I am busy making all sorts of beads at the moment. SALA starts in August, and I have some new work to make for the two exhibitions that I am involved in! Getting ready for exhibitions takes a huge amount of effort, but they are always worthwhile. I love creating new work, and SALA really forces me to try new things. I look forward to sharing some work with you soon.
It’s always an honour to be part of the annual Flame On exhibition at Kirra Galleries in Melbourne. I am excited that this year I’ll get to see all of the work, as it is starting soon, and we are heading to Melbourne in the school holidays.
I am still working on the jewellery for Flame On. I am liking this design, and hoping it will all work out beautifully by the time I am finished!
The view from my studio today is all about the recycled glass beads that I have made for the Flame On exhibition opening at Kirra Galleries in Melbourne on July 13! I have some solid ideas for the jewellery, and now I just have to make it happen! I like to take my time with this part of the process, because it’s really important that when someone is wearing the jewellery that it sits nicely and feels comfortable.
I have several photographs of the work that I have at Red Poles. I couldn’t make it to the opening of the exhibition, so I am looking forward to heading to McLaren Vale at some stage to see all of the work on display. This exhibition is on until July 31.
Artist Statement
I was born and lived on the Yorke Peninsula for all of my childhood. My adult years have been spent in a variety of locations, and I find myself calling Murray Bridge home now. As I was driving back to the Yorke Peninsula earlier this year I noticed how similar the colours of the landscape were. Same blue skies. Same green trees. And the brown of the river matched the brown earth of the paddocks that had been harvested. I have tried to capture those colours in my work for this exhibition, using all sorts of recycled glass to make the glass beads. My dad collected the pale blue wine bottle that I used for some of these beads. My husband drank the beer that made the brown beads. My mum and I enjoyed a glass of sparkly that I used for some of the green beads. My children didn’t even know they were contributing when I let them have some juice! My home is my family and they are all part of this work.
Getting work ready for an exhibition kind of takes it out of me, and it takes a few days to recover. Today is my day in the studio, but I’m taking it easy, and tidying up a bit first, before I start making beads again.
The exhibition at Red Poles opens on Saturday, and will be open until July 31, so plenty of time to pop down for a visit. We had a lovely day in the McLaren Vale on Saturday!
I’m starting to get ready for the Etsy Market on Monday 12 June. (Click the link to find out more details). I’m also working on some new display options!
As promised, here is the invitation for the Red Poles exhibition!
In my studio today I am working hard to meet an exhibition deadline. Beads are made, and this photograph is of the blue beads that will be making their way into some necklaces and earrings.
The exhibition will be held at Red Poles, and opens on June 3. The theme is “Rolling plains and jewel seas” and I can’t wait to see what everyone has put together for this group exhibition.
This year I am exhibiting in my 10th solo SALA exhibition! I look forward to getting new work ready for August every year, it’s such a great opportunity to try new things.
This year I am teaming up with Bethany Wines in the Barossa, and recycling their beautiful wine bottles to create new beads and jewellery. Trying new things….sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t….but I really like this new necklace. I love the colours, and the sparkle.
Thank you Bethany Wines for hosting me this year.
I have lots of little projects on the go at the moment. Gallery top-ups, designing work for exhibitions, making test beads and jewellery! It’s lots of fun, and a little bit hectic!
Today is my studio day, and I am trying to make the most of it. Making beads, making jewellery, and making the most of my time!
