Yesterday, I skipped a few hours of work, left Milly at home, and indulged in the Quilt exhibition at the V&A.
I have always found quilting intriguing - the pattern and the intricacy of the craft. I've been meaning to start my own project for a while (I have delicious Liberty print jelly rolls waiting to be made) and needed inspiration....that's my excuse anyway.
The exhibition was busy, and one couldn't really enjoy it whilst being elbowed out of the way by women desperate for a peak at very small information cards by each quilt. The shop, however was a joy. A couple of purchases later and we were off to see the new ceramics wing. And, after my fourth book purchase on how to, it's time to get quilting.
Of all the wonderful quilts on display, my favourite was itself unfinished. A very detailed quilt, tacking still in place, this way you could really see, know and understand the very makeup up of the quilt and it's structure.
Or perhaps it simply reminded me of my own many unfinished projects...
Well, it's been awhile...again. I find that with most of my time devoted to my baby, I just lack anything interesting to write about. My days are filled with changing nappies, going for walks and Rhyme Time...not a great substance for my Roost Living blog
This mum thing, although it has it's own rewards, don't get me wrong, can be a little monotonous. So, not meaning to bore you, here is a photo of my daughter, Milly May, now 7 months...
I had 2 New Years resolutions; to be more creative and to be more organised. So far I've failed on both accounts. But I'm going to try harder. My new mantra - must be more organised, must be more organised...
Roost Living designers are all so wonderfully passionate about their craft. It has been such a joy getting to know them.Being the nosey creature that I am, I love to delve in and really understand the inspiration behind their creations as well as getting to know a little about their day to day lives.
This week I spoke to ceramicist Fliff about her craft, her passions and how she started out.
When and why did you decide to be an artist?
I always enjoyed Art at school and my mother is a painter so it has been in my life one way or another as a way of living and being rather than a formalised decision.I did decide i suppose to try and make a living from ceramics after my first child was born 17 years ago.
What are you main creative influences?
I am inspired by textiles, found objects, cranes, towers, old cutlery. keys, anything tall and spindly, detail in the buildings of London, 17th century art......
What aspect of your work gives you the most pleasure?
I love the moment when I discover something completely new that excites me - a shape, a design, in the process of making something else. An unexpected moment usually born out of a mistake that may lead to a whole collection.
What is your workspace/studio like?
My studio is at home in a small room at the back of the house with plenty of light, a lock on the door and a CD player!
What is your greatest triumph so far?
I think that every time a piece comes out of the kiln and is close to my intention then that is a triumph. I have also completed some private commissions of which I am proud.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on new ideas for the end of this year and an installation based on my findings along the river Thames and Memory.
When you first started out, what was the best advice you received?
Don’t make work to please the tastes of others or follow to a current trend. Stay true to your own ideas.
What advice do you have for other artists/designers starting out?
As above! And try not to spend too much before you've sold anything!
How do you achieve a work/life balance?
By being well organised and willing to compromise.
What are you other passions?
My family, family history, old photos, archaeology, craft, vintage fabric, cushions, cycling, singing ,crisps
My dear old school friend Sara has just started a Etsy shop called Ladycraft selling her wonderfully original handcrafted pieces. While I've always been interested in interiors, Sara's love is fashion, and it shows - she's the best dressed friend I have!
She's based in Melbourne, Australia and you can visit her at Abbotsford Skirt & Shirt market held 3rd Sunday of the month where she sells her lovely wears under the banner of Saffron.
So I am currently 6 months pregnant and facing the dilemma of decorating the nursery without knowing the baby's sex...
I've been struggling to find a lovely rocking chair, and frankly the traditional nursing chairs are just too awful. I couldn't entertain the idea of buying one for a second!
However, Nicola Wilkes from Wales at Home made a fabulous suggestion - an Eames Rocker. So I found one on ebay for £100 - problem solved. Perfect!
During my travels around New Zealand in January, the most spectacular light kept popping up in bars and restaurants all around the country. I vaguely tried to find it on return to the UK but have only just discovered the designer.
It has been a while since I have written on my blog, I note the date of my last entry, 28 October 2008.
Three days later I had one of those phone calls you dread, my mother called to say my father had been taken to hospital, was now on life support and was only expected to live a few hours more.
Living on the opposite side of the world to your family has its draw backs. The journey wasn't going to be fast - at least a day and a half. I jumped on the first flight I could back to Brisbane, Australia but unfortunately I was too late. My father had passed away.
My father was quite a remarkable man and his passing has left a huge gap in my life. He was my inspiration, my comfort and my friend and he leaves me with an emptiness in my soul that I couldn't have imagined.
He will, however, live on through his artworks that are dotted around the world. Here are a few examples for you to see. It is only now, several months later that I can even begin to imagine concentrating on my work and continuing with the challenge of developing my beloved business. For, in the shadow of losing someone so special, it simply faded into insignificance.
But I'm now back in spirit as well as body, and I'm looking forward to the coming year where I will find many more wonderful products to share with you all.
