Beautiful handcrafted bags- "Nancybird"

I saw these beautiful bags today at the new Maiocchi shop on Ann St in Brisbane.
They are "Nancybird" bags and wallets created by Melbourne designer Emily Wright.
"Nancybird" is a beautiful business using leather by-products of the meat industry, tanned using analine or vegetable dyes. The fabrics are cotton or jute and chosen for the low environmental impact.
Emily's business doesn't just pay lip service to being sustainable as she has developed her shipping and packing using recycled materials and prefers to send her merchandise flat-packed by sea freight to reduce air miles. If that doesn't impress you then how about this....
"Nancybird" headquarters uses 100% windpower!
But to get to the heart of the matter, these objects are simply beautiful. They capture a ruggedness and practicality in their construction combined with soft femininity and a dash of retro in the use of printed fabric and drawings. The crafted finish is such a pleasure to see in an object such as a bag that is usually created as a disposable, consumer fashion item. You can imagine that these bags would just get better with age. Marks of wear and tear and living enhance such objects.

It is worth saving up to buy such items. My advice for starving artists and others of Very Little Assets is to buy sparingly and buy the best.

ceramics, tapestries and googling medieval owls..........

Sometimes Googling is an immensely satisfying, inspiring process.


I was looking up images of owls in medieval tapestries this morning (as you do) and I was thrilled to discover the ceramic and textile exhibition of Dan and Amanda Wright.

Dan produces thrown, altered earthenware and his influences range from 1950's English slipware through to the graphic work of Piero Fornasetti.The terracotta base forms of English slipware have a warmth and vitality that infuses the drawings and seems to pull them into the surface of the vessel.

Dan and Amanda's exhibition was shown in St Davids Cathedral in Pembrokeshire in August. The setting, combined with the beautiful soft detailed texture of the tapestries and the dynamic composition of the vessels, where the image seems to be thrusting against the constraints of the forms creates a visually exciting exhibition. I wish I could have seen this one.

I have to credit illustrator Jackie Morris for the photos of the St David's exhibition. I came across them on her beautiful blog. Jackie's website is extensive and browsing through her enormous body of work is a perfect thing for a Sunday morning.

Hyperbolic Coral Reef- experimental mathematics through craft

There is a great exhibition on at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney called "Hyperbolic Coral Reef".

The Hyperbolic Coral Reef is part of a global project initiated by the discovery that crotchet is the most effective way of creating a model of algorithmic fractals. Hyperbolic crotchet was discovered by mathematician Dr. Daina Taimina a mathematician at Cornell in the U.S. Before Dr Taimina's discovery mathematicians believed that it was impossible to make a model of hyperbolic forms. These forms ave been observed many times in nature and serve the purpose of maximizing surface area for the volume of the organisms creating a greater opportunity for filter feeding. Many organisms such as kelps, corals, and nudibranchs use hyperbolic geometry in their underlying structures.

"Though experience often serves as a guide, there is no way to know in advance what a specific algorithm will produce and we have many times been surprised when seemingly insignificant changes in the underlying pattern led to fundamentally new results. In a very real sense, this is a kind of experimental mathematics and we invite crocheters everywhere to explore for themselves the possibilities inherent in these techniques."
From the Institute for Figuring website


I have long suspected that my Mum who is brilliant at handicraft among other things has a had secret knowledge of the universe...... Sitting there for years with all sorts of things forming out of wool and thread she was engaged in more than I could have ever imagined!

Anyone can take part in this global project. Just click on the links in this post.

How to Use the Web for Artists OR a Lifeline for the Technologically Reluctant

I am doing a blog workshop this Wednesday at the Maleny Artworks Gallery. This post is also part of a panel I am taking part in at the Australian Ceramics Triennale in July this year.

Blogging can give people greater insight into the artistic process, most particularly how entwined the process of inspiration and making is in everyday life. I encourage all artists to find their own little corner of the internet, reading blogs, posting comments on others blogs and posting images to established blogs are all powerful ways of connecting with other artists and the wider community.

I heard an amazing statistic the other day...98% of web content is written by 2% of web users. Many people feel that blogging is something they just can't get into because they haven't got time. I maintain that artists can use the internet better, to meet their peers, learn technical information, gain inspiration and promote their own work. With this in mind I've compiled a list of links (or as I like to call it a lifeline for the technologically reluctant) This will enable you to dip your toe into the sea of blogs and wade out as far as you feel comfortable- who knows some of you may become addicted and venture off beyond the breakers!

Art and design
These blogs are good for inspiration browsing and researching names of galleries/markets etc that might be worth approaching personally.
Moda Muse- Australian Contemporary Craft and Design
Handmadelife- an artists blog featuring work from Ramona Barry and Rebecca Jobson and exhibitions around Melbourne, Australia.
Dear Ada- amazing art and design blog based in America but featuring international artists.
Design Sponge- design and interiors based in America, if you can get your work on this blog you will definitely recieve approaches from galleries- it is very widely read.
Udessi- Brisbane based artist and business woman Kim Wallace's blog connected to her online store, beautiful art and design.

Illustration Art- drawing and illustration blog.
High up in the trees- Gracia Haby, illustrator, zine writter and bookmaker extraordinare.

Fashion
Kris's Colour Stripes- fashion designer photography and colour swatches. Isolates the colours from his photos, excellent resource.

The Sartorialist- pure inspiration from fashion photographer Scott Schuman. Street shots from European capitals and New York.



Food
101 Cookbooks- cookbook author and photographer San Francisco based Heidi Swanson's cooking blog.
Not Quite Nigella- cupcake queen and food blogger from Sydney, Australia.

Recipe on Not Quite Nigella Blog


Photography
Simply Photo- Jennifer Causey excellent photography blog featuring international photographers.
Simply Breakfast- Jennifer Causey (professional photographer) beautiful photo blog of her breakfasts.

Jen Causey's latest breakfast.

Textiles
Kirin Notebook- Lara Cameron, Melbourne artist and textile designer gives insight into her studio and inspiration.

A shot from Lara Cameron's studio
Mantua Maker- Ruth Singer UK based textile artist and fashion designer.


Ceramics
Six Hundred Degrees- Sophie Milne, Australian ceramicist
Musing About Mud- Carole Epp's wide ranging ceramics blog. A good place to start.
Sawdust and Dirt- Michael Kline, a wood-firin' , country livin', dad from Carolina, beautiful pots and insights into the potting life.
Euan Craig- Australian born potter living in Japan and working with a top Tokoyo chef to create tableware and food that combine as one.



Australian Ceramics Triennale- Information about the Australian Ceramics Triennale and a comprehensive overview of the many exhibitors, speakers and ceramics. An excellent resource for those who can't attend in person.

Maleny Hand Made

In view of my previous post I thought I'd mention a few of local things I think are great for Christmas (or any time of year for that mater!)


Kindling
are Nina and James who design sustainable ethical products. Thier t-shirts are beautiful and they have a unique range of cards and other fabric products. Nina says
"Inspired by the good ‘ol days (when you could buy a telly that lasted sixteen years) we aim for sustainability and ethical practice . No short cuts, no factories, just quality for longevity and life."



Mukti has been developing her range of organic skincare for the last 8 years when founder Mukti became frustrated at the lack of choice available for ethically produced organic skincare.
Mukti is a great ethical company that supports ethical organisations locally and globally.
Mukti says...
We create…

* handcrafted products made fresh daily
* products that feed and nurture the skin
* labels that state all ingredients

We believe in…

* love
* truth and transparency
* recycling
* renewable resources
* sustainability
* buying back carbon emissions
* social responsibility by assigning a portion of our profits to charities with which we are aligned

We avoid…

* lies
* negative speech and actions
* harming others
* nasties – petrochemicals, synthetics, fragrances, GMO’s
* unrealistic, untruthful marketing claims




Audrey and Rose is the creation of Sarah Rayner and Lee Sisson. Inspired by classic design from the 40's 50's and 60's, Audrey and Rose handbags, jewels and homewares are beautifully crafted, locally made, sustainably sourced and just plain fabulous.




Fliss Dodd makes her witty beautiful toys from recycled and vintage fabrics mixed with delicate, patterned Japanese fabric. A committed environmentalist and wonderful gardener Fliss has an interesting blog called Udder

Most of this is within 10 minutes walk of my front door. And...those of you who live far away if this hasn't convinced you to come on holiday to Queensland I don't know what will. We also have beautiful golden beaches stretching for miles, sunny weather and tropical fruit!

In the Making

Craft Victoria is currently running in a "Month About Making". A celebration of the handmade.

This event includes an exhibition that I am part of. "In the Making" exhibits the work of 130 members of Craft Victoria and is a great snapshot of contemporary craft in Australia. From Helen Braun's tender ball of twine made from fragile lunch wrap....



.....to Simone Braund's beautiful spiral slab porcelain to......



.....Felicity Peter's chrysanthemum ring.



This exhibition encompasses the diversity of practice and ideas that Craft Victoria supports. You can see the whole catalogue and read the makers statements here.

Modern Classics

I've been in Melbourne for the past 2 weeks. When you live in the country sometimes you just have to get out and see people you don't know and stuff you can buy. (Although my little country town has changed a lot since I grew up here and now it is a very civilized blend of bookshops, cafes and galleries.)

Gertrude St, Fitzroy is one of the most exciting streets in Melbourne for me. After a hot chocolate at Bridget Hafner's Enoteca I stumbled across Vixen Australia.



Vixen is an opulent brand of fashion, textiles and homewares created by Georgia Chapman. The shop is a textural wonderland ranging from the rich red wool of a rug created through a collaboration with Designer Rugs through to whispery, soft silk dresses and skirts.



Vixen Australia's clothes reference the past. This seasons range "Metro Oriental" puts me in mind of tea dances in 1930's Shanghai. The fabrics are beautifully designed with layers of subtle colour and amazing patterns with influences ranging from Hokusai prints through to paisley and tattoos.



Taking fashion out of the immediate trends and into the realm of the collectable is a wonderful goal and I think all craftspeople should be inspired by Chapman's uncompromising attitude to this aspect of a fickle industry. I also love how she balances retail design with artistic projects. This is a tightrope that all practitioners walk as they try to create sustainable businesses within an artistic practice.



Georgia Chapman makes all her fabrics and clothes in Australia and it takes 12-14 craftspeople to create each piece. The clothes are handmade, exquisite. Chapman says

"We want to create a collection that is a
considered response to a particular time and
place, with investment pieces that do not date.
Our concern is for craftsmanship - handmade,
timeless simplicity that is beautiful, to keep
forever."

mysterious, beautiful, toys

I pulled these photos from somewhere in the tangle of the Web, then the tide just tugged them gently away from me and now I can't remember where. This is a metaphor for my thought processes since having children- I feel like I'm always trying to grab those slippery thoughts and they are just slipping through my fingers. Will I ever recover?



I don't know who made these lovely toys or where they come from......

Thank you to Deedeen the wonderful creator of these toys is Tamar Mogendorff

degustation

Things I'm loving on the Web right now...
Lebouton's beautiful clothes and Lisa's blog.




Abigail Piercy. Glasgow jeweler and nature lover. I think her pieces capture both the delicacy and strength and fecundity of nature. Horse Chestnuts are a tree I have very fond memories of. I saw the Horse Chestnuts flower three times when I lived in England and the cycle of the sticky buds unfurling upward and one day, suddenly flopping out in an extravagant green tutu marked the passing of each year away from home.





Mia E Goransson. Swedish ceramicist.




Gesundheit- Martina Thornhill's beautiful kids clothes.

6 o'clock Monday night

Around our place, 6 o'clock Monday night......



Thinking about The Necks waves of sound, Trev and I went to see them last night. We had a Persian meal (no kids!!!) at Zafron in New Farm. The food reminds me so much of our friend Farideh who is the chef. It is comforting and glamorous, the warm spices wrapping themselves around your palate like a beaded, shawl.



I had a good day decorating today. The Magnolia Project is under way and I'll have the first images soon...
It is still raining

self protecting crafters

Fliss from Udder makes wonderful toys

I wanted to write this post which is both alarming and inspiring. my friend Fliss from Udder made me aware of a theft. The victim is Ann wood (a wonderful artist who I have written about before) and I don't know the perpetrators but through the benign and protective influence of this strange little corner of the blogging world their dreadful crime was outed and stopped!



These people stole Ann's design for one of her birds. They then had the temerity to get themselves high profile stockists and press throughout Australia. I find this simultaneously believable and absolutely shocking. Craft artists work so hard to make their art and make so little money and Ann Wood's birds are so

original and whimsical. For these people who are obviously clever crafters, to think it would be OK to rip off another's designs and profit from them is outrageous.

What I found inspiring about this whole sorry tale is that the crafting bloggers went into Nancy Drew mode and not only defended Ann but also tracked down the perps and contacted the owners of the stores that were trustingly selling these copies as original works. As a result of this cyber-community effort the copied birds were pulled from the shelves. Excellent work everyone. I'm proud to be part of such a community.



This is some more of Ann's amazing work.

exciting events

The studio is full of pots, packing and new projects. I'm getting ready for our annual Umbrella Collective show. The Umbrella Collective is a group of five Queensland artists who have joined together to exhibit and pool our joint resources.

We are:
Florence Forrest
flying star toys

Shannon Garson
porcelain

Kylie Johnson
paper boat press

Liana Kabel
plastic girl jewellery

Rebecca Ward
jewellery

Every year we hold an event in Milton where we launch new work and meet
our supporters. This year "Delightful Things" is on Saturday 17th November
from 9am - 2pm at St Francis Theological College
233 Milton Road Milton
(entrance via Baroona Rd.)
This is our website it is full of photos of our latest work and
information about each of the artists.


Blueberry Ash, tiny flowers like ragged fairy's skirts. If you miss the Umbrella Collective show, the weekend after on Sunday the 25th of November I am part of a craft fair at GOMA (the Brisbane gallery of Modern Art)


Rocket flowers, gone to seed...