Sunday Sketchbook

It’s the first week of March and although we are heading into a cold weekend here in Bath, Spring is definitely in the air! This week I turned 38, learnt a new word and spent probably a bit too much time exploring March Meet The Maker. Wishing you a restful and inspiring Sunday.

Studio Drift - Shylights

I learnt a new word this week - nyctinasty - it refers to the mechanism that some flowers have of closing and opening depending on the conditions they face. Crocuses are an example of this and that’s where I first heard about it. Then I saw this moving sculpture inspired by the same system and I thought it was perfect for a day when crocuses will definitely be taking advantage to hide from the frost! The video includes lots of really interesting info about the inspiration and making of the piece - I love getting an insight into the artist’s process.

International Women’s Day

I’ve signed up to this free talk which runs at 4pm tomorrow (March 8th) celebrating women in craft. It particularly focuses on the cultural importance of craft, the challenges of building a successful craft business, the barriers emerging craftswomen face when entering the sector, and how we can all work to create a more diverse and inclusive craft community. All things I’m really interested in, well worth a listen I think!

March Meet The Maker

This is a yearly instagram challenge where artists tell you a little more about themselves and their work. Follow the hashtag #MarchMeetTheMaker to get in on the action. This piece is by one of my new discoveries Flotsam Prints, I love the delicacy of lines and watery inspiration, having tried lino cut myself I know how hard it is to achieve this!

From The Studio

So this week I turned 38! As you can see I was thoroughly spoiled by my lovely friends and family. Ageing is a bit of a strange one as an artist, it sometimes feels like the world is obsessed by youth and there aren’t a lot of role models for creativity after 40. 2 people I think of at times like this: Patti Smith, always unapologetically herself at any age. Frank Lloyd Wright - hadn’t designed anything particularly interesting before 40, and designed the Guggenheim in his 80’s. Happy Birthday to all the other Pisces out there, may you also get a big box of cheese!