KATHERINE EVES

Difficulties of Culture Translation

2012-02-05T21:11:00.011Z

Estelle's lessons in the difficulty of culture translation

Well, you feel like you should be able to understand what she is saying and there are subtitles to read but it just doesn't translate. It's like she has something to say and I am just missing her point. I also found some of the translations rather funny.

It does bring up questions of meaning and misinterpretation in how my books are read. Does the meaning change when read aloud? How does the meaning change when the audience had control of how the performance? How is that different to how I read? Or when it is read internally?

When read aloud some of the words loose their written meaning. So "... hear I must here I must..." can be heard as a repetition of "here" which puts emphasis upon time and place rather than a a need to hear what needs to be remembered as part of a memory technique.

It could also be read as a mistake.

Or repetition as a memory technique.

Pace and tone can be influenced by the reading pace and style. I find it is quite difficult to make the audience read in a particular way. Punctuation helps. As does having pages because the audience has to turn the page to read the next text which creates a pause. I have used colour in the writing to indicate loudness as a guide to the reader.

I must remember to remember

tie a knot in a piece of string or hankie

to write it down

read it off of the back of my hand

I shall say a rhyme to remember the time

to try not to forget

remember the good times

see only the good times

hear I must

here I must forgive and forget

try to remember

try to remember to forget

(and back to the beginning, like a loop)

I think my next step is to read the text aloud and to hear it being spoken aloud.

R E M E M B E R

2012-02-05T19:16:00.004Z

Here I have been working out some ideas I had when working with the hankie game. I think it is getting somewhere. It really communicates the circle of remembering and forgetting. It reads remember when the handkerchiefs are in the right sequence. Once unknotted the message is lost.

Originally I was intending to make a language of knots that would be able to be read.

When I was testing this I realised I hadn't considered how much the test relied upon my own associations. In hindsight I shouldn't have had definitive answers at all but should have kept it open so that it was much less about my own associations but what the individuals were reminded of.

Text of the Book, Text in the Book

2012-01-29T11:14:00.005Z

Language to be heard, to be read in your head.

The text provokes an element of performance, there is an element of control handed to the audience.

Brought to my attention by Amber.

....

It does make me question the remember text. Is my text to be read aloud or read internally? How does it's meaning change when it is read aloud and by whom? How does this impact it's meaning?

I must remember to remember

tie a knot in a piece of string or hankie

to write it down

read it off of the back of my hand

I shall say a rhyme to remember the time

to try not to forget

remember the good times

see only the good times

hear I must

here I must forgive and forget

try to remember

try to remember to forget

(and back to the beginning, like a loop)

I'm too sad to tell you (1971) - Bas Jan Ader

2012-01-27T11:34:00.006Z

In our group meting on wednesday we were discussing Bas Jan Alder's work. I found the line between performance and reality of his performance difficult to see. I saw it as a still for the first time but the film is much more moving. How much of this is true and how much performance?

This is the first part of a film 'Always somewhere else' made by Rene Daalder and Aaron Ohlmann about Bas Jan Alder.

What is the truth? Is he alive and well somewhere? Or did he die through an accident? or was his death an act to promote his fame as an artist?

PORN SHOP

2012-01-27T11:02:00.004Z

Review

2012-01-22T18:48:00.006Z

Wednesday I had my review.

I think I brought too many things to show. Sometimes when I panic I bring too much work which means it gets a bit diluted as there are too many items to discuss.

I have been working with memory as my theme over christmas. My memory is not very good in certain areas so I tend to have tricks that I rely upon to get me through the day. Such as rhyming and storytelling.

I had written a text that I wanted to get some feedback on. But, I also had a bit of a game that I wanted to play with the group.

the Game

I had been knotting handkerchiefs trying to make a language or code where the placement of the knot corresponded to what needed to be remembered. At the review I tested these ideas on the group to see if they got the same results as I did.

In hindsight this exercise is much more to do with association rather than memory. The results were mixed. But, no one got all of the right answers!

It was good to have that kind of interaction at a review. Everyone had to be involved from the start.

the Text

My text had mixed reviews. Apparently, it was quite instructional, like I was ordering the reader to remember better. This wasn't intentional so I have reviewed it to make it more about myself. And I think I have fixed the tenses which were a bit off too.

Text reads as follows:

I must remember to remember

tie a knot in a piece of string or hankie

to write it down

read it off of the back of my hand

I shall say a rhyme to remember the time

to try not to forget

remember the good times

see only the good times

hear I must

here I must forgive and forget

try to remember

try to remember to forget

(and back to the beginning, like a loop)

Everyone with have their own memory technique but the theme is very common. I think the looping communicates and aspect of my own memory, that the struggle to remember the right thing is continuous.

Treats

2012-01-22T17:13:00.003Z

The British Art library in the V & A put out a wonderful spread for us all to look at.

They had really picked some fantastic examples for us so we had lots of extraordinary books to look at. I managed to take some photographs of my favourites.

Genevieve Seille

Mapa ed Venlis, 1990

It looks like it has been made out of an old school desk with code carved into it. Really looks like it should be a part of the Museum of Everything!

Denise Hawrysio

Killing III, 1989

Made of English rabbit this book is part of a seris.

Apparently it is meant to be a protest against or highlight animal creulty or something.

I did have a desire to touch because it is so tactile - I had to touch - but at the same time I was repelled by it.

Jan Cincera

Four black books and a stone, 1990

These books were really beautiful. They were bound as well ( but i didn't get a picture - sorry).

Very much reminds me of Andy Goldsworthy.

Well, it was indeed a treat. I wish I had gone with questions and ideas in mind so I was a bit better informed. I could go back there for sure, a wonderful place.

My Own Cook Books

2012-01-05T12:46:00.007Z

The Moomins Cookbook (pub. Self Made Hero) is divided up by breakfast, Lunch, evening meals, garden party, a summers evening, out and about, harvesting time, winters evening and a birthday party. It is categorised by situation. It uses characters from the book as recipe ideas and extracts of text from the stories to provide a context for the food.

The Vintage Tea Party by Angel Adoree (pub. Michell Beazley)

This was a lovely christmas present this year. I am a big fan of tea parties. The book takes you through every element of planning the event but references old techniques for an authentic tea party.

This is my own collection of recipes given to me by friends and family.

Talking to the group about this during Helen's workshop i discovered that it seems to be a common occurrence to have a file like this. And, for recipes to be handed through the family.

Mexican Miracle Paintings

2012-01-05T12:11:00.008Z

Yesterday I managed to get to see the Mexican Miracle Paintings at the Wellcome Collection.

The exhibition was made up of a collection a small paintings on canvas and tin roof tiles, video and mixed ephemera. The paintings act as a record of miracles and personal disaster.

I liked the personal nature of the paintings. Each image had an accompanying text contextualising the image. I found the naïve nature of the drawings endearing. This was spoiled a little when I realised the paintings had been commissioned and were not produced by the person depicted in the painting.

I always enjoy going to see the collection and this was no disappointment. However in the entrance of the exhibition there were some shiny photographs of these paintings which I think spoiled the surprise of seeing the originals.

I really enjoyed the Edward Lovett collection of amulets and charms. I felt inspired by the room as these were objects of hope rather than sadness.

I had a go at making some of the tin charms out of paper! I think that I have lost some of the material quality along the way!

Exhibition is on until the 26^th of February.

On my way back to the tube station I popped into the British Library. A wonderful place to wonder.

At the moment, on Radio 4, 'In Our Time: The Written World' program is running through the history of the written world. Many of the texts they have been speaking about live at the British Library. We are very lucky to have this resource.

Looking at the books, I became drawn to the visual nature of text as once the understanding of the language has been removed the visual is what remains.

The are a lot of big books at the British Library. I also think I should look at scale in my fabric book experiments. Both to test binding technique but also how people handle it.

29/12

2012-01-03T12:47:00.008Z

Foyles Bookshop Cook Book Research

Foyles seemed to me to be the place to be last Thursday, it was packed out with shoppers eager to get out of the rain. It does have to be one of my favourite places to go in London for an hour or few. Not sure they appreciated my using it as a bit of a library but it was quite essential to make progress.

My aim was to look at cook books that told a story, that were different to the regular cook book and had something a bit unique about it. Now there are a lot of cookery books in Foyles and these were just a few of them. It was a bountiful time to undertake this research because Christmas is THE time for the cookbook.

Preserves by Jill Nice (pub. Collins)

I know what attracted me to this was the cover. I am a sucker for reproduction letterpress or anything in fact that looks remotely handmade. It is quite trendy at the moment to use these sorts of typefaces and the choice of pink and green makes it a bit retro looking but I presume the person responsible for the cover was just referencing the design history of that genre.

I really like the authors name; Jill Nice does seem like the sort of person to make preserves doesn’t she? I wonder if it is a façade?

Fruit and Veg Growers Cook Book by Kathryn Hawkins (pub. New Holland)

If I am honest I just really liked the cover design because t reminded me of a particular decade. It evoked nostalgia.

For Cod and Country by Barton Seaver (pub. Sterling Epicure)

Again it’s mimicking something from the print-room but I quite liked the texture of the cover, which was referencing cloth sack.

At this point I was getting a bit worried about my selection technique – which was really focused on what I liked visually. So, I made an effort to find cook-books that were personal.

Tea with Mrs Simkins (pub. Spring Hill)

The book was made up of factual information about teatime as well as recipes that referred to where she got them from. I picked this one up because of its reference to Mrs Simkins. I thought she might have been the author.

By contents this was near to what I had been looking for. By design and production I might not have picked it up if I hadn’t of been looking for a cook book about a person.

Grandma’s recipe treats (pub. Flame Tree)

This is grandma in the general sense – which was a bit disappointing as I wanted her to be real. The book contained traditional recipes for stew and pies.

It wasn’t my favourite design either.

After I had a break in the Cafe and was on my way to leave I stumbled upon the writing section about cookery which was a bit of a relief!

Fire and Knives - a food quarterly (pub. Buxton Press)

Was my best find. Its a collection of food related articles that comment upon the food 'issues' in the press. There was not a recipe in sight. A cookery book that does not tell you how to cook.

Translation

2012-01-03T11:25:00.010Z

Caroline Bergvall came in to talk to us about Translation.

We discussed gaps in language where there isn't an exact translation and the meaning is lost or means something different.This frequently happens across language and it was helpful to hear the overseas students talk about their encounters of this since they started the course.

There is also thesocial aspects of language where wordsmean different things to different age groups, gender, race or religion. Or even occupation where specialist language can be exclusive.

When we were looking at artist examples of this some themes were reoccurring. Such as:

+ adding and subtracting (exaggeration)

+ using their own knowledge of language (to subvert)

+ the voice as a tool (denying speech/understanding)

.......

About a month later on I started to think about our discussions in relation to the way that I work. I use a lot of fabric and have made fabric books in the past. The content had been my main focus (such as the illustrations and narrative) andthe structure of the book came later.

I decided to dedicate some time just to make simple structures.

I picked a medium weight calico to start with and cut it into A4 rectangles (just like paper). Then with iron in hand and sewing machine at the ready made 10 + miniature books!

A fan...

A talking book...

A poster book...

And a blind book!

They were all a bit rough and ready but it did enjoy the process. It was very liberating not thinking about content and just making the structures. My next step would be to make some more complicated structures by folding and by using a thicker calico and stiffener to see if I can make them stand straighter. Eventually I'd like to try mixing the fabric thicknesses to see what can be made that way.

BOOKS

2012-01-03T10:35:00.008Z

I went to see 100 years of Tate publishing at Tate Britain just before christmas.

Well, what a beautiful display! It was a shame everything was behind glass because all it made me want to do was pick them up.

Looking back at my BA exhibitions our focus was entirely upon how we could encourage the public to stop and read our books. So, it was very interesting, to see the book on display as an object that you couldn't interact with.

WORKSHOP 2

2012-01-02T23:24:00.013Z

This workshop was with Helan Douglas of We Productions.

Our brief was to explore our proposal theme (mine is the Everyday) and explore it in relation to a place, a person we encounter there and passing of time.

I picked the kitchen as my place and myself as the person. The passing of time and documentation of time that I found the most interesting.

Time has A LOT to do with cooking. There are meal times, specific meals for events, times in the year were certain food types are more available. But, also, the idea of a timeline of recipes and recipes you learn as you grow or that are handed down to you through your family.

I spent some time thinking about how I could show time symbolically by removing the language of the cookbook and by making it as visual as possible.

I enjoyed the process until the deadline approached and then my confidence escaped me so I put the words back in and made a simple cook book. This was very boring and after the crit I went home and made up some of my more interesting systems...

...such as the distribution of time through folding and cut out.

And also the recipe - apron that I made so it could be followed whilst on the wearer. I think there is still space for a bit more development here - a week was not long enough!

WORKSHOP 1

2011-12-31T12:10:00.015Z

So I have completed my first term of the Book Arts MA at Camberwell. I thought it was about time I documented some of the bits I have been making so far.

Les Birknell Workshop

In Les' workshop, in November, I was asked to consider the structure of the book. To master a few simple book making technique and put them to test in our 'book structure family project'.

In the project we were asked to choose a physical space and develop work that explores and responds to that space. I needed to look at the physical space as well as my emotional response to it.

I also asked myself does it have to be a "book"? and therefore, what is a book?

My physical space was my wardrobe.

I wanted to pick a place within daily life which could be considered to be ordinary or even mundane. So that I would be able to challenge our interaction with it.

I asked; Can a wardrobe be a book?

I answered; My wardrobe is a catalogue of clothes, an archive of memory personal to me. I read the clothes and their stories. Passed from person to person from person to person from person to person from person to person...

I wanted to make a garment that could be read like a book and that had other book attributes such as printed text, an inside and outside, folded elements, could be passed on.

I also wanted the piece to have a title, dedication, text, blurb...

I decided that the type of garment should relate to those in my wardrobe and the choice of material too. I thought I'd make an fabric garment rather than a paper one this time.

I wanted to pick a fabric that told a story or about the person wearing it.

I chose one that was second hand and was a home-made duvet cover. It has quite a distinctive pattern and denotes a particular time in history. I also like the idea of it once being on a strangers bed and transformed into clothing. The fabric had almost turned transparent with use, disintegrating like the pages of a book.

I tested the fabric by embroidering the text in various colours and thicknesses to find a suitable match. I even tried dylon, a type of chemical transfer.

The dress took me 3 to 4 hours to make over a couple of days. Here's the result:

Well, unashamedly, I was quite pleased with the result. It was well made and could withstand people putting it on to read the text I had stitched inside and along the hem. But they didn't. I had folded it up on the table and as we all walked around the table looking at each others work very few picked it up and nobody tried it on until the end of the day.

I think if I had hung it up maybe it would have made a difference? And apparently the boys found it a little awkward handling the dress which was a possibility I hadn't considered.

Some suggested more garments like a wardrobe... so watch this space.

HATTY + WIGGY

2011-10-17T22:55:00.006+01:00

So my wonderful friend Siri sent me an article from a Norwiegen newspaper about an hat - wearing group friends who went bowling together. Visually the article was amazing with action shots.

Shortly after recieving that in the post I read an article in the Metro newspaper about dogs and their wigs. Good old metro!

I have attempted to recreate some ofthe images myself as you can see they are a pretty sight!

TOOTHY time

2011-10-17T13:10:00.001+01:00

I decided to work up one of the pieces into three dimensional work.

In the original piece I was inspired by the phrase "by the skin of your teeth" which was something my grandma used to say.

I also spent a lot of time in an orthodontic chair during my teenage years having braces. So making these giant gnashes was really quite therapeutic.

I used chain stitch, french knots and satin stitch with a bit of freehand work too. I stuffed the teeth to make them more pronounced.

Shoreditch Sisters

2011-10-17T13:09:00.000+01:00

I went to my first ever WI meeting at the Shoreditch Sisters group. I am so pleased that I finally went as several people over the past year have told me about the group. Well, it only took me a year!

Their campaign at the moment is to raise awareness of FGM (female genital mutilation). As part of the campaign they are making a giant quit made out of patches embroidered with female genitals.

SO this was my contribution. When I was looking at what had already been sent in I thought they all looked a bit bare so a bit of lace came in handy! And there are some lovely sequins inside but you can't tell that from the photos!

Anyway you can check out the details of the campaign here if you would like to take part!

G R E E N F I N G E R S + S H A D O WS

2011-10-17T13:01:00.000+01:00

I had a go at making the green fingers into a plant pot.

This was what I had in mind originally but for the exhibition made the same as the other wall pieces. This made it less portable as it could be nailed onto the wall using the hoop as a frame.

The exhibition was a success. There was an opening night with music and plenty of people about. I had trouble working out how much to sell them for and in the end I think I priced them appropriately to how much time each piece took. I find it is always a difficult to price your own work as you either give it too much value because you have become attached to it or not enough.

I was working at the on word play as well as phrases at the time of the exhibition. I was in the middle of responding to bear skin / bare skin. I didn't exhibit it at Comuni art as it wasn't finished and I couldn't hang it. I imagined it pinned on the wall much like a hunting skin of an animal but the walls were a bit hard for that.

Anyway, I laid it out on the sofa to take a picture but comically it resembles the real person, I took the pattern from, lying there!

I was really pleased with some of the detail on the hands and feet.

Reject Ratty

2011-10-17T13:00:00.000+01:00

Here are some bits I made for the Art Crawl but didn't use. I think they are blog worthy even if they are a bit silly!

Kate Hartman: The art of wearable communication | Video on TED.com

2011-09-23T13:23:00.000+01:00

Kate Hartman: The art of wearable communication | Video on TED.com

My hero.

New shows

2011-08-20T09:57:00.000+01:00

Comuni art have their opening campaign this month across London - the art crawl - rather cleverly utilising wall space in bars and other event places.

For the full details see their webs ite.

I will be showing some of the objects I have been working on since christmas alongside other artists. We are in the Lockside Lounge in the West Yard part of Camden Lock.

Here is a sneaky preview

In addition, my very good friends, Natasha , Chandra and Bett are exhibiting in Bristol. So for some doodled delights visit the Shop

(19 Christmas Steps,BRISTOL, BS1 5BS).

The exhibition is called Joining the Dots and its on until 28th of August.

cooo coooo home made pigeons

2011-06-09T11:06:00.000+01:00

Catch up

2011-05-07T22:35:00.000+01:00

"Some books are to be tasted..." exhibition is on the Columbian leg of its journey. It is showing in Warehouse Art Gallery, Bogota until the end of May (I believe). My book the Thread that Binds Us is amongst those being shown.

I big thank you to Silke for involving me.

...........................................................................

ALSO I have stitched a patch for the "is Big Society working?" public art project. It aims to document the effects of the funding cuts.

This is my patch. There is still time to get involved, just follow this link, and the instructions when you get there! If you are a busy-bee can don't have time to sew you can still take part. Just write your message and send it back. Then the team will sew it for you.

He has been at it again

2011-04-26T15:57:00.001+01:00

Over easter I visited my Great Uncle Bill.

I noticed that he has been assisting the gardeners again with his own additions.

"They took ages to come up" he says.

But, forever the joker, they are plastic!

SOUTH BANK

2011-04-26T15:52:00.000+01:00

WE went to the Tate.

And we found an old lady chatting to a (probably) homeless man and his dog. She was bent over double.

I wondered what they were talking about. Tim did a doodle.

Harrow has come to an end

2011-04-24T19:16:00.000+01:00

So our classes have come to an end. You can get a good idea of what the classes have been about from these wonderful videos made by Monica Alcazar. Susan (the director of Bridging Arts) has now put me to good use archiving all of the past embroideries into a comprehensive record of everything! I having a go at databases too. Excellent!

never work with animals or children - so they say

2011-03-31T19:11:00.000+01:00

Cat got your Tongue?

This didn't go quite as well as expected.

Sid and Charlie, my family cats, were not interested. The video is of Charlie and this is as excited as he got. I think if i had put some cheese on it it might have been a different story. I had a vision of him playing with it then running off with it, like a turkey sandwich, but it didn't happen.

Tea Time Fun and some crochet

2011-03-13T18:29:00.000Z

I have been "developing" these sticker packs/ tea cosy combos. I was really for my own amusement.

I did have the mothers day market in mind. But I have a bit more crochet to do before they are ready for the shops.

I shall post where and how much when the time comes!

Hankies

2011-03-13T18:15:00.000Z

I have been exploring issues that effect the elderly such as depression and loss.

According to Age, a UK charity sometimes depression is mistaken for the early signs of dementia. I chose to embroider the slogan onto the corner of a handkerchief to mimic the initials of a person. I folded it for a pocket. And then realised the lettering is upside down... but these things happen and you get the idea!

With the other handkerchief I wanted to fold it to create a sense of revelation as it is unfolded. I cut a big hole in the middle to communicate loss of partners and peers.

I was hoping to develop them into educational pamphlets of some sort sometime.

look what i found

2011-03-09T22:33:00.000Z

These are by Donna Wilson, they were selling them in SCP in Shoreditch. I got off the bus at the wrong stop and happened upon them. I think they are rather fantastic but perhaps a bit out of season... oh at least i hope they are!

Trying out some more ideas

2011-03-09T11:02:00.000Z

The kidney was for fun. I had been reading an article "the red market" in the March issue of wired magazine about the price of various human body parts in different countries. So, in India its £9750, China £40000 and US $262900. I don't think my home made one will make quite that much.

Also, I have been setting myself lots of little tasks using the theme of every say phrases.

This one is 'inside out'. I had a lot of fun with this, as you can imagine.

I've still got a few up my sleeve yet...!

CLASS

2011-03-03T21:46:00.000Z

Todays class

We were finishing off our gold work packs - most of the ladies are nearly there now - but for me the 'exhibition' pieces are the most interesting. This is when they design their own piece and show of newly acquired skills! Choosing the colours is REALLY important...

... and here Katrina is demonstrating some stitches

- and she is doing a great job!

blood is thicker than water

2011-03-03T18:55:00.000Z

i always wear my heart on my sleeve

2011-03-03T18:45:00.000Z

modeled by emma smith

look what i found

2011-03-02T22:58:00.000Z

Like It Or Not from Architecture in Helsinki on Vimeo.

Aubrey Longley - Cook

HERE is a VIDEO

2011-02-24T18:43:00.000Z

I have also been busy at BridgingArts.

You can see more of our antics on Susan Robert's blog.

Below you can see Kiran and I in our snazzy jumpers!

"absence makes the heart grow fonder"

2011-01-27T22:39:00.000Z

THE END 2010

2011-01-02T21:46:00.000Z

Here we are the beginning of 2011 and well in need of a blog update.

Above is the the table at handmade and boundthat I shared with Ben, Siri and Tim.

And, below we have Beard pattern number 3, just in time for christmas. It is modeled here by Barley of Fabrications, Broadway Market. Brilliant!

Christmas did mean a time to get busy making presents for all the family. The whale was a combined effort by Tim and I. Then apron and cushion for my sister Hayley. I sourced the fabrics at Shepherd's Bush market. Also madethree pairs of mittens this year and some slippers.

Also had a short stay in Boscombe, Dorset. I had a wonderful time at the beach and went into this amazing model shop. I don't think anything like this exists in London anymore. I am a sucker for nice packaging but the highlight of my trip had to be finding Hitler!

Back in London and I had time to see the Museum of Everything's christmas offerings. I had been already in Frieze week - get much too excited about seeing dolls and taxidermy than is healthy - suppose that is a matter of opinion...

I think I captured these puppets rather well!

And so here we are almost up to date but i think i'll save the rest for another time!

Ta'la!

Stuff to sell

2010-11-18T22:41:00.000Z

I saw these really cute kittens at our local pet shop. They are really lively and I really wanted to take them both home with me. I didn't though ... so I still have a boyfriend... but I have been back to see these kittens since!

On another note.

I am putting together the last bits and pieces for the fair on Sunday, which I am very excited about. It has been good for me to have a proper deadline again. Also to have met it with time to spare!

I will be selling my book the "thread that binds us", my new book "my great uncle Bill", postcard packs and new concertina book about Cafe's!

Well... and here is some of Tim Smart's things for sale. He is selling his book Shell House, Sexy Pairs (an amazing game) and finger puppets! How very talented.

Siri F R, Emms illustration, Yazmin and Ben Cain are also selling their work too.

I am still working on the price list!

Promotional doodles

2010-11-18T22:28:00.000Z

I wanted to make some promotional items especially for handmade and bound. So around the book theme I made these whimsical doodles. I think they turned out quite nice and I even used one in the poster!

Handmade and Bound

2010-11-17T15:08:00.000Z

I will upload some pictures later of what you can expect to see from me.

There will be music and a cake stall. Yum.

The Women's Library

2010-10-29T00:19:00.000+01:00

Last night I went to the opening of the Women's Library's latest exhibition Hand Made Tales.
The website says:

"Hand Made Tales, curated by Carol Tulloch, is a timely exhibition focussing on the role domestic crafts play in many women’s experiences. It draws on the connections between the current revival of domestic crafts such as sewing, gardening, and cooking and the historical roots of the domestic arts within the home. The exhibition will allow visitors to explore and learn the stories of crafts and the women involved in them through personal tales and fun interactive projects. Come and discover treasures that share the intimate bond between generations from the once mundane to the now treasured heirlooms of families past."

Its free and on until April 2011, so plenty of time to get over there.

I especially liked Nicola Malkin's work in the library.

She responded to books in the library, by both titles and content, and placed them in appropriate places within the shelves. I remember being told at university to go and find inspiration in the library and Nicola has in the most direct way! I wish i had had the idea.

The pictures are of the stolen babies but you also have to hunt for the tea bag, ladybirds, knitting needles, posters, soap, medal, wool and hanger.

Have fun!

Current

2010-10-27T23:23:00.001+01:00

Deadline approaching.

Printer is not behaving.

I really just want to finish this thing so that i can move onto something NEW!

Where does all the time go?

Sex Museum

2010-10-27T22:58:00.000+01:00

I had forgotten about this. When we went to the sex museum i found the original condom packaging. Its rather nice design don't you think?! We went because i wanted to look at the illustrations, maybe a bit of old victorian porn too but definitely not for the kinky animatronics! I still shudder at the memory of the flasher man!

And there were lots of lovely naughty trinkets which i wanted to take home with me.

Holiday in Den Hagg, Amsterdam, Leeuwarden

2010-10-27T22:49:00.000+01:00

Windows, doors, houses, house boats, windmills.

KNIT AND STITCH SHOW

2010-10-08T22:05:00.000+01:00

Lovely Susan from Bridging Arts asked if my book the Thread that Binds Us could be used in the Bridging Arts (and RCKC) stand and the Knit and Stitch show at Alexandra Palace.

Well, I manned the show yesterday and I have never seen some of the sights I saw there ... it was a whole new experience all together!

Behind me you can see two of the entries for this years sari's competition. The winner was the outfit in purple but all the designs were incredibly beautiful. More details can be found on the blog.

I have also been helping with he new workshops in Harlesden at the Asian Womens Resource centre there.

I am also at scanning stage of the Great Uncle Bill book - rightly so - it will be December before I know it! EEK!

Stockists

2010-09-22T22:38:00.000+01:00

Okay so, the Bookart Bookshop has sold out of the Thread that Binds Us but (to my knowledge) the Concrete Hermit still has some.

I recently dropped off so more Beard patterns at Fabrications so you can go there to get some beardy delights! I am happy to knit to order if you do not possess the patience or ability to make them yourself.

I am so proud!

2010-09-22T22:32:00.000+01:00

Here is some of the work my Furzedown ladies have been producing in the workshops. We put up the exhibition today!

I did a talk at the Furzedown Project

2010-09-22T22:19:00.000+01:00

I've been an summer intern at Bridging Arts for a couple of months now. I am really enjoying it . They asked me to give a short talk about my work which I found a bit scary but I don't think it shows in these photographs!

You can read more about my talk here.

Susan the director of Bridging Arts has asked to borrow the Thread that Binds Us for the Knit and Stitch show next month. How very exciting!

Presents for a special person's birthday

2010-09-22T22:15:00.000+01:00

Sneak peak

2010-08-27T20:29:00.000+01:00

Here is a sneak peak of what I am working on at the moment. I am attacking one of my first year projects as I think it has potential. Its about my great uncle Bill. I am comparing what I think I know about him with the truth. Anyway here is one of the images

Columbia Road flower market

2010-08-24T11:42:00.001+01:00

On Sunday I had an unexpected day off so I went to the flower market. It is the sort of place you take your mum when she comes to London.I treated myself to some lavender and a spider plant (I have always wanted on of these) and brought a present for someone's special birthday. I thought they looked a bit like hats.

TE HE!

REX

2010-08-24T11:38:00.000+01:00

So, I made this and thought it was pretty funny. It's to stop your banana from getting bruised in your bag.

the best thing in the world

2010-08-17T13:28:00.000+01:00

PLACES TO BE

2010-08-17T12:52:00.001+01:00

Boats and medicine dont usually mix except they happen to be two of my favorite London places to go at the moment.

I visited the toy boat exhibition at the Maritime museum. Just lots of little boats.

The Wellcome Collection, nr Euston tube has a brilliant exhibition on skin at the moment. It is free to go which makes it all the more enjoyable. There were anatomical drawings, bits of skin and tatoos on show. A really well curated show I thought.

I really liked all of the medicine jars which were part of the main collection upstairs. I have realised since coming to london that the odd and bizarre makes me really really happy!

Bridging Arts

2010-08-17T12:35:00.000+01:00

Bridging Arts is the company I have been interning with for the last month. The Furzedown Project, Tooting is a series of sewing workshops taught by the Royal School of Needle Work.

Each week the class seems to grow with a whole variety of ladies, of all different nationalities and age groups. So far the class has been sewing from motifs designed to help learn the stitches. And I have been brushing up on my skills too. At this point I am looking forward to their independent work as I think I will be a lot more help when it comes to creative sewing as my methods are not always technically sound.

I feel like I have grown quite attached to them all. But, I do believe that Susan Roberts who made it all happen has a few other projects on the horizon that I might be able to get involved with.

In Stock

2010-08-17T12:29:00.000+01:00

Hello, hello,

I am pleased to announce that The Thread that Binds Us is in stock at:

Concrete Hermit, 5a Club Row, London, E1 6Jx

Bookart Bookshop, 17 Pitfield st, London, N1 6HB

These books are part of the a limited print run of 12 in 2009. They are in full colour, laser printed on sugar paper and hand bound by myself.

Beards

2010-08-17T12:01:00.001+01:00

I have been lucky to have some interest in my beards since I came to London. Fabrications, a local shop, that stocks a delightful assortment of wools, kits and crafty goods agreed to sell the pattens.

The new pattern is improved and has been tested several times to refine the instructions. The beard is longer and therefore better than the first edition! Again only a limited number of 20 made.

So here are some of my designs for the window display. I alway find it really interesting looking back on my rough work in comparison to the final thing. I find it surprising how difficult I find reading my own handwriting... just a lot of scribble.

You can see more on photographs on the Fabrications blog. And although the display has been taken down the Beards are still available in store.

Fabrications, 7 Broadway Market, Hackney London E8 4PH

Lunch break

2010-08-17T11:50:00.000+01:00

Here are some doodles from my lunch break. It was raining so all of the peoples faces were obscured y umbrellas. I found this helpful in capturing posture as usually I focus upon the face and expression.

I am going to try and keep this up as I don't feel like I do nearly enough drawing.

There were these two guys were having a conversation. One man had a massive head - no joke - it was huge and the other was really expressive with his hands as he spoke. They made and amusing pair to watch!

Doodles

2010-08-17T11:29:00.001+01:00

London is a hub of people and patterns. I think that this may become a future project at some point. I love all the colours and afro-Caribbean fabrics.

I visited a local school for some work experience. I was allocated to reception for the day. I had so much fun! I would definitely go back in September if they'll have me. I think i'd like to work with the older children though!

HOME

2010-08-17T11:19:00.000+01:00

So I haven't posted anything for a while. I have been quite busy but probably not quite as productive as I could have been. I have a new job and new flat and new desk. I am settling in nicely - its been three months! And now we have the internet I can make updates more regularly.

Happy Fruit

2010-04-25T16:03:00.000+01:00

I think my procrastination has reached new levels.

Isn't he beautiful?!

I have decided to make a whole 'collection' of animal hats. Suggestions are welcome. But, no more crochet for a little while as I have sadly just packed all my wool ready for the BIG move to the big smoke. Good bye Bournemouth, hello Hackney!

Happiness

2010-03-28T23:31:00.000+01:00

The Thread that Binds Us is being displayed at the Galeria Camelot, Kraków, Poland as part 2 of:

"Some books are to be tasted: bookwork from 3 countries".

Exhibition dates are:

20 March - 25 April 2010

The full address is:
Galeria Camelot, swietego Tomasza 17, 31-022 Kraków, Poland

The Thread that Binds Us is a fabric book, hand stitched.

I am very happy to be exhibited alongside some brilliant books. And thank you to Silke for making it happen!

TEXAS

2010-03-28T22:21:00.000+01:00

Miniature Horses at Brenham, Texas!

These lovely ladies were the best thing about my

Texas trip. Yes there my be a lot of steak, tractors

and cowboy boots about but the miniature horses

were the high light of my trip!

They were so small - REALLY! I do have some

sketches to put up at some point...

I am not totally idol! PROMISE

BEAR WEAR

2010-03-28T21:45:00.000+01:00

A hat with ears = bear wear.

I made it on the train.

And if you are curious you can click on the photos to

hear what he was singing.

Tea Cosy Fun

2010-03-28T21:36:00.000+01:00

Yummy lunchtime - then i remembered my promise so

here is the tea-cosy! Ahh beautiful!

I found this:

"Pom Poms can change the world…

Pom Poms for peace…
Pom Pom International!"

http://www.pompominternational.com/

how cool - VERY! I can't see if there are any dates

coming up but you can send them your pom pom

and make the biggest pom pom in the world.

Tea Cosy Fun

2010-02-23T21:58:00.000Z

Today I made a tea cosy. I am very pleased with it. I will post a picture up when I have tested it out. I made it on the bus on the way to and from work.

It made my day.

2010-02-23T21:53:00.000Z

Images made around the theme "women's work".

The first image is called made to fit, the second two left feet!

Hope you like

Neglected

2010-01-17T22:44:00.001Z

I've been so busy with Christmas, Birthdays and the Sewing Circle that I have neglected my own blog - the shame of it! Well since my last post I have sent more letters and more put posts upon the I've Been Thinking Of You blog. The project has been kindly featured by the Hand Embroidery Network and their blog, by Prick Your Finger, Second Birthday and Amelia's Magazine. Plus a whole host of personal sites and blogs which are soon to be displayed on the IBTOY blog alongside the results of our first Sewing Circle.

The images are trickling in but with the final deadline at the end of January I will be posting them up well into Feb. But, I'll try to be quick!

Other than sewing I recently visited Tilleke Schwarz at her exhibition Beware of Embroidery at the PM Gallery, Ealing. It was amazing to meet her and find out some of her secrets. A lovely lady who's work is a lot smaller than I imagined! I am inspired.

2009-12-11T20:17:00.000Z

Stage two of the Sewing Circle has commenced!
I have sent out the new packs and all of its contents are available
on the I've Been Thinking Of You blog for YOU to use.

If you were expecting the first pack and haven't received it you
can get it off of the blog as well. The post office and I had a mix
up so some packs did not have the right postage and therefore
did not make it!

The new pack contains the Rules and other nice things. AND, there
are invites (well, small photocopied flyers) for you to pass on to those
people you have been thinking of! You may take the above, coloured
and very nice invite to attach to emails and distribute as you please.
And PLEASE do!

2009-12-11T19:59:00.000Z

So, I've been published in a zine put together by members of the
Midnight Millionaires Club. They can be found on facebook.
Plus details of their other events based in Bournemouth at the
Winchester pub. Great stuff!

My image is the top one of people dancing.
>

2009-11-08T14:52:00.000Z

I've been busy.

Have a took at I've been thinking of you

(or ibtoy.blogspot.com) in my friends list!

2009-10-15T14:35:00.000+01:00

"I've been thinking of you"

watch this space

and watch out for the postman

2009-10-15T14:20:00.000+01:00

2009-10-15T14:05:00.000+01:00

THE Space

I think we did a good job, our first exhibition together.

The beard was a success and a lot more people had the knitting bug than I originally expected. A big thank you to everyone who helped me knit. Beard length 2.2 m

2009-10-04T22:22:00.000+01:00

I AM KNITTING A LONG, LONG BEARD WHICH

I NEED YOUR HELP WITH. THERE ARE LOTS

OF LOVELY THINGS TO BUY AND SEE.

I AM JUST EXCITED TO BE IN LONDON AGAIN -

I'VE MISSED YOU ALL. IT IS AT THE CANDID

GALLERIES JUST BEHIND ANGEL TUBE ON THIS

FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY.

2009-10-04T22:17:00.000+01:00

empty FASHION

2009-10-04T21:59:00.000+01:00

AGE IS A FEELING

Fabric book, mixed media

As seen at New Designers, Part 2: 14-19 July 2009

The Business Design Centre, London

2009-10-04T21:56:00.000+01:00

I DRAW AS WELL

2009-10-04T21:34:00.000+01:00

WAITING AT THE GATES

2009-10-04T21:30:00.000+01:00

TREE cuddles

with thanks to Siri for her photographic help

2009-10-04T21:18:00.000+01:00

THE THREAD THAT BINDS US

Fabric Book, hand stitched

As seen at "Some books are to be tasted" book works from 3 countries

George Roger Gallery, Kent 2 June - 2 July 2009

and previously at the Ada Street Gallery, Hackney 28 May - 1 June 2008

2009-10-04T21:09:00.000+01:00

2ND BEST

How clothes are recycled

As seen in the Bentlif Art Gallery, Maidstone Museum

6 December - 20 January 2008

2009-10-04T20:45:00.000+01:00

MY GREAT UNCLE