Christmas Cards!

As it's nearing to the festive season I couldn't resist but to get the glitter, sequins and sewing kit out to make these handcrafted cards!

Widbrook Grange Brasserie and the Bear Competition!

As part of a local competition, my work commissioned me to decorate a bear! Below is a photograph of the end product now displayed on the reception desk. I went for a French theme inspired by our new French Brasserie that opened in July. A photographer is going around to local businesses and the best decorated bears will appear on a tea towel ready for Christmas. So here's hoping the photographer likes mine...

I used acrylic paint on the bear, added additional embellishment of beads, knitted a beret and attached shallots around its neck for an authentic french look. Oh and also I couldn't resist adding a bit of comic value in the form of a moustache! 

 This summer as I mentioned before was the opening of the new French Brasserie at Widbrook Grange Hotel where I work. I had the fortunate opportunity to sit in on meetings and discussions about the opening of the new Brasserie and helped out with the design of the new restaurant. Below is a mood board looking at colour ways, competitive markets and theme that I initially created when it was originally going to be a Bistro. I then presented this at one of the meetings to the owners and management.

The new Brasseries has featured in a number of local magazines including 'A Local Life' as shown below.

Current Work...

Te Papa, Museum of New Zealand

   

On visit to Te Papa, Wellington, 'The Marae' exhibition really inspired me to continue with my cut outs on return home. The exhibition showcased contemporary Māori art and design. These beautiful sculptures made of metal and wood stood out for me the most as I could relate them to my laser and paper cut outs. I love the sense of layering and the shadows the 3D shapes create. 

Beer Mats!

 

I collected these beer mats above from Mac's Brewery in New Zealand as I really loved the designs. It reminded me of Rob Ryan's text. They have a paper cut out feel to them.

Below are photographs I took of the interior wall designs. They make a really interesting wall feature and the illustrations compliment the text very well. 

The Wonders of Golden Bay

 

Golden Bay was just what we hoped, an artists heaven! We visited workshops, studios, exhibitions and numerous art galleries and museums along our way up the coast. It was amazing! Our favourite studio that we came across was set in a beautiful garden where quirky displays of shells, cups, handcrafted signs, carved wooden totem poles and African masks could be found. 

I love the idea of this tree decorated in a range of coloured and patterned cups creeping up the trunk. Art in the garden creates a wonderfully interesting exterior space.

'Art in the Garden'

'Art in Garden' was in connection with the National Garden Scheme to help raise money for Charity. It was a great week end to exhibit in the beautiful Chinese Garden at Beggars Knoll, Westbury, with the sun out both days! Phew! My laser cut designs were in keeping with the garden, having been influenced by Chinese paper cutting myself for these designs. A particular artist named Charlotte Lotte Reiniger was of great inspiration to me who was fascinated with the Chinese art of silhouette puppetry. Below, is some of her work from 'The Adventures of Prince Achmed (1926), displaying her unique and distinctive style of animation.

My designs were inspired from Roman and Greek myths and legends. I really enjoyed the vast space of the garden in which I could hang my pieces amongst trees and pagodas. I liked the way my laser cuts moved in the wind and how the sun would reflect off them catching visitors eyes.

Below are pictures from my stationary collection, the blocks of acrylic laser cuts are intended as paper weights but can be used for ornamental use.

Amongst the garden was a fantastic trellis area where my larger pieces could hang.

'Art in the Garden' Exhibition - 23rd-24th JULY.

Please come along and view our exhibition in association with the National Garden Scheme. It will be held on Saturday the 23rd July - Sunday the 24th July at Beggars Knoll, Newtown, Wiltshire. The beautiful Chinese garden and our exhibition will be open to the public from 2pm-6pm on both days. £3 Admission for Adults, Children get in for free.

Arc Theatre Exhibition- JULY -AUGUST

Currently exhibiting my laser cut design work and also a range of paint work at the Arc Theatre in Wiltshire College, Trowbridge. My work will be there until the end of August, please go and check it out. All work is for sale and price negotiable. Please email me on debbie_456@hotmail.co.uk or phone 07922869214 if interested.

Laser Cut Designs:

Art Work/Paint Work:

Indian Project:

Wildlife Project:

The Old Avon Factory, Bradford-on-Avon:

World Of Wearable Art Museum- Nelson, NZ.

Before crossing over to the North Island, we started to hear more and more about the Golden Bay and how well worth a visit it would be for art enthusiasts like ourselves. This is when we had the idea to rent a car, naming him Jerry, and setting off for the week to venture along the coast.

I didn't get us too lost....honest....

Our first stop was at Nelson where we came across the amazing WOW museum.

I love the illustration above of the clown. Its rather creepy but very creative and skillfully drawn. The garments on show at the Museum were extraordinary and incredible. It definately got us inspired to start creating designs again!

Below are some images I took of the work on display. My favourite section of the Museum was the neon area where the garments were very eye catching and exciting to photograph.