So I’m going to be on the radio…. I’m due on air at midday today to promote the shop (98.7 fm 3RPP community radio) and have been awake since 4.30 this morning imagining answers to every possible question I could be asked! I only hope I can answer them all!
Thinking about the radio show has made me think about my inspirations and what it is that brings us all together at the shop. I’m sure we all have our own personal reasons for enjoying our work and I know that mine are very different to the others. Mine are all focussed around community and communication – so, a sense of belonging and “hey, lets get together and talk about things”. My art started when I lost my mum and I started questioning the big stuff – where do I fit? why am I here? You know, the stuff that takes a lot longer than a half hour chat on a radio show! One of my favourite things about the shop, is the constant inspiration that I draw from and that I can be to our customers. I am a true gemini and love a chat, I love wearing a different hat, sometimes many within the one day and I love that there are 5 of us who work in the one shop. 5 of us who are very different people, who can give to and learn from each other. I also love the grounding nature of our little shop – there are tasks and they are done! There’s also the magic of the shop…. believe it or not, it is surrounded by fairy dust (or whatever it is that you want it to be called). It has stopped amazing me now that I can be thinking of a person just moments before that person walks through the door. I might not have seen or heard from that person for months, I might have been worried about them or just wanting to see them again and they arrive! Magic!! Believe it, it happens!
Cath has just printed a new newsletter – I’ll post a copy asap. Don’t forget to check out our website too.
We’ve got some great workshops scheduled for April and May.
Pamela Farmer is back and is looking forward to running her ever popular “clutch bag” class. We’ve also booked her for a “miniature embroidered landscape” class and another “stamping and dyeing” workshop. There’s also a series of masterclasses planned which will extend your knowledge just that little bit. The first of these is called “a stitch of mine” and will stretch your hand embroidery practice. (pictures to come)
Kay Lipman is booked in for “nuno felting” on the 14th of May and stay tuned for her two day intensive feltmaking workshop a little bit later in the year.
Pam Grose will be back with us again in May. Pam’s doll classes are not for the faint hearted, they require hard work and lots of homework but the rewards far outweigh the challenges. Pam is a delight to work with and continuously reminds her participants that “its no stress” and “its cool”! Can’t wait!
Estelle Godsman has been gently introducing the “fine art” side of things to our workshop schedule. There are two classes booked for May, a pen and wash class and “the magic of watercolours”. Estelle is a great teacher, patient and generous, she guides all her attendees whether they are beginners or very experienced.
We’ve also added numerous groups to our schedule. Our groups cater for all interests and experience levels and you are more than welcome to suggest a group “type” and we’ll see if we can put one together. At present we have a Patti Cullea Tome group which runs on every 2nd tuesday of the month, a mixed media altered art group starting on April 11 and running every 2nd friday. We are in the process of organising a knitting and crochet circle and we still run “Blue Days” for those who wish to skill share and spend some time out with others away from the battles of life.
Anyone interested in photographing your artwork? Let us know and Gary Browne will run a 4 week course for you. From the basics of operating your point and click digital camera to the mysteries of getting the light right on that piece for submission, Gary is the man who knows! Make use of Gary’s professional photography skills – he’s really good!
That’s about it for April and May workshops. We’ve got lots happening!
If anyone is interested in a snail mail swap of some description out there in cyberspace, post a comment and we’ll get one started. I’m open to suggestions.
See you in a week
xo
