Enjoy the holidays - take a break from your work and put your feet up! Thank you all for your support of Artists in Business - more arts business posts, articles and features to come in 2010!
Wednesday, 23 December 2009
Wishing All Our Followers....
Enjoy the holidays - take a break from your work and put your feet up! Thank you all for your support of Artists in Business - more arts business posts, articles and features to come in 2010!
Sunday, 20 December 2009
In the Studio (Part 6)
Any space can become studio - all you need is some time, energy and a little imagination. Each month we feature Artist's Studios to inspire and encourage your creativity. If you would like your special space be featured in Artists in Business please contact us using the Kontactr Box at the bottom of the blog.
The Dots and Spots Studio
Dubbed the igloo in winter and the sauna in summer, a conservatory attached to the side of the family home serves as the studio for Becky, the artist behind dots and spots. “Having my own space to work is really important to me” she says “but as my range has grown, I could now do with it being twice the size!” Being glass, the space is infused with light, giving an airy feel that belies its size and Becky’s organised nature means that every nook and cranny sports a unique storage solution for the paper, ribbon, buttons and other bits and bobs that she uses to build up her vibrant – and spotty! – pieces of collage art.
The studio looks out onto the back garden and then, across a cycle path, to the trees of a local park. “It was whilst staring idly out of my studio onto the washing blowing in the breeze that I got the inspiration for my ‘Washing Line of Love’ range that is proving to be particularly popular.” Becky has recently given up her teaching career to concentrate full time on her business designing and producing cards, prints and art in her own unique style: “I’m so glad I’ve taken the plunge and am finally pursuing a life-long dream to work as an independent artist. The only thing I miss is the camaraderie of the staff-room. Sometimes working all day in your studio can be a little lonely, but now I’ve discovered Twitter I’m able to have a natter with fellow artists and crafters around the country, all from the comfort of my very own studio!”
Dots and Spots Shop
Dots and Spots Blog
Textile Artist Deborah Good
"I've worked from home making bespoke soft furnishings, home accessories and gifts for about 10 years now. I started in the dining room and, when I needed more space, progressed to the conservatory. Three years ago, when we could no longer find a path through all my materials to the door, we decided it really was time to build in the garden!
"The fantastic workshop is 10 metres long and 3 wide - I have two thirds of it, my husband has the rest. My part is self contained, cosy and insulated. (I covet my husband's bit too - would love to knock through and use it to store my fabrics tidily!)
I have a huge fabric stash on shelves (now sagging quite badly under the weight) along the back wall, an 8 x 4 foot table with rolls of fabric underneath and ample storage. All my craft fair/Folksy stock is stored on shelves and in baskets; there's a bookshelf full of crafting, sewing and interior books, patterns and cuttings; a rescued war time Utility cupboard hoards my threads, tools and other equipment and my daughter's empty and redundant doll's house is useful for stashing away paperwork. I use a 15 year old Pfaff machine and a slightly older overlocker, but also have an ancient Pfaff on an industrial bed, which is useful but very temperamental!
I'm working in my workshop most days, either on a soft furnishing commission, a re-upholstery project or my stock for Folksy.
I'm one lucky lady - I love my sanctuary!
Pretty Goods on Folksy
Ceramic Artist Charlotte Hupfield
"My passion for ceramics started from an early age, and it was at university where my skills, techniques, understanding and creativity developed. After graduating in 2008 I have continued to develop my ceramics over the past 18 months. I began by working from home which wasn't ideal as it got rather messy and storage space was limited. When everything took off 6 months ago I decided it was time to have my own creative space to produce work.
My workshop in the garden has been a life-saver and I don't know what I would do without it now. It's nice to sit out there at my leisure with a cup of tea. It's also great to have so much natural light coming in through the windows. I have the occasional friends that sometimes come to say hello, such as the robin who watches me through the window, and the squirrel who jumps about on the roof! There is a big Christmas tree right outside the window, so I'm looking forward to the sight of it decorated nearer to Christmas.
I enjoy cleaning, tidying and organising my workshop every now and then but it soon gets untidy again! I made my own ceramic plaque which hangs on the outside next to the door. My plaques have been quite popular this year and I've made several for other peoples' craft cabins and studios.
It gets a bit stuffy in the summer but it's nice to have the door open with fresh air coming in. On the other hand, I'm just starting to experience the winter weather! I'm lucky to have a hallogen heater which heats up the small space and soon makes it feel warm and cosy.
My current work ranges from handmade items inspired by the natural world such as vases, bowls, sculptural vessels, coasters, plaques, clocks, letter racks, candle shaders, as well as smaller items including magnets, keyrings and brooches. I'm looking forward to lots of future design and creativity in my workshop."
http://www.charlottehupfieldceramics.com/
http://www.charlottehupfieldceramics.blogspot.com/
www.folksy.com/shops/charlottehupfieldceramics
The Dots and Spots Studio
Dubbed the igloo in winter and the sauna in summer, a conservatory attached to the side of the family home serves as the studio for Becky, the artist behind dots and spots. “Having my own space to work is really important to me” she says “but as my range has grown, I could now do with it being twice the size!” Being glass, the space is infused with light, giving an airy feel that belies its size and Becky’s organised nature means that every nook and cranny sports a unique storage solution for the paper, ribbon, buttons and other bits and bobs that she uses to build up her vibrant – and spotty! – pieces of collage art.
The studio looks out onto the back garden and then, across a cycle path, to the trees of a local park. “It was whilst staring idly out of my studio onto the washing blowing in the breeze that I got the inspiration for my ‘Washing Line of Love’ range that is proving to be particularly popular.” Becky has recently given up her teaching career to concentrate full time on her business designing and producing cards, prints and art in her own unique style: “I’m so glad I’ve taken the plunge and am finally pursuing a life-long dream to work as an independent artist. The only thing I miss is the camaraderie of the staff-room. Sometimes working all day in your studio can be a little lonely, but now I’ve discovered Twitter I’m able to have a natter with fellow artists and crafters around the country, all from the comfort of my very own studio!”
Dots and Spots Shop
Dots and Spots Blog
Textile Artist Deborah Good
"I've worked from home making bespoke soft furnishings, home accessories and gifts for about 10 years now. I started in the dining room and, when I needed more space, progressed to the conservatory. Three years ago, when we could no longer find a path through all my materials to the door, we decided it really was time to build in the garden!
"The fantastic workshop is 10 metres long and 3 wide - I have two thirds of it, my husband has the rest. My part is self contained, cosy and insulated. (I covet my husband's bit too - would love to knock through and use it to store my fabrics tidily!)
I have a huge fabric stash on shelves (now sagging quite badly under the weight) along the back wall, an 8 x 4 foot table with rolls of fabric underneath and ample storage. All my craft fair/Folksy stock is stored on shelves and in baskets; there's a bookshelf full of crafting, sewing and interior books, patterns and cuttings; a rescued war time Utility cupboard hoards my threads, tools and other equipment and my daughter's empty and redundant doll's house is useful for stashing away paperwork. I use a 15 year old Pfaff machine and a slightly older overlocker, but also have an ancient Pfaff on an industrial bed, which is useful but very temperamental!
I'm working in my workshop most days, either on a soft furnishing commission, a re-upholstery project or my stock for Folksy.
I'm one lucky lady - I love my sanctuary!
Pretty Goods on Folksy
Ceramic Artist Charlotte Hupfield
"My passion for ceramics started from an early age, and it was at university where my skills, techniques, understanding and creativity developed. After graduating in 2008 I have continued to develop my ceramics over the past 18 months. I began by working from home which wasn't ideal as it got rather messy and storage space was limited. When everything took off 6 months ago I decided it was time to have my own creative space to produce work.
My workshop in the garden has been a life-saver and I don't know what I would do without it now. It's nice to sit out there at my leisure with a cup of tea. It's also great to have so much natural light coming in through the windows. I have the occasional friends that sometimes come to say hello, such as the robin who watches me through the window, and the squirrel who jumps about on the roof! There is a big Christmas tree right outside the window, so I'm looking forward to the sight of it decorated nearer to Christmas.
I enjoy cleaning, tidying and organising my workshop every now and then but it soon gets untidy again! I made my own ceramic plaque which hangs on the outside next to the door. My plaques have been quite popular this year and I've made several for other peoples' craft cabins and studios.
It gets a bit stuffy in the summer but it's nice to have the door open with fresh air coming in. On the other hand, I'm just starting to experience the winter weather! I'm lucky to have a hallogen heater which heats up the small space and soon makes it feel warm and cosy.
My current work ranges from handmade items inspired by the natural world such as vases, bowls, sculptural vessels, coasters, plaques, clocks, letter racks, candle shaders, as well as smaller items including magnets, keyrings and brooches. I'm looking forward to lots of future design and creativity in my workshop."
http://www.charlottehupfieldceramics.com/
http://www.charlottehupfieldceramics.blogspot.com/
www.folksy.com/shops/charlottehupfieldceramics
Sunday, 13 December 2009
Liberty Best of British
Our sponsors, Liberty of London, are seeking applications from British Designers who would like to see their designs and ideas realised as products in the Liberty Store.
Liberty has a history of recognising and supporting new and emerging British design talent and designers are welcome to apply to pitch their ideas to a panel of experts. The best design ideas will have chance to showcase their products in the store. To register visit the Liberty website and find out more.
If you have never visited Liberty of London - get there soon! This beautiful timbered building on Regent Street, London is packed with lovely treasures including silk scarves, printed fabric, the most wonderful smelling toiletries and many more delights. (I used to dodge school just to visit). Look out for William Morris printed textiles and the famous Liberty peacock print.
Liberty has a history of recognising and supporting new and emerging British design talent and designers are welcome to apply to pitch their ideas to a panel of experts. The best design ideas will have chance to showcase their products in the store. To register visit the Liberty website and find out more.
If you have never visited Liberty of London - get there soon! This beautiful timbered building on Regent Street, London is packed with lovely treasures including silk scarves, printed fabric, the most wonderful smelling toiletries and many more delights. (I used to dodge school just to visit). Look out for William Morris printed textiles and the famous Liberty peacock print.
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
Your Chance to Win...
Sign up to our January Newsletter before 5 January 2010 and you will be entered into a free draw to win this beautiful blue bubble dish from Glassprimitif.
About our newsletter: there are articles about arts business, features on different artists, updates and useful links too.
The next newsletter will be "SHOWCASE" the gallery edition with information for artists wanting to exhibit in a bricks and mortar gallery.
About our newsletter: there are articles about arts business, features on different artists, updates and useful links too.
The next newsletter will be "SHOWCASE" the gallery edition with information for artists wanting to exhibit in a bricks and mortar gallery.
And the winner is.....
Glitterysah has won the selection of glass christmas decorations. Congratulations, Sarah.
Sunday, 6 December 2009
Mini Masterpieces
These days it’s something of a cliché to look at a piece of contemporary art and think that it’s no better than the work of your 3 year old, but what do you do with the latest masterpiece that said 3 year old has just produced? Stick it on the fridge door, file it away for posterity, or even put it in the bin after a decent interval? Artful Kids is a newly established business which seeks to present a child’s artwork at its very best, so that it can take pride of place on a living-room wall, or make a lasting, personal and unusual gift.
The person behind it all is Jude Drever, who was originally trained as an artist, but spent many years working in museums and galleries before having a family and being inspired by the artwork of her small children to try and liberate kids drawing and painting from the fridge door or kitchen drawer.
A range of different styles are available, but one of the most popular so far, has proved to be the Gallery Style Posters shown here, where a child’s artwork is presented as a poster advertising an artist’s exhibition. Professionally framed, and available in a range of sizes, this displays a child’s name prominently, and yet does not look out of place on the wall of a smart interior. A careful editing process takes place to ensure that the original artwork is presented at its best.
To find out more, or see some of the other styles offered, visit the Artful Kids website Or visit the company blog, Artful Adventures for a range of features dedicated to children’s art, including tutorials, featured artists, news and longer articles.
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