Free Motion Embroidery and the Homeless Project

I have been neglecting my sewing machine in recent times, so I felt it was overdue a bit of a run out.  I have always enjoyed free motion embroidery and really wanted to 'marry up' a bit of art work and some sewing.

I chose some images that I really like, and then copied them on to fabric.

This one is based on a Tamara De Lempicka painting

I then added some fabric paint to give it some vibrant colour.

This bird has silver fabric paint, although this photo is quite dark :(

I have made a bag so far and planning to make some cushion covers too.

Recently, The Worthing Homeless charity have an ambitious project for the summer.  They want 500 artists to do a portrait of a homeless person, based on a brief description of their circumstances only; in any media you wish. This represents each individual homeless person that the charity have had through its doors in 2012.

My profile told of a man who is British, in his 60s, used to live in Florida and has round the clock medical needs.  Due to various issues since he came back to England, he is now homeless.

I decided to portray my gentleman in embroidery, and lay his life (as I know it) on to a tea towel, depicting his move from Florida to Worthing where everything is 'Sunny' and 'lovely' by the sea.  In the midst of this, is a man who is almost invisible to everyone else.  I liked the 'tea towel' concept as it is something we all generally use but have little regard for; it just 'is'.

My sewn 'invisible' man

in situ, on a vibrant background of sunny postcards of 'ideal living' by the sea

close up

Later in the year, all of these artworks shall be displayed as part of the Worthing Open Houses, and then auctioned off to raise money.

Earlier this year, artists were invited to chose artwork they would like to go on Worthing Pier for a year.  I was very excited as I had two pieces chosen.

Saturday was the grand unveiling, but it must have been about -4c and was FREEZING.  So the pictures I took are not the best, but as soon as that sun comes out, I shall be straight back there to do a better job.

My lino print

My landscape image

This was a great event organised by Creative Waves (Vanessa Breen and Nadia Chalk) of Worthing.  It sure does brighten up the pier!  If you are ever passing by - pop on the pier and have a look - the art work looks fantastic!

Marie 

An Exhibition... and more resin!

At the end of September, I was involved in an exhibition at the very lovely Heene Gallery in Worthing.  There were some wonderful things there, gorgeous jewellery by Jane Pinder (Naturally Silver), beautiful stained glass by Naomi Frances and some stunning photography by Lorraine Lewis Heaysman. There was also art work  from Stella Stevens, she exhibited some amazing oil paintings.

Since then, I have been dabbling and experimenting with resin.  I've been making lots of mess (and quite a few mistakes) but I do love giving this stuff a go!

Fab skull & cross bones mould from Poundland!

Making a piece from a yoghurt lid

A silicone mould I have cast from a starfish

A new mould from Metal Clay.

I have also discovered that you don't need to spend a fortune to get a coloured cast, either.  I have been using oil paint but the best thing so far has been Dylon Fabric Paint!  Lots of choices and really good value for money, too.

Look at that lovely red and sparkly silver resin!

The results are looking good so far.  I've had so much inspiration from fellow-crafter's blogs, especially Resin Crafts and The Skinner Studio. 

Marie x

The Exhibition!

Exhibition poster

Well, things have been rather busy, what with the Worthing Open Houses and our very own exhibition!  

It's the first time that I have been involved in an exhibition that wasn't totally organised by someone else (e.g. College etc).

When we arrived at the gallery on Friday afternoon to set up, it really did seem like an awesome task to get everything ready by the private view at 6pm.

Some of Naomi Frances' and Fiona Blair's prints

The artists involved were:

Marie Vickers
Naomi Frances
Fiona Blair
Paul Woolford
Vicky Ilot
Charlotte Fielding

One of Fiona Blair's lovely handmade brooches 

And another one...

Gorgeous Fiona Blair butterfly painting

Charlotte Fielding's Oranges

Paul Woolford

One of mine - but terrible pic!

Naomi Frances 

one of my candles

one of my hand decorated mirrors (Doris Day style)

One of Naomi's lovely stained glass pieces 

One of mine

one of my mirrors

my candle/plate/mirror table

But we did it, and it was great to do!  Unfortunately, the general 'foot fall' in to the gallery was massively hindered at the weekend due to (a) the God-awful weather and (b) Andy Murray getting in to the Wimbledon final.  I LOVE Wimbledon and have waited for this event for YEARS but I had to MISS it!!

Marie x

Worthing Open Houses

Some of Naomi Frances' lovely stained glass

Worthing Open Houses (for those who don't already know) is a bit of a summer art trail, where the events take place in people's homes.  You basically register your house... and voila! (I'm leaving out all of the paperwork side of things and organising, because fortunately for me, I am very happily exhibiting at a friend's house.)  You get a lovely map with lots of places to visit, and for 3 weekends, off you go!

This is the first time I have actually participated in this.  In previous years I have enjoyed popping around to various houses on the trail having a good old nose at all the art work (and marvelled at the home owner's generosity in opening up their house for the duration).

This year, we are at Naomi Frances' house, which is number 41 on the trail.

I even made bunting! *proud sigh*

I must admit, it's been a little chaotic getting everything ready for the occasion, and Naomi has done lots and lots of work to get her house "open house ready".

Last Thursday we dropped off all our various art works, and come Saturday morning at 11am, it was all ready to view!

Art work here by Paul Woolford, Marie Vickers and Naomi Frances

Saturday itself was a rather quiet day, but we were competing with Party on the Prom and the Children's Parade.

However, Sunday was a slightly busier day...and I even made a sale! (Ok, it was only a card, but very exciting all the same, thank you very much.)

Just 2 more weekends to go!

Marie x

Sunny days are here again...

Had a lovely morning yesterday with Naomi Frances.  We had a little trot to Worthing Pier, primarily to see the art work they have just installed there.  Also, one of them belongs to Naomi, so I was definitely wanting to take a look.

It was pretty misty to begin with, but that led to some lovely photos...

Examples of Naomi's stained glass

Love living by the sea!!