LATEST WINDOW IN THE GALLERY FEATURES BUGS!

The latest window dressing in the One Craft Gallery features bugs!  About 10 years ago I made them for an installation entitled 'Swarm'.  I collaborated with a fellow artist in the South West Textile Group.  It was for an exhibition at the Slimbridge Wildfowl Trust in Gloucestershire.  We hung loads of our insects - her's were a different, but similar design using wire and plastics as the main materials.  We hung them with fishing line from a grid attached to the ceiling.

My bugs were made from foam, polystyrene balls, pipe cleaners, straws, raffia, muslin, plastic and wire.  As they were languishing in my attic, I brought them out to use and sell! I did make quite a quantity, so I have packaged bugs which can be sold and not disturb our window design.  One sold to a young boy the day after the window was done.  He wanted to decorate his bedroom with a creepy bug!

IMPRINTS EXHIBITION

Last Friday I met up with some friends that I did City and Guilds Embroidery Part 2 with. We met at an exhibition entitled Imprints by the South West Textile Group - a group of textile artists that I used to belong to. It is being held at the Museum of Somerset in Taunton until the 2nd of January and is well worth a visit.  Firstly, the museum itself is located in the 12th Century Great Hall of Taunton Castle but is very modern and family friendly inside, with a great cafe!  And secondly, the exhibition is very interesting as the artists have taken an artefact from the museum and used it for inspiration for their pieces of artwork.

The exhibition hall is beautiful and the show really well presented. There are a great variety of works, and even some of the artists' sketchbooks on display.  All sort of techniques had been used including, stitching, felting, quilting, printing, dyeing, weaving and mixed media.  The visitors book is full of lovely comments and some people, as entry is free, have been back several times!  The pieces that influenced the artworks can also be viewed in the museum - there are notices on both to direct you.

Here is some work I particularly liked.  The tiny art dolls are by Lydie Gardner.  She took her inspiration from this Donyatt-Ware Plate in the 'Rebellion' Gallery.  As she says, "The Maids of Taunton depicted on the plate look as though they are having a great time!"  She made three sets of dolls out of wire and fabric.  Great fun!