Lucky Me

Today was the start of 'A Winter's Tale', an exhibition at Oriel Myrddin in Carmarthen. It runs until Christmas Eve and there are a few artists involved whose work I really wanted to see. This mixed media box called 'Christmas Greetings' has been used by the gallery on all it's promotional photos and invitations. It is made by Becky Adams. I just fell in love with it and my husband promptly bought it for me! Now, I adore my husband, but even our friends will agree that he's not a man given to spontaneous gestures like this. I think he must have had a rush of blood to the head..... Becky also had a gorgeous larger mixed media book on display......

We also both liked the work by Rebecca Ellen Edwards which were screenprinted wallpaper lengths decorated with machine embroidery but I know when to quit while I'm ahead. If I drop enough hints I might get the other Becky Adams book for Christmas.... oh look, I just saw a pig fly past.

The Complex of All These

If you're interested in book arts and the like it's always fascinating to take a look at the wonderful Women's Studio Workshop. Abigail Uhteg spent the summer doing an internship here and she has produced a video flipbook of the 3000 photos she took whilst creating , printing and constructing an edition of 35 artists books. All the elements I love are here - printing, papermaking and bookbinding. If you love the same things you'll like this I think. Her work can also be seen here.

Angie Lewin Collages

Long ago when I initially found out about blogs, all things considered was one of the first I ever followed. The posts are quite diverse and cover a lot of areas I find interesting, particularly with regard to printmakers and illustrators. Not surprising really, as it is the blog of Simon and Angie Lewin. I came across it because I was trying to find out more about Angie's work having seen it on cards and in magazines. She is currently having an exhibition at Godrey and Watt in Harrogate and all the work for it can be seen here. The exhibition includes collage, something I have never seen her do before. Sadly, they are all sold but still worth seeing.

I just love the graphic images of the plants and think her use of colour is sublime. The collages are much simpler than her prints but just as special I think.

RWA Autumn Exhibition

I was in Bristol yesterday and managed to get along to the Royal West of England Academy Autumn Exhibition. If anyone is in the vicinity between now and December 13th go along and have a look as it is a treat of an exhibition. With over 500 pieces of art to look at you have to zone in on those that hit your 'hot spots' straight away and as always, I lean towards the printmakers, mixed media and collage pieces for my favourites particularly 'Garden Army', the mixed media piece by Lucy Fraser, above. Some of these works below are also on show and were those I homed in on.

Etching by Jenny Sanders

Altered bookworks by Alexander Korzer-Robinson

Seascape Refit No 1 by Robert Manners

Aquatint and chine collee by Mary Rouncefield

These are only a few of the pieces I enjoyed and I hope they show the breadth of material contained in the exhibition. I did not enjoy it as much as the Open Printmakers Exhibition last month but, that said, the selected work is outstanding so, go if you get the chance.

Florian

Florian from Andrew Gibbs . A tragic tale told via traditional cut out animation. Loved it.

Marthe Armitage

A few years ago when I was just starting to learn all I could about the different forms of printmaking I bought a book written about 20 years ago specifically about relief printmaking. In it were photos of Marthe Armitage using her own carved lino blocks to print rolls of handmade wallpaper. This seemed like an amazing feat to me and I tried to find out more about Marthe and this labour intensive process, but without success.

So I was amazed to pick up a copy of 'Gardens Illustrated' magazine this month and find an article on Marthe Armitage and the work she has invested over 40 years of her life to. It details how she cuts two lino blocks and then inks them up and prints them on an old proofing press. I love the crisp detail of the blocks and can only wonder at the investment in time and effort that each roll must take. That she is still doing something so labour intensive, well into her 70's, speaks volumes for her work ethic and passion for what she does.

Marthe Armitage is a member of the Art Workers Guild. She does not only produce botanical subjects although they are undoubtedly my favourites. Have a detailed look at more of her stunning patterns here.

Peace and Tranquillity

Whilst staying with my Mum for the week I decided to take advantage of the beautiful autumn weather and take a trip up to Berkeley in Gloucestershire to visit the 13th century church of St Mary the Virgin. I read about the church recently and couldn't believe that I've visited Berkeley many times but had always missed this gem. It is situated next to the Edward Jenner Museum and Jenner himself, the discoverer of vaccination, is buried inside in his family vault by the altar.

Inside, the walls are covered with paintings. There are lots of patterns and designs, some of them almost contemporary looking. They are very lovely and a feast of inspiration. I should have had my sketchbook with me as well as my camera!

There are heads carved into each of the many pillars. On one are these two ladies' heads close together surmounted by a toad. This is a sermon in stone to teach that gossip is like the poisonous tongue of a toad and the colouring is mediaeval.

I wondered if this one represented a 'scold' or was a lesson in keeping your counsel. Perhaps it is another head cautioning against gossip or 'idle talk'.

Outside in the churchyard there are some wonderful tombstones, the best being a table tomb to Dicky Pearce, the last jester buried in England. He was the Earl of Suffolk's jester, killed in revels at Berkeley Castle in 1728 and his epitaph was written by Jonathan Swift of 'Gulliver's Travels' fame.

The words on the tomb say ' Here lies the Earl of Suffolk's fool. Men called him Dicky Pearce. His folly served to make folks laugh. When wit and mirth were scarce. Poor Dick alas is dead and gone....'