cas holmes

This is the time of year when coming home to a warm house and comfort is welcome after a walk or cycle in the cold. For many today, this is also a time when the hard weather bites deeper and harder when they have no home or for whom home feels far away. Maidstone Museum in their exhibition Coming Home, Conflict and Care reflects the First World War with an array of items, sounds and imagesbased on two paintings in the museum’s collections by the artist Frank Hyde.

The ‘Arrival of a Convoy of Wounded Soldiers at Maidstone East’ (above) tells the story of the home front. Images and objects such as prosthetic limbs, medical uniforms and equipment, and even a wedding dress reveal the lives of the injured returning home and of the people who remained at home. I am delighted to have 'Rouge Remembrance' included in this exhibition.

As we mark the last month of the Battle of the Somme, standing Sentinal, this piece marks the friendship hard won between European Nations and our nearest neighbour France. People re-tell their own stories in small cards clipped above a hospital bed.

Nurses uniforms and embroidered handkerchiefs reminds us of the individual and personal cost of conflict and no less so today when millions are still seeking to cross borders to escape than it was 100 years ago. Will we ever learn?

I promised this would not be a 'preachy' blog. I know only to well I can 'bang-on' about the things I care about. I leave that to a soldier serving on the front line whose words have startling resonance today.

The second painting by Frank Hyde, ‘Trones Wood’ is accompanied by an array of items, sounds and images from the conflict. Uniform and military equipment used by the soldiers are shown, including a Lewis gun (which enabled the 7th Queen’s Own to hold Trones Wood).The exhibition continues until 7th January 2017 and is well worth a visit.

Thankyou to all the visitors who came to see my exhibition at Tyland Barn and who contributed to Tea Flora Tales. Delighted that several small pieces sold including Canterbury Bells featured above.

I am planning projects, workshops and events well into 2018 and will update as they progress. (please note, my course in December at West Dean is full. Another is scheduled for February.)
Meanwhile you can see further information on the exhibitions and workshops section of this blog including a return to Norfolk, Wales and the Netherlands, as well as workshops in France and Switzerland in late summer.

As we reflect on 2016 we can truly say, for most, it has not been 'a Walk in the Park'. A year of extremes to say the least. It has been a fulfilling year full of friendship which has countered some difficult things on both a personal and global level. So let me begin by wishing you all the best for 2017 for all..we could do with it.

I ended the year, as I started with drawing which has continued to be a focus this year. Thankyou to Helen Frost for supplying this lovely image of my hands hard at work at West Dean College. where I was teaching earlier this month.
I heavy cold meant hearth and home over the Christmas season. By boxing day I was itching to get out and well wrapped up went for a walk in my local park.

I was thrilled to start the year as the cover girl for Cloth Paper Scissors before my guest exhibition at Visions Art Museum in San Diego.

This was followed by exhibitions with Art Textiles Made in Britain at the Festival of Quilts and a project Stuff For Thought a shared project of textile artist Heidi Drahota and the Human Rights Office of the City of Nuremberg.

As the Autumn turned to winter I exhibited locally in Kent and London. While exhibiting with Books Pavilion I was informed that all of my publications were going into reprint again at the same time. Loved the installation of Tea Flora Tales from 'In the Pilgrim's Footsteps 'exhibition (seen here with my Red Trees) at St Mary's Church Burham, organised by textile artist Rosie James

Detail of Tea Flora Tales. Thankyou to the individuals, groups and Embroiderer's Guild members who have continued to create pieces to support this project.

I gave short courses from as far afield as San Diego, France and Ireland as well as locally and nationally, including conservation linked projects with the Kent Wildlife Trust. As we move into 2017 workshops and exhibitions remain the core of my work.
I continue to enjoy the challenges these set for me and the opportunity to meet with new ideas, people and makers as well as re-affirm existing professional friendships. Thankyou to all who continue to support my work and bless you all with as many new and exciting projects you wish for and the health of your family and friends.
Time for a cuppa.

I had a rare day out last week in London with an old friend. It started as a trip to the Victoria and Albert Museum to see the wonderful Opus Anglicanum exhibition (finishes on the 5 February) and on a whim and ended up in the London Docklands as the sun was going down.

Detail of the Butler-Bowden Cope

It was a bright, cold day and I remembered an old friend of mine (from Community Arts days in the Medway) had a show in the Docklands at Trinity Buoy Wharf 'Everything Comes from The Egg'. The 'Exbury Egg' Turner has lived on for over a year has been brought indoors in order to exhibit many of the pieces that it helped to create as part of his understanding of the environment and the river it is named after, the River Exbury in Hampshire

Above are pictures of the exhibition, the artist's working and living space inside the egg and collected plant materials in jars.‘I call them all ghosts because it’s a way of remembering what was there,’ he says. ‘But it’s not perfect – like memories, they carry on changing.’Sharing things related to water I have been invited to take part in New Quilting and exhibition of work by international and Cumbrian makers which have been selected for the Arts Council England supported exhibition, New Quilting at Rheged Arts Centre from Friday 3 March to Sunday 23 April. LV21 shown on board the lightship of the same name, is one of three pieces I will be exhibiting in the show.

It has been a cold start to the year. I visited family in Norfolk and used the opportunity to make some sketches and photos of the bleak landscape. I have also had my head down to plan for workshops and exhibitions coming up returning to Norfolk in early February a couple of workshops at Eaubrink studios and I have just booked my ticket for the French Alps with the Alpine Experience in August. All other workshops including a return to summer school at West Dean are detailed on this blog. Have a good 2017.

I am delighted to be exhibiting Common Land, Common Spaces at theFarnham Potterywith a new installation ‘Trees’ and pieces from 40 yards, an ongoing modular work. The term 'Common' in English means to 'belong equally to' or 'shared equally and is also used to denote areas of land used by all, historically for grazing, catching wild game and gathering plants

Trees installation and link to video here.

The pottery is a beautifully restored building and an inspirational place to visit with a fabulous tea-room. The exhibition is the first in a series 'Powered by Touch' with a focus on the intimacy of the hand-made. Exhibitors included Richard Box,Christine Green and the next is basketmaker and willow worker Dominic Parrette. The venue is also the host of intimate performances, the next being 'Dr. Jeckyll and Mr...'by the talented David Keller.

I just loved the little details of the pottery which is worth a visit by itself.

The exhibition is open Tues – Sat 10am - 4pm with free entry. The show closes on 8 April when I will also be running a second workshop following demand on the opening weekend and we will use the pottery as stimulus and starting point for a folding bookform or modular piece.

Here are some images from my one day workshop 'Small Objects of Desire' held at the beginning of the exhibition.

New Quilting at Rheged Arts Centre continues until to Sunday 23 April and Stuff for Thoughta shared project of textile artist Heidi Drahota and the Human Rights Office of the City of Nuremberg is touring to the Prague Patchwork Meeting from 31st March to the 2nd April. You can read about the project on my blog post back in July 2016. Amazed to find I am a Kent Creative Awards finalist.

Finally, but not least. I am delighted to be a feature artist with in Somerset Studio magazine. An interview by the talented Rice Freeman-Zachery.Sneak peak below of some of the pages from an eight page spread

I am delighted that 'Common Lands, Common Spaces' first shown at the Farnham Pottery moves to the Oxmarket Centre, for the Arts, Chichester from 25-30 April, in support of the charity, Canine Partners. which trains dogs to help in the lives of others. Below is one of my favourite 'weeds' the humble Dandelion

The pottery were fabulous hosts and we ended the last day with a workshop exploring the locality and did not even stop entirely for a lovely outdoor lunch in the April sunshine surrounded by the wonderful brick of this old building. Explorations of nature of our landscape has become of great interest and will be a focus in my next book for Batsford.

It is hard to believe the year is moving on so quickly. Art Textiles Made in Britain open their exhibition Concealed at the Minerva Gallery on 6 May with many of our group members including myself running workshops.

Textileartist has been doing an thoughtful series of articles on textile practice recently. I am delighted to be included in the article 'Creating Texture and Pattern in Stitch' The piece featured is currently touring as part of Stuff for Thought

It has been a busy month for workshops starting off with a weekend retreat in Folkestone with the Maidstone region Embroiderer's Guild. They meet every 2nd Saturday at the King's Studio, Aylesford Village Hall near Maidstone at 11am if you want to pop in and visit.

I went back to the studio Zijdelings in the Netherlands for the 5th time last week. Karina is a great host and we got to grips with the neighbourhood in a one day workshop followed by a two day class. It is worth checking out their courses. I am already planning a return.Thankyou to the students who kindly agreed to allow me to share images of work in progress

More contributions were also made for the project Tea Flora Tales. I am building a nice European element to the project.

Spring finally feels as though it has arrived and wildflowers are shooting up everywhere. Nothing quite says Spring in England than native bluebells in a shadowed wood.

I am delighted that one of my Laceweeds and a couple of other pieces sold and helped to raise funds for Canine Partners at the Oxmarket last month.

Art Textiles Made in Britain opened Concealed at the Minerva Gallery, Llanidloes, Wales
the exhibition continues until June 3 I am also taking part in the National Open Textile Exhibition, Funky Aardvark, Chester.(Rosie James from ATMIB is also exhibiting.)

A wide view pic of the exhibition feature below.

I have been able to get out and about more recently. The Wisteria in the garden has been glorious.

Even so, nothing speaks of Spring more in England the native Bluebells and a light reflecting pond seen at the Surrey Wildlife Trust Centre where I held a short workshop on Saturday.

You can see some more images and examples of work in progress by the participants on the course on this link on Youtube

My Summer School at West Dean College is full as are many of my other summer courses. You can see all my forthcoming courses on this link including a workshop in the French Alps with Alpine Experience in August and at Logie Steading in September with Diva Design Studios.

I can also announce I am back to Australia March-April 2018 with Fibre Arts Australia. Amazingly my course at Ballarat sold out overnight so more are being offered. Check the site FAA for further information. I will update with details of other venues in Queensland and New South Wales as they are confirmed.

Time for a cuppa I think and dwell on a poem by Anne Bronte about the glory of the glimpses of bluebells:

A fine and subtle spirit dwells
In every little flower,
Each one its own sweet feeling breathes
With more or less of power.
There is a silent eloquence
In every wild bluebell
That fills my softened heart with bliss
That words could never tell.

Yet I recall not long ago
A bright and sunny day,
'Twas when I led a toilsome life
So many leagues away;

That day along a sunny road
All carelessly I strayed,
Between two banks where smiling flowers
Their varied hues displayed.

Before me rose a lofty hill,
Behind me lay the sea,
My heart was not so heavy then
As it was wont to be.

Less harassed than at other times
I saw the scene was fair,
And spoke and laughed to those around,
As if I knew no care.

But when I looked upon the bank
My wandering glances fell
Upon a little trembling flower,
A single sweet bluebell.

Whence came that rising in my throat,
That dimness in my eye?
Why did those burning drops distil --
Those bitter feelings rise?

O, that lone flower recalled to me
My happy childhood's hours
When bluebells seemed like fairy gifts
A prize among the flowers,

Those sunny days of merriment
When heart and soul were free,
And when I dwelt with kindred hearts
That loved and cared for me.

I had not then mid heartless crowds
To spend a thankless life
In seeking after others' weal
With anxious toil and strife.

'Sad wanderer, weep those blissful times
That never may return!'
The lovely floweret seemed to say,
And thus it made me mourn.

The weather has been hotting up with some terrific thunderstorms. I have been out in the 'Wilds' of Wales and Devon since my last blog. Concealed with Art Textiles Made in Britain finished last week. This brief video introduces some of the work at the splendid Minerva Gallery.The last venue will be Maidstone Museum at the end of the year and will post an update nearer the timed. Just loved this bank of bluebells near Llanidloes where the gallery is situated.

I am delighted to be back with Quiltstar Gallery (and shop) in a group show 'Inspiration: Natur' with works also by Monica Schiwy, Isabelle Wiessler, Sophie Maechler which opens event on 7th July 7.30pm. The exhibition continues until 29 September

Earlier in June I was in Honiton in Devon with Thimblestitch. I was able to visit the little lace museum. Loved the lace on Wallis Simpson's red dress.

A lacemaker charging £7 an hour would need to charge £16,000 for this veil.

In a one day introduction to sketchbooks workshop we sat out in the wilds of an industrial estate to find things to draw and inspire the resulting work.

I have been working on new ideas for developing some 'Wild' work as well as finding time to watch the daisies grow. Enjoying looking at landscape themes as I work on my writing for the next book. I fear it is the calm before the storm. I am over to Jersey at the end of the month with the Harbour Gallery. The workshop filled quickly however you can check courses where I have an odd space free here.

Reclaimed Landscape studies above

Daisy, Daisy....Have a lovely summer

I havebeen on my travels again and it seems as if I have been moving between the Saints and the Devil. I was back in Freiburg with Quiltstar where I am currently exhibiting in an exhibition 'Inspiration Natur' until 29 September with Monika Schiwy,Isabelle Wiessler, Sophie Maechler (of Quiltstar) sneak peak:

Isabelle, Monika, Cas

Sophie

Daisy, Daisy and been transplanted to a new home.

A review in Textile Art Berlin Magazine here

Not that there is anything devilish about my time there except for the weather which was Faustian in both heat and the resulting thunderstorm. It is claimed that the castle overlooking Staufen (and the workspace) was destroyed has a result of Faust conducting alchemical experiments involving explosives? Faust (c1480 - 1539), an actual historical figures sparked legends in his own day, In Goethe's version one of the chief devils, Mephistopheles, whom Faust had called his brother-in-law, broke Faust's neck and committed his soul to eternal damnation.

As always though, my German hosts and friends created a wonderful atmosphere and equally adventurous work.I was somewhat pleased to end my stay back with the Saints in St Ulrich and alongside my friend Monika added images to the marks on the wall in the messy studio

I finished my time with a peaceful walk in the local allotments in Freiburg close to Hexental (the Valley of the Witches) and walking around the neighbourhood.

(In June, I was happy to back to he lovely little island of Jersey under the invitation of the Harbour Gallery where I ran workshops in St Aubins to a two day workshop as part of Contextual Art studies timed exam in Hautlieu school The resulting work was simply stunning and hung at St Saviour's Church..(see more on this video link) Keep on eye out for some great tutors and projects coming up

On another note, I am pleased to have work in an exhibition 'All That Remains', artists reflecting themes in their work in relation to the Titanic story. The work is a a private house near Chichester until 5 November. For further details or to book an appointment to see the exhibition please email Dr Sharon-Michi Kusunoki.

All That Remains Cas Holmes

Finally, I was pleased to be a Finalist for the Kent Creative Awards this year and a series of interviews is scheduled for Kent Creative Show on Channel Radio Mine comes up on Tuesday 1st August at 4.00pm

The temperature is a little cooler and I am reminded that Autumn is fast approaching. I preparing for my next courses in the UK which include a two day and one day workshop with Diva Design Studio, Logie Steading near Inverness on the 23-25 September and Shadowlands at High Wycombe with Anglia Leisure Learning on the 6-8 October.

I have lived in and out of a suitcase over the Summer and have just returned from two weeks of workshops with the Alpine Experience where we basked in summer sunshine and showered in the odd storm, and also at West Dean Summer School (I will be running courses with both venues over the next year). I am also preparing for my last overseas course with Crafty Retreats next month. (I am back with them next July).

I am scheduling my time two to three years ahead now which is scary and I am determined to slow down a bit if I can....we shall see. My father called me 'mile a minute' and my Romany blood keeps me moving. This is no good if I cannot sit and see the flowers grow and watch the wonderful landscape around me changing. Such as the rainbow and purple larkspur? over the mountains at Les Carroz

A student finding the time to sketch

and the amazing colours in Annecy not dimmed by the dismal weather.

Below are a few images of the work in progress (some by compliments of the Alpine Experience)

A quick turnaround found me at West Dean for the summer school which started alongside the Chilli Festival. I do not think I have ever seen the grand old building in this light before and the grounds were at their best for the Unfolding Landscapes course.

A full class explored, discovered and became alchemists with media and materials as we used the stunning backdrop of West Dean Gardens as our stimulus.

Christine Lemon

Deborah Richards

Jacquie Nunn

Jane Adams

Mary Klaber

Philippa Clarke

Sabine De Preese

We also took in two local exhibitions, The Land at Candida Stevens Gallery in Chichester which features the work West Dean tutor Kate Boucher (who is also Artist in Residence)

and 'All That Remains', with works by artists responding to the Titanic This is open by invitation only (further details on exhibitions link)

Maureen Brigden

All That Remains Cas Holmes

Kate Boucher

Hop-Kins Cas Holmes

I was delighted to support Through Our Hands at the Festival of Quilts in the Portrait Shuffle. They raised over £2000 for Save The Children. I am looking forward to receiving my swap soon. Enjoy the rest of your summer...I have some book editing to do now.

For details of other workshops and exhibitions please see relevant sections on this blog.

Finally I can put my suitcase in store for a while. It seems appropriate on International Podcast Day (30 September) that I announce my live podcast on Stitchery Stories interviewed by the wonderful Susan Weeks. Want to know how Star Trek links to landscape and creativity have a listen and also hear other amazing tales of stitch on this weekly Podcast series.

September started in a very wet France with Crafty Retreats. The workshop was wonderfully hosted and participants worked hard and produced fabulous works but at times, with the weather, you could have really 'Beamed me up Scotty'. There is only one place left on my course next year but with so many good artists courses on offer it is well worth checking out.

Unfolding Landscapes Course at Crafty Retreats, Participants work in progress
During one afternoon when the sun shined we went to Oradour-sur-Glane, A village in France where the ghosts of the past live on in the shattered ruins which stand monument to the crimes which happen during war. I was hesitant to share this in my blog however the specific poignancy of seeing the rusting sewing machines which had made clothes for family and loved ones serve as sentinels to the lives that were lost. I have friends from all over Europe so understand for a number of reasons this is a sensitive area for discussion yet I have equally grown in admiration for those friends of all nationalities who have continued to seek to heal the rifts and build on our 'humanity' (rather than the opposite.)'The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing' Edmund Burke.

We also went to the historic papermaking and print museum Moulin Du Got where I could not only indulge in my love for paper but also see a fascinating exhibition of costumes made entirely out of paper in Le Papier a du Style

September ended with a wonderful trip to the Wester Ross in Scotland with friends after three days of workshops with Diva Design Studio

Loch Maree from Gleny Docherty

A few images of student work in progress on the course

I am looking forward to a the Knitting and Stitching Show and although working will find the time for a brief visit. I am delighted to be taking part in the Embroiderers' Guild Show Page 17– a specially created exhibition of textile artistry where each piece takes a book as its inspiration. Using colour and form, design and texture, members have created works which span the contemporary, the literal and the symbolic. Your imagination will be intrigued as it follows the thread across the surface, and marvels at how the combination of cloth and thread is both a medium and metaphor, bringing to life images hidden amongst words. Delighted to have my piece 'The Edges of Australia' included. Come and see the exhibit at stand TG18

Knit & Stitch Alexandra Palace, London 11-15 October 2017

Knit & Stitch Harrogate 23-26 November 2017

Finally, and not least, I am delighted to review Interpreting Themes in Textile Art, the new book by Cherilyn Martin and Els Van Baarle by Batsford which explores the varied ways of interpreting ideas in cloth. I have admired both artists work for quite a number of years and this beautifully illustrated book of their work and processes clearly lays out ideas for you to explore..

I visited the Knitting and Stitching Showover the Weekend (which is next at Harrogate) and was able to take in Page 17 organised by the Embroiderer's Guild. A unique body of work by members who bring the words of Page 17 of their current favourite book to life. This is a unique and exciting display of work which was proving popular with the visitors.A few snippets are included below (apologies for not naming the artists and work, there are so many pieces)

Edges of Australia. (my Page 17)

One of the most compelling exhibits in terms of need was the Campaign for Creativity organised by Twisted Thread and supported by the Embroiderer's Guild. Anthea Godfrey, Artistic Director of The Embroiderers' Guild, said: “The rigid nature of the national curriculum provides little opportunity or time for children to express themselves creatively, artistically or professionally. Creativity is vital to child development, not only as a means of expression and communication but to support life skills such as problem-solving, strategic thinking and resilience. Creative thinkers hold the key to the UK’s future success, not just in culture and the arts but across business and industry too. To enable creative students to have opportunities to select, embrace and qualify in creative subjects incrementally in the same pathway development as scientists, lawyers, doctors and others is vital in their long term development.” I urge you sign the petition. (Read more about the campaign here.)

Finally, but not least, a little about the galleries. There are many including Ann Small, Jo Beattie, Diana Harrison, Rachael Howard, Haf Weighton, Sarah Waters, Studio 21,The Graduate Showcase and Royal School of Needlework. You can see more on the Harrogate listing. I had little time to visit so once again a report on the few I was able to take in.

Studio 21 presented a personal favourite, The Sewing Machine Project.The group worked on this theme for two years and subjects range from sewing machine mechanics, decoration and operation to personal, cultural, political and social histories. A comprehensive body of work that reflects their personal interest in this transformational machine.

Denise Jones

Liz Heywood

Sandra Meech

Debbie Lyddon

Diana Harrison presented a selection of past exhibition projects, together with a new collection in her sublime exhibition Traces in Cloth which demonstrated the depth of her research and process.

Next door was Rachael Howard's vibrant 'Red Work' exhibition of large-scale figurative work inspired by 19th century redwork story quilts – for her, the Instagram of their day..

The day went quickly. It was good to catch up with friends, see some stuff and have a day of not doing things that 'had to be done'. All too soon I was winding my way to the rail station.

Creating work with limited resources sometimes leads to an unexpected outcomes.

Board in studio photo by Richard Torble photography

As we move through to Autumn I am drawn to the fact that not only are the days getting colder but also the available daylight is lessening in intensity and time. I like to stitch and do my colour work in daytime so need to manage my time effectively. Working with restrictions on my space, time and even materials can, in fact, liberate rather than constrict my ideas and lead to unexpected outcomes. This is discussed in more detail on my recent article From Conception to Creation on Textile Artist as part of a series of interviews looking behind the artist's process.

Sometimes these limitations are out of our control or choice I recently worked on a project with ‘at risk’ and homeless adults in partnership with Caring Hands and Nucleus Arts in the Medway Towns. The project, situated in Chatham provide vulnerable people with access to the essentials required for them to survive, from food to showers to advice and activities. A friendly hand of help to those who need it.

We made ‘Note tins’ to provide individuals with a small waterproof notebook or even sketchbook at the same time participants were also able to engage and chat across the table whilst learning new skills. Thankyou to a few individuals and the manager at Argos in Maidstone who provided some of the materials required (some of you bright eyed amongst may recognise some former copies of WOW magazine which were published in the Medway towns until recently by Emma Dewhurst). Thrilled to say that Art Textile Made in Britain opens their exhibition Concealed at Maidstone Museum Next month bringing their work to the South for the first time. Will report on this in a future blog.

Recent cycle rides through the park on my way to teach at my local Adult Education Centre draws my attention back to the trees as I enjoy the bones of their trunks and branches against the glow of leaves and mist. Certainly colder.

Some of these ideas may even figure in my next publication with Batsford due out next year. More news to follow.

As we enter mid-winter the bare bones of the trees and landscape are revealed to us.

Many of the artists who are currently exhibiting as part of Art Textiles Made in Britain share an equal fascination for the landscape in addition to other subjects as part of their current exhibition Concealed currently on show at Maidstone Museum and Art Gallery.

Louise Baldwin

Rosie James

Stephanie Redfern

Cas Holmes

Hilary Beattie

The exhibition opens on Saturday 9 December and closes February 10th. A workshop will also be held by Cas Holmes on the closing day. Some of the artists will be there on Saturday 16th December from 1-4pm if you would like to pop in and say hello.

As the year closes I am pleased to announce I handed in my copy to Batsford for my next book which connects cloth to the landscape. I have a photograph planning meeting early in January and will update with news as more details are confirmed.

I am also planning new works for exhibition in 2018 including a guest exhibition at Nadel-welt in Germany with Common-Land and the global collaboration Tea-Flora-Tales (pictured below at the European Patchwork Meeting in 2014).

I also had a rare day out and went to the Victoria and Albert Museum to visit The Women's Hour Craft Prize. Well worth a visit if a little tucked away. Loved this dancing shadow on the wall in the collections as I walked through.

A bonus was this fabulous photographic art exhibition Into the Woods. Photography was my secondary subject at art college. I was glad I do not need to carry around Hasellblads or full plate camera's today

Especially liked Korean artist Bae Bien's Pine Trees

and Ansel Adams, Aspens, Northern New Mexico, 1958

Yosemite Valley, to me, is always a sunrise, a glitter of green and golden wonder in a vast edifice of stone and space. I know of no sculpture, painting or music that exceeds the compelling spiritual command of the soaring shape of granite cliff and dome, of patina of light on rock and forest, and of the thunder and whispering of the falling, flowing waters. At first the colossal aspect may dominate; then we perceive and respond to the delicate and persuasive complex of nature.

— Ansel Adams, The Portfolios Of Ansel Adams

Janus is the god of beginnings, gates, transitions, time, duality, doorways, passages, and endings. Depicted as having two faces, since he looks to the future and to the past. I always see this time of the year as both a time of reflection and of beginnings. Shogatsu, the Japanese New Year, becomes the time to settle your debts, clean house and mark time with friends as you face the new. With that in mind, tax return done, family to be visited but the house cleaning can wait until the Spring!

The Snowdrop is the adopted flower for January so entirely appropriate to share with you all. This features in Stitch Stories and one of the first meeting I have in the New Year is discuss photographs for my next book which is due out by the end of 2018.

Snowdrops were one of my father's favourite flowers. I always enjoy seeing them poke their heads up...for some this year, through the Snow but not a great deal here in the South East so far. My work over the last year has seen me travelling round most of Europe. I was delighted to be one of the first exhibitors at the Farnham Pottery early in the year and was able to trial a new installation 'Trees' at this amazing old pottery now turned artspace and café. This also supported the Canine Partners charity with a follow up exhibition at the Ox Market in Chichester.

I ran around a lot of Europe this year with short courses from the Netherlands, Germany and France as well is in the UK. Much of my work has recently included conservation and community linked projects with the regional Kent and Surrey Wildlife Trusts and with the Caring Hands project in the Medway towns.

Student drawing The Alpine Experience Les Carroz 2017. Delighted to be back end June 2018.

Note-Tins, Caring Hands project, Chatham.

I was involved with several articles on my work during the year ands delighted to featured in an article in Somerset Studio Magazine early in 2017. The front page features the installation Tea Flora Tales which will be exhibited at Nadelwelt in May (further news on subsequent showings to follow)

Loved this insightful article by the guys at Textileartist in the latter part of the year into my working practice. However, the interview which certainly got me at my most 'direct' is the Podcast by Stitchery Stories.How did we get onto Star Trek, fairground organs, and creativity vs linear thinking?

As we move into 2018 I am delighted to be back with Fibre Arts Australia and WRAPT in Queensland in March and April. My workshops filled very quickly but have recently added Go Create New England to the schedule. I am also teaching in France and on the Summer School at West Dean.

Art Textiles Made in Britain 'Concealed' exhibition continues at Maidstone Museum and Art Gallery until 10th February. A little look at Unfolding Landscapes in position.

(See updates on workshops and exhibitions links on this blog for more information.)

I continue to enjoy the challenges these set for me and the opportunity to meet with new ideas, people and makers as well as re-affirm existing professional friendships. Thankyou to all who continue to support my work and bless you all with as many new and exciting things you wish for and the health of your family and friends.

travel takes place in the mind as much as across land or even continents.

Wishing you all the best for 2018

The Moody Blues, Days of Future Passed. I grew up with that album playing in the background of my youth and I cannot believe how it is only now I really appreciate the sentiment in the music. Valuing each day before they pass to quickly and now I blink and a day is gone rather than the thousand years it felt in my childhood.

Enough sentiment, January is the start of the year and it was launched with a lovely interview by Karen Hollocks in Pretty Patches Magazine. in which she discusses how my father influenced the way I take a look at the world.

Back to work with the best of all starts a meeting with my editor at Batsford/Pavilion and Jacqui Hurst photographer to discuss the shoot for my next book Textile Landscape: Painting with Cloth. This is my fourth book and the writing and decision making remains as complex and rewarding as ever. The book will be launched at several exhibitions and events planned over the year which also includes some exciting news about Tea Flora Tales.

Delighted to have supported Rowan's Hospice and Making Space in the Power of Tin auction in mid January. This little piece, Woodland Edge, part of a series themed: 'Landscape in a Tin' was printed on a tin sheet and sits in an old cigar tin.

Preparations for my trip to Australia in March are under way. Courses filled pretty quickly with Fibre Arts Australia so have squeezed in a couple of additional spaces at the Hub Creative Space in Townsville 22-24 March.

I am so excited to be meeting up with friends and getting creative 'down under'. Even so, thinking on 'Moody Blues' the days of the future will soon pass and I have just confirmed a creative teaching trip with Arts and Cultural travel to Italy in October (message me if you want any further details of any workshops)

'Concealed' with Art Textiles Made in Britain at Maidstone Museum and Art Gallery finishes on 10 February. A few glimpses of the show here. We have received visitors from all over the UK and indeed, one person flew in from Germany to see it. Thankyou for your welcome comments. A few pics from Meet the Artists in December

Rachel, Edwina and Sandra

Christine, Stef, Hilary and Rosie

Cas, Rosie,

Ineke, Rosie, Pauline, Sylvia

Looking at Tea Flora Tales

Profanity,

No not about to swear but rather the third exhibition coming up in Whitstable by the Profanity Embroidery Group from the 14-20th February at the Fishslab Gallery.

I have sneak preview here of one or two pieces in progress which are themed around the ideas of misheard song lyrics. Sure to be intriguing. Take in Journeys with ‘The Waste Land’at the Turner Contemporary artists work based on the poem The Waste Land by TS Eliot at the same time.

Bridget Carpenteer

Susan Jessett

Amanda Tennant

“On Margate Sands.

I can connect

Nothing with nothing.”

(T.S. Eliot, The Waste Land)

March did come in like a lion rather both in terms of weather and in terms of being busy. I have been packing and re-packing so I can take the minimum and do the maximum with it as I travel to Australia next week under the invitation of Fibre Arts Australia. It is appropriate that whilst I am away, that I have a piece, 'edges of Australia' in the Page 17 Embroiderers' Guild exhibition at the Fashion and Embroidery Show- NEC Birmingham 15-18 March and Artrix in October 2018. Read more here. Here it is open at a section appropriate to marking Mother's day.

Nothing like working up to the last minute. I have just sent in the last proof for my next book Textile Landscape:Painting with Cloth (Batsford) which is out in September.

And organising photography with the my editor and my photographer Jacqui Hurst

Had a lovely interview with Helen Bowen of Sewing World Magazine in the March issue We Meet article (share the lead page here)

Finally, delighted to listed as one of theFive2Watch on Axisweb feature on five artists who create textile artworks early in the month.

Last week's snow, a view from my window,as I move to warmer climate

Looking for food

Hard to believe I am back in Australia again.

The temperature certainly is a change to cold UK. I spent the first week in Queensland under the invitation of Wrapt Experience. We looked at exploring images and narratives as construct themes for books and folding forms.

I had a chance to take in some welcome drawing session in the nearly morning cool and enjoy this amazing view of the Capricornian coast.

My next step was to visit the The Hub Creative Space in Townsville.we explored Torn Paper Drawings as a theme.Looking at re-using old drawings , photos and found papers as a theme and exploring different approaches to working with them. Play and experiment with techniques looked at the points where drawing, collage and stitch converge.

I had a chance to catch up with an old friend from home and loved being introduced to some aspects of here new home in Australia as viewed from Castle Hill with Magnetic Island in the distance.

Whilst away a lovely feature on Tea Flora Tales appeared in the March issue of Stitch magazine. I have had some more contributions from students here to add to this expanding installation. More news on my return.

On my way to my first three day workshop with Fibre Arts Australia in Traralgon, see you soon.

I have been 'there and back' again. Started in Brisbane and have returned ready to make my way home. This really is a Land That Waited for me to discover it anew just as the early settlers needed to explore all this great land has to offer.

I have been to Traralgon, Ballarat, New England and Lismore

to run a series of workshops around the theme of 'Unfolding Landscape' organised with Fibre Arts Australia

Traralgon selection of students work and a view of the Loy Yang power station.

Ballarat, 'Story of the Painters Pants' part of last night display .

Ballarat

Thankyou book from Ballarat

Tea Flora Tales contribution from Ballarat.

Working on location with Go Create in New England.

Sketchbooks New England

My demonstration drawing with a pen created with a kangaroo rib? drink can and cellophane wrap and other mediums and materials found on location (photo taken by Tara Axford)

A Swamp Wallaby came to visit on the last day.

A brief break and then a car ride to Lismore to the final workshop meeting wildlife on the way.

Lismore in New South Wales was the next port of call for the final workshop in in this Unfolding Landscapes series at Woodlawn.

This little piece from Heather seems highly appropriate as we mark Anzac day on Wednesday 25th.

Thankyou to all the students, Fibre Arts Golden team, friends and colleagues from Queensland to Victoria who made this such a worthwhile tour.

Really enjoyed seeing a good selection of Namatjira's work at the Art Gallery of New South Wales

I also especially loved the collection of pieces entitled Ghost Nets by Regie Sabatino marking the traditions of Torres Straights Islanders with a contemporary twist

I close with a few more images from Brisbane and nearby Mount Glorious Forest Reserve

Delighted to be at Nadel-welt in Germany from 4-6 May 2018 with Common-Land and Tea-Flora-Tales (pictured below at the Beaney Gallery, Canterbury). I have received contributions from Canada, Australia and the UK in the last week. This work will also be exhibited later in the year at the Knitting and Stitching Shows (more news on this later.)

Stuff for Thought will also be exhibiting, This is a shared project of textile artist Heidi Drahota and the Human Rights Office of the City of Nuremberg

This exhibition is the first of a series of events marking the publication of my fourth book for Batsford, 'Textile Landscape:Painting with Cloth'. I was excited to receive an image of the jacket cover shortly before leaving Australia last week. The front cover is the Medway Gap and the back cover is Loy Yang Power Station, Australia. The team at Batsford have done an amazing job. It is already available for pre-order on Amazon.

A lovely interview featured in Hand/Eye Magazine earlier in the month.

It is the act of using the needle, of punching the surface, joining disparate pieces together and adding textural mark which excites me most. It is perhaps also the one tool I use that most painters do not use and allows me to take my work in many directions both physically and conceptually.

Finally, Cup and Eucalyptus Flower above found a new home yesterday. The purchaser lives in the UK and also has associations with Queensland. Travel in the region provided the inspiration for this piece. A week after my return from it is apt that this piece marks tea and friendship.

I have a rare week where I have been able to explore in my studio and garden and reflect back on the last month. I started with a show at Nadelwelt in Karlsruhe, Germany. I was so busy so found it hard to get away from my space and take other galleries in other than for a brief lunch break.The Quilt Angels and visiting friends meant I was able to talk about my work (and do a quick stretch and a walk). The very was very well organised and the exhibition space beautifully lit with natural daylight. Below are a few images of my space including the ongoing installation Tea Flora Tales which will be at the Knitting and Stitching Show later in the year.

I did manage to take a couple of pictures of other exhibits and was thrilled to meet up with some old friends. It good to see Indian Journal on show in Stuff for Thought organised by Heidi Drahota. This exhibition was first shown at the Human Rights Office in Nuremberg and will be at the Festival of Quilts later in the year.

A number of European artists were on show. I apologise for not having more images (in some cases images were not permitted or I simply did not have the means for taking an image with me. These are some from exhibitors close to my stand.

Elisabeth Nacenta de La Croix

Heidi Stolle Wieber

Isabelle Wiessler

Jana Sterbova

I was also interviewed for Textile Art magazine.

The green spaces interleaved amongst the buildings around the hotel where I was staying made for good walking in the mornings and evenings. The botanic gardens were not far away and loved the bonsai in spaces around a building and the sculpture. The grasses in the final building are outside the conference centre where Nadelwelt is held.

I am preparing for workshops in West Dean and the French Alps next month and need to get back to the studio to make 'stuff' but cannot resist sharing some of partner's sketches. While away in Australia I often shared my strange critter experiences with my hubby Derek as part of my daily phone call. He made his own interpretations of them. These are a few of my favourites which bring me back to each encounter.

Coming Home

It has not been 'a Walk in The Park' .

To be an Explorer...Gathered Thoughts

Common Land, Common Spaces

Common Cloth and Canine Partners.

To be in England in the Spring

Wild

Faust to Salvation..all in the nature of textiles

Unfolding Landscape, Reconnecting, Remapping and Refreshed

Beam Me Up Scotty

Knitting and Stitching Show, Page 17 and Campaign for Creativity

From Conception to Creation and on to Caring Hands

Concealed and Revealed

Looking Back, Looking Forward

Days of Future...Past

Going to the Land Down Under

Edges of Australia:Some like it hot.

Edges of Australia...The Land That Waited

Textile Landscape and Nadel-Welt

Nadeltwelt, the Green in Urban Karlsruhe and a Few Strange Critters