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).