We are experiencing a heatwave here in parts of the UK and I was fortunate to get away last week for a short family visit in the south west and to Cornwall. It was lovely after working straight through lockdown and being very busy to see some new scenery and have a break.
I made a sketchbook cover for a ‘Rockpool’ themed book – it is filling up with sketches and collections of plants and rocks (small ones!). So many colours and textures and so inspiring in the south west of England. It features in my new book – there are several pieces inspired by my teaching tour last year, which seems like an age ago. I was delighted to receive my preview copy of ‘Textile Travels’ (Batsford) which is due to be published at the beginning of October.
I have been busy creating work for various forthcoming exhibitions and participating in the wonderful ‘Artist Support Pledge’ scheme. I was a late adopter but it is great to see people enjoying it and also being able to donate 10% of my sales to my local food bank. As I reached the first target of sales, I was able to purchase this lovely little piece by David Cass.
Whilst I was travelling back from the southwest I popped in briefly to the lovely Cowslip Workshops, where all being well I am due to teach next year. Jo as always was welcoming even though extremely busy and it was great to see her new studio.
Then it was home to my Shed Studio, which has just been refurbished and is looking very smart.
I am developing several online workshops, details to follow and looking forward to my ‘Stitch Club’ workshop for Textileartist.org, for the week of the 24th of August ‘Mapping Your Journey’. I had such amazing feedback from the community stitch challenge and am still receiving images of work inspired by the sessions like this lovely one from Jude @hearth_felt on Instagram.
This was my holiday stitching, also based on the ‘Tree of Life’ theme:
I am also continuing with the Artist Support Pledge and selling pieces online and from my shop, like this little folding book, recently sold.
Finally I was delighted to discover that my piece ‘Stay at Home’ has been shortlisted for the final round of judging for the Vliseleine Fine Art Textile Award.
Anne Kelly 