APRIL/MAY UPDATE

Time for a quick update on rapidly approaching events:

new for AOH small wall masks £35 each

MAY

BRIGHTON AND HOVE ARTISTS OPEN HOUSES

Many of you will have visited Brighton and Hove for their annual summer and Christmas open houses and will know what a fantastic event this is.

I am really pleased to be participating for the first time this year, when I shall be joining a number of other artists at Milton House. Very close to the centre of Brighton but without the hassle of parking restrictions and with a number of other houses open within close distance, this is a great location to plan your visit.

Milton House, 281 Dyke Road, Hove, BN3 6PD

Open house runs each weekend throughout May and Milton House will be open from 11am to 6pm each Saturday and Sunday from 6th to 28th May with an extra open day on Monday 29th May.

Although my work will be available throughout the whole event, I shan't be there every day so if you wish to see me I shall be there on the following days:

Private View – Friday 5^th May, 7-10pm  - all welcome

Saturday 6^th, 11am – 2.30pm

Sunday 21^st   11am -6pm

Sunday 28^th   2.30- 6pm

Monday 29^th 2.30 – 6pm

However, please recheck before visiting as stewarding rotas are prone to change.

new - small 'onesie' busts

JUNE

                                          Surrey Artists Open Studios 

Following swiftly on, I shall once again be opening my garden and studio for Surrey Artists Open Studios 

3rd – 18^th June 2017

11am – 5pm daily, Thurs evening 6-8.30pm

My actual open dates are  Sat 3^rd, Sun 4^th, Mon 5^th, Wed 7^th, Thurs 8^th (evening only),

Fri 9^th, Sat 10^th, Sun 11^th, Tue 13^th, Wed 14^th, Thurs 15^th (evening only), Sat 17^th and Sun 18^th.

To launch the event I shall be offering my visitors Pimms and cake on Saturday 3rd June.

In addition to a full range of my sculptural figurative work, there will also be some garden pieces.

Visitors to my garden studio will find it bursting with imaginative, dreamlike creations with their toy-like appearance and dry, worn surfaces, which evoke a sense of familiarity and nostalgia.

Inspired by fairy tales, nursery rhymes and much more, narratives are intentionally ambiguous and it is always fascinating to see how other people relate to and interpret the work.

I always look forward to welcoming visitors and truly hope they find the experience as enjoyable as I do.

A small glimpse inside my studio

A brochure will be available in May or use the online option, available nearer the time.

http://surreyopenstudios.org.uk/home/visitors/open-studios/

If you wish to visit my studio at any other time, please email me jtolkovksy@gmail.com

to arrange a suitable time.

I look forward to seeing you in the near future.

                                  

                                    FEBRUARY 2017

                  A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL

Well, what are New Year's resolutions for, if not to be broken! Despite my pledge, I failed to blog in January, but here we are 1st February with plenty of news.

First of all, I'd like to say a very big thank you to those of you who gave your support by visiting the Fircroft Exhibition in November. This was a great success and I'm very grateful to those of you who bought my work, as well as to Christine and Frank Taylor for having invited me to exhibit in their lovely home.

                                         EVENTS

January is a waiting time for many of us who submitted applications back in November/December, but I am thrilled to say that the 'show fairy' was kind to me, and I was successful in all my applications. So now I have a pretty full calendar from February through until August, including a couple of exciting new opportunities.   All the shows are now listed on the events page of my website, with one or two possible further dates to be added as and when they arise.

A WAY OF SEEING - LINGWOOD SAMUEL ART

A Coin For The Ferryman

This year kicks off with new works including the piece pictured above, going to Lingwood Samuel Art, Church Street, Godalming, GU7 1EH.  I love this gallery, packed full of wonderful ceramics, glass, artwork, etc,  All just a little bit 'edgy' or thought provoking. There is an 'open day' on Saturday 4th February to launch the show, where you can be the first to view the new work whilst sipping on something bubbly.  the exhibition continues until 22nd April and the gallery is open Wednesdays to Saturdays, 10am - 5pm.   www.lingwoodsamuelart.com

 MAGPIE SPRING SHOW 2017

Sail Away

I am delighted to be one of the ten invited artists to participate in Magpie's Spring Show, where I shall be exhibiting my latest  'hare' creations, along with horses, elephants and who knows what!

This small exhibition is held in the beautiful private home of Nina Jex. You are welcome to atttend the private view on Tuesday 14th March 6-9pm, (not Weds as previously stated), or to visit Thursday 16th 11am - 8pm, Friday and Saturday 11am - 6pm and Sunday 19th March 11am - 4 pm.

This is the perfect opportunity to see how the artworks sit within a domestic setting.

The Garden House, Long Hill, The Sands, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 1NQ.  www.magpiecontemporaryart.co.uk

                                     OTHER STUFF

Collect: The International Art Fair for Contemporary Objects

Now in its 13th edition, Collect returns to the stunning setting of the Saatchi Gallery in London’s King's Road from 2 – 6 February 2017

I thought I'd mention this, for those of you who love all things 3D, I can thoroughly recommend visiting this amazing show, (and no, I am not exhibiting but shall definitely be visiting). Here national and international galleries hire space and show works by selected makers.  Full of high end, beautifully crafted art work in glass, ceramics, metal, wood, etc, as well as some amazing jewellery. A great place to be inspired. 
ww.craftscouncil.org.uk/what-we-do/collect/

   THE GREAT POTTERY THROWDOWN IS BACK

Don't forget, the new series of The Great Pottery Throwdown is back on BBC2 at 8pm, starting Thursday 2nd February.

                                     
                                               *********

Ok so all that said, I'm away to my studio for the first time in nearly 3 weeks, thanks to a delightful bout of flu. Fingers itching, heater on, just need to make a cup of tea and off I go.

Don't forget, you are always welcome to visit my studio if you are looking for a gift or something new.

You can get in touch via my website www.jeantolkovskyceramics.com

    PLEASE COME BACK IN APRIL FOR MY NEXT BLOG

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER UPDATE

OK, so I failed miserably to keep my monthly blog going, apologies to all.

As it's almost the end of November, this will count as my December blog, with a New Year's resolution to blog on a monthly basis in 2017.

So, August saw my second year at Art in Clay, Hatfield. A very enjoyable event, made even better by the fact that my lovely potter friend Berangere Noyau http://berangereceramics.com/

was exhibiting on the stand next to me.

Thanks to everyone who visited, bought or just said hello.

One outcome of the show was the invitation to exhibit in the upcoming Fircroft Winter Exhibition, an lovely event organised by Christine and Frank Taylor, and held in their beautiful home in Albury Heath.  The event starts on Saturday 26th November and ends Sunday 4th December. A wide variety of work will be on display and for sale, by a number of professional makers.  Full information can be found at http://www.fircroft.info/

COMMISSION

I have been working on a few commissions lately, including this piece, (apologies for poor quality image), which was a surprise gift and which I can now reveal as it is with it's new owner. The piece features two of her prized dogs atop a horse (another of her passions). I really enjoyed the challenge as dogs are not something I usually make, but I understand that I did get the likeness of the great dane spot on, so very happy with that.

OTHER NEWS

A selection of work has also made it's way to the West End House Gallery, in Smarden, Kent, so if you are over that way, do pop in to this lovely gallery.  http://www.west-end-house-gallery.co.uk/

I also have some pieces in the Crafts Centre Leeds  http://www.craftcentreleeds.co.uk/

and the Cecilia Coleman Gallery, St John's Wood:  http://www.ceciliacolmangallery.com/

This is my final event of 2016 and I am looking forward to spending the winter months developing new ideas and making lots of new work.  Most recently I made two shelf figures, inspired by Morris Dancers, which have a slightly sinister look to them, and I'm planning to develop a new body of work along these lines, to contrast with my more humorous pieces.

Please feel free to contact me if you would like to visit my studio to view my work or discuss a commission. 

You can get in touch via the contacts page on my website:   http://www.jeantolkovskyceramics.com/ or message me via facebook https://www.facebook.com/jeantolkovskyceramics/

Finally I'd like to wish you a very happy festive season and a happy New Year.

 

AUGUST UPDATE  (brief and belated!)

First of all, I would like to say a big thank you to anyone who visited me at Potfest in the Park, thanks for the lovely comments and for your purchases. I am pleased to say the show was a success for me, which is a relief having traveled some 300 miles! Very lucky with the weather although still had to wear several layers of clothing, but at least it wasn't pouring with rain.

I am also delighted to say that I won a little prize for my bird bath competition entry seen below, a great bonus as this was my first time at Potfest.

ART IN CLAY - HATFIELD, 19-21 AUGUST 2016

So, still recovering from Potfest, now busily making new pieces for Hatfield, which is just 2 weeks away.

This is my last planned ceramics only show for the year and I'm really looking forward to returning there for a second time after the success of last year. Hoping to see some familiar faces and a repeat of last year's wonderful weather would really be great.

Regardless of the weather though, I highly recommend this show for a great day out, with a wide variety of excellent work and an interesting programme of demonstrations. Check out the details here http://www.artinclay.co.uk/home/hatfield-info-for-visitors  

and print off a 2-4-1 ticket here 

http://artinclay.widagroup.net/files/ww/Art%20in%20Clay%20Hatfield%202-4-1%202016.jpg

HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON

JULY AND AUGUST UPDATE

So July is a crazy month for me. Just back from Earth and Fire a week ago and working furiously towards two more shows this month.

First of all, a big thank you to all the lovely visitors at Earth and Fire. It was lovely to chat to so many new people, both visitors and exhibitors. I had a great time at the show, sales were good and, surprisingly, so was the weather.  I owe a big thanks to my dear friend Katherine Winfrey (http://www.katherinewinfrey.co.uk/) for holding my hand as this was my first time at Rufford.  Also, for booking the Guy Garvey concert. If you haven't been, he really is great to see live.  If you haven't been to Earth and Fire before I highly recommend it as a great show set in lovely grounds of Rufford Abbey Country Park. Look out for dates for next year. Hopefully I'll be there again!
So, on with the shows!

First up is Art in Action - 14th until 17th July.

http://www.artinaction.org.uk/

This really is an amazing event covering a huge range of visual and performing arts and sadly this will be it's final year so do try to visit. Tickets are available online now.  

Every July up to 400 artists, crafters, performers and musicians gather together in Waterperry Gardens to demonstrate their skills and show their work. You can watch the potter pot, the painter paint and the sculptor sculpt. You can ask the masters of the arts of jewellery, textiles, woodwork and glassblowing about the secrets of their craft. In the ever popular Practical Classes section, you will be able to have a go yourself at the art or craft of your choice with the guidance of an expert teacher.

When you need a break, there is a great selection of food and drink available and the beauty of the famous gardens is also there to soak up. The Market, with over 100 designer-makers, is also there should you be looking for that special gift.
YOU WILL FIND ME IN THE MARKET PLACE - NOT SURE EXACTLY WHERE AT THE MOMENT BUT WILL UPDATE BLOG, WEBSITE  AND POST ON FACEBOOK WHEN I ACTUALLY KNOW.

Here are a couple of pieces to whet your appetite for Art in Action.

POTFEST IN THE PARK  - 29 to 31st July 2016

 

A week and a half later and I'll be off to Potfest in the Park
http://www.potfest.co.uk/in-the-park/

Over 100 exhibitors invited from all over Europe and beyond. All with very distinctive individual styles, all passionate about working with clay.
The venue, Hutton-in-the-Forest, is a cultural destination in itself with it’s historic house, walled garden, topiary terraces and woodland walks. The ceramics festival takes place in and around marquees in front of the castle, with the potters special competition pieces on the lawn, juxtaposing ancient architecture and modern ceramics. 

This year’s competition theme is “Bird Bath – Flight of Fancy”
Here's a preview of my entry  - There's a worried looking fish in the water which you can't see from this image, the cat is licking his lips and the bird on his head is holding a fishing line with a worm on the end. 

The fish's friend is planning revenge!

Hutton-in-the-Forest lies 5 miles northwest of Penrith, Cumbria (M6 junction 41) – on the edge of the stunningly beautiful Lake District National Park…  (Postcode CA11 9TH for sat navs).
Potfest in the Park 2016 – July 29th-31st
Fri, Sat & Sun 10am – 5pm daily
Adults £6. (includes admission to gardens)
Accompanied children free. Free parking.
Refreshments on site. Picnic area.
Please be aware that many of the exhibitors are unable to process credit card transactions, and the nearest cash machines are six miles away in Penrith.

AUGUST

ART IN CLAY - HATFIELD 19 TO 21ST AUGUST 

Just in case you can't make either of these, make a date in your diary for Art in Clay, Hatfield.

http://www.artinclay.co.uk/visitor-information

19th 20th 21st August 2016Art in Clay Hatfield
Pottery & Ceramics Festival
Hatfield House
Hertfordshire
AL9 5NQ
Opening Times:Friday & Saturday 10am - 5.30pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm
Admission Prices:Adult £10.00 Concession £9.50
Two-Day Ticket £17.50 Three-Day Ticket £25.00
Child 15yrs and under FREETickets can be purchased in advance from us Tel: 0115 987 3966, or you can pay on the day at the entrance.Celebrating 22 years of Art in Clay at Hatfield House in 2016, this show has now become one of the most important ceramic events in Europe.The makers range from young imaginative students and relative newcomers to leading National and International makers. Some of the best ideas for ceramics in interior and garden design will be on display for you to admire and buy.
There will be demonstrations taking place inside and outside the marquees all week-end, you'll be able to see throwing, sculpting and hand decoration at various points around the show. There is also a full programme of talks and demonstrations planned.


OK, so off to the studio to do some glazing (at least a day's work) which I hope to get in the kiln tonight, so no more delaying.

These two strange shelf figures are amongst the new pieces awaiting decoration. Seen here sunbathing (ie, drying in a hurry), on an empty cat food box (nothing like improvisation!). 

HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!

(Apologies for the awful mishmash of font sizes etc, etc - not my best effort, but hopefully all the info you need).

JUNE EVENTS

Firstly I am delighted to announce that I have been offered a place at this year's Art in Action, Waterperry House, Oxfordshire.  This amazing event has been running for 40 years and sadly this is to be the last one ever, which is a great pity.  If you have never been, do try to visit this year 14th - 17th July.  I shall be exhibiting in the 'Market Place'.  http://www.artinaction.org.uk/

In the meantime..........

SURREY ARTISTS OPEN STUDIOS

http://www.surreyopenstudios.org.uk/

This annual event will take place from 4-19 June 2016  (see below for opening dates and times)

So it's almost time for Open Studios which starts this coming weekend, Saturday 4th June, and I am frantically trying to get my studio and garden ready for visitors.   

In addition to my current range of indoor figurative pieces you will be able to see earlier works as well as a few garden sculptures.

The large 'rabbit' figure is a type of Alice in Wonderland fantasy character.  Handbuilt using slabs and coils and decorated with underglazes, this piece is designed to stay in the garden all year round.  Made in two sections, the head is cemented to the body after firing.

This garden sculpture was made in thrown sections with added modeled features, decorated with underglaze colours and high fired.  By making in sections I was able to produce something taller than the internal height of my kiln.  The whole thing can be slotted over a metal pole which is inserted into the ground, to give it stability.  Suitable to be left outside all year round.

Birds on metal spikes to dot around the garden.

In addition you will find lots of indoor figurative pieces and some of my earlier works including jesters, feathered birds and jugs, plus some new fish mobiles.

Feathered chickens for the home

And my current figurative pieces.

I shall be opening my lovely garden studio on the following dates:

3 weekends of 4/5, 11/12 and 18/19 June, plus Tues 7/14, Thurs 9/16  (evenings only), and Friday 10/17th.  (In other words, every day apart from Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursday day time).

Opening hours are 11am - 5pm, and Thursday evenings, 6-8.30pm.

If you can't make any of these times please contact me to arrange a convenient time.

my garden studio

Brochures are available in various public locations such as libraries, but all the info is online, including an interactive map, individual artists web pages and so on.

This is a great opportunity for members of the public to visit artists in their own studios or with a group of artists. Meet the makers and see and buy their work direct. 

LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING LOTS OF NEW VISITORS AND CATCHING UP WITH OLD FRIENDS. HOPE YOU CAN COME.

Just a few days after Open Studios ends I shall be packing up and travelling to Nottingham where I shall be exhibiting for the first time at Earth and Fire.

EARTH AND FIRE, RUFFORD 

24th - 26th June 2016

Rufford Abbey Country Park

Near Ollerton

Nottinghamshire

NG22 9DF

open 10 - 5 daily

for full details please visit    http://www.earthandfireceramicfair.co.uk/home/4590807774

The weekend after Open Studios I shall be packing up to take my wares to Nottingham for this well established and much revered ceramics show set in the lovely grounds of Rufford Abbey.  This is an outdoor event with covered stalls for exhibitors - so praying for sunny weather.


Hope to see you soon.

MORE FOR MAY

Exhausted and recovering from a long stint at Wisley Craft Fair. Had a great time, met so many lovely people, including exhibitors and members of the public. Said goodbye to a number of my pieces so thank you to all those who bought from me, and to those who gave me such great support and encouragement.

Now it's a matter of unpacking the car and re-organising the studio before getting on with new work ready for Surrey Open Studios closely followed by Earth and Fire, Rufford.

One new exciting announcement - Jo Lloyd, glass artist and I have been accepted to exhibit at Handmade Kew 6-9th October, where we will be sharing a stand. http://www.handmadeinbritain.co.uk/shows/kew/exhibitors/

More about that to follow at a later date.

Now for the more immediate news:

SURREY ARTISTS OPEN STUDIOS

http://www.surreyopenstudios.org.uk/

This annual event will take place from 4-19 June 2016

Brochures are available in various public locations such as libraries, but all the info is online, including an interactive map, individual artists web pages and so on.

This is a great opportunity for members of the public to visit artists in their own studios or with a group of artists. Meet the makers and see and buy their work direct. 

I shall be opening my lovely garden studio on the following dates:

3 weekends of 4/5, 11/12 and 18/19 June, plus Tues 7/14, Thurs 9/16  (evenings only), and Friday 10/17th.  (In other words, every day apart from Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursday day time).

Opening hours are 11am - 5pm, and Thursday evenings, 6-8.30pm.

If you can't make any of these times please contact me to arrange a convenient time.

my garden studio

EARTH AND FIRE, RUFFORD

24th - 26th June 2016

Rufford Abbey Country Park

Near Ollerton

Nottinghamshire

NG22 9DF

open 10 - 5 daily

for full details please visit    http://www.earthandfireceramicfair.co.uk/home/4590807774

The weekend after Open Studios I shall be packing up to take my wares to Nottingham for this well established and much revered ceramics show set in the lovely grounds of Rufford Abbey.  This is an outdoor event with covered stalls for exhibitors - so praying for sunny weather.

Ok, so have put off the unpacking for too long, it's off to the car now!

Hope to see you soon.