Headlines 2016

Last month, I attended the Headlines Private View to see this years Fine Art graduates work at the University of Hertfordshire and it was so strange being back there!

I found myself constantly comparing their Degree Show exhibition to ours; I just couldn't help it, of course they each had their own positives though. I enjoyed going round and seeing how everyone had progressed since I last saw their work over a year ago. Well done to them all!

Only downside was being boiling - I had definitely forgotten how hot the studios could get, especially with all the extra bodies around.

It was good to see friends who were in the same year as me and ones from the year below; sort of like a short, little reunion. I was amazed to find that a couple of the tutors even remembered me!

On my round viewing the spaces I picked up these three lovely business cards. They are from my friends; Jan Agha, Siobhan Ledden and Inna Allen (click on their names to be taken to their websites).

Unfortunately, that evening I only took a couple of photos on my phone. Above is a little sculpture by one one of my friends, who I picked up a business card from; he's a painter and sculptor. No idea what it's called, but I love it so much and want it! Below is one of his paintings which I equally adore and would like! They are both just so gorgeous!

Next month, 15 of them will be participating in the Free Range Shows at The Old Truman Brewery, just like students do every year. The UH exhibition is called Curation of Curiosities, which I think is a very fitting title. I am hoping to make it to the Private View; it will be interesting to see how they re-exhibit their work into a different space.

There's still plenty of time to donate and help them make it! Find out more on their gofundme page here. If you give enough you will receive a unique artwork made by one of the artists themselves.

You can also connect with them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Monday's Are My Favourite

For the past week everything with me is feeling much better (apart from being ill thanks to my parents) and I am glad!

I have been reading most days and being able to escape into someone else's world for an hour or two has been so relaxing. Just what I need! It definitely helps me to get through the day. I still need to work on drawing more although I'm getting there; I've gained a few more likes on my Facebook page recently too and that's helped boost my spirits!

At the weekend I dropped off a painting at The Freudian Sheep to be put in their next exhibition. I am excited to be showing with them again; they really are doing great things and I am so happy for them! Hopefully if I'm feeling better I'll be able to make their opening event which is happening this Saturday (12th March at 3pm)!

See the invite below and if you haven't already, please take a look at this article - they had an interview with entertainment writer, Wayne Savage, from the East Anglian Daily Times during their last exhibition called MAD?. It's a really great read; especially if you're interested in art and/or mental health.

Something that occurred to me though when getting my work ready for The Sheep is that when pricing work, artists usually have to take into account any commission that would taken from the sale of the piece(s) and I don't think some  people think about that... They see the price and instantly assume it's too expensive for what the art work is. Artists also have to keep in mind the time it took to create the work, whether its minutes, hours or even days, as well as the cost of materials and I'm sure I'm not the only the one who sometimes lets my emotional attachment to the art affect the amount too.

Yesterday, I decided that Monday's are my favourite day is the week. You might find this strange as most people hate them, but it's the only day I get a lay-in with a chilled out morning and it's the day I volunteer at Banham Zoo Charity Shop, which I still love and means I get to interact with people and read some more. It'll be even better when it's warmer and stops rainging so much. The day is only ruined when I have to go to work that evening!

So, yeah, I've has my ramble but it had to be done! Thank you if you made this far!

J x