North East Open Studios 2018

I can't believe how fast summer went! It has already been more than two months since I last posted an article here. Earlier this year I started to use Instagram where I regularly post photos and videos. It's a more convenient way for me to record my artistic journey and connect with other artists and people who are interested in my work.  You can see the latest feed on the right-hand side of my blog (if you receive blog updates by email you first have to click the title).

It has been a very busy time with a kayak expedition to Greenland (which I hope to write about later this year) and preparations for the yearly North East Open Studios. From 8-16 September I exhibited at the beautiful Phoenix Hall at Newton Dee in Bieldside, Aberdeen, with 10 other artists.

Artists at the Phoenix group

In the run up to NEOS I was asked by the Committee, among a few other artists, to take part in a promotional video which was going to be shared on social media. It was exciting to do but it's so weird to hear yourself talking!

                                                                 Video of me in my studio

                                                          Video of all interviewed artists


I had a wonderful, light space and was able to display my works in the way I wanted. I brought two side tables to display my print sculpture "Betula"and my limited edition artists' book "Woodland" (the original was sold at RSA Open!).

Settling in in my exhibition space

As most visitors like to buy smaller items, I designed and made various notebooks. These proofed to be very popular so soon I will have these available in my Etsy shop!

A selection of my handmade notebooks

I used wooden boxes to display my notebooks and cards

For the event I also made a new artists' book where I used birch bark and some leftover prints.

This print sculpture was another new piece I added to my collection. It is made from two prints (from a laser engraved plate), machine-stitched together and assembled onto a piece of birch branch with three twigs.

"Betula" print sculpture (front)

 

"Betula" print sculpture (close-up back)

It was an amazing week, where I met so many lovely people. Hearing their feedback about my work was just priceless. I also really enjoyed working together with the other artists and being part of a group. Newton Dee has been a fabulous host for our event and I can't thank them enough for letting us use their space. Even though I was exhausted after 9 days of listening and talking, it's something I definitely want to do again, again....and again!

Online shop

In between all the preparations for next week, I've also managed to set up my online shop. I'm very pleased with the result and I'd like to thank Nina's Apartment for recommending this great and easy solution!

http://fenfolio.bigcartel.com/

Delivery to Europe is free of charge. More products like A4 prints, original & mounted paintings will be added regularly. If you have already seen something I created, but can't find it yet, let me know. I hope you like what you see (your feedback about my shop is very much appreciated) and that my handmade products can inspire you for buying some Christmas presents!

Christmas Fair

On the 10th of November I'm organising a Christmas Fair at Inchmarlo Golf Club from 10 am until 1pm. Six exhibitors will have their goodies for sale such as organic beauty products by Organica J, home accessories and handmade cushions by Nina's apartment, candles from Liselotte Osugo imported from Denmark (www.ester-erik.dk), jewellery from Robin Key (Clavis Jewellery) and art (me). I will have my handmade cards, prints, miniature paintings and handcrafted christmas baubles on display and for sale. A second type of gift box with handmade cards will then also be available for the first time. This one is a more luxurious box with crinkled paper and rose petals. It includes 5 new designs (2 of each) sized 9 x 9 cm and textured ivory envelopes sized 10 x 10 cm.

Here's the invitation card. I hope to seeing you there then!

Note Cards

Below are my first Fenfolio handmade note cards. I've selected two designs of my original artwork and scanned it. It's then manually printed on Aquarelle Rag photo paper to give the note card a unique look. These are small art pieces in their own right and can't be distinguished from the real ones!  The C6 watercolour blank note card cost £2.00, comes with envelope and will only be available here or directly via myself.  Over the coming weeks I will add some more designs and some mounted prints too.

Winter Landscape

Pink flower

You can now find these and other designs under Cards & Prints.