TAKING REFUGE - NATURE ON SHOW IN SOMERTON!

Angela Morley, horticulturist, designer and artist has a solo exhibition at ACE Arts in Somerton until the 10th March.  It is a celebration of willow and woodland materials and as Angela says,"'For me this exhibition is about showing people the close-up details of the wonders of nature. I’ve used lots of different materials such as fine grass heads and downy thistles, lots of different textures and buds and even peacock feathers. All my work is about opening people’s eyes to the beauty of nature and I hope that if people can see how beautiful it is they will be able to respect it more."

I visited the show with my friend Joanne, pictured above right.  The floor of the beautiful exhibition space was filled with five large wigwam-like willow forms which provided exciting enclosed spaces for 'taking refuge'.  They had a metal frame for stability and people were invited to try one of them out - see above left pic.  It was an exhibition of lovely organic shapes, natural textures and exquisite forms.  Well worth a visit!

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!