The Needle Files

Bedgebury National Pinetum

2012-01-23T09:39:00.000-08:00

I am lucky enough to live very near the national pinetum in Bedgebury. I had not until this weekend visited the forest at this time of year. It was amazing to see the evergreen trees against the skeletons of others. The pinetum have redwood trees which are beautiful...one day I would like to see the redwood forests in California where they have grown to 300-350 feet tall and 16-18 feet across.

At this time of year there were many pine cones nestled around the forest floor amongst the pine leaves and decaying leaves. I watched two squirrels chasing each other.

I am aiming to visit again later on in spring and again in summer and autumn so I see how it changes over a year.

"The Forestry Commission manage the National Pinetum for the nation. They aim to have a visually pleasing mix of conifers and broadleaved specimens contained in 350 acres of rolling Wealden countryside. The collection was started in the 1840's by the Beresford Hope family and was greatly improved following its acquisition by the Forestry Commission in 1925 when it became jointly managed with Kew Gardens. The planting scheme of William Dallimore, the first curator, largely kept all trees from the same genera together, whilst this was useful for comparing species it lead to an uninteresting landscape. The 1987 storm destroyed up to a third of the trees, this sad event provided an opportunity to replant with mixture of trees to give a varied landscape."

Silver birch / betula pendula

2012-01-23T09:29:00.000-08:00

Silver birch wood used to be gathered to make Spools, bobbins, boxes and handles.

Hawkhurst Trees:To the Evening star

2012-01-17T10:42:00.000-08:00

I thought of the line "And wash the dusk with silver" when I took the images. They were taken at that time just before dusk, "The magic hour" there was a warm glow that turned a silver shade as the light faded...here is the full poem...

TO THE EVENING STAR

by: William Blake (1757-1827)

Thou fair-hair'd angel of the evening,
Now, whilst the sun rests on the mountains, light
Thy bright torch of love; thy radiant crown
Put on, and smile upon our evening bed!
Smile on our loves, and while thou drawest the
Blue curtains of the sky, scatter thy silver dew
On every flower that shuts its sweet eyes
In timely sleep. Let thy west wind sleep on
The lake; speak silence with thy glimmering eyes,
And wash the dusk with silver. Soon, full soon,
Dost thou withdraw; then the wolf rages wide,
And then the lion glares through the dun forest:
The fleeces of our flocks are cover'd with
Thy sacred dew: protect them with thine influence!

Cat prints

2012-01-17T03:14:00.000-08:00

I was greeted by these foot prints this morning when I braved the cold to let the chooks out. They were made by the black cat from next door I think, they looked so crisp in the frost, had to take a photo.

Key to the garden

2012-01-10T13:34:00.000-08:00

In the new year when the days get slightly longer and the promise of another spring is almost with us, I always think of The Secret Garden and everything beginning to grow again, all that growth underground we cannot see yet, but know it's coming...

Happy New Year!

2012-01-10T10:33:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a Happy 2012...with lots of creativity, time to focus on new works and to stop and enjoy what we are doing in the moment...

Paper shelf edging

2012-01-10T09:07:00.000-08:00

My sister took a photo of this for me when she visited a Victorian Village in Shropshire. Lovely, low tech way to decorate...thought I would share them!

Leonor Hipólito :Tout est sur la Table

2012-01-10T07:49:00.000-08:00

Leonor Hipólito is showing works in a series of Private Views which last for one night in one venue. The image shows a piece from a Private View in December.

"With Private View I intend to show in private spaces site specific installations promoting moments of gathering and talk. The projects are always realized in close collaboration with the hosts and last one evening."

Leonor Hipólito also has a blog where you can see past works and read more about her work, publications and projects.

Andrea Wagner: Exhibition in Print

2011-12-07T11:38:00.000-08:00

Andrea Wagner is showing a new work at Fresh

Fresh: Exhibition in Print (from the pages of SNAG Metalsmith Magazine)

December 9 - March 4

METAL MUSEUM
374 Metal Museum Drive,
Memphis, TN 38106
USA

Obsessionistas @ BIAD

2011-12-07T11:30:00.000-08:00

23 BIAD staff and students will be exhibiting their own individual personal collections of ‘things’ between 5 – 16 December

Amongst the items on display will be lots of;
Japanese Guitars, Bouncy Balls, Designer labels, Ceramic brooches, Die cast cyclists, Cruet sets, Mickey Mouse ties, Christmas decorations,Robert Welch ware, Deely Boppers, Finnish ceramics & glass, Plastic chickens & geese, Delftware, Chairs, Comics, Plastic grass, Trainers,Vintage hairdryers, Brushes, Brooches, Czech glass+

Read more about the exhibition, here

Zoe Robertson : Obsessionistas

2011-12-07T11:22:00.000-08:00

Obsessionistas was founded by husband and wife team Graham and Helen Powell.

"Obessionistas is a continuously evolving online resource that celebrates collectors and their collections."

"Taking initial inspiration from our own collections and those of our friends, we set up Obsessionistas to bring together and share a wide range of personal collections – from the curious and fun, to the uniquely significant, and ultimately to museum collections. Our interest lies not only in the objects themselves buhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gift also in the act of collecting and the individual narratives behind each collection."

Zoe Robertson presents her Brooch collection....
"I have a growing collection of brooches. They are made by contemporary jewellery designers and students. On the course we have a module called “Entrepreneurial Design” or more commonly known as “the selling project” This project is basically live business studies where our students form a company, to design, manufacture and sell their products to the public. Each student has a role within the company, and each student designs and makes their own collection related to the company brief. This project takes place just before Christmas and is the perfect opportunity to collect really exciting work. I love it!"

See more here

New Works by Zoe Robertson, selected for Itami

2011-11-22T14:11:00.000-08:00

The selected works will be exhibited at the Museum of Arts & Crafts in Itami, Japan from 19th November to 25th December 2011"

See and read more about Zoe's work on her new website, here

Congratulations Zoe on being selected!

A textile art exhibition and a fee free stitching marathon

2011-11-22T14:04:00.000-08:00

Meet SINNERS & SAINTS and run the STITCHATHON!

Learn to share, take your time, make friends.
'SINNERS&SAINTS:A STITCHATHON'
@ Coco-mat Rotterdam + Amsterdam (26 NOV - 3 DEC)
Platinum thread sponsor: Coco-mat (www.coco-mat.com)
Golden thread sponsor: Loret Karman, Handdyed yarns and Knitting (www.loretkarman.nl)

Loukia Richards @ Art Hotel Dulac, Amsterdam

2011-11-22T13:52:00.000-08:00

"The assignment includes an exclusive large scale embroidery depicting Amsterdam's topography on Art Hotel Dulac's textiles and a stitching action for hotel guests that will take place at the hotel lobby (4- 9 December 2011).

Loret Karman, handdyed yarns and knitting" (www.loretkarman.nl) is the fiber sponsor of the new project."

For more information contact: loukiarichards@yahoo.com

New Works

2011-10-30T12:45:00.000-07:00

Loukia Richards: Micro-embroideries at the Fulbright Alumni Art Series 2011‏

2011-10-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

New works from Loukia Richards.

"The Fulbright Foundation Greece included ten micro-embroideries in its annual Fulbright Alumni Art Series event that will take place in Thessaloniki in Winter 2011.
The 'micro-embroideries' series under the title 'Portrait Gallery' is inspired by Coptic embroidery, Persian miniature art and the Portrait Collections seen at the castles of European nobility.

However, the portraits are sketched and embroidered after my sine nobilitate friends, relatives and neighbours.

The influence of comics on this work is prominent."

Jet

2011-10-30T12:31:00.000-07:00

Jet from Kirkstall Abbey. My sister sent me the image, thanks kate!

Dahlia

2011-10-03T07:35:00.001-07:00

A bit obsessed with Dahlia's at the moment!

Athens News: You crafty thing by Marie Zaharaki

2011-08-30T05:39:00.000-07:00

An article about the embroidery scene in Athens, featuring Loukia Richards and Stitch ‘n’ Bitch

“I use embroidery, weaving and knitting in my own art work. I learned a lot about stitching techniques through observation, reading and visiting museum collections. Art historians consider embroidery a very distinctive, individualistic and highly sophisticated art form,” says Greek British artist Loukia Richards. The founder of the Stitch ‘n’ Bitch Athens group, she has been a needlework fan for most of her life."

By-the-port-in-Patra.Photo-Credit-Kostas-Karypidis

Apples

2011-08-24T01:26:00.001-07:00

A bumper apple crop again this year and early due to the weather. Cookers and eaters...crumble anyone?

The Walled Nursery

2011-08-24T00:58:00.000-07:00

I recently visited The Walled Nursery again, it changes each time I visit. The new owners are constantly working on renovations of the glasshouses, it's a huge task but they look amazing. The garden/nursery houses 13 Victorian glasshouses including a Melon House, Vinery, Fernery and Peach House.

They also have a museum which I always find interesting to look around. It houses old tools and artifacts, some linked to the history of the estate.

The mobile gallery shows Aurum Reulecke Tabea-special edition

2011-08-23T00:17:00.000-07:00

Tabea Reulecke is showing new works at Stop shop 9 - a shop for the temporary museum of contemporary jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts in Frankfurt.

"To the Museum Embankment Festival presents the gallery the young artist with a developed specifically for this special event concept. Arise with fervor - derived from a variety of unique items - small offshoots, inspired passionate simplifications that make the handwriting and artistic concerns of the central part are visible. At the same time they function as an independent form, tangible, expressive, portable and affordable for a large audience.

The special edition and the unique - once again ShopStop9 offers surprising and, as always, very personal encounters with jewelry. Touching, trying to examine the effects are possible and buy only at the museum shop stop."

Andrea Wagner & Lynsay Raine: Handshake project

2011-08-22T10:32:00.000-07:00

Handshake is a mentoring project involving emerging jewellers from New Zealand matched with their chosen idols/mentors from across the globe.

Lynsay Raine selected Andrea Wagner to be her mentor.

As well as offering her specialist knowledge as a mentor, Wagner has also been selected to contribute towards the exhibition brochure with an introductory text.

The image shows a new work by Lynsay Raine.

New Works

2011-07-26T04:23:00.000-07:00

A few more new works to share with you.

Garbage Pin Project in BERLIN · Opening 7th July · contemporary jewellery non-gallery 'new values'‏

2011-07-26T04:06:00.000-07:00

"Garbage Pin Project" started with a common proposal launched by Ana Cardim to 90 artists suggesting to them to use the "Garbage Pin" during five days and to select, create or recreate, the contents kept in five plastic bags according to the http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifperspective and reflections generated from the project: 'worth VS waste' in the current urban society.

To see a video about the Garbage Pin Project click here

To read more about the project click here

New Work

2011-07-19T09:53:00.001-07:00

This new neckpiece is currently on show at Flow Gallery, along with other new works using hand dyed yarns and oxidised silver.

Old Reed Bed:Open Studio

2011-06-28T04:49:00.000-07:00

Open Studio at the Old Reed Bed Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd July between 12 noon – 6pm

Tea and cakes will be served in the garden (weather allowing) on both days.

The restored Thames Barge, The Edith May, will be in dock at Lower
Halstow - directly opposite the studios - on Sunday 3 July and open to
the public for visits and cream teas from 10.30am.

Alison Swan is one of the artists showing her work. Above you can see examples of her ceramic works.

Machteld van Joolingen: It's only temporary

2011-06-27T02:08:00.000-07:00

‘It’s only temporary’ An exhibition of work by Machteld van Joolingen

"What we experience as time is nothing more than the conception that most events are not reversible. G. Krol

What remains and what disappears? The image, form, material and meaning - everything is subject to a change. Most of it vanishes in the end.

My discovery of plastic bags as a material is rather recent.

The colour, the shine and the many kinds of plastic contained in the plastic bags have seduced me to do several series of melting experiments. I started with cutting the plastic bags into small pieces, melting them in the oven and then taking them out to press them into a mould.
At a later stage I have realised that for the ultimate result, it is much better to work without a mould, and concentrate on the pure material – the melted plastic.
Currently, I sometimes stitch the pieces together before putting them in the oven. I try to influence the outcome during the melting process. For this I take the piece out of the oven, rearrange the plastic and put it back again. This may happen several times during the baking process. I also try to influence the colour palette of the plastic although this may not lead to the indented result. The key moment is when to take the piece out of the oven; a difference of few seconds could result in totally different outcome. The experience of unpredictability and chance excites me.

I also value the fact that many friends collected the plastic bags for me and jointly we are aiding a recycling process. Ugly bags may lead to beautiful results and vice versa.

From the melted material I select those pieces that have expressiveness and shape the story into my jewellery pieces. These pieces might carry reference to traditional jewelery, for it is tradition that delicately balances between temporary and eternal."

Place: Galerie Louise Smit
(Amsterdam, Netherlands)
19-Jun-2011 - 23-Jul-2011

Thanks for sending the images Machteld.

Mudlarking

2011-06-22T07:06:00.000-07:00

Some images I took in Greenwich on Monday while I was mudlarking. I was pleased with the pipe find.

I also found two pipe bowls, some slipware and a mystery copper object....more on that soon...

SW1 Gallery: Student Show

2011-06-22T06:10:00.000-07:00

The Students at WAES are showing their work at the SW1 Gallery. My BTEC Level 3 group are showing some of their jewellery...

Images are from Ashia Thompson, who won a commendation for creative achievement, congratulations Ashia!

103 Years...

2011-06-22T02:47:00.000-07:00

"Central saint martins College of Art and Design moves from Holborn to its new home in Kings Cross this summer. On the 24th June The Central School shuts its doors at Lethaby house to students for the final time."

This was my bench peg in my final year...ten years ago now! It was great to say goodbye to the building on Monday evening and see so many students and teachers to celebrate 103 years. Very strange to think of the course being somewhere else.

Solution Found...

2011-06-22T02:04:00.000-07:00

It's fixed! You can now post comments again, sorry everyone who tried and had their words disappear.

The Olive Tree a Rooster Called Home

2011-06-22T01:12:00.000-07:00

Below is the catalogue for Loukia Richard's recent project "The Olive Tree a Rooster Called Home". It includes works from the show, background information and related essays.

Just click the link to see it full size.

The Olive Tree a Rooster Called Home.catalogue

Newt

2011-06-13T13:05:00.000-07:00

Was cleaning out the duck weed and met this Newt...I made sure he found his way back.

WHAT IS JEWELLERY NOW? Graduate show @ School of Jewellery, Birmingham

2011-06-13T08:52:00.000-07:00

"Jewellery created from sumptuous clusters of polystyrene balls, architectonic vessels that house upside down plants, eating devices that prevent you from eating?! Prepare to be amazed at the possibilities of Jewellery and Silversmithing, as 29 final year students on the BA Jewellery and Silversmithing degree course showcase their fantastic work at the world famous School of Jewellery, Vittoria Street, Birmingham. The show kicks off on Monday 13th June and continues until Saturday 18th June, with an exclusive Industry Evening event on Tuesday 14th June from 17:00, with guest speaker Peter Taylor- the director of technology and training at Goldsmiths’ Company."

Sally Collins, a lecturer on the BA course at the school, had this to say about the show- ‘This year’s exhibition promises to be full of innovative, exciting and beautifully crafted pieces that will really demonstrate the students working at the forefront of the discipline. New materials, new functions, new forms, new concepts- a show you’ll be sorry to miss!’

For more information visit The School of Jewellery Website

Images from the top: Samantha Hesford Brooch, Fiona Hau-Woody Bracelet, Clara Jackson Blue Mesh Bangle, Bobo Tsang 'Growth' Ring, Andrew Markou Air Plant Vessel.

The Olive Tree A Rooster Called Home: The Highlights

2011-06-13T08:15:00.000-07:00

Visual highlights of Loukia Richards latest project.

The Internet is such a good tool for sharing what we do and for being able to see what is happening within our specilaism at home and overseas...it makes the world much smaller and the possibilities wider.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing the development and outcomes of Loukia's project and I hope to share the e-catalogue with you soon.

'The Olive Tree A Rooster Called Home'

2011-06-01T01:56:00.000-07:00

The show concluded on May 28th at Coco-mat Rotterdam. An extra workshop had to be organised at Coco-mat Amsterdam as they had so many people wanting to take part in the embroidery sessions.

Loukia Richards in now in the process of planning for Part 2...

Landslide

2011-05-24T04:26:00.000-07:00

The effects of the landslide a few years back can still be seen in Lyme. It's a strange thing to go there hunting for fossils and be greeted by glass bottles,car batteries,old tools and radiators. They look out of place on the beach but I am always drawn towards the objects when I should be there to hunt for vertebrae! I took more images this year...each year it's different...it's an interesting mix, the natural fossil forms from million of years ago next to the man made objects thrown down the cliffs.

Nets & Fishing Details

2011-05-24T04:20:00.000-07:00

Paula Lindblom: VIDÖPPET

2011-05-23T05:48:00.000-07:00

Paula Lindblom is showing new work in VIDÖPPET

Also showing work:
Katrin Bawah
Anita Carlsson
Ulf Celé
Bibbi Forsman
Gunilla Hallberg
Helena Kaiser
Britta Kleberg
Ida Lindberg
Paula Lindblom
Elin Tollbom
Mona Wallström

Alingsås konsthall

VIDÖPPET
konsthantverk
21 maj - 3 september

Alingsås konsthall
441 81 Alingsås
Besöksadress: Södra Ringgatan 3
Telefon: 0322 - 61 65 98

SIMILAR THREADS

2011-05-23T05:27:00.000-07:00

SIMILAR THREADS
A CELEBRATION OF THE BEAUTY OF THREAD

21/05/2011 >> 01/09/2011

For the summer the Mostyn Shop has put together a Craft Showcase displaying 11 carefully selected contemporary designer/makers, all working in different fields of applied art, ranging from jewellery; ceramics; textiles; metal and wood. The one theme that connects all of these makers is their experimental and innovative use of thread.

Cath Ball, Jane Blease, Susan Cross, Joanne Garner, Joanne Haywood, Tamsin Howells, Severija Inčirauskaitė-Kriaunevičienė, Ashley Millward, Kathie Murphy, Laura Thomas, Misun Won.

Images (from other makers in the show)

A Sneak Peek

2011-05-17T03:10:00.000-07:00

SIMILAR THREADS, A CELEBRATION OF THE BEAUTY OF THREAD, starts this weekend at Mostyn, Llandudno. Here is a sneak peek of a new work I am showing there.

"Mostyn is Wales’ leading gallery of contemporary art – MOSTYN. Topped with a landmark gold spire, in 2010 it completed an expansion in which old and new buidlings are integrated in a stunning design by architect Dominic Williams."

'The Olive Tree A Rooster Called Home' Groetjes uit Amsterdam! (Greetings from Amsterdam!)‏

2011-05-17T01:45:00.000-07:00

Window-knitting Greek style rugs + playing
@ Coco-mat Amsterdam, Overtoom 89

Wouldn't it be nice if we all got to work in a chaise longue!

Free Greek Embroidery Workshops daily 10-12.00 until 19 May
(On 21 May the show begins at Coco-mat Rotterdam)
For more info, please write: loukiarichards@yahoo.com
or call Coco-mat Amsterdam (+31 (0)20 4892 927)

Photo credit: Thijs Siegenbeek van Heugelom

Greek Embroidery workshops @ Coco-mat, Antwerpen‏

2011-05-04T08:56:00.000-07:00

Loukia Richards in Antwerpen; sunny day; finger-training before class...

Coco-mat Antwerpen

De Keyserlei 11

+ 32 (0)3 2316 806

from 3 to 10 Μay, 10.00 am to 6.00 p.m.

Please note that on Sunday 8 May the shop remains closed

During the show, the artist will teach fee free Greek Emboidery workshops (in English):

From 3.00 to 5.00 pm at Coco-mat in Antwerpen (but for Sunday 8 May)

If you wish to participate in the fee free Greek Embroidery workshops you do not need to give previous notice.

Do not forget to bring with you the following materials:

a piece of textile to embroider - cotton or/and silk threads - embroidery needles - a soft pencil - a notebook - scissors

and (optional)

textile colors - pencils, pastels or markers - pins - your questions

The Olive Tree A Rooster Called Home: Update

2011-05-04T08:42:00.000-07:00

"The Olive Tree A Rooster Called Home" Has a new corporate Sponsor
Sarah Mesritz Jewellery Design

Read more about the project on Loukia's Facebook page

Lyme Regis

2011-05-04T08:36:00.000-07:00

So these are two of my holiday snaps! Normal people have family shots...every year I come back with a bag of fossils and multiple images of objects!

I Heart Alliums!

2011-05-04T08:30:00.000-07:00

Just when you think you have planted enough you visit Great Dixter and discover you could have planted more!!

Mr X Stitch

2011-04-26T14:41:00.000-07:00

"Jamie Chalmers, also known as Mr X Stitch is on a mission is to bring the world of cross stitch and embroidery to a whole new audience.
He has been cross stitching for years and really believes in the benefits of stitching, both from a relaxation and a sustainability perspective.
Mr X Stitch was started in 2008 as a way of highlighting cross stitch patterns that he was excited about, and has evolved into a terrific resource showcasing the best in new needlecraft and textiles. His position as a premier manbroiderer both excites and frightens him, but he is embracing the craft with both tattooed arms…"

His work is avaliable on Etsy

PRESS RELEASE 'The Olive Tree A Rooster Called Home'

2011-04-26T06:34:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE
'The Olive Tree A Rooster Called Home'
A solo textile art exhibition and fee free Greek Embroidery workshops by Loukia Richards
@ Coco-mat Antwerpen, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, MAY 2011

It will be hard to trace any olive trees or roosters in Loukia Richards's solo exhibition at the new Coco-mat stores in Belgium and The Netherlands but in the title.
Richards, a textile artist, a Hochschule der Kuenste Berlin graduate and Fulbrighter, makes use of a stereotypical image of Greece in her show title 'to attract ''unaware visitors'' and surprise them with unorthodox works and doings'.
Richards's textile work (tapestries, soft sculptures and selected textile jewellery) reflect the influence of modern Greek culture and weaving traditions, while the artist's personal Odyssey through techniques, materials and foreign influences is prominent in the show.

The show, as well as the e-catalogue the visitor may download for free, is divided into four relevant chapters or colors:
Red for Greece's national insurrection in the early 19th century, for the fatricidal civil war of the late 1940s and for the rejuvenating power of joyful Greek Easter - Black for death and mourning reflecting the dark sides of Greek history, inflated with wars and foreign invasions, as well as for the Hesiodeian chaos which gave birth to cosmos, according to mythology - Green for the plant deities, spring, flourishing hope and creativity - Blue for the sea surrounding, connecting and enriching the country of over 3,000 islands, a source of innumerable myths and legends.

Richards's work shown in the exhibition includes her 'embroidery notes' on Washington DC (The Washington Diary), her fiber experience from working as an AIR at Ted Noten Atelier in Amsterdam's Red Light District (Holy Bitch), her family's recollections from the bloody civil war that shadowed her childhood with pain and mourning (Death Dolls).
The focal piece of the show is the old style Greek flag, embroidered with Greek Embroidery motifs from the 17th and 18th century.
Its title: 'NO!' (OXI!) refers to a word echoeing the resistance of Greek people to foreign invadors throughout their history: from the Persian wars in the antiquity to the nazi occupation in the early 1940s.

There is another element in the show which may surprise the visitor. She/he may participate in the fee free Greek Embroidery workshops taught by the artist (in English). 'In a way, visitors are encouraged to perform the craft that lead to this show and by becoming active participants of the event, they get a better understanding of the living Greek culture and the background that produced this work', Richards says.
Guests will also have the possibility to try their newly acquired skills on a piece of textile which will be used to build the world's biggest mattress, an ecology-focused international event Coco-mat organizes on June 15th in Marathon, Greece.
(For more information on the 'Marathon project', please visit www.coco-mat.com or e-mail: edavlamanou@coco-mat.com).

Richards completed her research on Greek Embroidery at The Textile Museum in Washington DC funded by a Fulbright Foundation grant. The results of this work - sketches made of traditional 17th and 18th century motifs - are published in the e-catalogue. "It is: a) a much cheaper alternative compared to print material b) 100% eco-friendly d) can be home-printed and finally e) sponsors may also 'e-publish' it in their websites thus 'spread the word' to their respective audience', the artist says.

Richards dedicates her show and e-catalogue to the animals and plants of Greece inspiring her work and life.
......................................................................................
'The Olive Tree A Rooster Called Home' details:

Where: Coco-mat (Antwerpen, Amsterdam, Rotterdam)
The event is under the auspices of The Theoharakis Foundation (www.thf.gr), a private museum of modern and contemporary art in Athens.
Corporate sponsors of the show are: Coco-mat (www.coco-mat.com), Pireaus Bank (www.piraeusbank.gr/), Superfast Ferries (www.superfast.com), Domain Skouras (www.skouras.gr)
Communication sponsors are: British 'The Needle Files' - Dutch website for international embroidery www.berthi.web-log.nl - US digital plaftorm for the arts http://www.findartinfobank.com/
Show and e-catalogue curator: Dr. Alexandra Tranta, Archaeologist - Museologist
Digital communication + E-catalogue design: Vagelis Stournaras
......................................................................................
Schedule:
Coco-mat Antwerpen
De Keyserlei 11
+ 32 (0)3 2316 806
from 3 to 10 Μay, 10.00 am to 6.00 p.m.
Please note that on Sunday 8 May the shop remains closed
During the show, the artist will teach fee free Greek Emboidery workshops (in English):
From 3.00 to 5.00 pm at Coco-mat in Antwerpen (but for Sunday 8 May)

Coco-mat Amsterdam
Overtoom 89
+31 (0)20 4892 927
from 12 to 19 Μay, 10.00 am to 6.00 p.m. (including Sunday 15 May)
Please note that on Monday 16 May the shop opens at noon.
During the show, the artist will teach fee free Greek Emboidery workshops (in English):
From 10.00 am to noon at Coco-mat in Amsterdam (but for Monday 16 May)

Coco-mat Rotterdam
Westblaak 25
+31 (0)10 2829 807
from 21 to 28 Μay, 10.00 am to 6.00 p.m. (including Sunday 22 May)
Please note that on Monday 23 May the shop remains closed.
During the show, the artist will teach fee free Greek Emboidery workshops (in English):
From 3.00 to 5.00 pm at Coco-mat in Rotterdam (but for Monday 23 May)
......................................................................................
If you wish to participate in the fee free Greek Embroidery workshops you do not need to give previous notice.
Do not forget to bring with you the following materials:
a piece of textile to embroider - cotton or/and silk threads - embroidery needles - a soft pencil - a notebook - scissors
and (optional)
textile colors - pencils, pastels or markers - pins - your questions
......................................................................................
Loukia Richards (Athens, 1965)
The Onassis Benefit Foundation funded my studies at Hochschule der Kuenste, Berlin (1988-1993). A perplexing kilim design fueled my desire to study fibers. A Fulbright Foundation grant facilitated my research on Greek Embroidery at The Textile Museum in DC (2008). My soft sculptures inspired by the Red Light Disctrict 'sex workers' in Amsterdam, while an AIR at Ted Noten Atelier (2009), express contemporary agonies through traditional techniques. The 'Hillary Clinton' doll I created for the touring exhibition 'I Care A Lot' on the Middle East conflict (Trier, Stockholm, Lisbon - 2010), convinced me 'toys' can talk politics. As the curator of the first Greek municipal AIR program last summer, I used 'female crafts' to express death, mourning, civil war.
For more information, please contact:loukiarichards@yahoo.com

The Needle Files Blogspot is a communication Sponsor for "The Olive Tree A Rooster Called Home".

Press conference "The Olive Tree A Rooster Called Home"

2011-04-26T03:37:00.000-07:00

Photographs taken at the well received press conference for "The Olive Tree A Rooster Called Home" the upcoming solo exhibition from Loukia Richards.

Top Image, photo credit:The Theoharakis Foundation

Bottom image, photo credit: Vagelis Stournaras
Dr. Alexandra Tranta (right)
Loukia Richards (left)

Loukia Richards solo show will be shown with the Greek-Dutch company Coco-mat in Antwerpen, Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

3 - 10 Μay Αntwerpen, 12 - 19 Μay Amsterdam, 21 - 28 Μay Rotterdam.

More updates soon....

Felieke van der Leest

2011-04-26T01:47:00.000-07:00

Felieke van der Leest has a solo show "Once upon a time in My West (part 1)", at galerie Rob Koudijs in Amsterdam.

16th April 2011-21st May 2011

Windows

2011-04-12T07:51:00.000-07:00

Apple Blossom

2011-04-12T07:48:00.000-07:00

Snakehead

2011-04-12T07:43:00.001-07:00

Tulip

2011-04-12T07:37:00.000-07:00

Lin Cheung & Laura Potter

2011-04-06T02:23:00.000-07:00

The Modern Jewel
In time and the mind of others
25 March 2011 - 10 July 2011

The Modern Jewel is a major new contemporary jewellery exhibition and mima’s largest presentation of jewellery to date. As part of museumaker, over the last year Middlesbrough Museums and Galleries have been working with makers Atelier Ted Noten and Lin Cheung & Laura Potter, to commission pieces of jewellery for the collection and the people of Middlesbrough. Taking over four large gallery spaces, the new works will be shown alongside other works from Middlesbrough collection and pieces by Maisie Broadhead.

museumaker is a prestigious national project, involving sixteen museums across four participating regions, funded by Arts Council England and MLA and its Renaissance programme. It is unlocking the creative potential of collections through imaginative interchanges between the heritage and contemporary craft sectors. museumaker is a collaborative initiative across Middlesbrough Museums Service, mima, The Dorman Museum and Captain Cook Birthplace Museum.

Exclusive Images from the exhibition, thanks Lin!

Coming Soon...

2011-04-04T02:14:00.000-07:00

The Needle Files are proud to be sponsoring:
'The Olive Tree A Rooster Called Home', BENELUX, MAY 2011

What is it? A solo textile art show by Loukia Richards + fee free Greek Embroidery workshops taught by Richards.

Show and e-catalogue curator: Dr. Alexandra Tranta, Archaeologist - Museologist

E-catalogue design: Vagelis Stournaras

Where: Coco-mat shops Antwerpen, Amsterdam, Rotterdam.

Dates: 3 - 10 Μay Αntwerpen, 12 - 19 Μay Amsterdam, 21 - 28 Μay Rotterdam.

"The Rooster is a symbol of abundance & fertility in Greek Embroidery; the olive tree is the holy tree of Athens (my hometown) and a characteristic motif of my paintings.
The title is also a reference to the rooster who nested in the olive tree of a former (deserted) kilim factory in Leonidio in SE Peloponnese - a town internationally known for its kilim industry in the 19th century."

The event is under the auspices of The Theoharakis Foundation (www.thf.gr), a private museum of modern and contemporary art in Athens.

Communication sponsors are: British 'The Needle Files' - Dutch website for international embroidery www.berthi.web-log.nl - US digital plaftorm for the arts http://www.findartinfobank.com/

Corporate sponsors of the show are: Coco-mat (www.coco-mat.com), Pireaus Bank (www.pireausbank.gr), Superfast Ferries (www.superfast.com), Domain Skouras (www.skouras.gr)

The E-catalogue will be avaliable soon via this blog. More updates and images to follow soon...

500 Silver Jewelry Designs

2011-03-29T07:19:00.000-07:00

500 Silver Jewelry Designs, by juror Talya Baharal and Marthe Le Van.

It's out in the US already,UK readers will have to wait a little longer, but it's avaliable on pre-order from amazon.uk.

I have a brooch in this book, so got a complimentary copy last week, it's a really good selection of works.

UNDER THAT CLOUD

2011-03-21T09:29:00.000-07:00

Curated by Jo Bloxham
This exhibition was curated by Jo Bloxham and
inspired by 18 artists that were stranded in Mexico
City during the flight disruption caused by the
Icelandic volcanic ash cloud a year ago.

Andrea Wagner will show work in this exhibition, at Galerie Spektrum

Chilli's and Blue Skies

2011-03-21T09:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks Gaby for these great pics!

I have recently planted nine different types of chilli's (two weeks ago), a little bit late in the year, but will see how they go. Yes, I am a bit obsessed with chilli's.

Terhi Tolvanen‏: Nature Collection

2011-03-15T14:12:00.000-07:00

goldfingers / Klosterstræde 18 / 1157 København K / (+45) 30823732 / (+45) 32173730 / www.goldfingers.dk

Roller Derby Fundraiser

2011-03-15T11:21:00.000-07:00

Completely unrelated to jewellery. There is a Roller Derby Fundraiser in Margate on the 30th April, Live Bands, Merch, Cupcakes and a Raffle. Pop along if you can, should be a great night and all the proceeds go towards helping the team.

If anyone would like to donate something for the raffle, please email me, KRG can give you a mention on the night and hand out your flyer's/postcards for you.

Or if anyone is interested in Sponsoring Kent Roller Girls you can find out more here

Details

2011-03-15T09:56:00.000-07:00

A few details of new works...a sneak peak!

100th International Woman’s Day

2011-03-15T07:10:00.000-07:00

Last Week was the 100th International Woman’s Day. On my way home I was listening to the radio and heard about a poll a newspaper had run asking "Who is your favourite influential London woman?" Loads sprang to mind but the actual results are just nuts (in my opinion). Virginia Woolf gets 0.15% of the vote, Rosalind Franklin 0.19%,Angela Hartnett 0.09%, Millicent Fawcett 0.51%......and the winner is Leona Lewis with 70.9%. Is it just me or is this completely crazy? I don't ever pick up the newspaper who did the poll, so maybe it's not meant for me but even so, surely we can do better than this?

So just to celebrate the ladies who rock...Virginia Woolf Angela Hartnett Rosalind Franklin

Stitch London’s Stitched Sealife Six project

2011-02-16T00:41:00.000-08:00

My pal Yvonne sent me info for this knitted invasion at the Natural History Museum. A fun way to interact with the space and exhibits. I wonder how Darwin would have reacted to wearing an orange squid boa?...think it suits him.

"We interrupt this programme to bring you breaking news from London’s Natural History Museum. Reports are flooding in that four of the Museum’s inmates have broken out of their jars and are causing havoc throughout the building.

Anyone spotting the Stitched Sealife Escapees should keep to a safe distance and alert the authorities. I repeat, do not attempt to take them down yourself!"

Read more about it on the Stitch London Blog (formerly Stitch and Bitch London)

(NB This event happened last year so you can only see it online I think)

Happy Groundhog Day!

2011-02-02T03:04:00.000-08:00

Groundhog Day 2011, watch it live here

Tina Lilienthal: Little Rogues

2011-02-02T01:48:00.000-08:00

You can now buy Tina Lilienthal's Little Rogues from her Online Shop

Fish Fight

2011-01-24T07:08:00.001-08:00

Around half of the fish caught by fishermen in the North Sea are unnecessarily thrown back into the ocean dead. Completely unrelated to jewellery I know but very important. Please show your support and tell your friends about it too.

Ingrid Psuty

2011-01-24T03:29:00.000-08:00

Ingrid Psuty is participating in the upcoming Fresh Air exhibition at Taboo Studio (1615 1/2 w. Lewis St. in Mission Hills. San Diego

The exhibition opening will be held Friday, February 11th from 6-8 p.m. Paisley Pendant (shown above) will be included in the show.

Chooks

2011-01-18T14:42:00.000-08:00

Four plastic hens from Sweden c.2010 and One French glass hen c.1920

Thanks Paula and Mike!

Bloomsbury Flowers

2011-01-18T14:11:00.000-08:00

Things to come...

2011-01-08T09:25:00.000-08:00

A sneaky peak at some new colours/yarns I have been working on. Some have one layer of pigment, others two layers, or even three.

Yes that is a chopstick in the green image, the best tool I have found for mixing my vats of dye, very technical stuff!

Morris Exhibition

2011-01-07T01:31:00.000-08:00

Just before Christmas I visted the Willaim Morris Gallery to see my neckpiece in the exhibition "Inspired by Morris". I was very happy to see they had placed my work next to a bag embroidered by May Morris.

The exhibition showing my neckpiece has now ended. The gallery has a new temporary exhibition starting on the 2nd Feb titled "Morris, Anti-Scrape and the Preservation of Heritage"

"The William Morris Gallery is the only public Gallery devoted to William Morris - designer, craftsman, writer, socialist and conservationist - and displays an internationally important collection illustrating his life, achievements and influence.

William Morris was born in Walthamstow in 1834. The Gallery is delightfully housed in the 18th Century Water House, Morris' family home from 1848 to 1856, and set in Lloyd Park in Walthamstow."

Happy Hogmanay!

2010-12-31T11:28:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

2010-12-31T11:12:00.000-08:00

Two Stars

2010-12-31T11:03:00.000-08:00

Two stars for Christmas.

One wooden star from the German Christmas market in Leeds, a gift from kate and another crochet star from Yvonne.

Leonor Hipólito: New Blog

2010-11-29T01:32:00.000-08:00

Leonor Hipólito has a new blog which will focus on presenting an archive of her jewellery works

The New 2011 Real Seed Catalogue

2010-11-10T10:23:00.000-08:00

The New 2011 Real Seed Catalogue is out now, with all of the new
season's seed and lots of new varieties.

Kate Haywood: AA2A

2010-11-10T09:57:00.000-08:00

My lovely sister Kate Haywood has become an AA2A artist and will be developing new works at Huddersfield University. You can view her AA2A page here

"The AA2A project provides placements for visual artists and designer makers in Higher and Further Education institutions across England. In 2010/2011, AA2A schemes will run in 31 institutions, providing 124 placements nationally. In the last 11 years, over 1,100 participants have had the opportunity to undertake a period of research or realise a project, using workshops and supporting facilities in participating fine art and design departments."

'Made to Cherish - The Best of British Craft'

2010-11-10T09:49:00.000-08:00

The Christmas show at CAA Gallery will feature Julie Arkell's work (seen above) and other makers including Dylan Bowen's Ceramics...oooh Santa wish list!

Iris Bodemer @ Gallery Marzee

2010-11-03T16:15:00.000-07:00

Iris Bodemer is showing new work at Gallery Marzee from 10 October until 15 December 2010. Many of the current works utilise bronze, very beautiful works.

Ute Eitzenhöfer and Tabea Reulecke are also showing at the gallery.

Into Battle...

2010-11-01T07:03:00.000-07:00

Battle, in East Sussex.

I visited the location for The Battle of Hastings which was fought between Harold the Saxon king and William the Conqueror in 1066. It's actually about 6 miles away from Hastings.

It was an overcast rainy day when I visited. Standing on Senlac Hill I tried to imagine the Battle, which happened in mid October, so the weather might have been as grim then. The fighting went on all day. Harold and his 5,000 men were outnumbered by William and his 1,500 men. A sad day in English History.

HAPPY HALLOWEEEEEEEEEEEEEN!

2010-11-01T06:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween one and all...here are some pics of the treats we had at the ready last night, but unfortunately no callers came to trick or treat. I made a skull lantern this year, and pumpkin soup with the innards and teeth from the pumpkin seeds (with chili and salt, yum). Another Summer's End to celebrate and getting ready for the winter months ahead. For the darker days I look forward to open fires, kicking through the leaves and preparing surprises for Christmas.

Thanks to Gabby for the beautiful decorations, Happy Día de los Muertos!...will Keep the decorations up for Tuesday!

Steinbeisser: Leonor Hipólito

2010-10-12T01:36:00.000-07:00

'Urtica Genial' Pendant. Silver, Wood. by Leonor Hipólito

Steinbeisser is a traveling project, a temporary platform for independent artists working wearable art and contemporary jewellery. Its meaning 'Rockbiter' is a reflection of the continuous process of change in location and perception.

Steinbeisser Blogspot

Tabea Reulecke: New works at Gallery Marzee

2010-10-12T01:13:00.000-07:00

Tabea Reulecke is showing new work at Gallery Marzee from 10th October until 15th December 2010.

Alongside Tabea's work Gallery Marzee is also showing jewellery from Iris Bodemer,Ute Eitzenhöfer and Stefano Marchetti.

Congratulations Tabea and thanks for the invite!

Heather Belcher: New works

2010-10-11T10:06:00.000-07:00

Heather Belcher is showing at Pairings, a cross disciplinary collaboration in craft and design at the Manchester Metropolitan University Special Collections Gallery.

p a i r i n g s
Until 13 November 2010
MMU Special Collections Gallery,
3rd Floor,
Sir Kenneth Green Library

Ribbit continued......

2010-10-11T09:17:00.000-07:00

I found this frog in one of my tub-trugs on Sunday....it rained a lot last week and the tub was filled with water. The blue plastic made it look like the frog was in a swimming pool, looked very funny....I made sure it could get out again after he had finished his lengths.

Lemon Peppers

2010-10-11T09:05:00.000-07:00

At last my lemon chilli peppers from the Real Seed collection are ready...they are nice and hot but also lemon flavoured too. Am still waiting patiently for the Alberto's Locotos.

BIG KNIT: Deadline extended

2010-10-11T08:37:00.000-07:00

An update from Age UK. The deadline for sending in hats has been extended by two weeks so you have until October 29th...great news if you want to take part but have not started yet. They want to reach One Million pounds this year, wouldn't that be great!

You can send your hats directly to Age UK at:

The Big Knit
Age UK
York House
207-221 Pentonville Road
London
N1 9UZ

The BIG Knit: 5 Days to go

2010-10-11T07:43:00.000-07:00

Still want to make some hats for the Innocent Smoothies BIG Knit? The deadline is Friday 15th October, so you still have a few days left to knit some.

Above are some of my hats I posted out today...

Inspired By Morris

2010-10-06T09:26:00.000-07:00

Inspired By Morris
9 October - 24 December 2010

A group show of contemporary art and craft inspired by the life and work of William Morris. Over 50 London based artists have contributed work in all media- from prints and ceramics to film and photography. The exhibits will be on display alongside Morris’ own work so visitors can compare old and new and look afresh at Morris’ artistic legacy.

I am showing a new work in this exhibition entitled "Miniature Garden"

William Morris Gallery
Lloyd Park
Forest Road
Walthamstow E17 4PP

Tel 020 8496 4390
Email wmg.enquiries@walthamforest.gov.uk

Ribbit

2010-10-05T15:02:00.000-07:00

Down the stream the swans all glide;
It's quite the cheapest way to ride.
Their legs get wet,
Their tummies wetter:
I think after all
The bus is better

S. Milligan

Loukia Richards: The Washington Diary

2010-09-21T03:14:00.000-07:00

The Washington Diary was recently featured in the Greek edition of Le Monde Diplomatique, a supplement to the Sunday newspaper Eleufterotypia.

See more of Loukia's work here

Andrea Wagner @ Gallery NOEL GUYOMARCH

2010-09-21T02:53:00.000-07:00

Andrea Wagner is showing work at Gallery Noel Guyomarch in Montreal, September 30th until October 24th

Fabrizio Tridenti: Cominelli Foundation Award Exhibition

2010-09-21T02:43:00.000-07:00

Fabrizio Tridenti is showing work at the exhibition of the Cominelli Foundation Award in Cisano, San Felice del Benaco, Garda Lake.

Fabrizio Tridenti: Galerie Schmuckfrage, Berlin

2010-09-21T02:31:00.000-07:00

Galerie Schmuckfrage, Berlin

13.ERFURTER SCHMUCKSYMPOSIUMS

"Since 1984 The Erfurter Schmucksymposium takes place every two years for two weeks. The Schmucksymposium aims to establish and foster national and international contacts, facilitate the creative work of jewelry artists through the exchange of experience, the exploration of possibilities in the design and execution of jewelry, and expand the understanding of jewelry."

Participating artists:
Volker Atrops (Germany), Iris Bodemer (Germany), Daniela Boieri (Italy), Heike Gruber (Germany), Federica Pallaver (Italy), Mandy Rasch (Germany),Philip Sajet (Netherlands), Dana Seachuga (Israel/ Netherlands), Beate Klockmann (Germany), Fabrizio Tridenti (Italy).

Read more about it here

Jessica Turrell: Showing at Origin

2010-09-21T02:18:00.000-07:00

See Jessica Turrell's beautiful enamel work at Origin from 23rd - 29th September 2010

"A collection that uses etching and non-traditional enamel techniques to create jewellery that rewards close attention with a tactile delicacy and an intricate and detailed surface. Pieces often include multiple layers of handwritten text and repeated mark that offer a glimpse of bright jewel-like colours underlying a monochrome surface."

Leonor Hipólito: Heritage

2010-09-21T01:59:00.000-07:00

"With Heritage I have initiated the cicle of interventions which under the idea of Private View happens in different private spaces.
Each intervention represents a different body of work for it takes in account the particular characteristics of both house and host.
Within the variety of events from Private View it is intended to trigger sensations only possible to experience in the specificity of the chosen places.
Every intervention 'site specific' is developed in close relation to the host participant and it is presented in one-time show."

concept Leonor Hipólito / photography Leonor hipólito and Arne Kaiser

See images from Heritage here

THE T'N'T POP UP SHOP‏

2010-09-21T01:49:00.000-07:00

Visit Tomasz & Tina at the first T'N'T Pop Up Shop in Shoreditch, open from September to December 2010

TINA LILIENTHAL
Unit 22 & 25 Sunbury Workshops
Swanfield Street
Shoreditch
London E2 7LF
+44 (0)7960 975805
info@tinalilienthal.com
www.tinalilienthal.com

Bronze helmet uncovered at farm near Crosby Garrett in Cumbria

2010-09-13T13:28:00.000-07:00

"A stunning Roman cavalry helmet, made to awe the spectators in a procession of wealth and power rather than for practical use in combat, has been found by a metal detector user near the village of Crosby Garrett in Cumbria." Maev Kennedy for the Guardian

Read the full article