Sunday, 22 August 2010

Reaction : The long awaited Book.

It was really nice to see that the student who worked with me at FrayedFrocks on her work placement was selected to have her work used on the front cover. Ami Carson is a very talented designer... look out for her in the future, i am sure she will go far ...

The introduction to the book explains the story behind the work and how the collaboration was pulled together, it was nice to see I got a mention ...

Textile artist Fiona Ray .. thats me :)

The left hand side of the double page shows my favourite piece of my collection


The right hand side of my double page, my work is the bold machine embroidery illustration of a mermaid.

I was lucky enough to recieve a double page spread in the middle of the book

The back page is mug shots of everyone involved.
Im the bottom far left :)


Reaction
a collaboration of poetry and textile art.

As some of you will know i mentioned in an earlier post that I was awaiting the publication of a book that would be showing some of my artwork along with poetry from a dear friend.
Well it is hard to believe that 3 years have now passed and the book is finally finished!!!

Back in the day of my student life of all night work sessions fueld by alot of tea and toast (and when things got worse switch tea for red wine) the stress and tears of a looming deadline paid off when I saw my work exhibited at the Queens Hall in Hexham, Northumberland.
This is where I was able to introduce a friend of mine, Poet Andrew Brady to my tutor and explain that he was the guy behind the poems used in the text on my work. Few handshakes and a chat later the deal was struck. We would both work alongside Newcastle college and students from the textile degree programme and together produce a book inspired by the original maratime collection I had produced.
Andy got to work writing more poetry and the students were asked to interpretate them into art work, and therefore visually giving there 'reaction' to his words.

Then here were are, the book looks fab and I am very proud of both myself, and Andy, it has been even more rewarding by being able to give him this platform to showcase his writing ability. Last but not least I am also proud of the students who I was able to work with and see develop through critiques held in the college studios. Its been lovely to see the work progress and finally have it printed on paper for everyone to enjoy!
This is something that does not happen often so a big thank you to the college and aim higher scheme for funding the project.

The book is to be launched at the Sage in Gateshead in October at the annual christmas trade show. I am super excited for this. The book along with all the my original artworks are on sale and we hope to grab alot of attention :)

Its a very proud time for me, and a happy one. This work is what first got me noticed as a upcoming artist, and I have had many opportunties since the exhibition that first got us thinking about the book. Three long hard years later the book is ready, and as i try to decide whether to take a year out to hunt down new ideas and inspiration, what better way to leap off into the unknown than the launch of the book that started everything.

Let me know your thoughts on the book. Comments are always valued!

xxxxx












Sunday, 18 July 2010

Photoshoot for the Customs House Gallery



New Frayed Textiles Hair Accessories
After stuffing our faces with divine cakes and plenty of tea me and Zan turned to do some work.
Both our collections are doing well at the Customs House gallery, however we have been asked to provide some imagery to push sales. I think these will make a lot of difference to my sales as you are able to see how they look on.
Again Zan's camera did a marvelous job and she was a great model! Im really happy with how these few have came out.
Im now working hard on my new collection of accessories inspired from my recent trips and hopefully they will be ready in time for the Vintage fair that hits Newcastle in September.
Look out for us! xx








Afternoon Tea, the perfect catch up

Afternoon tea : no 2
As i mentioned earlier all my friends know i love tea, tea sets and cakes. My good friend Zan
(of Zanna Designs) decided we were long over due a catch up and to my surprise she through this afternoon tea. It was the full works! triangle sanwiches, cakes, tea and pink lemonade. The best afternoon I have had in a long while.
There is no end to this girls talents, not only a marvelous jewellery designer and artist she is a dab hand with a camera too. I love these photos she took as it really captures the afternoon in all its colourful glorly. I was in my element :) x





The cakes were yummy! We have thought about including some on our stall at our next art fairs.













Dolls & Molls : Needle & Thread

Dolls & Molls

I first met Emily of Dolls&Molls while working for BTB. I managed to get her onboard so the store could stock her divine little jewellery range. I love her work, and as you can see by the images its definatley my cup of tea! I bought my sewing machine necklace at the Green Festival in Newcastle earlier this summer, and my Needle and Thread earrings at the Made in Newcastle launch. I do love them and hope you do to!
If you would like a little something of your own check out
www.dollsandmolls.co.uk
x



Made in Newcastle : Launch of pop up shop



MADE IN NEWCASTLE LAUNCH : 9th July 2010


It is about time Newcastle embraced the arts and crafts more i was super excited to find out about the new pop up shop in town. Filling an empty shop space untill December M.I.N is an outlet for crafters in the town in return for designers time to help run the shop. The opening day was buzzing with people and there was an impressive selection of handmade goods.
Towards the back of the store was a divine little sewing cafe with a few vintage sewing machines and of course what launch would be complete without some tea and cupcakes!!
Im hopefully going to be able to get involved soon and get Frayed Frocks on the rails instore.
x


Home Sweet Home : Craft Mafia New Girl


While I waved goodbye to London and the sister I was facing a long 4 hour trip back home. I always book my trains late so i can have an extra day in where ever i am, and sleep on the way home, Now as i sat with a cup of tea watching the trees whizz past the window the thought of pulling into newcaslte at 2am was not a pleasant one, i really just wanted my bed! So as i got settled into my book ( Twilight : Eclipse ... team jacob all the way :D ) my phone buzzed with excitement as the emails came flooding in.
Before i went away on my mini break I had applied to become part of Newcastles Craft Mafia. A team of crafters working together to spread the word. I had heard of people applying and not being accepted so i was over joyed to get my acceptance email!! What a wonderful way to end my trip knowing that when i got home id have a new and exciting arts movement to get involved in. So Frayed Frocks is now the new girl at Newcastles Craft Mafia! ... x

The Get Away : part 5 : Forever working

Sailors Knots
The beauty of my job is that no matter where I am, I can still work (if i want to) Whilst i was away I recieved a long awaited email.
During my final year of my degree i produced a collection of artwork to go alongside a dress that i made inspired by the sea and maratime stories. This project is where i really feel i found my style, and the best part about this project was that I collaborated with a very dear friend of mine, and talented poet.
This work was exhibited in the Queens Halls in Hexham, Northumberland and created quite a stir. After the opening a deal was struck to get this work published in a book alongside more of Mr Bradys poetry.
A surreal but very proud moment!
Almost 3 years and a lot of work later the porject developed into working with degree students from our local college and this was a huge success! The book is now being published in the states and is set to be launched in the UK at the Sage, Gateshead, arts fair in October.
We are soooooooooooo excited!! and im very proud of Andy, hopefully this will be the first book of many!.
Here is the link for the online preview.
I hope you like it x