'the gift half understood'

Happy LouLou!

2012-01-26T04:04:00.000-08:00

Look what came in the post this morning. Jubilate!!

Flo joins in the general rejoicing.

Where Am I?

2012-01-25T02:56:00.000-08:00

I ran out of the pale grey Shetland yarn on Wednesday, and am waiting for a parcel with fresh supplies. "Curses and naughty words"* about my failure to plan ahead! No progress on hayyah as a result, which is a tad worrying, but I will catch up. I have filled the time with walking, admin. and other making (two little coats in progress; one knitted and one stitched, a customized jacket for me also in progress).

Tonight is Burn's Night and we are having Haggis, Tatties and Neeps (and maybe a wee dram) in the seminar room at WD, sharing the cooking. The original plan was to meet here and for me to cook, but numbers grew. Think there will be Lamingtons too, for Australia Day.

Tomorrow I am going 'home' for a few days - a family funeral on Friday and then a couple of days with Mum and Dad, which will be lovely. We are hoping that Flo and Chester (M&D's Poodle / Crested cross) will be friends and play together... I am taking my mini tapestry frame with me to work on a small piece.

Monday will be back to studio weaving full time, and keeping up the pace. Yeehah!!

*a line from The Goon Show

Weaver's Dog (and Log): Stardate 150112

2012-01-15T05:12:00.000-08:00

I made her this little coat from a 50s remnant (I have a few of these!) and cut up an old fleece of mine to line and edge it. I took the pattern from a waterproof coat that I picked up in a sale for her (her semi-hairlessness means that she does need protection from cold and wet - not just me being silly, honest injun!).

She is settling in well, both at home and in the studio, where she occasionally ventures out into the garden without me. We have a dog love triangle; she is enamoured of Henry the live-in standard poodle, and she is adored by Beano the visiting Jack Russell. What fun.

And I have been doing some work. nefesh is complete, and I have begun the next. I decided that neshamah needs a wider warp, so am working on hayyah (= life) instead. Yesterday I finished the selvedge, made the cartoon and stitched it in place, all ready to start weaving properly tomorrow.

This afternoon we (Flo and I) are off on a long walk, taking a flask and a sandwich. It is a beautiful day - cold, crisp, sunny and blue skies - ideal for blowing away cobwebs.

And the flask has tea in it, not gin.

Finished!

2012-01-04T11:42:00.000-08:00

(apart from the soumak, selvedge and half hitches...

..which I will do tomorrow) Funny how it has taken me so long to get it finished; the last few days have been like walking through treacle in many respects. Hopefully I will now have the energy and will to speed on with the next one. And the next, and the....

Weaver's Dog; Stardate 020112

2012-01-02T13:16:00.000-08:00

Her name is Flo (short for Floella), she is a 2 year old Chinese Crested. I only met her this morning, and by this afternoon (after a nice walk in the woods) she was perched next to me on the bench while I wove. The Hebrew text is finished, the centre of the fingerprint too - and that is the top edge in the centre. I did not go into the studio on New Year's Eve (opted for a completely lazy day!), but I am not too far behind.

After Six Days Away from the Loom....

2011-12-29T14:07:00.000-08:00

...went into the studio today. Finished all the English text and a lot of the fingerprint background, and am only about five inches from the top. This bodes well.

Weaver's Log, Stardate 221211

2011-12-22T12:17:00.000-08:00

7 pm Yesterday

5.30 pm Today

I am about 2/3 of the way through this first panel, which is great, as it means that it is possible to make five panels in the time available. No more weaving on this until 28th; I have my Boy home and we are visiting family for Christmas.

Status Report

2011-12-18T12:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, 6 pm

Today, 5 pm

2011-12-16T12:37:00.000-08:00

This is where I had got to at 4.30pm today. I am going in to the studio over the weekend to help with workshops, but hope to get some more weaving done too.

On the Way...

2011-12-13T09:59:00.000-08:00

Tracing a section of my fingerprint (with 'help' from Henry the standard Poodle and his muddy feet - he will keep digging holes in the garden, and then being sent inside in disgrace)

A little trip to Staples first thing yielded an A1 of 'nefesh' and A4 of the Hebrew characters.

Overlaying the stylized fingerprint; it is there, honest.

Stitched to the selvedge of waste weft that I put in yesterday, having warped up all by myself - would have been easier with a helper, but good to know that I can do it. 150 trips (half way) up the ladder, some 450 metres of warp. The hideous flowery thing is the back of the South Downs quilt which hangs behind the scaffold. It was the stitched petition made by different groups wanting the area to be designated National Park. The front is much nicer!

Loaded bobbins resting on my lovely vintage Welsh double cloth blanket.

I was then able to start weaving. It will grow quite quickly, but I need to keep up the pace with four more to make after this one!

Catching Up....

2011-12-11T15:14:00.001-08:00

Friday: 'Forget what did' (With apologies to L.M. Alcott) during the day. Hosted birthday supper with Eleanor at WD. We made about a ~~million~~ (well 20) custom pizzas for our friends. It was lovely to see everyone and catch up on the news / gossip.

Saturday: I went to the Weaving Day at Jane's studio in Angmering. A lovely bunch of ladies, and a delightful day. I started a new piece on the Glimakra frame. In homage to Richter it will be a dark grey figure, 'dry-brushed' into the grey background, but in order to avoid any hint of misery and woe, there will be occasional threads of copper sparkle (I think) woven in. There is an Italian Jewish proverb "No matter how dark the tapestry that the Almighty weaves for us, there will always be a thread of grace". So the title of the piece (if it works!) will be 'Thread of Grace'. I have kept the cartoon very simple so that it can have the spontaneity of brush strokes. I have the luxury of weaving every day, but it is particularly nice to weave alongside others again; I do miss WD for that.

Today: Popped into the studio for a couple of hours to prepare the scaffold loom for warping tomorrow (energy and light levels too low to tackle it today). It will be my first time warping a big loom single handed, so I have commandeered the stepladder, and will wear my running shoes to facilitate scampering. I brought the easel home so that I can weave 'Thread of Grace' in the evenings if I need / want to, and to allay any suspicion that I am trying to take over all the space.

This afternoon was the Candlelight Carol service at church, and I was in the choir. Very enjoyable, and so were the mulled wine and mince pies afterwards :-) Next Sunday it is 'Beer and Carols' in the village pub; sounds like fun.

Tomorrow? Warping up, cartoon work for 'Identity' and some smaller pieces. and beginning editorial work for Tapestry Weaver, the journal of BTG. Feb's will be my first edition as Ed, so I need to make a start and a good job of it before time runs away. I have had a good few articles submitted, so a nice lot of reading to do.....

'Not One, But Three', the robin hanging above my bed. It has a story attached, one of hope in the midst of despair, light in the midst of darkness. Another thread of grace.

From My Sketchbook

2011-12-08T09:03:00.001-08:00

The much described sett samples.

The chosen one!

Photoshop 'sketch'.

Had a lovely morning at Mill (no "trouble at t'mill", so no Spanish Inquisition :-)) with Margaret, talking life, weaving and everything. The exhibition space is lovely, and no problems with a place for a 3D hanging piece. Hoorah! No more excuses; warping tomorrow. She also told me about the monthly Saturday weaving day, and invited me to join them this Saturday. An opportunity to try out my new miniature tapestry frame, of which more later.

I Want a Dog Like This

2011-12-05T15:50:00.001-08:00

He is the skool dog from St Custard's, alma mater of Molesworth et al, my heroes.

Today's News

2011-12-05T13:03:00.001-08:00

A good day in the studio. I did another sample using the chosen wefts and a thicker warp at a coarser sett, and it was just the look that I wanted. Hoorah! Popped out to the printers to get a poster size print of my fingerprint. I took the pic with my digital SLR (10 megapixels), cropped it in Photoshop and increased the resolution to 600, but it was still a nice surprise to be able to have it printed at A0! I will trace the patterns and stylize it somewhat for the five cartoons. In the afternoon I played about with fonts and text placement for the five words overlaying the fingerprints in the panels: nefesh, neshamah, hayyah, ruah and yehidah. I may also include the Hebrew characters on each panel, but don't have them all yet. I am really excited about this piece! Sent samples of yarn to Weavers' Bazaar for colour matching, and will pop up to Town on either Wednesday or Saturday to visit Handweavers' Studio for the soft greys of the background and more Richter; I may also fit in the Grayson Perry at the British Museum. On Thursday, a visit to the renovated mill where 'Identity' is taking place, after which I can finalize the panel designs and get going. Although I may warp up the loom tomorrow for the first two. Happy times!

And I came home to find a tree planted in my front garden!

A Woman's Work is Never Done.....

2011-12-02T03:14:00.001-08:00

...especially when her brain is positively fizzing with new ideas and rediscovering old ones, and she keeps stopping what she should be doing (clearing the borrowed second garage of stuff: Boy's drum kit, various spare drums, keyboard, chairs-which-we-don't-have-space-for-but-don't-want-to-get-rid-of, etcetera, etcetera) and instead, drawing or writing in my journal, making owl mascots.... The robin is my personal 'totem bird', but because in Greek myth, Athena invented weaving, and the owl is her bird, I am collecting owl pictures for my studio space. One is a postcard of an Athenian coin from 4BC, and the latest a kitschy owl from Paperchase. One day (!?) I hope to weave a tapestry owl. I have made a couple of steam punk ones from bits and bobs at Time Machine. Perhaps I should post photos? Anyway, the garage is NOT cleared and the flat is NOT hoovered. Where is Jeeves when you need him?

My little cat, 'helping' with a drawing, 2006. She is on my lap as I type.

I Survived

2011-11-29T02:37:00.001-08:00

Well, after a good weekend spent hanging out with Mum and visiting Dad in hospital, I made it to Tate Modern with only 45 minutes until closing. Nowhere near enough time to fully enjoy the Richter, but it gave me a taster and I will have to make a return visit with more time. At least I have a Members card, so it did not cost me. I did also buy the exhibition catalogue, so I can enjoy my favourites in the meantime.

No Weaving 'til Tuesday. Will I Survive?

2011-11-25T09:49:00.001-08:00

I finished a sample for 'Identity' this afternoon, and started another one at a closer sett, but won't be back at the loom until Tuesday afternoon. I am off to a BTG committee meeting in London tomorrow, then northbound to see my lovely Mum and Dad in Northamptonshire. Back on Monday, hoping to get to the Gerhard Richter exhibition at Tate Modern. His 'Cage' paintings ( Cage 1 above) are among the most beautiful I have ever seen, and I am really looking forward to seeing 'September' (below) in the flesh; I have the book and love what I have seen there.

Robin III

2011-11-23T11:18:00.000-08:00

I admit to being rather pleased with him, but then I do really like robins!

Today I:
Booked a rail ticket 'home' to see my Dad at the weekend; he is in hospital for knee surgery
Baked a loaf of bread
Cleared the working area of rejected yarns and stuff
Made an A4 cartoon of a full size section of the potential design for 'Identity'
Warped up the sample loom
Wove a decent section of the sample, and am itching to get back to it tomorrow
Ate lots of fruit
Drank lots of tea
Had a good chat with my friend Stevie

Off to do a bit of sewing now, then a lovely shower. I do have a nice life!

I Don't Know Where My Brain is, but It does not appear to be in my head

2011-11-22T11:12:00.000-08:00

I finished Robin III today (because the car lives, hoorah!) and took photos, but left the camera at the studio. Doh! Also managed some Photoshop experiments, and some colour weaving samples. Good Day.

Snarl!

2011-11-21T14:41:00.000-08:00

I loaded up the car with iMac, yarn samples, packed lunch etc ready for a nice design-ey day at the studio. And the car WOULD NOT START. Not so much as a cough. Flat battery! Cause diagnosed from 30 miles away by APB - boot lid left ajar since Saturday (how could he possibly guess that?) Kind neighbour loaned a charger, and has been trickling all day. No life at 6.30 so decided to cycle to the advertised meeting of Fishbourne 'Stitch n Bitch' to check it out. Cycle lights defunct. Thought it wd be OK to cycle on the footpaths, only to find that there are none in the lane, nor streetlights. Arrived at the Centre to find that I was in the wrong place. Poddled to the Bull's Head (lights on that part of the cycle path :-)). No club there either, not since before the summer. So I walked home, pushing my lovely Miss Marple bicycle. At least it was not raining! Hopefully the car will work tomorrow.....

although I could cycle to the studio, as long as I leave before it gets dark.

Give me a 12" Adjustable Spanner and I am a Happy Girl

2011-11-18T15:37:00.000-08:00

In a change to the advertized program, after blocking Robin III I started on a major sort out, inspired by Paul dismantling old tables and assembling new ones donated by a closing down museum. I knew that I needed to adjust the scaffold loom before starting anything new, so, without ceremony, cut 'Curvaceous' down, and set to with the spanner. The upper and lower beams are now lower and closer together, giving me the option of a continuous warp without excessive waste. 'C' is face down on one of the old tables and has had her ends trimmed, Robin III is drying. Measuring 'C' showed me how much I had crept in with the 'soft' warp (note to self "Tighten Up!!") so severe blocking session necessary. Hey Ho.

Fickle Pickle

2011-11-17T13:38:00.000-08:00

The stylized robin was OK, but a little steppy, so I warped up again and wove it sideways. Result! Photo later once he is blocked and his feet have been stitched on (?). He may go into production (or at least 'made to order').

In the meantime, inspired by the upcoming BTG South East Group exhibition 'Identity' in April next year, I have made a new sketchbook and started working up some ideas based on the Jewish concept of 'You-ness' having five elements, namely Soul, Spirit, Life, Breath and Uniqueness. It has been bubbling away in my brain since I first heard of it last year (thanks DB), and now seems the ideal opportunity to work it through. I shall take the iMac into the studio next week and do some Photoshop layering and such of handpainted text and a photographed fingerprint. I love this stage! Plan to work quite large - five panels 12" wide, so need to get a wriggle on....

Fickle? Because I have ditched the plans mentioned in the last post for the time being.

Not blogging but weaving

2011-11-11T15:25:00.000-08:00

I have been having a 'play' with my rigid heddle loom, making a length of fabric for a poncho to keep my shoulders warm in the studio (from Curvaceous' darker weft) and a couple of scarves as potential sales items. Yesterday I got an urge for robins so worked up a cartoon from a photograph and made a 4" square warped at 6epc woven double - I do like my double warps! The beak has come out a bit big, so no photo until that is remedied - a cut out and needle weave job off the loom I think- but otherwise OK, just time consuming. Today I made a more stylized version, and have started weaving that on the same warp. My little Glimakra frame has a peg system and is very quick to warp, so great for sampling on. I am trying to find a quick to weave but aesthetically satisfying range of tapestries to make for sale at reasonable prices to go alongside my bigger speculative work. Writing of which, I think that I shall enlarge my 'Matisse' nude (she has the most gorgeous curvy derriere!) to A3 and weave her in my signature style alongside the commissioned 'Fear No Evil'. There is room on the scaffold for both, even though they will be woven sideways. I can then swap between grey and colours depending on my mood.....

Tomorrow is the British Tapestry Group AGM and South Eastern Group day - my first. I shall get to meet some local weavers; should be fun.

She is done....

2011-10-31T15:44:00.000-07:00

....apart from the finishing knots, the cutting off, blocking etc, etc

The ending was delayed by lots of visitors to the museum over the weekend -which is brilliant - but I got the photos done and the entry form posted in time. Took myself off to see Sweeney Todd at the Festival Theatre as a reward. Excellent!!

Not Quite Yet...

2011-10-27T13:46:00.000-07:00

Late start today because I went to collect a bobbin rack ('Free to a good home', thanks Hilary!) and popped in to see some of the WD crew on the way back. Visiting friends meant that I did not really get seriously weaving until about 3.30. Fuelled by tea I kept going until 7.

I have discovered the joy of handknitted wool socks for keeping my feet really warm in the studio, so have started another pair, this time in yummy grey alpaca. The pair I wore today were started three years ago; I hope to make swifter progress this time! The incentive of toastie toes should be compelling.

Saucy!

2011-10-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

Talking to (interesting and interested) visitors reduced weaving progress today, but the cartoon is only showing her shoulder and hip to the world. I aim to finish the shoulder tomorrow, and hopefully most of the hip, leaving just the background to finish on Friday and the weekend......

What an Interesting Day!

2011-10-25T10:55:00.000-07:00

We had a pair of small boys in this morning. They spent an hour or so working with Paul dismantling cameras and learning about how they work, then we did battle axe fighting (with sponge axes!), learning about the origin of the word 'berserk' along the way. Then the older one (8) settled down to play GO with P while I started some painting with the younger (5). He was very interested in colour mixing for his painting of a ruined castle (and he told me the whole tale of how it was ruined and what the King and Princes were going to do to stop it happening to the new one they plan to build), so we did a bit of colour theory (the PIGment who swallows some coloured light and reflects others - must work on some illustrations....). He then decided to make a sheep, so I found one of the Henry Moore drawings to show him. The finished beast looked like road kill, but hey ho. I taught him a bit about tapestry and he added a couple of passes to the sample loom. Finally, gave the older boy a fencing lesson in the car park; he armed with Granny's stick, and I with his plastic sword. What larks, Pip!

This afternoon I did some more on the Grey Lady. I should be able to make it for the ATB deadline...
We were visited by the Food Health people, who gave us the pass certificate we need to serve tea and coffee etc to visitors. Good job we had hidden the poison mushrooms, ha ha.

Playing Hookey

2011-10-25T01:24:00.000-07:00

I had a lovely day yesterday; away from the loom but still weaving related. I drove up to Twickenham (via Ham and Petersham) to help take down the BTG exhibition which has been at the Stables Gallery, Orleans House since July. Efficient planning by Mike et al meant that we were finished by lunchtime, so my WD chum Pilar and I went off for lunch together, which became a walk along the Thames, a drive through Richmond Park, tea and then supper at her house in Putney. We reminisced about our time at WD, but also talked a lot about what we are doing (and planning to do) in our present studios, exhibitions we must go to and so on. Left London at 9.30 and had a clear run back until the A27 bridge 'behind' my house (I think of it as MY bridge because I go over it almost every day, and under it fairly often), where bits of concrete had fallen or been knocked off, and were being repaired. Frustrating to be less than a quarter mile from home and not able to get there! Intriguing to ponder how it happened. Not too long a delay, so home and in bed by 11.30. Back to the Grey Lady today, although being half term we may have lots of visitors at Time Machine who desperately want to learn to weave. We shall see.

At the End of the Day

2011-10-21T13:33:00.000-07:00

We had a few interesting visitors today - including another weaver (cloth) who remembered seeing Lament at West Dean, and who used to be a tutor there many moons ago. I still managed to get quite a bit done of the fiddly area of the upper thigh (6 bobbins / butterflies in about three inches; I feel like a lacemaker!). I am planning to go in to the studio tomorrow morning to work on the neck and shoulder area. The lines all slope to the left, so it has to be filled from left to right. One of Paul's 'regulars' is a good and keen photographer and is going to bring in a tripod and help me with photographing her for the exhibition entry - he has already provided me with an adjustable height stool to work from, so no more Wurlitzer or Portsmouth FC leftovers for me. The 3 mile drive through the wooded lanes to the studio is a delight at the moment. I intend to cycle it one day. Hold me to that dear Reader.

Finished Head.....

2011-10-20T11:02:00.000-07:00

This was how she looked at lunchtime yesterday. Pleased with myself, so had a bit of playtime with COLOURS, revisiting the optical colour mixing tapestry that I have in mind. I also added a bit more to the sample loom that I have set up in the studio so that visitors can try weaving. Strictly speaking I had to subtract somewhat; at the weekend when I was elsewhere, a child had done a whole section in the most marvellous (and presumably accidental) double soumak!! Very nice, but unhelpful to anyone who wants to try authentic plain weave.

Back to the Grey Lady today, as although I had the closing date for entries to ATB9 in mind (31st Oct), what I did not have in mind is how far October has progressed already. Doh! She will be finished (if not cut off the loom - we want to have a ceremony / open studio for friends and guests), it is just whether the post will get there in time......

If you are in the vicinity...

2011-10-16T12:50:00.001-07:00

the studio address is

The Time Machine
Funtington
West Sussex
PO18 8EF

I am usually there 10-5 Monday to Friday, but it is worth calling first just in case. Weekends by appointment.

We like visitors, and treat them very well.

Where I Have Got To....

2011-10-14T09:55:00.000-07:00

A bright shaft of sunlight warms her feet. Admire my lovely weaving bench (and the Wurlitzer stool stage right)

Detail of head progress, ready to resume next week.

Her crossed ankles and right foot.

We have had a lot of visitors in the last couple of days which has slowed things down a little, but it is good to talk about work and 'educate' the public as to the work of an artist and the techniques of tapestry.

We heard yesterday that we have funding for the sensory garden, which includes two commissioned tapestries; an upright 'landscape' of textures and found objects, and a floor-based touch/soundscape of contrasting textures and materials which produce sounds when touched. This is all part of Paul's vision of a resource for full spectrum families. It is such a privilege to work in such a space.

Better Late Than Never...

2011-10-13T11:32:00.000-07:00

Lady on the loom; I have now completed her feet and am half way up the torso and head. Working from a platform 'wombled' from Portsmouth FC. Before that I was perched on a pile of cushions atop a Wurlitzer organ stool. Precarious and reminiscent of the Princess and the Pea.....

South West corner of the museum...

North West corner (I am but mad North - North West...) These are the old projectors from the cinema at the now defunct Graylingwell Psychiatric Hospital.

Some marks on the top of Lament

Lament hanging between two trees. There are plans to take her on tour; watch this space.

Lawks! Is it really that long?

2011-10-01T12:35:00.000-07:00

On August 18th I moved into my new home, and last week I moved into the Time Machine and started as the Artist in Residence. No internet for a while at home, but no real news to post either until now.

'Lament' is hanging in the grounds at the new studio.

I have ordered new business, change of address and post cards.

I will normally be in the studio 10am - 5pm Monday to Friday, and visitors will be most welcome - and may even find themselves with fresh baked bread or a cream tea! The Time Machine is a most fascinating place ( I will link it, and post some photos next week).

I have also found a Life Class locally, and the discipline of drawing has generated some new ideas already; I have about five tapestries in my head, and lots of thoughts about more accessible and affordable (i.e quicker to make) works too (a girl has to find a way to pay bills).

And I love living near the sea.

All-in-all, I am as happy as a clam.

Which will be good news for those who thought my email silence meant that I had fallen off the edge of the world.

The Beginning of the End....

2011-07-14T16:11:00.000-07:00

Today the 'men in the white van' (Paul and Andrew) came and loaded up all my studio stuff - stored in three different locations; the print room, my bedroom and the back of my car - and transported it to my new workplace at Paul's 'Time Machine / The Clock Trust'. The loom will move down at the beginning of next month. I have a piece to finish (the Reclining Nude which has been posted before) and then some optical mixing / colour study pieces that I want to sample on the easel loom and then make larger versions on the scaffold loom. In parallel, I shall begin with some drawing and photographing of the collection and develop some designs to turn into tapestry and print. I have a part-time job application in progress (uploading a CV to a recruiter has taken ALL evening!!) and will keep my eyes peeled and my ear to the ground (now there is an interesting image to conjure with - and the reason for no photos in this post).

My time at West Dean has been wonderful, and I know that I shall be very sad to leave. I also know that it is time, I am ready to do so, and the next phase will be just as exciting, scary and challenging as the last two years have been. I am so looking forward to cooking and entertaining again!

Show Week

2011-07-12T09:38:00.000-07:00

Fourth full day of the show has just ended. We had a successful Private View on Friday evening, and a busy weekend as we coincided with MedFest, a West Dean Gardens event. Three sales (not mine) and one theft (one of my small handmade sketchbooks) so far! There seems to be lot of interest in 'Lament' and what it represents; it resonates with people and makes them think it is 'about' particular events that they find meaningful, which means it is working as memorial to universal grief as I hoped. It was strange to have the official photographer wanting me to stand by it grinning..... I have taken lots of photos of it in different light conditions, and will post them soon.

Nuff Said

2011-07-01T02:30:00.000-07:00

Porters

Adrian taking the strain as it is lowered to insert a longer cross bar

Hauled and being fastened by Gary and Nick watched by the artist

As it will first be seen by visitors to the show

And this morning, with the usually dark slits pierced by bright sunlight

We did it!!

Mourning?

2011-06-29T08:07:00.000-07:00

I have finished weaving 'Picasso's Tear', cut it from the loom and wrapped it to keep it clean during the great clear out. I feel a curious sense of finality, or even loss; no more weaving now until I get back home, and I may not have time even then, with packing and such to do. I can see the half built frame for 'Lament' from the window here. It really is close to the end now.

We are having a celebration barbecue tonight, off campus. I will have left WD twice in one day (Dr appointment this morning)! And then tomorrow we have to clear all our stuff from our spaces so that the technicians can move the furniture and partitions on Friday and Saturday. Sunday is 'paint the walls and floors' day, and Mon / Tues we hang. Watch this space.....

Thunder and Lightning!

2011-06-28T12:16:00.000-07:00

The poles were ready to assemble into a frame, the tapestry is ready to go onto a frame, but thunderstorms made it inadvisable to start waving four metre iron poles about outside. Or any length poles for that matter! A lull late afternoon made it possible for Gary and Dell to start making the frame - they are about half way, so we should be able to hang on Thursday, the next day that they have available. That will indeed be a frabjous day.
Picasso's Tear is well on the way, I have ordered new business cards and did a whole lot of etchings today - inky fingers once more. I really enjoy printmaking, and hope to be able to continue next year, using the print room here in exchange for 'services'! I made some small book pages with drypoint images and text, and experimented with copper plate etching on to printed photo backgrounds and chine collé. Need to do a lot more to become a real adept, but am pleased with results so far. The prints will not go into the show as such, but will be available for sale. I also used the super-whizzbang printer to print some high quality A3+ images of drawings from earlier in the year, also for sale. This one is called 'Embrace 2'.

The Final Tapestry (of my MFA) is Underway

2011-06-23T08:32:00.001-07:00

I started weaving Picasso's Tear (12cm at its widest point) yesterday, and have continued today, interspersed with beginning to pack things for the move out of here to make room for the Show.

We had a visit from the professional weavers this afternoon, who braved rain and hail storms to get here, so Diana went and acquired a coffee cake from the café to have with tea and chat.

We are planning to open a bottle of champagne ( left over from the birthdays in December) at 6pm. Partly to celebrate the end of both my tapestry and Diana's, and partly to obey the dictum 'Drink Champagne for no reason'. Seemed good to us!

Finished!

2011-06-22T07:29:00.000-07:00

I finished weaving 'Lament' at 1.05pm on 21st June. Interestingly enough (to me at least!), it was 21st June last year when I completed the weaving of 'Megalith'. I have been up to the Old Sidings with GB and an angle grinder to liberate (hem, hem) some rusty acrow props and iron water pipes for fabricating the support / frame in the next few days. I was photographed last week ready for the press release, and they are coming back once it is hung to take some more photos of the finished piece in its temporary location. The good news is that they are hoping that I can put it into the tree circle after the show, and leave it there until after the Apple Fair, so that it will be seen by all the garden visitors between July and October. Hop-te-tooty!!

I warped up a borrowed scaffold loom with fine red linen this morning, in order to begin weaving 'Picasso's Tear' this evening. Today has been too full of Prof. Prac. interruptions and questions. The peril of having lived through the process once I guess; I have a role as End-Of-Year-Show panjandrum.

Getting Above Myself!

2011-06-20T10:35:00.000-07:00

For the last few centimetres I am perched on a triple platform so as to be above the weaving line. It means that I can peep over the top of the scaffolding at passers by. What larks, Pip!

Random photo of fungi because the Tapestry is NOT Finished....

2011-06-20T07:31:00.000-07:00

....but only about 10cm to go. Many distractions last week - a day printmaking, various Prof. Prac. activities, AND, I have a studio space for the next months! More on this in a later post. Solving this 'problem' helped in my decision to accept an offer on my house in Northamptonshire, and reserve a property down here. Suddenly things are beginning to fall into place, and at a time which will enable me to concentrate on them fully once the Show is over. I find myself more than a little scared (but excited too) about the prospect of a new location and future, but equally certain that it will be OK - this is what I came to WD to prepare for - building up my practice as an artist. If I do not at least try to make a go of it, then I will always regret it. And I comfort myself that they cannot shoot you for failing!!

Latest....

2011-06-08T05:42:00.000-07:00

We did the final 'pull for the shore' yesterday afternoon, and I finished the head of the standing figure last evening. I plan to go about 50-60 cm above the head and then finish. GB is primed to make the steel armature next week. It really is nearly there! After two years, there are only a few weeks to go until graduation and the big wide world. Plans are moving ahead a little on that front, with a potential studio space and possible movement on the relocation and finance front. Things may actually be falling into place, but I will hold my breath for a bit longer.

Moving Megaliths..

2011-06-02T08:32:00.000-07:00

..is not just for Obelix.

Gary B, who built the armature last year came with a van to help me move 'Megalith' to her new (temporary) home in the circle of Quercus ilex. It did not take long, and I have left her to settle in. I have to go up there tomorrow with some signage, and also create some flyers for the Gardens Visitor Centre, to direct people to find her.

Progress Report

2011-06-01T11:29:00.001-07:00

At the beginning of yesterday:

and at the end:

After a few days away from the loom (recovering from the epidural-for-my-back, and then handling warps of a different kind in the Solent), I came back pain-free, full of vim and made excellent progress yesterday. The end is now definitely in sight. Tomorrow I shall be working off the double platform (wooden box atop carpetted metal) to a height of about 2'6", then a final 'pull for the shore' and work as far as the tightness of the warp will allow. Aiming for the end of next week, allowing for interruptions and another weekend afloat (hopefully). No weaving today as we had an all day life class. I drew this morning and modelled this afternoon - both activities are strangely exhausting, and I do not think that I will be in the studio late tonight. The weaving edge is all marked up ready for tomorrow morning, and I have made the necessary adjustments to the cartoon. When I finished last night it was with pondering over exactly how best to represent the lines of strain in the neck of the upright figure; different wefts, cording, staggered slits? I am going to try cording on the morrow, and see whether it gives the right effect. The joy of tapestry is that unpicking (or evaew-ing) is a possibility.

Passing the Two Metre Mark....

2011-05-19T13:37:00.001-07:00

....and ready for another 'pull for the shore' session tomorrow. The end will then be in sight, and it may not need another roll around if I can work off the platform up to the top. I am back to full weaving strength, so have been able to do two 7 hour weaving days - the other days I have done other things too! I had an interview for a Residency yesterday, and heard today that I had not got it. Rather disappointed, as it would have been a good place to be and a good opportunity to widen my skills, but not to be. Looking onward to the next thing....

We decided today that 'Megalith' should be moved in advance of the End of Year Show in order to allow the grass to recover for other exhibits. She is going to relocate to the tree circle where 'Lament' should have gone before Easter, so I will have a presence there after all. Need to organize a Land Rover to get her up there, and some flyers to explain her presence to WD Gardens visitors.

Lazarus

2011-05-06T04:12:00.000-07:00

A first incarnation of 'Lazarus'. The image has not been cleaned up in Photoshop - I have spent long enough doing that for brochure images this morning. I decided to 'float' the canvas rather than supporting it with an armature. I shall leave it like this for a while, and then try other arrangements.

Soumak and Spot Welding

2011-05-05T04:05:00.000-07:00

This was the progress just before we moved the weaving line down again. I am now just under half way..... I have decided to display it with the rest of my work at the End of Year show, rather than it being up in the arboretum, where people might be unable to walk that far, especially on the night of the private view. Had it been established up there as originally planned, and had anyone else been exhibiting in the arboretum, I might have left it there, but I think this is now the best plan. It certainly makes things simpler logistically!

I have done another soumak band, five rows thick, on the right hand side of the tapestry. The lyrical curve is in strong contrast to the dark vertical slits. It will pack down a bit more, and recede into the background once there is more weaving above it.

This is the piece I made during the residency. It's working title was 'Broken Column' when it was taut on the loom, but it folded beautifully, as I predicted it would, because of the eccentric weaving and the mixed thickness weft. I made an armature (fed into the warp) from iron wire, then spot welded it together at the base. The spot welder is just the coolest tool; I love it. I am now searching for the correct title for the piece as it now is. I was going to add papier mache and corrosion products to it, but decided that I like the purity of the textile, and the simplicity of the form and texture. I have to take some proper studio shots for the catalogue, because this will be going into the exhibition.

Two other jolly things happened yesterday: I got the parcel from home with the 'Avebury' pieces ready for the Oxmarket Gallery (Thanks, Mum and Dad!), and then in the afternoon I went down to Selsey for a walk / cobweb blowing on the beach. I found the most perfect little house / studio right on the shoreline. The light, and seaviews would be marvellous. Sadly it is not for sale. However, it may be possible to rent something in the same area..... I have always wanted to live by the sea; I love it in all weathers.

Saturday News (with random photo of me at 17)

2011-04-30T09:19:00.000-07:00

And no, the MG was not mine.

I went into Chichester this morning to get some portfolio sleeves prior to mounting some drawing for (potential) interviews. I decided to nip into the Oxmarket Gallery to enquire about exhibition space. Lo and behold, there is a window available from May 15th - 29th. Cue phone call home to ask Mum to send some of my other 'Avebury' pieces down, and renewed vigour for cropping and mounting - now all done except one monoprint and two small tapestries which are still in the process of having their backs tidied up. And on the subject of backs...... mine is behaving extremely well, and I am back at the loom, have been for five days now.

Hoorah and Jubilate!

Display of Work

2011-04-29T14:33:00.001-07:00

I put some of last year's work, and a few textile pots from the 'Avebury' series on display in the old bread oven display cases near the dining room. The photos show the whole display, the four 'Avebury' pots and the 'Nefeshot Teomot' pieces - holey stones woven together in pairs - 'twin souls being woven together across space and time'.

Being a bit of a numpty, I forgot to include a label with my name and details on, and the fact that the works are for sale. I will remedy this....

Today, for the first time I...

2011-04-28T10:19:00.000-07:00

1. Walked barefoot in the grass (first time this year).

2. Did some welding (first time ever)

I was on a sculpture course for the day, and learned spot welding (for making iron wire maquettes) and MIG welding (for making full size armatures). Great fun. I was working in the forge, which, when the fires are not lit for smithing, is one of the coolest places to be on a hot day. And the last few days have been very warm indeed.

It has been a strange couple of months. Prolapsed lumbar disc and nerve compression (and associated sciatica) began in mid Feb, became acute in early March and made it impossible to finish 'Lament' by Easter as planned. I was able to advance some of the extended practice work so all was not lost, but working at only half speed and strength was very frustrating. I managed to do the library residency that I was committed to over the Easter hols, making a 3D piece ('Experimental Vessel') on the small ring loom, ready to be further treated now I am back at WD. It is my final term; the last months have flown by, and I think the next 12 weeks will zoom. Initial trepidation has been replaced by excitement about work and the future. The weather is beautiful, there is a constant soundtrack of birdsong, and the gardens are leaping into colourful life.

I have tried updating the blog a couple of times, but no joy. Here's hoping for today's effort!

"Pull for the Shore, Sailor, Pull for the Shore!"....

2011-03-02T01:59:00.000-08:00

....is what Erica chose to sing to accompany our hauling round of the finished area of weaving. The warp is so thick and heavy that it is very like sailing rope.

This is what I have accomplished so far (8" already wound round).

And some detail of the 14ply jute,

which twists so beautifully, creating lovely texture and a row of soumak insertion.

And my willing slaves, Erica and Diana, 'pulling for the shore'. Thanks girls.

It's About Time!

2011-02-28T08:17:00.000-08:00

Dissertation writing ('The Function of Textile in Funerary Ritual and Remembrance') , preparation for assessment and recovery from same have caused a hiatus in weaving, but I am now beginning to catch up. The continuous warp has been wound round by about 8"/20cm, and quite a bit of the bodies has been added in. The communications department here interviewed and photographed me at work last week; I have excised my face from the photo - even with judicious application of the Photoshop healing brush failed to make me presentable - it was just one of those days. The plan is for a press release when the work (now titled 'Lament' rather than Pieta) goes outside around Easter.

Lines and Surfaces

2011-02-01T08:17:00.001-08:00

After a lot of thought and some experimental sampling, decisions have been made about the thickness of the lines for the living body, and the amount of binding and integration into the background structure. The original lines were very fine, and I realized that they would not show up sufficiently in the outdoor setting, especially when the salt / papier mache / porcelain slip treatment is added. So now the lines will consist of 20 or so strands of the 18ply jute, with additions of coloured linen, wool and silk, loosely twisted and loosely wrapped on the whole, but with lengths of tighter binding using split 18ply. The ends of the bindings, and some of the finer core yarns will be woven into the background; this both holds the line in place, and disrupts the woven structure, adding to the eccentricity of the background. The bulldog clips are NOT part of the finished piece!

Planned Eccentricity

2011-01-25T05:58:00.000-08:00

Quick post to show the development of the eccentric weft with different thicknesses of jute. It will grow quite fast. I hope to have it finished and installed before Easter. I have the promise of a Press Release.....

2011-01-19T04:00:00.000-08:00

The cartoon is now attached behind the front warps; of course it has had to be folded over an extra long (=two held together with parcel tape) shed stick, and will be unfolded as I move the weaving line down and round the bottom bar. Now to get weaving.....

Lawks, its Massive!

2011-01-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

The cartoon came back from the printer after lunch - in three pieces, so I had to match the edges and stick it together. For the first time the size of it was obvious (picture left shows how it fills the seminar room table), and I realize how much there is to do. The picture on the right shows it unrolled on the floor of the studio, and photographed from the mezzanine above. The next job is to attach it to the scaffold behind the front warps. As always, there are a number of ways of achieving this, so a thought break has ensued. Probably need tea to help the process.

Mould and Other Delights!

2011-01-17T12:19:00.000-08:00

Thebigone fell over a few days ago in high winds - the ground is so waterlogged that the pegs just slid out. We left her lying in the muddy grass, Pat thought it 'would be good for her'. Today, Rich and I lifted her, repegged her and added more pegs. On the side which had been in contact with the grass there were white fluffy bits, which at first I thought were bits of wool fleece, then realised it was some sort of mycelium. FUNGUS! And the green mould is developing well too. She is developing a life (ecosystem?) of her own.

The New One

2011-01-14T09:42:00.001-08:00

The scaffold loom was moved into my area over Christmas, so a different view through the warps from when I left it. Being stranded here for an extra day gave me the opportunity to warp it fully, thanks to the assistance of a stranded 'clockie'. I took the image to the printer today, so the cartoon will be ready on Monday (approx 2m wide by 3.5m high - it is a continuous warp that makes this possible on a 2m high loom), and in the meantime I have begun weaving the selvedge to stitch the lower edge of the cartoon to. I am very excited! I have also created an Artisi't Impression of the oak circle with the tapestry in situ, using Google SketchUp:-

This is the view as one walks up the track from the house to the arboretum. The armature and anchoring points are yet to be decided. It will be a very heavy structure, and the trick will be to brace it just enough for stability, but not so much that its 'clothness' is lost.

This is the image I shall be using:-

My New Sketchbook

2011-01-04T02:28:00.000-08:00

It is approximately A6 format. The pages are made from old envelopes and paper bags, with some lokta and cotton rag papers left over from other things. The driftwood closure is from Jura, and the deerskin (oh so soft!) is a scrap from a final year project at DMU. I used the natural edge for the overlap, hence the ripple effect.

Now to catch up with the daily drawing......

Invisible Progress

2011-01-03T11:05:00.000-08:00

Working on dissertation reading interspersed with vegging out with Boy. You really don't want to see pictures of either thing. I have made good progress with the Reclining Nude tapestry in the last couple of days, and am about to stitch the next level of cartoon to the finished areas. This fulfils one of the three resolutions for 2011:-

Weave

Walk

Draw everyday.

Falling behind on number three already.... Mainly because I decided to make a special new sketchbook from recycled papers to make the exercise more interesting. About 6 more sets of pages to stitch in (it is pamphlet sewn in a leather cover). I really enjoy making books, and am easily distracted by same.

Lying Stone / Standing Stone

2010-12-07T06:51:00.000-08:00

A frozen stiff thebigone this morning before Rich helped me raise her and peg her upright. She is beautifully encrusted with snow, mud and grass, which should make it very interesting while she thaws...

I have placed her more permanently in the circle because she is not now going to the church. The developers who own the land around the church have said "no". Never mind, because she does look so right in this place.

2010-12-04T02:44:00.000-08:00

When we positioned thebigone yesterday we did not peg her down, so when I heard strong winds in the night, I had a pretty good idea that I would find her lying down this morning; and so it was. I tramped out and stood her up again, and look at the lovely effects of the snow.

Tommye had been watching the movement of shadows round during yesterday, so I set up the camera today to keep a record. Sadly, it is so cloudy that nothing much is happening. It is only mid-morning, so I will keep it there just in case...

As Promised....

2010-12-04T02:33:00.000-08:00

Once the snow has thawed a little more, I need to walk up there and do some measuring in order to establish potential anchoring points.

Oh Frabjous Day!!

2010-12-03T06:42:00.000-08:00

I have been given permission to site the big-work-to-be in the grounds, within the circle of Quercus ilex (Mediterranean Oak) near the arboretum. I think I posted a picture of the site earlier in the year....

Update: Imagining things again; will post one when I get back to the laptop (currently suffering horribly on the studio iMac!!!)

Today is Just One of Those (Photo) Days....

2010-12-03T06:17:00.000-08:00

Icicles and berries on the back wall of the Main House. The little bird (to be identified) that Diana is feeding outside the studio door.

thebigone back in her tree circle; thanks to erica who helped me to (wo)manhandle her into place.

Worshipper, the felt torso, which has been outside now for 5 months.

Weather and Weathering....

2010-12-03T02:39:00.000-08:00

This the view as I walked from the main house to the studio this morning. We have had nearly a foot (30cm) of snow, and there is an agreeable sense of being cut off from the outside world.

And here is a detail of the surface of thebigone, beginning to show some green growths....

She is still in the studio, partly because the current weather makes it difficult to install her, and also because the church has had to consult the Health & Safety guy from the site developers. Ho Hum.

Head Implosion (Averted)

2010-11-25T16:05:00.000-08:00

I had one of those days today, when I started out all jaded and grumpy, and not sure whether the current pieces are working, and, and...... You know what I mean. I decided to keep weaving anyway, and before I knew it, the brain was afire with all sorts of ideas about how to change / improve / move things on. Too many ideas for a 'bear of small brain' to handle all at once, and threatening to leave me whimpering under the work table! Two remedies for such a thing: mug of strong tea and a chat with a trusted friend. Enter Diana, who listened while I talked it all out, offered encouragement and advice, made me laugh, and then we had tea (and a Violet Cream) together. Thank heaven for others to act as sounding boards when needed. The Tapestry & Textile Art group here is great; Diana, Erica, Magenta and Tommye. An amazing group of women with experience galore and loads of friendship to share. Thanks!

2010-11-22T09:47:00.000-08:00

Pieta (there should be a grave accent over the a) all complete. But without all the warp ends tucked under! The threads of the lying figure have felted together a little - I was a bit vigorous with the hot water used to block the piece to the proper size. Lesson learned for the next time!

I have now dressed the loom with three narrow warps; two unbleached linen to start the memorial tapestries, and one red cotton for Picasso's tear. Of which more next time....

On the Move

2010-11-14T08:32:00.000-08:00

The Boy and I uprooted thebigone while it was still light, and, by serious remodelling of the car's internal space, she is inside and ready to go south to her birthplace. She is already weathering very nicely - some green mould and rust marks from the steel armature, yummy! Will take some close up photos tomorrow; forgot to take any until too late today.

I shall probably be travelling on Tuesday, so will take the opportunity to do some Dissertation reading until then - the date for a first draft is fast approaching, and I need to catchup and not be seduced into weaving the live long day....

And the frog? Just because I like them!

Grease is NOT the Word, Scringy IS

2010-11-09T09:41:00.001-08:00

A first attempt at creating the effect of a 'dissolving' line was just too fluffy, and, ironically, too thick in appearance. Pat coined the word 'scringy' for how the line should look in thread terms; messy, bouncy, light.... More experimentation with linen and cotton (admittedly of wrong shades of grey) and then back to a mix of black Shetland, grey Shetland and grey sewing thread, laid in individually. It also led me to change the core thread for the wrapped line. It is now a doubled fine linen in black; less chance of show through, and it can be lark's head knotted round the first warp in the sequence (no slippage). Sometimes it is worth undoing things to make them better. And so the scringy line is done, the right hand side of said line is about to be defined in wrapped cord, and then the head of the kneeling figure...

Not much time for weaving tomorrow, as we have drawing class all day. It is rumoured that the tutor is bringing some fish in for us to work from!

Today I learned how to do copper plate and drypoint etching; I so wanted to do it last year, but with thebigone to make I did not dare spare the time, glad to have got to it at last. I intend to include printmaking in my practice. And film, so I am having a tutorial in Final Cut next week. Woohoo!! I love the possibilities here.....

"Oops"...

2010-11-06T07:46:00.000-07:00

....or "what happens when you are weaving away merrily and suddenly realize that you have covered the cartoon and thus have to do some unweaving (evaewing?).

It is probably because I am a bit tired after a LONG day in London yesterday. If you are anywhere near London before March 6, I thoroughly recommend a visit to 'Threads of Feeling' at the Foundling Museum; I also went to the RA and took in Treasures from Budapest and The Glasgow Boys - both also well worth a look.

And so to evaewing. I feel a bit like the Tailor of Gloucester, 'worn to a ravelling'.

Today's Weaving.....

2010-11-02T10:48:00.000-07:00

I have woven as far as I can on the background, and now have to continue the smooth line already begun and begin the right hand side of the 'dissolving line' of the supine figure. Life drawing class tonight, and aesthetics lectures and seminars tomorrow mean that it will be tomorrow evening before I can get to it.....

thebigone to have a new home

2010-11-01T03:50:00.000-07:00

thebigone is going to move to the grounds of Immanuel Church in Chichester!! Hoorah; a properly public and risky space. My front garden is just too safe and protected. Have to arrange a trip to uproot her and bring her south....

Remember, remember to blog in November....

2010-11-01T03:29:00.000-07:00

I have been busy experimenting with some other mark making, on a much finer sett (5epc), and have now started on a small (A5) tapestry Pieta. The original drawing was A2.

Had a BEAST of a time getting the leashes right (haven't done them for a year), but they do make access to the closed shed easier when working fine.

Here are the pesky things! There are 50 of them, and I had got to no. 45 on Saturday when I discovered a mistake at 34, and then another at 13. No choice but to undo all the half hitches and redo. Chiz.

Here is the loom set up, with some weaving done...

..and here the detail.

The Latest Experiment..

2010-10-09T12:18:00.001-07:00

I am looking at ways to 'draw' using just tonal variation caused by the interaction between thin and thick wefts; the opposite to the incised marks I was working with before.

But some of the drawings I have done are in colour, and rectangular, and I really like them; they would have to be rendered in a more traditional form and sett; a dilemma or wot?

Oops; no posts for a month...

2010-10-09T00:47:00.000-07:00

...but I am now back at WD and immersed in work. The new studio space is amazing; it is over in the Sussex Barn, which means that I get to walk through the walled garden every day to get there. Even when it rains it is beautiful, although I have invested in some new wellies and rain cape.

We began with a week of drawing, and have just had a week of 'pushing the boundaries' , using mad materials to weave with. I think I win the prize; I wove some conkers in, having drilled holes in them and run a string through. I have not photographed the stuff with hideous colours in

It is so good to be back here; the new group are lovely, and I think that it is going to be a good year.

What I did yesterday...

2010-09-10T03:08:00.001-07:00

Just a small section of the incised marks, but they work, and I am pleased with the results. Onward and upward! (after a piece of M&S cappuccino swiss roll - the best cake ever invented)

Latest Progress...

2010-09-10T00:25:00.003-07:00

...or at least it was when I first started this post, before I got an 'ERROR 503', whatever that is!

As you can see, I am up to the point of 'incising' the first image marks. You never know quite how / whether it is going to work, so procrastination is a great temptation. This was at about 11 am yesterday.

The studio cat (Penny, aka Janus Valmai Valentina) asleep in her bling basket (the white fur trim has silver glitter in it). She prefers my lap, but does NOT like being clonked on the head when I beat the weft.

Hmmm.

2010-09-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

Two visitors yesterday and none today. Molesworth has the phrase for it: 'Mouldy Chiz'. Although the people who came yesterday were positive about the work, and very interesting to talk to, so it is not all negative, just a bit disappointing. And I got to eat the pink wafer biscuits myself!

Ready and Waiting.....

2010-09-04T03:13:00.000-07:00

The house is all set up for Open Studios, biscuits have been purchased, the kettle is filled.

All I need now is some visitors!

Getting on with weaving the reclining nude in the meantime; I think that I shall have to give her a name.

Any Suggestions?

Progress by Coffee Break (and Yummy New Bobbins!)

2010-09-02T02:45:00.000-07:00

The bobbins were made (from ash) by Colin Simpson, who teaches woodturning short courses at West Dean. They are beautiful to look at and to handle. I added blue beads to the tops so that I can identify them as mine.

Cartoon in Place

2010-09-01T09:05:00.001-07:00

The cartoon is an original drawing of a reclining nude that I did earlier this year. The weaving of the background is on a double warp (about 4 epi) and the figure will be 'incised' at 8 epi, the way the marks were made on thebigone, only this time in a paler mix, rather than black. Much more subtle than the drawing. I am using the paler Henry Moore greys, mixed with cream silk, grey linen, grey knops acrylic and a raw silk / cotton / cashmere blend.

It is good to be weaving again!

Only three days until Open Studio......

What can be done with scaffolding, acrow props and string....

2010-08-30T08:26:00.000-07:00

Our first scaffolding loom (warped too)- and the loom builder extraordinaire!!

I'm Back!

2010-08-30T08:21:00.000-07:00

As promised, a photo of thebigone in the front garden. I did make an attempt at removing the neighbour's roof in Photoshop, but it was taking too long and looking too weird so I reverted to the original. Northants Open Studio begins on Saturday, until 19th, and I am hoping for lots of visitors....

Sorry.....

2010-07-22T08:34:00.000-07:00

...for not posting for a while. End of term events, the great pack-up and re-establishing myself at home have taken time. The first thing I did when I arrived was to place thebigone in my front garden, where she looks rather good - will post a photo after the weekend. I hope to start on a new piece in the next couple of weeks....

Watcher

2010-07-01T04:04:00.000-07:00

The third outdoor piece. A felt torso, marked using iron filings and vinegar. She sways gently in the breeze, and keeps watch over Lith and Thebigone.

Paint Splattered and Exhausted

2010-06-30T15:34:00.000-07:00

Well, the show is now set up, after a great deal of hard work from everyone (and GALLONS of paint on plinths, walls and floors). It all looks really good! The external examiners are coming in tomorrow to look at our back up work and to talk to us about our exhibits; then the Academic Board will meet to discuss our grades, which will be put on the notice board on Friday morning. Hopefully no wailing and gnashing of teeth...

Little lith is outside with thebigone, nestled in a wildflower patch. Pictures tomorrow....

Existential Crisis?

2010-06-28T15:57:00.000-07:00

As the end of the year approaches I have been reflecting on all that has happened and pondering all that I have done. I know who I am here. I have changed, blossomed and grown so much; become LouLou as it were, and I do not know how it will be when I go back. I had not really had time to put down roots or settle in my new home before I moved here, and had not really made the time to establish my altered identity as 'unwife'. Another stage in the adventure I guess. Or, as I suppose I ought to say: 'all part of life's rich tapestry'!!

Plinthed Out

2010-06-27T09:51:00.000-07:00

I have just finished making the last of ten (yes, ten) MDF plinths for the show. There are five pairs, all 40 cm square tops, and range in height from 55 cm to 80 cm. I will not post a picture of them because anyone with so much as a D&T O Level would have a conniption at how less-than-perfect they are! But I did them all myself (apart from cutting 50 x 50 cross section lengths of batten into 25 x 25 cross-section lengths of batten. KK did that for me because I am not allowed to use the table saw. Tomorrow I shall paint them white, which will cover a multitude of sins. Nearly there. One disinterrment and three small bits of weaving, and I am ready. Yee Haa!

An Avebury stone for you to admire.

In Situ

2010-06-25T06:11:00.001-07:00

And here she is - thebigone in the centre of the mown circle within a ring of trees. All I have to do now is water her exposed warps, add my secret ingredients and allow time to do its thing. Very exciting day!!

She Stands!

2010-06-24T14:22:00.000-07:00

I finished stitching the panel edges at about 9.15 pm, and tilted thebigone up, meaning to lean her against the wall, and she stands alone! So exciting to see. She is due to be pegged out in her place tomorrow, and then I can close this final opening, sculpt all the curves and panels and start the 'accelerated corrosion' on the exposed warps, which are just too clean. I think that I am rather pleased with the results of my labours, although it has reinforced in me the need to work ever larger. Hmmm.

Armature Day

2010-06-23T14:26:00.000-07:00

thebigone off the loom and lying in state in plastic sheeting. Carrying her down to the van was (I imagine) exactly like removing a body wrapped in a carpet as she is very heavy. Glad it was daylight when we did it!

G arc welding one of the vertical struts to the base. Being in the forge again was good; the smell there takes me right back to a lovely blacksmithing course I did there last year. Very happy memories associated with the forge.

Half way through the construction, we dress her for sizing extra supports. She is still monumental in height, which is a great relief. There is heft in the weft!! We then carried her across to the Old Dairy for me to stitch her together. Two hours later, the top attached and very sore fingers. Mental note to self: wear a thimble tomorrow.... View from the top; never to be seen once she is standing.

thebigone is off the loom!

2010-06-22T15:44:00.001-07:00

Cutting the bottom warps. Very glad the double half hitches held.

And she falls into a heap at the bottom! The bottom ring is stuck, so I will have to wait for some muscle before I can finally remove her.

Braiding off the warp ends at the top edge of one of the panels.

LouLou IN the Loom

2010-06-22T03:30:00.000-07:00

The next big job is to finish all the loose ends inside, and the best way is to do it before the piece is cut off the loom. So in I climb, armed with scissors and a big needle.

G came up to have a look at the 'finished' weaving and to discuss the building of the armature, which we are doing tomorrow morning in the forge. And then she will go straight out into the exhibition space. Preview before the show opens!!

And a picture of concentration.....

Hoorah #5 (and then some)

2010-06-21T09:47:00.000-07:00

The weaving of thebigone was completed at 5.35 pm BST. (Hoorah #4 was just before lunch). I danced a little jig on the scaffolding, which caused it to rock mightily, but thankfully did not catapult myself out of the open window. Still all the finishing to do, but I might just allow myself an evening off to walk up the arboretum in the evening sunshine.

This is the final working height. I have had to live / work in jeans for days because of ladder climbing. Your picture puzzle task is to spot the following vital adjuncts to the weaver's tool box:-

1. Large mug for tea

2. Two tennis balls in a sock.

3. iPod

4. Fan

My wonderful friend P was in Piccadilly yesterday, and went to Fortnum's for Violet Creams as a finishing reward. I may allow myself two.

Hoorah #3, and other stuff....

2010-06-20T08:37:00.001-07:00

Third panel finished just before tea break this afternoon.

Fourth one well on the way.....

A stone sculpture inspired by some large landscape 'people' that I saw in Iceland last summer.

My very own Henry Moore!

Beautiful or wot?

Enjoy...

Hoorah #2

2010-06-19T07:13:00.000-07:00

Another panel completed! There are advantages to being a penniless student with nowhere else to go; lots of work gets done.

Better than giving a cosmic scream at life.

That said, if anyone wants to come and 'take me away from all this' for a while, I would have the breaking strain of a warm Kit-Kat.....

Hoorah #1

2010-06-19T01:51:00.001-07:00

I had a record breaking weaving day yesterday (1360 square cm), but was still shy of the top edge by about 8cm. I came in to the studio at 7 am (not that I'm obsessional or anything!), and have now reached the top of panel 3, and completed the half hitches. The original planned height was 210cm, but I extended it to 215 (a smidge over 7'). It should mean that the finished lith is taller than any viewer - even allowing for a bit of shrinkage when it comes off the loom.

Now for the tops of the other four panels - all narrower than this one.