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.

MAY UPDATE

LAST CHANCE TO VISIT WISLEY CRAFT FAIR Just a brief blog tonight to remind you that tomorrow, Bank Holiday Monday is the last day of the Wisley Craft Fair. If you haven't had a chance to visit yet, do try to get along tomorrow - lots of lovely things to see. Today was very busy thanks to the great weather. Hope for sun tomorrow. News about Surrey Open Studios to follow in a couple of days.

APRIL NEWS

Hooray, it's April and it finally feels like the year is waking up and with Spring come the first of the year's exciting events.


CERAMIC ART LONDON 8th -10th April

This is a great annual ceramics event, to be held for the first time at the new venue of Central St Martins.

A really worthwhile day out for the ceramics enthusiast with a wide variety of top quality work to be seen, I shall definitely be visiting this year, (although I'd love to see more figurative work,). There is also a programme of free talks to choose from.

go to http://www.ceramics.org.uk/index.php  for full info.

***

Next up, and the first of several events in which I will be participating this summer -  

Contemporary Craft Fair at Wisley Gardens, Surrey from Thursday 28th April until Monday 2nd May.

A wonderful opportunity to combine a visit to this great craft fair whilst visiting the beautiful Wisley Gardens.

I hope you will visit me in MARQUEE B, stand 10 near the greenhouses and cafe.

 Follow link for full details:

http://www.craftinfocus.com/wisley_april_may_16.html


HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE.

Meantime new work is progressing well. Large figures now decorated and about to be fired.  I'll be posting photos on my facebook page in a the next week.

https://www.facebook.com/jeantolkovskyceramics/

MARCH MADNESS

Well, it's the 1st of March and true to my word, here is my monthly posting.

As you know, my work is influenced by old toys which often carry narratives, some of which are inspired by fairy tales or nursery rhymes. The three characters below make reference to the following rhyme which dates back to early 1700's. I've always felt this poem had a slightly 'dark' feel to it and was interested to learn that it may be referring to the fact that children had to work by day and so could only play at night.

Girls and boys, come out to play,

The moon doth shine as bright as day;

Leave your supper, and leave your sleep,

And come with your playfellows into the street.

Come with a whoop, come with a call,

Come with a good will or not at all.

Up the ladder and down the wall,

A halfpenny roll will serve us all.

You find milk, and I'll find flour,

And we'll have a pudding in half an hour.

 approx 16cm high




And here, on a lighter note, are the 3 new figures I showed you, pre-firing, in my last blog. The tallest is about 30cm high. I'm pleased with the outcome - love the colours and the way the characters interact, yet work equally well as individual pieces.

I shall be taking these new pieces to Wisley Craft in Focus at the end of April where you can see them 'in the flesh'.


Meantime, I shall be exhibiting other works such as the one below, at Lingwood Samuel Art, Godalming, Surrey,  from 11th March - click on link for more details http://www.lingwoodsamuelart.com/forthcoming-events.html

THAT'S ALL FOR NOW FOLKS............

A NEW YEAR AND NEW WORK

So, we are well into the New Year and I am excited to tell you about a number of events which I have lined up for 2016.
Full listings of all upcoming events can be found on the 'events' page of my website www.jeantolkovskyceramics.com


My first show of the year will be with
Craft in Focus, Wisley Gardens, from 28th April to 2nd May.  http://www.craftinfocus.com/wisley_april_may_16.html
This is a great day out with access to the lovely Wisley Gardens as well as to a wonderful Craft show.

New pieces are underway, such as the 3 figures seen here. The tallest is about 25cm high. Once bisque fired I will decorate them with my usual underglaze colours and dry lithium glazes.

June sees the return of the ever popular Surrey Artists Open Studios which runs from 4th to 19th June.   http://www.surreyopenstudios.org.uk/home/visitors/  This will be my 8th consecutive year and I always look forward to meeting visitors, new and returning. My studio is situated at the end of my rather long garden and I always try to produce some unique garden pieces exclusively for this occasion.  Visitors can meander down the garden, viewing the outdoor work before arriving at my studio where I display my smaller indoor pieces.

This year I have already made a few new pieces, which are currently drying before being fired and decorated.  Here's a preview. For the large scale pieces I am using Architectural Clay from Valentine Clays. It's really easy to work with, very strong, fairly smooth and can easily be thrown as well as slabbed and coiled. Fired to 1280 it has proven to be completely weatherproof.

This first piece was thrown in sections and is designed to slot over a metal pole which can be anchored in the ground to add stability. It stands about 120cm high. I have carved the surface and will add colour, probably in the form of a glaze which I will apply and then wipe back to highlight the carved areas.

The following two pieces are scaled up versions based on the smaller pieces at the start of this blog.
They stand at around 120cm approx. and will most probably be decorated with underglazes.

Large pieces like these take a good deal of drying out, especially at this time of year, so it may be a month before they are complete. Once finished I'll post some new images.

Meantime, do visit my events page at www.jeantolkovskyceramics.com and find out what else I'll be up to in the next few months.

As you can tell, I'm not a daily blogger, but my resolution this year is to try to blog regularly at the beginning of each month. Watch this space!...........