My website and a new book

I haven't gone back on my word to write better posts...about real things. But, I have to tell you about the book I've put together about the fundemantals of tapestry construction and the little update in the web shop.

In the future I intend to post more in the website blog, apparently it's better for searches and so on. Especially that's where all the meaty pictures are!

So, I'll be listing a few experimental pieces in the web shop. I'm also working on a little zine that eventually will be finished, you'll be able to get that from there aswell.

A little note about the book/course notes...there was a teeny mistake in the contents page numbering, and I apologise to you who have this first run...It's been noted and future copies will be all perfect in that regard.
Plus, a huge thank you to the weaving army on intagram! you all rock! Also, please contact me if you need any clarification on any of the things that are hard to adapt to your looms etc. I'm available.
x

I want to talk about the phenomenon of the "workshop" next....any interest?

What's going on in the studio??

Firstly many apologies for not updating weeks ago. Now I have the studio, I am always in there when I have time...so less noodling about on the internet, which, is a very good thing.

I finally finished the big tapestry I started months ago, all my instagram followers are probably sick to death of seeing updates, but it was quite an achievement for me, mainly because it's the biggest thing I've woven since uni.

The tapestry is still on the loom, and that's why it looks a little bit skewd, it's actually pretty straight on the sides.

The studio is starting to look really lived in, which is great for me. I don't seem to get comfy unless there is a bit of muddle about.

I've been trying out a lot of different ways of doing things. It started back when I started putting the warp on differently. That's why the big octopus tapestry is still on the loom...got loads of warp left.

The studio is part of a converted wool factory...so coincidental.

That little red string is reminding me where the middle is.

When I was a bit stuck a couple of weeks ago I started with collages again. An old trick from uni...when in doubt, make a collage. Works a treat for creative block...or brain re-jig.

I just have to say so many thanks to the kind folk on Instagram for all the nice comments and all.

I know from time to time I have been very vocal about my concerns about tapestry as a medium, and especially at the moment, when it's so popular as an activity...rather than an expressive, narrative artform, (as I see it).

If anyone is interested in what those concerns may be, please feel free to email me and I'll tell you all about them!! : D

I guess because of these concerns, I had set myself the task of compiling my  "how to" notes from uni, and making them into a little book (75pages!?!). This plan was going great until I got that dumb bug (cough, temperature, headaches...Blah) a couple of months ago. The plan is still on, but later now, because of all the lead up till Christmas. So, for anyone who's hanging out for it, it's coming.

PS: (Because of the Troll who went berserk at me, I do not air these concerns anymore...I can tell you right now, Texan teacher, I'm glad you don't teach my children! At least I speak it how I think it, and not veil my ideas behind a wall of chic, retro, nicey nice speak...while secretly leaving negative, uninformed opinions on people's personal blogs.) 

It feels good to get that off my chest...I've been seathing about that for months.
That's it, no more bitching about that.

sneer part 2

So, this week, I've been plodding through this tapestry...it's really hard. I'm determined to make this look really interesting. You can see my exploration into "weaving" the weaving, now that's been a thing. Getting back to last week's post, and question...Can you go too far? Well maybe? At this stage, I'm pretty happy. Maybe going too far gets you to a really rad place?

Speaking of rad things...

To old students of Kate's, this here book may look familiar. 

I picked it up at our local book shop for a steal about 6 months ago. I always thought everything in this book was just over the top, crazy old school...now as time has marched on, something has settled in my head, and now I get it, and also I can see why Kate liked it too.

New work, of a tapestry kind

So, I have started these new tapestries, and they are a bit the same, and a lot different to work I have done in the past. I guess that's what happens when you leave something alone for long enough. I hope you like...any feedback welcome.

I started this with the idea of "just getting back into it" no real purpose but fun really....

Yes, that is silver thread in there.

And, then finished,
6.5 x 12.5 cms

and a close up

and the back, which I always love, it's crazy back there...

And then it all got me thinking about a whole lot of other stuff, which I don't really want to get to into here...and after some drawings, and paintings , and taking a deep breath, I got to here....

19 x 13.5 cm

which in turn, has lead me here...still going

I know it's weird, that's just where I'm at right now.

xx

chain, bead and cloth

For Sale at Ballyhoo Art.

This is a selection of necklaces that will be available at the next three markets I will be attending. See my "where I'll be" list.

More necklaces

Geelong gallery

I just thought I should show what my work looks like at the Gallery

Here's what part of the shop looks like, it really is a great place to get cool bits and pieces

And here it is in the cabinet.

new material

30s material5
Originally uploaded by rachel jk

This is part of a very generous haul of lovely scraps from the US.