British Textile & Surface Design Association @ The Sage 2010

(left to right)
Andrew Brady, writer & Poet... Newcastle college students, Claudia Van Lieshout smit, Tutor and BTSDA rep, (far right) Myself, Textile artist.

Press release :



A group of Foundation Degree students have published a book which celebrates a collaboration of north east creative arts.

‘Reaction’ a book combining textile and surface design and poetry, has been produced by students from the School of Creative Industries at Newcastle College and local writer, Andrew Brady.

Students on the Foundation Degree Textile and Surface Design were given the project as part of a live brief. They were asked to source patterns, textures and images which reflected a maritime theme.

Local writer, Andrew was invited in to speak to the students and was asked to write a series of original pieces which would fit with their designs. Andrew’s poems were based on his personal feelings and experiences and given a maritime feel to fit with the artwork designed by the students.

The book was unveiled at the NewcastleGateshead Art Fair. The department has close links with the British Textiles and Surface Design Association (BTSDA) which the new book exclusively on its stand.

Production of the book was made possible with the help of Aim Higher funding. This project is just one of several funded by Aim Higher. Previous live briefs with the Foundation Degree textile and Surface Design include the Butterfly Project at St Teresa’s Hospice and the design of a cope, stole and tapestry for the Church of England in Newcastle upon Tyne.

The Foundation Degree in Textile and Surface Design covers textile design for both fashion and interior applications. The emphasis is on creative design using traditional techniques and new media processes. Subjects include stitch, print and surface pattern.

Claudia Van Lieshout Smit, Textile and Surface Design Course Leader and lecturer in the School of Creative Industries, said: “This was a fantastic project for our students to be involved with. To be able to see examples of their work in print and the way in which the arts can be used together to create a commercial piece of work has been very valuable.

“Andrew was excited to work with our students, having worked with textile artist and former students, such as Fiona Ray. His original works inspired the students and allowed them to see how different areas of the creative industries can work in collaboration.”

Andrew Brady said: “Being asked to be involved in this project was a privilege and I am forever grateful. This is a brilliant starting point for a future in writing and the student’s art work excelled my expectations and brings the book together beautifully.

“Thank you to Claudia for the invitation and to everyone else involved in the book.”

Newcastle Gateshead Art fair 2010 @ the Sage

Frayed Textiles @ The Sage
30th september - 3rd october

So this weekend my work went on exhibition alongside hundreds of other artists at the fabulous Sage on the Gateshead quayside.
I love the Sage, as well as other buildings along the quayside, soon as I am back home from my travels i don't feel I am home until i see the bridges and the buildings along the river. I often attend the arts fair as a visitor so it was a proud moment for me to be an exhibitor this year, and even more so to experience it with one of my dear friends, Poet, Andrew Brady
This event was a chance for us to publicise the book, 'REaction' alongside all the original artwork and the stand looked amazing and we recieved some brilliant feedback.
The VIP opening went very smoothly and i was pleasantly surprised at how many people showed up, it was a little over whelming but in a good way!!
Iv given you a sneak peek photograph of the stand (above) and i will upload the articles and imagery from the newspapers later this week.

Many thanks to the British Textile and Surface Design Association for represting me.

xxx

............. break time over

Break time is over

soooooo i lasted a grand total of 3 weeks off work, i knew it would be hard taking a break from things but i guess i am addicted to sewing i just cannot give it up!!

I thought i had picked a good time to leave off things and raise funds to go travelling....however him upstairs had different plans for me ... as i pack away betty
(my beloved little sewing machine)
and took a week of much needed R&R the postman carried in sale slip after sales slip from the gallery which means my stock has sold out ... which made me think ooooooooooooops am i doing the right thing? I then got the phone call saying id been accepted into the British Textiles and Surface Design Association and they wanted to exhibit my work at the Sage in Gateshead as part of the annual arts fair.
Of course i couldn't say no, so that was it, done deal i am officially back in business after a mini break, i still plan to go travelling but with opportunities like this i just cannot turn them down.

Soooooooo now starts the mammoth run up to Christmas where i eat sleep dream breathe designs for gift orders. So if you don't see me in a while ..... just stick ya head round the studio door and check the pile isn't over my head ... bring me a cuppa and i will be forever grateful :0)

xxxx