am feeling sorry for myself. I have so much work to do but am going at a snails pace because I am not to well. I have two commissions to start later this week and my residency is over half way through so I need to get a move on so that the open evening isn't a disaster, My daughter comes home from uni tonight so I'm hoping she'll get stuck in with making trees. I'm still thinking about projects to be and projects already started, just haven't had any time to work on them. The thing is I need to take the work when I can get it because I most probably won't get anything else for months!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 There aren't enough hours in the day. I feel like I've got work coming out my ears! I know I shouldn't complain but why does everything always come at once? I probably won't have any other work for months and won't know what to do with myself. Nearly finished my residency now. I've got some commission work this month keeping me very busy and then next month I'm in the DeJunk ReJunk exhibition. The work is nearly finished!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I'm working 14 hours a day at the moment so don't have time for anything! It's for a relevantly short time but I'm feeling the strain. I don't have time for familty life, for housework, or eating a proper meal, take aways have become an almost daily occurrence or pasta pots from the local supermarket. Can't wait to take a breather.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've been forgetting to publish postings again. Today I've been to work and have spent the rest of my day working on commissions. It would be enjoyable if it wasn't to a deadline but with it coming very close I am struggling a little. I can't believe that it won't get done in time as I have always managed to work to deadlines before so I just have to push on and not let the panic set in!! For the time being I can't think of anything else and although I'm painting I'm not really feeling very creative but I'm sure when it's finished and I've had a little breather I'll start thinking of arty things again. The problem is that I feel at my most creative in the thinking stages when something just pings rather than in the making stages.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 The commission work has come on well today with the help of two of my friends. I am close to finishing which is a relief as the deadline is fast approaching. Andrea Bassil is the new artist is residence at the 'comma' shop and she let me stay on in the studio space until the commissions are completed.  I am starting to be able to think of other arty things again. I'd really like to put something forward for the independents Liverpool biennial although I'm leaving it very late.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I received two photographs from the course leader of the BYU group of students that visited the comma project when I was resident artist. I held a workshop for them making little tree books which they took away. One of the books has been on a little adventure and it seems like it could be more travelled than me! Commission work almost done, just a little finishing off tomorrow now and then I will have a little rest and normality in my life until Monday morning when it's back to work. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I'm feeling rather stressed out. Maybe being an independent artist isn't what I'm cut out for. Maybe a straight forward 9-5 job somewhere would be better suited. Nothing is going to plan today and I'm feeling the weight of it on my shoulders. Some maybe good news though, on Monday June 18th my work is going to be displayed in a massive exhibition on the screens of Times Square in an event  'Art Takes Times Square' billboard premiere event! Works by thousands of artists, including mine will be displayed on bright LED screens (9 ft x 12 ft) located on Broadway and 43rd Street. http://www.facebook.com/events/382371188476948/... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 The commission work is done and handed over after almost three weeks of late nights and early mornings. Now back to every day life! Well not quite I have exhibition work to do. Looking forward to the weekend, I am planning to do nothing at all, although I'm sure it won't turn out like that!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've been working on the English Ivy project today between housework. The Ivy has to be ready for the 24th of this month I think, well some time around then. I'm down to my last two milk containers!! The exhibition is going to start on the 2nd July in the morning and I've just realised that's a Monday so I'll be in work, I'm so annoyed that I didn't realise before now. Never mind. Haven't got much less on right now, just some workshop stuff to prepare for the summer holidays which I might start looking at tomorrow.    ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've been waiting for the milk bottle in the fridge to empty and so decided to get on with something else. I've started preparing for the palm oil project whilst I've been at the comma project shop this week covering a couple of afternoons. I wanted to use this project idea for a residency and have prepared all the background work already but I'm not going to wait anymore for an opportunity to come along. I've been thinking what I could put into Liverpool Independents Biennial if the opportunity comes along and I don't have anything suitable so I'm going to get on with it and if I can't show it during the biennial I'll find somewhere to exhibit it. I'm not sure what to make yet but I know it'll be from recycled product packaging that I'll make into paper. I've got two basic ideas, one is to make palm leaves from the handmade paper to be shown as a floor installation (i think this one may have greater impact) and the other is to make a palm leaf book from handmade paper rather than palm leaves that could hang from the ceiling and trail onto the floor. (looking almost like a ladder) I was originally going to make the leaves for the floor but then as I'm a bookmaker the idea of a palm leaf book seems interesting. I've done a lot of research on them and although the African palm leaf isn't used in making them it would be ideal in so many ways. Palm leaf books were traditionally used for manuscripts to document events and tell stories in South and South East Asia in places such as India, Burma, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia. The leaves were often scratched into, then ink was rubbed over the page and when wiped away the text or imagery would remain. Palm leaf books are still produced  but are often for tourism and although made in a book format, it’s more like a large picture that can be folded down into a book. Although it appeals to me to produce pages that collectively make up an over all image I want to stick to the original format were every page can be read individually. I can't decide which to work on so I've just been cutting packaging for now. I only spent yesterday aftrenoon and this afternoon cutting up the card and I've got a massive blister on my finger from the scissors. I'm not used to cutting anymore, haha. I've been painting the last few weeks and so my skin must have softened. I'm glad to really get stuck into something again though even if it is only the prep work because I was stuck in painting mode. I had already prepared a statement but this might change:   The clearing of large areas of forest, plantations and peat land in Indonesia, Malaysia and Africa is having a detrimental impact on our planet. This is happening in order to sustain the demand for the production of palm oil and is causing terrible environmental damage. Palm oil is very versatile and cheap commodity which is in great demand and is actually very environmentally friendly, being used in the production of goods such as biodiesel, but because such vast areas are being cleared to make way for African palm trees it’s having a truly detrimental effect on the native wildlife in the loss of habitations. But not just this, communities land is being taken away so they can’t sustain their own food and even fire is being used to speed up the clearing process, another environmental worry that is also certainly accelerating climate change cancelling out the good palm oil could be doing. Palm Oil is used in so many products and rather than just stating under ingredients ‘oil’ product packaging should have to state that its palm oil being used and whether it has been responsibly sourced so we can make an informed choice on whether we want to purchase the product.   I am thinking about listing products, ingredients, barcodes or mapped areas that are in danger because of palm oil production on which ever of the ideas I decide on but I'll have to see what the project looks like when it's developing as I have a feeling anyting added might spoil it. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've spent this morning preparing a proposal I saw late last night on the artinliverpool website for a residency. It would be ideal because it's during the summer holidays just after I finish the workshops for school but I doubt I'll get it. I applied last year and was gutted when I didn't get accepted so i won't get my hopes up this time. But it was handy having almost everything prepared to apply. I might start writing more proposals in case something comes up. I really want to make a room of dead sea coral out of white plastic still but it would be difficult to write up a proposal in a hurry so I might do that next time I'm between projects rather than feeling frustrated. I was hoping for a sunny day today as it's my day of work so I could sand some stones but instead i am going to spend this afternoon cutting card and my collegues in work saved me some milk containers so i can carry on with that project too now and cut milk bottles up! Yay, what a great afternoon I have planned!  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I just wrote a really long posting but when I saved it there was nothing there. Never mind, it was really boring anyway, haha. I didn't do any of the things I said I was going to do yesterday so they are the plan for this evening. Instead I got carried away looking at art sites and call outs for artwork etc all evening. Nothing was suitable for my existing work though and I can't start another project as I've got to many on the go as it is! I saw a couple of residencies I fancied but nothing close by or in a time when I could travel. Last night I did get some work done on my website too though so it wasn't a completely wasted evening. I decided to compress last years monthly news into one page. This took a lot longer than I first thought. Don't think I'll be doing it to this years in a hurry. I've just thought, what should really be top of my list of things to do is my tax return as I need to fill in the student finance form for my daughter. Kind of wish I hadn't remembered now!  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've almost finished the 'invasive ivy', the deadline is Friday so I'm relieved that it'll be ready. I want to photograph it but I haven't got any unpatterned walls at home. I'm at the 'Comma' project shop on Tuesday so I might try to hang and photograph it there. I've been collecting rubbish to recycle for summer workshops to make trophies and medals. When I start constructing examples I'll start posting again on my workshops blog about it. This photo is the latest addition of a tree made at one of my workshops that's travelling the country sent by Joe. Thanks Joe!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I tried out 'Invasive Ivy' last night and was very disapointed. I thought I'd cut so much more! I've been working on it for soooo long! I couldn't do much more even if I had more time now as I've only got two more milk containers to use. I wanted it to be taking over the space but there isn't enough, instead it just looks pretty... ornamental I decided to hang a white sheet to work against to give me an idea of what it will look like in the gallery. I'm hoping it will be installed against a white wall or board but which has a smaller width than this so that it can cascade over both sides and trail onto the floor on either side too. I'm glad that I tried it out as I learnt that it can't just cascade over one side as the weight makes it come over the top and fall. (Obvious really, I don't know why I didn't think of that) So it needs to be more or less weighted the same on both sides of the board. The ivy entwines with each other easily enough though the vines and twisting the stems around each other. I've found that the structure needs to be made first with the leafy pieces and then the flowering and seeded pieces sit on top to finish it off. I like the work, it's just not ready. I'd like triple the amount. It's defiantly a work in progress... It will look better taking up a smaller area though. I originally wanted it to be set against a white background so that the visitor has to take a closer inspection to see what is invading the space... with it trying to go unnoticed sort of thing. But I like the shadows it casts and think that could be as important as the work. I wonder what Alison will think? She gave me my first solo show and is curator of this one as well as organising it all.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I am anxiously waiting for my husband to arrive home so we can all go to the butterfly park (Comma Project). It's Andreas open evening and she's having it at park this evening. I can't believe its a month since I finished my residency there. She has spent her month painting four paving slabs with a special acrylic paint used for tennis courts to depict the wildlife within the park. Her stones have been laid at the park today for all to see this evening. I'vereally been looking forward to it. Andrea let me use the back of the 'Comma' project shop to work on some large commission work for two weeks so I've got to know her very well. I will miss her when she goes back down south.  I spent yesterday with her at the shop while she finished her stones but wish it could have been longer. Today my back is aching from cutting huge pieces of cardboard boxes up in work. They are bike packaging and needed to be cut into smaller pieces so the students could make masks from them.  I think I forgot to mention the other day that a photo of my work was on a billboard in Times square a couple of evenings ago. I didn't get to see the live feed but hopefully I'll find a video on line to post.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Just got back from the butterfly park. Only got there just before the end but at least I got to see Andrea before she left and to see her work in it's intended setting. The stones looked great and I'm sure they'll give years of enjoyment to many people.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Work delivered for de-junk re-junk thanks to my husband. I would have liked to have done more but I'm sure it'll be fine, it's a work in progress so I'm not to worried. I finally found a photo proving that my work was on show at the art in times square event even if I can only find it in the party afterwards at least I know it was shown now.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've had a tiring few days. Preparing for three separate lots of workshops at the moment, just finished writing a proposal for a residency and I've got lots and lots of paperwork to do, which I keep putting off... no time for my own work at the moment. Really enjoyed work today, the girls are making masks which they have to construct through a series of cardboard layers. Very tricky for them but the finished result is fantastic. I'm off work tomorrow so I'm going to get stuck into everything I need to do.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've been busy preparing for workshops this weekend but it isn't stopping me from playing ideas out in my head. We went for a pub tea on Friday night and the discussion around the table was the coral reef I want to make. My husband suggested I went back to working with paper for it. I haven't given up using paper in my work, it's always going to be the main material I use, it just isn't the right material at the moment. I want to reflect on the rise of acidic levels in the oceans which are having a detrimental effect on so many coral beds. Plastic of some sort is defiantly the way I want to go, I just can't find a way of using it yet. The problem is using the material without adding adhesive because it will show. I've tried making the same type of attachments as my plastic garlands but it just doesn't work on these structures the same. I want it to look really organic and sort of like some work I've done with fabric. In fact I need the plastic to act in the same way as fabric... that's the problem! I tried to overcome this by making the plastic more like fabric by ironing plastic bags together and sewing them but it doesn't stretch when being stuffed or take on the shapes I want it to when forming the coral, it need it be able to manipulate it more! Arhhh, I'm not giving up on this... Whilst I'm waiting for a lightbulb moment to happen with the coral idea I've been cutting up product packaging for another project I'm hoping to start soon on palm oil. I think that once the workshops are over I should have cut enough up to start the project.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've been thinking about the coral reef idea and have taken a further step backwards. I have decided that the plastic bag idea isn't going to work, the finished result isn't going to be what I want no matter what I do with it first. I just don't like it as a medium... at least I can dismiss it now and not give it another thought. I was thinking about creating another hanging installation and decided to do a little research on different methods of hanging rather than my usual way of using fishing wire as a grid to hang things from. I don't want the grid to be visable. I typed into the search engine, 'ceiling installation viewed lying down' and look what I found: http://www.flickr.com/photos/patibee/474906187/ An under the sea view above your head. What a good idea of the objects sitting on a glass ceiling. Dale Chihuly http://www.chihuly.com/ceilings-persian-pergola-ceiling-2002_detail.aspx  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I am now officially an associate member of Arena (where I did a residency last year which ended with solo show 'Inner Beauty') I am so pleased. They will give me space on their website, will help promote any events I'm involved in through their Arena Facebook and Twitter pages. I'll be invited to exhibit in Arena group shows and I can put proposals in for exhibition in their gallery. Today hasn't been very productive in the making of anything but ideas have been developing. I'm quite excited about the idea of a project that came to me last night. I have a feeling I've thought of it before... I don't know though and I'm a bit apprehensive in case there was a reason why I didn't develop it. I'm going to mull it over a little before sharing though in case it comes to me why I didn't do it. I'll give it a few days to settle before I decide if I'm going to start it or not. It might be because the project would take such a long to to produce, I reckon years rather than months and there would be very little to show for the work I put in for months and months. Plus storage would be difficult as a built the work up. I've also been working on proposals, workshop ideas and project ideas today so it's been a good day off. From next week I'm working full time hours, only for two weeks though but then we break up and I'm busy with workshops so I really have to think about what's the best use of my time right now because it's quite precious. I doubt I'll have anytime to really get stuck into my own work until late summer. I'm not complaining though, I need the money! And the work could just as soon dry up and I'll be praying for times like these!  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I couldn't wait a few days, I have started the project. It's very tedious and time consuming... right up my street!! But it's certainly not a good project to be working on right now whilst I'm so busy. It is the kind of thing I can just put down and pick up again in a months time though. Except I can't... I'm going to have to force myself. I've got my work back from Wigan Library and from Huyton Gallery so now I'm only in Re-Junk De-Junk. I'm invigilating there tomorrow, when i told my daughter she said "aren't you nervous?" I said "No, why would I be" thinking she knew something I didn't. But it turns out she thought I was going to be invigilating exams, ha ha. I've been eagly waiting to see if I got a residency place I'd applied for, they said that applicants will be contacted with the outcome of applications by 6th July 2012 but I haven't heard anything so I guess I can take that as a no! Oh well I suppose I should look on the bright side, that frees up some time I'd set aside.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 Just received an email to say my application wasn't successful, I'd kind of figured that one out for myself. I won't be applying again, I've given it a go twice now so I won't waste my time again. oh well, I won't let it deter me, onto the next application.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've had a busy day. I've done a little invigilating for the de-junk re-junk show and then this evening I've been working on two projects. One which is just in the early stages and is failing miserably and now needs rethinking and the other which is in the early stages but will take forever to produce. The one that is failing terribly is the palm oil project. I was either going to make a book from product packaging or palm leaves, but when I started experimenting this evening nothing felt right. So I sat down and tried to figure out what wasn't working. After all the planning I'd put in I realised it was the palm leaves I was basing the artwork on. I had thought early on that it wasn't right but dismissed it but I've decided if I don't get it right now it's never going to be right. So now I have a lot of pulp and nothing to do with it. I wish I'd kept it as cut up bit of cardboard packaging for now! I hope I can think of something quick. I feel that it should be the palm oil seeds I base it on which the palm oil is produced from but I can't think how to represent them.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I'm working full time right now and I'm shattered, can't concentrate on my own work, it isn't a distraction or relaxation to work on my own stuff but rather feels like a burden so I'm leaving it alone for a while. I think I've been putting myself under to much pressure so I've decided not to put forward any more proposals etc for a while, the statements just take me too long to write. But I have an interview coming up for a residency which is quite exciting. I put forward my invasive ivy work as workshops with a community exhibition at the end. I've got my fingers and toes crossed.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 It feels really good being full time in work, in some ways I wish it could be permanent even though I'm shattered. I don't want a full time job because it will limit the production of my own work but gettingthat extra bit of money will help so much and I also feel more comfortable in work, more part of the team sort of thing.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've started working on the palm oil idea again, not sure if it's going anywhere yet, or if it's right yet, it might need some developing still, but I think it's growing on me. Based on palm oil seeds and made from product packaging...these are the two elements I'm happy with, but maybe not the appearance of the finished product. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I haven't got much further with the palm oil idea I've been to busy with other things, but I have added a few coats of varnish which is starting to give it a more pleasing finish. I think the interview went well on Friday so hopefully if I can get paired up the a company for a project I'll get one of the residencies available. The ladies interviewing me seemed happy with me and my work so hopefully that's a good sign! I'm working as part of an outreach team this week, working at school on the displays on my day off, putting up a mini childrens exhibition at the end of the week and helping a friend with a workshop at the weekend!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 SCIBase (Merseyside based SCI and BasementArtsProject, Leeds) have invited me to exhibit with them again following on from our collaborative project 'Bring a Box' which went to SUPERMARKET the Stockholm art fair earlier this year. The work will be shown at The Bridewell Studios and Gallery, 101 Prescot St. Liverpool L7 8UL between 2 – 15 October this exhibition is entitled Inhospitable – a response to the Bridewell’s former use and will be part of the Independents Liverpool Biennial. I don't know what I'm going to show but with little time spare I better get a move on!!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've spent most of today laminating things for the displays in work. Very boring but weirdly satisfying!! I haven't got time for my own work at the moment but I've been thinking a lot about lots of project ideas. I've already got so many half finished projects on the go but none of them are suitable for the Inhospitable show.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I had a discussion with my friend who is also in the inhospitable show at the bridewell to push some ideas around a bit. We agreed that with little time to get something together it doesn't really allow enough time to make something substantial and so it would be better to adapt an already developed piece. I've thought about it and have decided to continue developing my fir forest which was created in response to the over planted trees replacing our indiginous trees and was the second part to a changing installation. The first part being made by the community.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I assisted a print workshop today which was lots of fun. Its ages since I've printed anything and although I wasn't printing my own work it was great to be doing it again. I must get myself together and book in for an afternoon to get some of my own printing done. Its made me realise how much I miss it. This afternoon a put in a few hours for work for the displays in school and this evening I've been stapling, cutting and inking trees. I've been tweeking my statement a little too.   Can't see the Trees for the Forest (part 2) When Britain’s native trees are chopped down they are usually replaced but often it’s with non-native faster growing species. Our trees are beautiful and nature’s pattern is being wiped out and redesigned, often being replaced by faster growing fir trees such as conifers. The closed canopies of these trees block out almost all light from reaching the forest floor leaving little or no ground flora. But these trees haven’t just had a detrimental affect on woodland plants; in turn animal life has also suffered.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 This week I'm working at the Williamson Art gallery sewing with children which should be fun. Next week I'll be finished with the workshops and will have two weeks to work on my own stuff... well after I've got the house back to normal!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 The 'with these hands' meeting was interesting this evening, Lots of exciting talk about the Independants Liverpool Biennial. I'm only in one venue this year but that's a relief really as I don't think I'd beable to manage anything else with so much going on. I had an email about the residency I applied for today saying that they might have found me a place to work in a hospital. I'm going to meet up with them soon and discuss possibilities of when and how. Exciting stuff! ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've had an email this morning asking if I'd like a solo show in a venue I've shown altered book work in. The gallery is a lovely white airy building with lots of natural light, I want to say yes, yes, yes but I don't have any work to put in right now. It wouldn't be until next year or even the year after though which really should be plenty of time to get a new body of work together.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've said yes to the solo exhibition, I'm even more excited about it since I recieved a further email filled with ideas of a residency, workshops and maybe even more opportunities. I'm in the middle of responding, I don't know if I'm letting myself run away with ideas but I think it looks quite promising. I've been in work all day today, the displays are almost finished, good job as the kids are back in school soon. I have one title to draw up tonight and then tomorrow I'm going to be going around school sticking everything up. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 A few months ago I was asked by Wild in Art to submit some designs for a public art sculpture trail to decorate the Olympic and Paralympic Mascots for London 2012. I was given themes which I had to interpret into some sort of design onto mascot templates. One of my designs was accepted and I was asked to also produce a splash mascot like my splashy penguin. http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/569973 Once they where approved by the Greater London Authority and London Olympics 2012 Organising Committee I got the green light to start painting. They were so huge that I couldn't have had them both at home but very kindly I was able to have them at the back of the Comma Project shop that I had a residency at. The project was top secret so I curtained off the back of the shop to work in and with a tight schedule I worked every moment a got. My original design of Gemstones had to change slightly so that the logo could be placed on her chest but I think it's quite true to the original design still. My mascots are on the yellow and purple trails which are across London until September 9th. After that they go off to the new homes of the auction winners.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've been working on so many things I need to take order again. My latest idea is for a proposal submission, so this has to be one of the top things on my list, although I don't think I need to make much more to show, I just need to find a way of putting a neat hole in each one for hanging, find a good way of displaying them well to be photographed as these images just won't do as you can only really see the shadows and they look a lot more curved than they actually are when they are lying down and finally I need to write the proposal, not much to do there then, haha! I need to finish off my work for the Bridewell, with maybe an additional piece, but I'll have to wait and see about that so no need to start it yet. The fir trees are nearly finished though. This needs priority! Prepare for my meeting at the Royal on Monday. Nervous about that but I suppose there isn't much to do except worry! Need to get my work together, make a few notes about what I'd need if they want me, find something to wear... Oh I think that's it for immediate attention. Other stuff: Waiting on finding out what days I'm wanted for some adult workshops, a proposal and an exhibition... ooo and I've got to do some work for school before I go back on the 3rd. I feel better now I now I've written down what I need to do. Now to get on with it!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I realised that I needed to photograph the snowflakes on a dark surface to make them more visible. I am excited to have found an engraving kit in a charity shop today, I hope it'll work on plastic! My hand is aching so much from using my craft knife to scrap the patterns into the plastic. Fingers crossed it'll work. There will be no stopping me if it does. I've got to spend the rest of today working on school stuff but I'm planning on putting a big day in tomorrow for my own work.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I have wasted most of the day trying to photograph the snowflakes hanging!! They are driving me mad. The engraving tool didn't work because the vibration of it made the markings to large so it's back to using a craft knife, just a single line from the knife is needed unfortunately. But I did find that one of the attachments makes a nice frosted look so if the work is picked I think I'll use this to bulk out the project a little because it would have to be ready for November. The frosted look attachment can be used on faulty plastic too which is great as there is often plastic that has been scratched.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 These are the last of the photographs for today. I might give it another try tomorrow. I've been spending the rest of my day trying to write the proposal but because I'm just proposing a snowflake installation it's quite straight forward and is only just over 100 words, but the allowance is 500! I feel that I'm missing something really important out! Might leave it and come back to it tomorrow with fresh eyes. I'll post it up here when it starts sounding right and see what you think. Ooo, I haven't said anything about lighting... Other things: I've been working on trees in case they are wanted for the scibase exhibition. Haven't got very far but they're not taking long to make, about 2 minutes per tree. I've updated the public commissions page of my website to include my mascots. http://juliekdodd.moonfruit.com/#/public-art-commissions/4565343572 It's quite slow to upload though. I found some really good images on flickr as well as being sent a really good one of Splash from Wild in Art which is one by their professional photographer. I emailed the photographers from flickr and they've given me permission to use the images too. I'm really grateful, they're so much better than anything I had, mine where just in the studio space with a mess of paints, brushes etc around them. ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I had a meeting at the Roald Dahl centre in the Royal Hospital about my residency proposal. It's going to be in the waiting area of the Haematology department and I'm to engage with the public whilst they wait for their results. A tricky one I know but I think it'll be enjoyable as well as challenging. They have had residencies there before including performance art!! The waiting area has quite a lot of artwork already in it from previous residencies/ commissions which are lovely to see. I'm going to be working on Wednesdays for a month and may be displaying the work around half way through the residency...eeek. With the idea being that it will encourage patients when they see the outcome in an installation rather than singular pieces. I was told today straight off that it would be challenging which I had expected anyway. I will have an assistant though which should make a lot of difference. For a start I can be showing them how to make the ivy which should encourage others. Plus it's great if I manage to get a few people participating because it can be difficult explaining things at different stages. I might make a little sign so people are encouraged to edge over in my direction before they commit to making. I'm probably starting in two to three weeks! This evening I'm working on the snowflakes, I'm not sure I'm going it alone now on the proposal but I'm still preparing it just in case. I think I'm nearly there, need to get rid of some of the waffle now, you know make it more concise and then I'm ready. Might buy some blue lighting and see how that works behind it before sending off the photographs, or maybe a really white light. My images are really yellowy. I think it's because I'm not using the flash but I can't as it reflects light onto the plastic and then you can't see the engraved detail.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've had an email to say that I can start the residency at hospital on the 19th September, I really need more milk bottles. I have collected quite a few and they are going to collect them at the bluecoat which will help a lot. I just can't judge how many I'll need, I think I'll have enough for the first session though and will be able to take the ones from the bluecoat home then so hopefully I'll keep a good stock. It's been a busy week in work. With open evening being on Thursday I rushed around for three days finshing displays off and doing last minute signs and displays for the teachers. All done now though so it's back to normal at last, it's been great having more work but I'm exhausted!! I've been working on the snowflakes idea, I've made fifty so far.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I'm working hard but not really getting anywhere! Work has calmed down in my job at the school and I'm relieved that everything is back to normal there. I'm working steadily on the projects for the Independents Biennial (maybe this is the problem, the show is in a couple of weeks) I've made over four hundred indigenous trees and about 800 fir trees. If my proposal is accepted I don't know how they would be hung yet as I'd need to discuss this with them. They could either be parts 1 & 2 and could be shown in the two different venues or the fir trees could hang in front and around the indigenous trees obscuring the view and sort of swallowing them up. I've nearly finished the proposal for the shop window. I decided to go back and make more pieces as I found that I was discussing in my proposal how the pieces would hang in multiples and in rows and it occurs to me that I should show the work as true to how it would be hung in the windows as possible. Doh, I feel that I need the obvious pointing out to me sometimes. Today I set them up and I've been taking photographs of them this afternoon. Been attempting a little video as well but I can't stop it from blurring and I don't want to waste to much time on it. I'm starting the residency as the royal on Wednesday so need to make a few more templates, maybe disinfect the milk bottles again just to be on the safe side and if I can find where I've put the safety scissors it would be helpful! I really want to get over to Liverpool to see the Biennial, the opening was last night and it's opened today. The last one is 2010 was fantastic and surpassed the previous years that I've seen so I can't wait to see what they've got for us this year.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've been in work today... it really is all back to normal now, lots and lots of trimming paper ! I spent yesterday afternoon and evening attaching fishing wire to the trees and I still haven't finished. I'm concerned that they'll be too long or worse still too short but there's only three days to install and I'm working for one of them so I have to be as prepared as possible. I've finished writing the snowflakes shop window proposal and I think I'll have to make do with the photographs I've taken. It's frustrating because the real thing looks better and the shadows are more dramatic but I can't get it right. Just waiting to see if it's ok to go it alone now before I send it all off. I see my collaborative friends have been posting about the ptb so I'd better get a move on and contribute to the blog!!!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 First day in the residency went well. I came home to find an email about workshops, two with the potential for more, which is great. I've just been photographing the snowflakes again, I can't resist trying to get a better shot. My daughter is home at the weekend and they are hanging from her shelf over her bed so I really will have to stop trying then as I don't think she'll appreciate them being there. I'm still threading the trees, nearly there now, but I'm tempted to keep making more of them. i don't know what sized space I'll get but it would be great to have enough to fill a large space just in case. They wouldn't be wasted as they could hang from each other if there isn't much room.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I think I'm finally prepared for the Scibase show. I just need to buy something to attach the fishing wire to the ceilings/walls. I'm thinking maybe tiny little pins, I don't know... I'm feeling quite panicked about the installing stage but if I can prepare as well as possible before hand then it might just run smoothly!! I've sent off the proposal for the shop window and I'm continuing work on the snowflakes just in case because time would be tight if I get it. I've produced four more large patterned ones and lots of frosted ones. I've had my second workshop as part of my residency with the bluecoat display centre, it went well but I'm not going to go on about it here because I've written about it in my workshops blog. http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/2022041 I am concerned that i won't have enough milk containers for the fourth weeks workshop though and that I may have to produce a lot more work to make a substantial installation. Although lots of work was produced at this weeks workshop I think that four workshops just won't produce enough work.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I'm having one of those days! i thought I'd get loads done because I'm off work in what seems to be the first full day in ages but everything is going wrong. I'm panicking about installing my work tomorrow, I don't know how or where it's going to be installed. if it can be in installed in time, how will help install it... I've just got off the phone with a friend who's also in the show and feel even more panicked now that I've talked it through with her, eeek.... I've come to the conclusion that I shouldn't have produced an installation piece. I've come back to write my blog to find an email of rejection for the shop window proposal... I'm feeling well and truly gutted... Cup of coffee and a cleaning spree will sort me out.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I installed the trees today at the Bridewell. Wendy was lovely; she's got so much to do but didn't complain. She said I could choose where in the gallery to put my work so I chose one of the corners. I persuaded my son to help me which saved so much time and saved me getting down the ladder an awful lot. I made far to many trees and am only showing about a fifth of them I think, but space is limited in the gallery. There are 19 artist showing in the gallery space and as many can't travel to Liverpool until Monday we had to take an educated guess at what space we could take up. So I had a little panic about how to display the work when I first arrived. I decided I just had to get on with it or it wouldn't get done! I had to make some decisions that I'm not sure were the right way to go, I could have displayed just one type of tree in the gallery space and another out in one of the corridors, I could have shown them in below one another as to utilise the space but i decided to concentrate my time in the gallery only and really crammed the trees into the space making a thick forest, at the time I thought to myself that there was no point recreating what I'd previously installed at the 'comma' shop. I thought it looked great when I'd only put up the indigenous trees but when I placed the fir trees in front of them a problem of the trees being obscured occurred. I know the whole point of putting the fir trees in front as the replacement, sort of engulfing, drawing in around the indigenous trees was to mimic but also intensify whats happening  but in you not being able to see the beauty of our native trees you could kind of miss the point. I need to be able to show the installing stage somehow. I thought of putting up photographs of installing the work and my friend Carol also suggested this and that I could take down the fir trees at the p.v to reveal the indigenous trees. I love the idea of revealing this idealistic environment but I haven't got the guts. I feel sick at the thought of doing it. I know I did when I was resident artist at the 'comma' project but that was because the open evening was full of family, friends and the community how had helped the forest grow. They understood what was going on and I just got on with it. Anyway it's a definite no. But I'll sleep on the problem, I think an answer might still come to me and if it does I could pop over on Monday afternoon and fix it.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've had time to reflect on yesterday and look at the photos and although it isn't exactly the installation I had in mind I think I'm happy with it! I like it being in the corner and it feels more like my work than previously... I can't think of a solution to showing the 'before the fir trees were added' but I still like the finished piece (just not as much as the unfinished piece)... I hope people stand under it. Anyway here's the pics.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I know I've already posted today but I wanted to share some more photos with you. This angle won't be shared with the visitors to the gallery because they were taken up the ladder. It's almost like a little secret only I can see... well and you. I think being up here is my favourite way of looking at the installation. I think it's going to be a great show, can't wait for the p.v. It will hopefully be as much of a pleasant surprise for me as for the guests as I was only there when the first few pieces were being installed. Some additional work of mine is being shown in the fireplace, I'm leaving the arrangement to my friend as I'm in work, I am wondering how she will display it!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 It was the p.v tonight at the Bridewell and it was the first time I'd seen all the work in the show. I was surprised how differently artists responded to 'inhospitable'.    It was really lovely to meet so many new people, especially you Jean. I'm going to go back and take some more photos when it's not so busy.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 what a day! I'm exhausted. I spent the morning at the Royal in my residency placement. We had another great response this week and I only have one week left now. Lots to do this week in preparation for installating of the work. Then on my way home I phoned two friends who are installing work in Liverpool for the independents to ask if they needed a little help whilst I was still on that side of the water and ended up there for the rest of the day. Between down pours of rain we got quite a lot done but I think they will be there all day tomorrow as well.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 It's been one of those days! I've been invigilating all day today and in part yesterday at the Bridewell. I set off today without my flask of coffee and without any make up on. So I called into the shops on the way over to grab some mascara, eye liner and coffee! There weren't many visitors but I brought plenty to do so I was kept very busy. On the way home I through away the bag with the new makeup in by mistake! Yesterday was the p.v. of my two friends work in the bomb out church in Liverpool. It well worth a look, absolutely stunning especially at night. I found out today that I'll be installing the work at the hospital on Wednesday after my last workshop there. So tomorrow I'll have to make time for a trip to the diy shop or garden centre.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I spent yesterday making seeded ivy for the installation at the hospital. I haven't attempted doing this workshop with the patients because it takes so long. But I thought it was a shame for them not to be able to make flower heads as well as the ivy so I've been showing them how to adapt the simple pattern I show them so that they can continue working with milk containers at home if they wish to! I've had such a great response during my time there. I really didn't know what to expect when I started there as people don't start the day thinking they'll be helping to make an work for an installation when they go to hospital, but it's been great!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 When I first went to the hospital to discuss the residency there the subject came round to how the work would be displayed at the end. The professor was concerned about it being secure so we decided a trellis would be a good idea. It could be half screwed into the wall, then the ivy could be added and then secured tightly so the ivy can't escape. So my task today was to find a trellis! That was the easy part but I've been spending the rest of the afternoon sanding it because it's made of a soft wood with lots of potential splitters.  I've been asked to show my work with PAPER at the Manchester artists book fair so I've been working away at a new little type of book which I'm really enjoying making. I always have a panic showing work at artist book fairs in case my work doesn't stand well against other artist books but I'm happy with these. They took a little while to work out how I was going to cut them to make them work but once I had a formula it was easy. Saying that they still take an hour or two each to make!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I am so exhausted. After the workshop this morning we set up the installation in the Roald Dahl Haemostasis & Thrombosis Centre. We had planned to show it on a trellis but the professor preferred us to use panel pins to attach it to the walls or ceiling of the corridor. This proved to difficult to achieve as we couldn't reach theceiling on the ladders and I was concerned about marking the walls with lots of holes. But the opposite wall of the corridor has a panel of glass windows on it with viewing into the waiting room. By putting it here the installation could be seen on entering the centre and also viewed whilst waiting for appointments. But I didn't want to mark the frame work with lots of holes either so I had to change the way I was going to display the work by gathering lots of pieces together to pin up using a single pin and then repeating this process at a minimal. Then we worked from these points adding more ivy by wrapping it around the previous pieces. Not ideal but I'm not as disappointed as I first thought I'd be when I realised displaying it would be difficult. We also had to take into consideration that children shouldn't be able to reach it easily so it couldn't venture down the windows very far. It's not as invasive as I'd hoped but I think it'll attract attention, hopefully encourage recycling and is a nice addition to their centre.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I was asked if I'd like to have my work shown with PAPER at the Manchester Artists Book Fair. I asked my husband if he'd come along because the box of books was too heavy for me to carry. We got the train but took the satnav so we'd know are way but as it was we jumped a cab from the station to the gallery anyway. Then my husband left the sat nav in the taxi so he spent his time running round the streets of Manchester while I delivered the work. So it's turned out to be a very expensive day! Nicola was very welcoming and showed me their gallery which has some lovely work in it at the moment, it put mine to shame. I really liked some paper cups, I'll have to ask about them when I next visit. http://www.paper-gallery.co.uk/70882/about-paper My daughter is going along to the book fair as part of her course so I've asked her to take some photos which I'll post. Nicola told me about 'The first cut' showing at the Manchester Art Gallery which I visited before going home. I was so excited to see lots of artists work which I'd only seen in pictures previously. It's worth travelling to see, I'm going to have to again before it ends http://www.manchestergalleries.org/whats-on/exhibitions/index.php?itemID=92 ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 It's the closing event of our show at the bridewell tomorrow. Then the work is going onto Leeds, I don't kow how the trees will be rehung there, but I'm quite excited to see what they do with them. Beth from the bluecoat display centre sent me this video from my workshops at the hospital.https://vimeo.com/51076020 My daughter said the artists book fair was great, she really enjoyed it. I hope she starts making books too. She also went along to the first cut exhibition and wanted to blow whats left of her student loan on everything in their shop.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I received a package this morning from Elena containing a childs sock! I had been waiting to see it before deciding what to do with it. With the only restriction being that it should remain socky I had so many ideas. I've just started working with wire again and have started altering a project that I was unhappy with. I've spent ages trying out different ways of altering the work and I think I'm finally getting somewhere but I'm off track now... So I wanted to take my work and somehow represent it a little on the sock, sort of giving a little bit of myself, or rather my work to the sock, ha ha. I first tried stitching in wire but this was problematic, I had to think how this would leave the sock for the next artist. I wanted to wire stitch between the lines but this w ould leave the ends Of the wire in the sock which could be a nasty suprise for someone so I decided to make some of my wire work and stitch it onto the sock but after making a couple I wondered if this would leave the sock socky enough as Its shape would change so I compromised a little and stitched a design on instead. It was a nice change to be sewing, it's made me think about sewing projects again!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.flickr.com/photos/brooklynartscouncil/3996297656/in/set-72157622453929028/ I found this artists work which makes me want to sew again. Well I've been wanting to for a while really and I have been sewing recently but only in preparation for a couple of workshops so I am itching to do something with fabric. I think I want the stitches to mean something though, that's as far as I've thought about it, ha ha. I've been doing lots of research today and have happened upon lots of unexpected sites that keep leading me away from what i should be doing and Lisa Kellners work was on one of them. I have also been thinking about the work I did on blood cells earlier this year. It was produced for a solo show and although I had the idea for a while before I made the work it could have been experimented with and developed further. I'd like to produce something on a muchlarger scale and for the shape and size not to be determined by the canvas. Infact I'd like to find a way of making something that doesn't use a canvas. I'd really like to find a venue that I work directly onto the walls of. These took so long to make though and I'd like the image to be something more meaningful than a digital print. I was thinking through drawings or printmaking. A project for the distant future I feel.  ... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I feel like I'm going a little crazy! I've been off work this week so have spent most of my time researching and thinking, with some tidying up inbetween, a tiny bit of artwork being worked on and a little bit of workshop stuff being done. Nothings come of all the research though, I'm as confused and indecisive about the subject I want to study and work with as I was at the beginning of the week! On the up side I've been working on something I haven't had to think about in the evenings when I've had enough. It's based very loosely on the inner ear although now that I look at it I'm reminded of something I studied when in the first year of my degree. The Fibonacci sequence throughout nature, although not accurate at all. I do have intentions of doing something on it in the distant future. Anyway it's probably not going to end up being anything but it's relaxed my mind and given me something to do when I'm winding down. I had been working with wire and printed cells but got frustrated and through them all away which then led to a clear out of lots of my work which is now on the tip. I'm not regretful though, I feel it's time for something new!... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I haven't posted on here for quite a while. I've just been so busy writing proposals, working on workshop stuff and getting artwork made at last. I've been offered a spot in a gallery in January for a solo show, it's a massive space though and I'm not sure I can fill it, so the last few days I've been working hard on a new project (old idea though). Now that I know what I'm doing with with the project and think it's going to work I need to work out how long it'll take to complete it. I can make five pieces in a day and I probably need 200 pieces so I work that out as taking 40 days, but of course I can't work from morning through to night most days so it would probably take double, ummmm, I'm going to have to think of a quicker way to make them. On monday I'm going over to the Liverpool Biennial on a school trip. I've been meaning to go over for weeks but haven't been able to make the time so I'm excited to be going over for the afternoon.... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002 I've been crazy busy. Went to view the gallery at London Rd studios that I'm going to be having my solo show in through Jan-Feb and it's massive! http://londonrdstudios.wordpress.com/ So I've been working really hard on a new body of work which will be shown with other environmental installations. Plus I've been getting work ready for a Christmas show at Merseybio, (I'll be showing my snowfalkes and some Sinister structure books) and I've just finished a new batch of stock for Paper Gallery. Finally I'm in the middle of decorating my Christmas baubles for the Arena Auction, I've completed one side of each of them, just got to match the other sides now! If you want to find out more about the Arena Bauble Auction look here: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151141725022256.441275.658067255&type=1#!/media/set/?set=a.491095177589655.119474.191334737565702&type=1... Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.a-n.co.uk/artists_talking/projects/single/648002