Spring Events

Hello!

I've been quiet for a good few months, neglecting my 'online presence' while focusing instead on organising my year around the arrival of my first baby, scheduled in 8 weeks time (eek!). Things have been quiet for the first couple of months this year, as they often are in winter, but as is typical of me I have made sure my last baby-free month is going to be a busy one!

Come the end of March I will be finishing some aspects of work - I shall be saying a fond farewell to my part-time job at Masham Gallery, where I have worked off an on for over half my lifetime. I will also be stopping the production of pictures from the end of this month, and am currently finishing my last commission for the time being. I have a few projects lined up for later in the year, and will be trying my best to get back into work as and when I have the time. Alas at this stage it is hard to know when I will be back to full speed, as I hear babies don't always sleep when you want them to...

But for now my focus is on the events I have coming up in April. I couldn't resist applying for York Open Studios again this year despite it running dangerously close to my due date, It is such a fantastic event and I enjoyed it so much last year that it seemed worth the risk. As with 2014, I shall be opening my 'studio' - actually the downstairs part of my house to visitors over the weekends of the 17th/18th/19th and 25th/26th of April. I will be here to discuss my work, and will have a collection of framed papercuts both large and small. I am one of around 100 artists taking part in the event, all based in and around the city, which makes it easy for visitors to walk to a number of studios throughout the day. If you are thinking about visiting the event but can't decide which studios to go for, check out the taster exhibition now on display at the Blossom Street gallery near Micklegate Bar. The exhibition includes a piece of work from nearly every artist taking part in YOS, and may help you plan your routes over the weekend. Don't forget to add me to your list!

Following on from York Open Studios, my work will be enjoying an idylic change of scenery when I install a collection of papercuts and prints at Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens, just outside of York. My work will on display in the tearoom on the grounds of this beautiful plant nursery and gardens, where visitors can explore the gardens and discover rare and exotic plants in peaceful and pretty surroundings. My exhibition will run throughout the month of May, hopefully accompanied by some lovely weather!

Things will get a little queiter from June, though you will still be able to find my work in a number of galleries around the country, including Masham Gallery, The Alchemy Gallery, The Itch Gallery, Art and Rose and The Heart Gallery. If you are interested in commissioning a piece from me then please do get in touch - depending on your deadlines and ideas I may still be able to help.

Have a lovely Easter and spring
Rosie x

Winter news and 2015

Hello!

A terribly long gap since my last post, though luckily I had brought you up to date already with everything I was up to for little while, so we haven't missed much!

My next (and last) event for this year is the Art Market in Holmfirth. The Art Market has over 100 artists and makers and runs over the next two weekends. There is a evening preview on the Saturday night, followed by a day long market on Sunday.  I will be there on the last weekend of November, so you can catch me between 8-10pm on the 29th, and 10am-4pm on the 30th. I will be exhibiting a selection of my latest work, including some smaller pieces which are perfect Christmas presents, along with a new collection of cards and postcards.

Wainhouse Tower, Halifax

If you can't make the art market you can still see my work at a number of galleries. My two newest stockists are Alchemy Art and Framing in Macclesfield, and Art&Rose in Pocklington. You can see new work, made exclusively for those galleries in both. For the full list of my stockists please visit my website.

Mow Cop, Cheshire. On display in Alchemy Art and Framing, Macclesfield

Sledmere Castle. On display in Art&Rose, Pocklington

Looking to 2015...I'm pleased to say that I will once again by taking part in York Open Studios next year. I had a great time opening my home up to visitors and turning my living room into a gallery earlier this year, so I'm thrilled to be part of the event again. I will also be exhibiting a collection of my work at Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens, as part of their arts programme in May 2015. More on that later. As for the rest of 2015... my work schedule will be a little different next year as my partner and I are excitedly expecting the arrival of our first child in early May. I am hoping to keep my stockists topped up with new work, and will definitely be taking part in some exhibitions over summer, but I may not be appearing at as many events as usual. I shall let you know as my plans develop!

Have a lovely run up to Christmas x

What's on August/September...

Hello!

I am busy preparing for a number of exciting events coming up in the next couple of months, including art fairs and exhibitions, so please read on for information on where to see my newest work next.

August:
Art in The Pen - 16th/17th
Coming up fast is Art in the pen, a fantastic and unusual art fair based in Skipton cattle mart! Featuring work from over 100 artists and makers, each displaying their wares in a cattle pen. It's my third year taking part in this event, and the quality an diversity of work is always impressive. Even better, admission is only £2, and refreshments are available on site. For information on getting there, and to see the full list of artists taking part, visit the website here.


Mini exhibition at York Hospital  - 20th August to 20th October
I am delighted to have been invited to exhibit some new pieces at York Hospital as part of their art and design scheme. For two months any visitors to the hospital will be able to find a small collection of my work located down the main corridor (close to junction 5). The works celebrates York and the surrounding area, with subjects including Castle Howard, the old Terry's factory ('The Chocolate Works') and Baile Hill. All work will be for sale directly through me, and the exhibition is in a completely public area so anyone can visit. I will be making a donation to the hospital's art and design scheme from any work sold. Visit York Hospital's website for more information on the scheme.


September:
New work at Alchemy art and framing, Macclesfield - September onwards
Three new pinned papercuts will soon be on the walls at the Alchemy gallery, Macclesfield. The new pieces are inspired by some of the stunning follies in the local area including Mow Cop and White Nancy.

The Way Through The Woods - September 13th to November 2nd
Masham Gallery
I will be presenting some new, woodland inspired pieces for the forthcoming exhibition at Masham Gallery. The exhibition features a diverse mix of painting, print, woodwork and textiles, plus my papercutting of course! Other artists include Hester Cox.


That's all from me for now, there are more events coming up later in the year, including Art for Youth North and The Art Market, but more on those later!

Inspiration on the doorstep

Hello!

It's been far too long since I wrote a blog, in fact the month of June has been and gone without any word from me on here. A busy month it was indeed, with the usual frenzy of North Yorkshire Open Studios, and a brand new workshop for me at ArtisOn. July is always a more relaxed month for me, with no big events taking place I've got a good few weeks to get some new work made, and finally get round to doing all those annoying little jobs (little reorganising the studio) before August hits. So right now my attention is on my forthcoming mini-exhibition at York Hospital, which runs from August 20th to October 20th.

York hospital have an on going programme of art exhibitions and events, which provide inspiration, relaxation and escape to those visiting or staying in the hospital. A ever changing array of contemporary work adorns the walls around the entrance and main corridor, and much of the work is for sale. When  I was first approached about exhibiting in the hospital, I must confess I was completely ignorant to the scheme, but having visited the current exhibition I can see how it transforms the clinical and often intimidating atmosphere.

I will be exhibiting a small collection of new work, and have used the opportunity to finally take inspiration from what's right on my doorstep. The exhibition will feature pieces based on buildings in York and the surrounding area, with subjects such as Baile Hill, The Treasurer's House, Castle Howard, Bishopthorpe Palace Gatehouse and one of my favourite buildings, the old Terry's Chocolate Works. I wanted to focus on the places that are special to me, rather than the more typical York scenes, and I'm sure it will make a lovely collection. I just hope the patients and staff at York Hospital enjoy it too.

The Mausoleum, Castle Howard

Baile Hill, York

The Chocolate Works (In progress...)

Just before my exhibition at the hospital I will be appearing once again at Art in the Pen in Skipton on Satyurday 16th and Sunday 17th of August. A fantastic art fair with a brilliantly high standard, all displayed within the pens of a cattle mart! It's well worth a visit.

That's all from me for now, have a lovely July!
Rosie

Crafted by Hand - May 25th/26th, Masham Town Hall

I just wanted to send out a little newsletter to let you know about a very exciting event I'm taking part in this coming weekend. Crafted by hand takes place in Masham Town Hall on Sunday 25th Monday 26th of May. The contemporary art fair has previously been a one day event, featuring a high standard collection of artists and makers, but this year the organisers Josie Beszant and Charlotte Morrison (both artists themselves) have extended the fair to two days and created Printed by Hand, an area of the art fair dedicated to the best printmakers from the Yorkshire and the north.



As well as perusing the amazing array of ceramics, print, papercutting, jewellery and photography (and perhaps making a purchase!) visitors can also try their hand at a variety of printmaking techniques, and watch blacksmithing and stone carving from just outside the town hall.

I shall be displaying a collection of my newest work, including 5 brand new papercuttings, along with a selection of cards and new postcard packs.

 If you can't catch me at Crafted by Hand, I will be back in Masham for North Yorkshire Open Studios in June, but more on that later.

See you this weekend!
Rosie

Open Studios Tonight!

Hello!

I have returned from and amazing trip around a few of the islands that make up Indonesia. My visit included Bali, Lombok and Gili Trawangan, plus a brief stay in Jakarta which is on the island of Java. That's four islands out of nearly 2000 - I might have to go back to tackle some more. The weather was hot and the buildings and wildlife were beautiful and very inspiring.

When I finally got to my front door after 3 days of boats, taxi, plane and train travel, I couldn't wait to get drawing again. Firstly however I needed to begin the somewhat-bigger-than-anticipated task of preparing my living room for York Open Studios, which opens this evening.
Open Studio events are popping up all over the place, and for an artist they are a great opportunity to meet potential customers and have the chance to chat about our work directly, in a relaxed and casual setting. For the visitor it offers an exciting day of discovering working artist's studios, gaining insight into their working methods, and seeing artwork displayed in a more realistic home-like setting.

I have taken part in North Yorkshire Open Studios for the past two years, and have used the studios at ArtisOn, Masham where I teach workshops. So even though I have done open studios before, this will be the first time I have used my home, and been the only artist on site (previously I have shared with artists Ian Scott Massie, Charlotte Morrison and Josie Beszant) so I am very excited and a little nervous about how it will go. I have transformed the downstairs of the house into an exhibition space and will be demonstrating my work aswell. I also have the cake stand and teapots at the ready so my visitors can enjoy some refreshments while looking round (things always look better after a bit of cake, no?). I even have some brand new cards printed to add to the collection. Now all I need are customers!

 

If you are interested in visiting my studio, there is a preview this evening (April 4th) from 6pm - 9pm, then I will be open this and next weekend, Saturday 10am - 6pm and Sunday 11am - 5pm. For more information, including artists profiles and a handy map to plan your route, visit the York Open Studios website here.

I hope to see you over the next couple of weeks!
Rosie

Exotic travels and the return

Hello!

By the time this blog reaches you I will be on the beautiful island of Bali, Indonesia. By a stroke of amazing good fortune my partner Dave has had to go across the world for work, so we decided that it was the perfect opportunity to have our first proper holiday. The furthest I have ever travelled is Cyprus so I am looking forward to my first long-haul flight almost as much as the holiday itself! I shall be away for two weeks which means that as I write this (on the 13th of March) I am busily trying to get last minute holiday things sorted while also ensuring that I have everything ready for York Open Studios, which takes place only 4 days after I get home (4th/5th/6th and 12th/13th April)



The Octagon Tower, Studley Royal

In case you aren't familiar with the event York Open Studios runs over two consecutive weekends at the start of April, and gives visitors to the city the exclusive chance to see inside the workplaces of over 100 artists and makers in and around York. There is a complete guide to every artist taking part, and a map for you to plan your route with on the YOS website, and if you're in the area you'll probably have seen brochures and posters in shops and cafes everywhere. Every artist taking part will be selling their work as well as displaying it, so you may come away with a new piece of art when you visit.

The Gatehouse, Burton Agnes

I will be exhibiting a large collection of original papercuttings, along with cards and postcards, from my studio just outside the centre. There is ample parking nearby, and a number of other exhibitors a short walk from me, so I do hope you consider including me on your route. I shall be on hand every day to chat to visitors, demonstrate my working process and offer cups of tea and cake to everyone who comes to see me! I would also recommend popping in to see Pamela Knight who lives nearby me, along with the fascinating studios of Mark Hearld and Emily Sutton across town.

The Sledmere Monuments

The pieces I have included in this blog are all brand new and will be on display for the first time at my open studios. I will also have a large selection of work for 2013/2012, along with some new cards and postcards to sell.

Have a great few weeks, and I hope to see you in April!
Rosie

Mud, Rain and Frosty Follies

Hello!

I am have been on two adventures 'up the dales' in the last week in search of new (and old) subjects to work on, and have come up against all sort of undesirable weather. Last week I visited a stunning house near The Forbidden Corner to take some photos for a private commission. Having negotiated my way through some worryingly large puddles and temporarily been stuck in mud, I eventually was treated to the sight of a very handsome house and some incredible ancient ruins. I am being vague on purpose, as the piece is a commission so I can't reveal too much yet, but here is a photo of one of the many features to be included in the finished picture.

This morning I set off early from Masham (in the hope that I'd miss the rain) into Wensleydale to take a few snaps of the beautiful follies on along the A684. I was extra lucky today as there had been a light covering of snow which made everything look extra pretty. Along the way I snapped Polly Peachum's Tower, Bolton Hall Tower, The Swinithwaite Temple, Bolton Castle and the Sorrelsykes Farm Follies. I also managed to catch some hares merrily dancing about in a field! As a final treat (I probably shouldn't confess that this sort of thing is a treat for me) I caught sight of the arresting Azerley Tower on the back road to Ripon. A very satisfying morning indeed, and I did just about miss the rain.

 

In other news, I have completed my largest pinned picture to date. 'The Sledmere Monuments' and is the second piece this year exploring the East Riding of Yorkshire, an area that, despite living so near to it, I have never really investigated. The piece features the Eleanor Cross and the Waggoners Monument, along with the gate posts and stables of Sledmere House. I'm now designing a piece based on the gatehouse at Burton Agnes Hall, watch this space.

Don't forget I will have all my new work on display first at York Open Studios in April, and will be here over both weekends to chat to visitors, so please do pop in for a cup of tea and a browse.

That's all from me, stay warm and dry!

Rosie x

New Year

Happy New Year!

It's 2014, it's cold and it's about time I posted a new blog. Before Christmas I had a great time working on some interesting commissions (as you can see in my last post) and I am lucky to have a few more commissions to tide me over in the long quiet month of January. One of them is of Slenningford Park near West Tanfield, North Yorkshire. A handsome house not far from where I grew up, I have been driving past it for years but never stopped to look until now.

At this quiet time of year it's tempting to do very little, particularly when the weather is so dark and uninspiring. But I have to remind myself that although Spring feels like it's a long way off, it'll come around fast and with it my first big event of the year - York Open Studios. This is my first year doing YOS, and I can't wait to fill my living room with pictures and await visitors over the first two weekends of April. My stocks are low after a great few months of sales at the end of last year, so in between commissions I am getting on with finding new subjects and producing some new work. Following on from my exhibition Down Hidden Tracks in 2013, where I explored follies around North Yorkshire, I have begun by having a look at the stunning landscape of the Yorkshire Wolds, and some of the interesting buildings therein. At the moment I am particularly fascinated by the village of Sledmere, where you can't move for memorials, towers, sham-castles and temples. I am currently working on a large piece based on two of the memorials in Sledmere, including the amazing Waggoner's memorial (pictured), but I have a feeling this is the first of a number of pieces based on this lovely place.

A little further east of Sledmere, near to the sea, is the village of Carnaby, and tucked away up a narrow farm track is Carnaby Temple. I first came across the temple in a book of follies, and it instantly pricked my interest. There seem to be many stories surrounding it, apparently it was used as a sighting tower to aid smugglers coming in to Bridlington. I have also been told that the interior was decorated by paper cut outs, which seems appropriate for me! I love the way it sits amongst the endless flat fields catching the sun, and luckily when I came to visit it the weather was particularly beautiful (for January!).

I am also involved in North Yorkshire Open Studios and Art in the Pen this year, and more events will be confirmed soon, so keep reading!

Rosie x

Hi there!

As of last week I finally finished my commissions for Christmas, and although it's great to have got everything done, it was lovely to have so many interesting subjects to work on. It was especially nice to have a couple of challenges, such as tackling the subject of Oregon, and attempting to capture the incredible detail within the Brocklesby Park Mausoleum. I took a few snaps throughout the process of cutting and pinning so you can see some of the steps.

Oregon papercut, private commission

Rockingham Mausoleum, private commission

Brocklesby Mausoleum, initial drawing

 

Brocklesby Mausoleum in November.

Now the pictures are done I am getting a few unexciting but unavoidable chores done (such as printing off receipts) before a little break over Christmas. I am also trying to get some plans in place for 2014 - I am hoping that you will see my work in more galleries around Yorkshire over the next year, as well as at some more art fairs and open studios events. I will have to keep you posted!

For now have a great festive season!

Rosie

Towers and Temples

Hello!

This month I have been working on a number of interesting commissions, both big and small. As well as finally getting the chance to work on one of my favourite buildings, The OXO Tower, I've been enjoying the challenge of working on an international piece based on Oregon.

 

I have also just started working on the piece based on the beautiful Mausoleum on the Brocklesby Estate, which I was lucky enough to visit this week. Apparently one of the best preserved buildings of it's kind, the Mausoleum, which is private but open to public on certain occasions, has some incredible carvings and an amazing interior, though sadly no electricity hence the slightly dull pics! I felt very privileged to be allowed off season access to such a breath taking building, despite it being a chilly 8am visit!

 

After a long break over summer I am suddenly back in workshop mode, with three different creative courses over as many weeks. Over the weekend I ran a collage course with some really impressive results, and next weekend I am getting all festive with my Christmas Cards, Tags and Decorative Papercrafts course. I've been preparing by making a few pretty examples, and it is certainly helping me accept the fact that winter is well and truly on it's way.

Meanwhile, I am a little late in announcing that I now have some work in the stunning Bils and Rye gallery in Nunnington. If you haven't ever visited I would thoroughly recommend it (not simply so you can see three of my location appropriate pieces). It was lovely to see the work of fellow papercutter Jimmy Brunt on display there, so I know I'm in good company.

That's it from me, wrap up warm!
Rosie

New subjects

Hello!

October has been a bit of a disorganised month for me - I took some time off the visit beautiful Barcelona, then returned to start working on some much overdue pictures for a couple of galleries, while preparing for Masham Arts Festival and Crafted by Hand, my last event of the year. I still feel like I'm playing catch up, but I'm pleased to say that Crafted by Hand, which took place in Masham last Sunday, was brilliant. The town hall was packed from the stroke of 10am, and despite the crazy weather (at one point I glanced out of the window to see a traffic cone flying down the road) everyone seemed to be having a great time. And crucially, the sales were good! I've also had some of my work on display in St.Mary's Church as part of the arts festival in Masham this week, and was surprised and delighted to learn that my piece 'The Pineapple' has been sold. I'm so pleased it's found a new home, but I must admit I had a soft spot for that particular papercut  -  probably because of how long it took to make - and I will miss it!

So now I'm done with fairs etc for the year, which is just as well as I have lots of interesting commissions to work on, which are sure to keep me going until Christmas. Right now I'm tackling two very different towers; the OXO tower in London and the Rockingham Mausoleum at Wentworth Woodhouse.

Both are subjects I've thought about working on before, so to be commissioned to do so is a real treat. My next job is even more exciting - I'm going to be working on an American piece, based on a particularly beautiful state; Oregon. I've never been there so this is quite a challenge, but I have lots of helpful photos and guides, and it appears that you can't move for beautiful mountains, lakes, coastline and giant fir trees over there, so I think I'm going to have a great time working on it. It's a shame I can't get an all expenses paid trip to really get to grips with the subject, but never mind!

I'm also almost finished on some more local subjects for The Heart Gallery in Hebden Bridge. I have been looking again at the lovely Gibson Mill, and come up with a couple of new pieces. Here's one of them.

That's all from me!
Rosie x