The Importance of Drawing

Much of my own work immediately after C&G was based on machine embroidery which is why I was particularly keen to see Sue Rangeley's exhibition, 'Fashioned with Stitch' currently at the Silk Museum, Macclesfield.

Meet the Artist

Demonstrations by Sue Rangeley

at

'Fashioned with Stitch'

The Macclesfield Silk Museum

June 22nd 2-4pm

a special event within the Sue Rangeley exhibition

Museum entrance charge includes the exhibition

info from sue.rangeley@btinternet.com

The exhibition is beautifully curated by Sue, bringing to the attention the importance of drawing prior to any textile work.  Without necessarily aiming for the 'perfect image' drawing is a time to observe, absorb and record; a personal response.  The expressive marks made can then be interpreted with stitch.

Sue Rangeley is a very accomplished, botanical watercolourist  and the information she gathers through careful observation is translated in her sensitive textile designs and colour palette.  A simple buttercup is never 'just yellow'!  Spools of Madeira threads hint at the number of colours she must use to achieve her rich surfaces.

Drawing sessions are important to us as a group and over the summer months we have plans to visit FLETCHER MOSS Botanical Gardens in Didsbury, Manchester.  No doubt we will be mesmerised by the plants but the aim is to look beyond the obvious, enjoy the process and above all have fun!  Jen

'Fashioned with Stitch' runs until 20th July 2013

www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk

01625 613210/612045

Gordon Baldwin, Objects for a Landscape

Images have kindly been provided by Ruthin Craft Centre

Gordon Baldwin retrospective, touring exhibition 'Objects for a Landscape' organised by York Museums Trust, is now at Ruthin Craft Centre and well worth a visit.  The 148 mainly sculptural, free standing pieces dating back to 1966, stretch out across all three galleries.

Inspired by landscape, music and the work of fine artists like Paul Klee, Baldwin not only creates the most beautiful tactile forms but he integrates the surface with clever use of line, colour and texture as though it were a canvas.

Baldwin is very open about his creative journey, describing how it can take many months for a piece to be completed.  Dealing with the surface is the most agonizing part, often forcing him to revert to process just to get going.  The journey is finally crystalised when the form is given a title.

This exhibition is full of inspiration.  Every piece holds the attention and like a pebble on the beach, it is full of surprises.  The scale is a delight.  An exhibition not to be missed!      Jen

www.ruthincraftcentre.org.uk

Exhibition continues until 14th July 2013