My Work Space and New Work.

I am often asked if I have a studio and I wish I could say yes, as it would be a dream to be able to have somewhere big enough to hang all my large textile pieces.
When I'm working it frequently gets cluttered and I rarely have time to stop and sort out my creative mess.
However, last week I purchased an old apothecary chest which has 16 drawers for me to hide all manner of my threads and fabrics in.
I doubt it will stay tidy for long!



I have just about finished my large piece of work " Homage a Mattise", this as the title suggests is developed from a painting of a landscape I did near Nice, I have also incorporated the rhythms I feel when I have studied Matisse's paintings.
Matisse lived in Nice, he too was fascinated by fabrics, which he collected on his many travels, their patterns, colours and designs influenced his work.
I'm looking forward to visiting the Matisse Museum again on holiday soon, this will give me the opportunity to inspire me further in my work.
The Museum is situated in a beautiful villa surrounded by an olive grove, it contains not only his art works but his many collections of furnishings and fabrics.
Bye for now

Michala

 

Drawing

Drawing is as important to me as my stitching, I know I'm trying to capture not only what I see but more importantly what I actually feel.

My themes, colours and mark making have to be in a harmony with me , using my thoughts, moods and feelings, which of course differ daily.
Working on your art work everyday, it will become apparent how our very nature embodies our creative decisions.

Thank You

Thank you to everyone who popped into see me at Warwickshire Open Studios, I really enjoyed meeting so many interesting people and having the opportunity to talk about threads!
I'm still busy stitching my large landscape, I keep lifting it off the machine, spreading it out on the floor and standing on a chair to look down at it.
The work also consists of many small hand stitches, these seed stitches grouped together, forming patterns, run rhythmically through the piece.
This new work, hopefully, will be included in a touring exhibition of Sea's Of Grass and when I get more details I will be sure to share them here!

You will find a couple of pages about me and my work in the August issue of Sewing World Magazine!
Have a good week.

Michala x

Warwickshire Open Studios

Hi,

I have been busy at Warwickshire Open Studios the last few days where I am exhibiting prints, paintings, textiles, cards and tree brooches.
 If your near Kenilworth and you want to visit different artists work, come tomorrow as it's the last day of the event.
You will see me stitching my large landscape which I started last year, this piece is for The Herbert Art Gallery.
I'm hoping to finish soon, well maybe in another months time!

Blustery Day

Blustery Day, a photo by kayla coo on Flickr.

Expressive Threads

Hi,

I thought you may like to know that I will be running a two day workshop at a beautiful art gallery in Warwickshire called Compton Verney.
The workshop entitled "Expressive Threads" is over two days, Saturday the 17th of November and 24th of November 2012.
The gallery which is in a Georgian house is set in the most beautiful grounds designed by Capability Brown.
We will make sketches of the grounds and take inspiration from the artworks which you will then use to create your own textile landscape.
You can find out more about my workshop and booking details on the Compton Verney website here.
The courses and workshop tickets include collections, grounds and exhibition admission.
My workshop co insides with a very exciting tapestry exhibition Tapestry: Weaving the century at Dovecot Studios 1912-2012.
You will be able to see work by artist's such as Paul Gauguin, David Hockney,Elizabeth Blackadder, Sir Peter Blake, Edward Wadsworth, Cecil Beaton and Graham Sutherland to name a few.
There are over 60 tapestries and rugs on loan from major museums and private collections in America and Britain.
The exhibition will also have an interactive element:the Stratford upon Avon Guild of Weavers Spinners and Dyers will be setting up a studio within the exhibition space, demonstrating weaving techniques as well as running hands-on workshops for visitors.
This is the most exciting exhibition for anyone interested in both art and textiles.

It's going to be a few hectic weeks a head as I'm helping set up a school art exhibition and also I will be taking part In Warwickshire Open Studios for the first time.
My event is opening on the Wednesday 11th of July until the Sunday 15th of July at the Media Gallery Kenilworth with Sarah Hill of Gecko photograpy who will be displaying fine art prints.
I will be demonstrating my stitching and will have print, cards and textile works for sale, refreshments too!
It would be lovely if you could pop in and visit.
There are lots of other artists In Kenilworth who will also be displaying work so there is plenty to see.
You will find out more about my event here.

June Landscapes

Stitching Summer

My Sketch Book

Under The Trees

Oak Tree

I can't believe we are in June already, Summer, or at least it felt like that last week, I have some photo's to prove that we had the most idyllic weather.
Early June is one of my favourite times of year, everything feels so fresh and new.
The heavy rain we had in April brought us an abundance of growth, wild flowers and new green shoots.
Its difficult to imagine that I spent a day sketching outside, amongst the long grass, now that we have grey skies and the return of heavy rain, in time for the Jubilee bank holiday!
With the rain it's easier to return inside to my threads and continue with my stitching, trying to capture the memory of a warm Summer morning.