Saturday 28 July 2012

A quiet week, well, creatively I mean!

I haven't been desperately creative recently, other than to fill a couple of small card orders. I ran out of envelopes so made the cards but the poor customer had to wait. A silly thing to do as I'm always making cards - note to self; check stocks more regularly & make more stock in the winter so that when an order comes in during the height of the summer when you spend most of the time chasing your tail there will be less panic. A long note, but necessary.


I did make some bookmarks as part of the art group Aos (meaning 'a collective') for the book festival held in Portree. It was to be an edition of 5, one to be kept in Aos archives & 4 to give away if you put some money towards a local charity. I've never made an edition before! As you can see I had a 'card' background ready to go, added some gold paintstick ( I could wipe that over everything, it's delicious!) cut them into 5, laminated them, cut them & tied on bits of raffia & smokey blue wool . The laminating altho 'plastic' on an organic paper looked great, like a lovely shiny coat of acrylic wax. Quite sweet I thought.

I got them in to the post by the skin of my teeth to an extended deadline, with the DH helping me with labels, holding the floppy piece of laminate & forgetting to call the 'dil to be' on her birthday as all this was done 5 mins before going to work. Luckily the Eldest had the foresight to ring me (so I could speak to her). That's the problem with starting work at 1pm on one of my shifts, you can fit in so much before you go to work, (as long as you rope in the world & his wife to help).....why do I do this to myself? I was hoping to hear whether she'd got them, the chair of the group  who was taking them to the festival but I just found the email saying they were on their way hiding in drafts....!

Can't get any links going - google won't open them, sorry ;(

Last week & the week before I decided to be inspired by & support, of course, a jeweler Jilly Langton, from Plockton & a photograper friend Ken Bryan who set up in Broadford , down the road, years ago, both showing at 'my' gallery in Plockton. I went with my textile buddy who makes jewellery  to see Gilly, beautiful chunky silver pieces with her trademark fisherman's elastic & silver pieces.






She makes cards, above & sometimes collage & always adds a 'lump' of silver & I got this as it was that anniversary ;) I'll hopefully get to do a w/s with her in the late Autumn.

With my potter buddy Patricia Shone (the kind one who lent me the calico backdrops for my show) I saw Ken's lovely work, pale, ethereal & so gentle.

 
Do try & go to these peeps sites as they all make wonderful work. In fact Gilly & Patricia were both invited to a huge show in Philadelphia & New York last year.

I might take my first official blogging break next week. I've found all the extras this summer a little exhausting to say the least but I do want to make some more work for my exhibition, possibly my last so I want to make it a good one.  I've just decided to be realistic & to try to retain a modicum of  dignity by not being too desperate, that is, desperate to 'make a living' from my work.  I'll always be an artist/maker, no question, I just won't kill myself doing it, by having to get a show together. I will just ride it out along with everyone else.

See you soon!

17 comments:

bois-fleurie said...

I just spent weeks doing stuff for an exibition,it became very hard work and I wondered why I was putting myself through it.
Then, from the exibition organiser, I was told a reporter would like to write an article on my work and would promote the sewing group.I love working with the village ladies but wouldn't want any more.I find time flys by and really just like to do what I want when I want , do it for me and I then am a happy person.But so saying your work is so good I think it needs to be in exibitions.

Peneller said...

Emma your work is so good it would be a shame not to show it off, but take some time to relax and have fun and you never know....

Suztats said...

Sometimes a quiet week leads to a creative explosion. Happy creating. I love seeing what you're up to......

Robin Mac said...

I always love your work Emma, but I would hate to be under the pressure you seem to have had lately. A good break should bring back your mojo, then learn to take things a bit slower. I love the work by Ken Bryan you have shown. Cheers

Anonymous said...

Know how you feel, give a good rest and enjoy your garden, feet up, Pimm's in hand eh! xox

Maggi said...

Your bookmarks are lovely. Ken Bryan's piece is stunning.
Enjoy your blogging break and get your batteries re-charged.

Jan said...

Your book marks have a similar color scheme as the sea scape photo, both lovely and serene. I can understand your wanting to take a break from the stress of exhibiting. It is a toss up between a thrill of being on display/selling and the exhaustion of preparing for it. Sometimes having to get things ready for the exhibition/show, can be an impetus for being creative, producing and finishing work. But there is also a lot to be said for allowing things to flow naturally and just enjoying the process. Hopefully you will find the balance.

Jill said...

Ken's photograph is fabulous, a perfectly time shot and so beautifully visualised.
I should think you can take a break with impunity, sometimes we need to recharge the batteries,

layers said...

A good break will be renewing and refreshing.. your book marks are wonderful.

MulticoloredPieces said...

Hi, Emma. Nice post and great bookmarks. I especially enjoyed the spectacular photos of your trip. Wow! And have a refreshing break. I spent 5 days unplugged in Cairo--not even a telephone--and it was a good change.
best, nadia

Fenland Textile Studio said...

I love the bookmarks, so stunning yet simple. Always follow your gut instincts and take care of yourself. Hugs x

Parabolic Muse said...

Wow. Those are great bookmarks! The bookmark swap just ended and these would have been an uber groovy addition.

Summer's for goofing around and having fun!

bois-fleurie said...

Hi Emma, would you send me your address so I can post you the fabric card. My e-mail is
moth59579@orange.fr
Lok forward to hearing from you jill

Linda Vincent said...

I had a look at Ken Bryan's website...such wonderful photography. Especially the one of the 2 boats on Loch Lubnaig (I've been there :-)
Love your bookmarks too!
Its summer (I think)...put your feet up, have some treats and just enjoy.
XX

Anonymous said...

Lets hope the break recharges both your physical and creative batteries. Enjoy!

Kim Henkel Creations said...

I hope your break was great! I too want to enjoy the creations, and although it would be nice to make a living from it, it is more important to enjoy it... Take care
Kim

waikiki family vacation said...

You've got this wonderful talent girl. I love your creations, so unique and very lovely.