The work of Dianne Barratt

Dianne Barratt

It is always interesting to hear creative people talk about their practice but we were particularly interested to hear how Dianne had swapped the flexibility of stitch and fabric for the hard and rather unforgiving material -wood. When Dianne was a member of Cheshire Textiles she used the techniques of  quilting and applique to depict cartoon like characters, always with an underlying humorous message. 

It has taken many, many hours to learn her new skill of wood turning and carving and as with Dianne's textiles, her attention to detail and presentation is a pleasure to see. The top image illustrates her wit and humour, central to everything she makes, whatever the material. 

It was a privilege to see and touch the beautiful, tactile pieces and marvel at the wonderful set of hand tools she uses.  Thank you Dianne, it was lovely to see your work.

Margaret Marsden

Margaret Marsden

It has been a few weeks since the last entry on our blog and the exhibition at Jobling Gowler has now finished.  It was a very special exhibition for all of us in Cheshire Textiles because we sadly learnt of the death of Margaret Marsden only days before it began.  As a tribute to Margaret we agreed to donate a percentage of all our sales to St Lukes (Cheshire) Hospice.

Margaret will be dearly missed; she was a valued member of the group from the very early days, always playing an active role and sharing the responsibilities.  Her work showed an understanding and love of stitch, always full of energy and colour, as the images show.  Jean was a vey close friend of Margaret's and has written a lovely tribute to her on our website.   Jen

'Conversations with Water' moves on

to

Jobling Gowler 

250 Park Lane

Macclesfield

Cheshire. 

 SK11 8AD

www.art.250parklane.co.uk 

Monday - Friday 9.00 - 4.30

14th January - 28th February 2013

It was exciting on Saturday to see our touring exhibition 'Conversations with Water' take shape in its latest venue, Jobling Gowler.  Jobling Gowler is a working solicitors office with a main reception and several consulting rooms providing plenty of wall space.  We always appreciate space because it gives the pieces room to breathe and allows the viewer time to contemplate.  Stitched pieces can sometimes take months to come to fruition, each one being original and very often the result of much trial and effort.  We hope you enjoy the exhibition in its new space and the air of tranquillity it creates.   Jen

Exhibition at Farfield Mill

'Conversations with Water'

'A shining example of how a group show should look and hold together - a clear theme, beautifully interpreted  and superbly presented, including the samples available for handling'  Elizabeth Eaton, Farfield Mill.

Our exhibition, 'Conversations with Water',  in the Howgill Gallery at Farfield Mill, Sedbergh looks fantastic, we are all delighted with it.  Hanging an exhibition is physically very demanding and we are very grateful to Bridget, Grazyna and Sue, with the help of a few technicians, who spent a whole day putting it together.  To make the task easier, the layout had been loosley planned but it was good to have Elizabeth Eaton's tweaking and a real boost to receive her positive comments at the end.  

Cheshire Textiles are just one exhibition on view at Farfield Mill, there are four floors of interesting events centered around arts and crafts in addition to Weavers Cafe!

Converstions with Water runs until 2nd January 2013 but please check the website for opening hours

www.farfieldmill.org





Cheshire Textiles @ Farfield Mill

Phew! Just over two weeks to go and all my pieces for the exhibition have been photographed, tagged, wrapped, packed and recorded on the gallery stock sheet; all six are waiting to go!  This process is quite demanding and can take considerable time but there is an air of excitement, wondering what the exhibition will look like and hoping all the pieces will be selected.  It seems a long time ago since we visited Farfield Mill to look at the exhibition space and decide upon the title 'Conversations with Water'.

The Howgill Gallery is a lovely space with a variety of areas for presentation; this has encouraged some of us to move out of the frame and be influenced by the challenges of the gallery.  Not only will our pieces be for sale but we have also been making cards and smaller items, all of which will make excellent Christmas gifts.  Worth noting that Farfield Mill has one floor devoted to the work of local artists and together with a good quality cafe, it makes a great day out; who knows, you might find the perfect Christmas present! Jen

                                         Exhibition runs 17th November to 31st December 2012

                                   Opening Times - please check the website www.farfieldmill.org

 



David Nash at Kew, A Natural Gallery

Nash's workshop within Kew

Inside the Temperate House

Eucalyptus Block

Hiding in the Temperate House

Yorkshire Sculpture Park had been a fabulous venue a couple of years ago for the work of David Nash OBE (b.1945) and I was very excited at the prospect of seeing the work again, this time in Kew Gardens.
Sadly, I didn't feel it delivered, it failed to pack a punch; some of the work seemed rather contrived and a bit insignificant within the setting of Kew, they did not achieve what the Henry Moore's had done.

Hidden amongst the plants in the Temperate House were several small sculptures, some beautiful, like the image above but I felt they had no empathy with what was around them.  The majestic chair like sculpture, in its' own space had room to breathe and be admired. The warm damp conditions present will change the wood and this in itself might make it worth retuning to see what happens.   At the entrance to Kew stands the wonderful Eucalyptus Block, four trunks that have fused together creating a fascinating centre to peer through.  Is this Nash or is this nature?

The Wood Quarry is Nash's outdoor temporary studio, with two upturned tree trunks that can't fail to bring a smile.  He claims he responds to what the wood suggests and has more recently cast his pieces in bronze;  an interesting development and very difficult to visually distinguish between blackened wood and the bronze, as every mark and knot seems to be beautifully captured.

It was good to see the Sherwood Gallery which puts it all into context with drawings, photography and more pieces. Overall, it makes for a lovely day out and it does encourage a closer observation of the trees but perhaps Kew is just a bit too big for some of the pieces to make their presence felt.  Jen

'Voices Plus' at Waterside Arts Centre, Sale

'Voices Plus' until 13th October

Waterside Arts Centre, Sale.

An exhibition from the International Quilt Art group, showcasing new work by members from the UK, Ireland, Belgium, Hungary, Germany, The Netherlands, Denmark and USA.

The exhibition shows a wide range of work which really extends the boundaries of quilting.  Some pieces use more traditional techniques of quilting but extend these by using combinations of print, stitch and collage.  Others barely use quilting and incorporate applique layering and even paint to create textures and different surface qualities.

Content and scale vary from large, more heavily stitched hung pieces to a delicate 3D fan construction which lies in relief on a plinth.

A delightful variety of work of a high technical standard coupled with creative use of materials and ideas. 

Highly recommended.    Sue.