Rob Ryan: Listen To The World

Last weekend I visited the Rob Ryan exhibition 'Listen To The World' at Yorkshire Sculpture Park before its 4 month run drew to a close.

Can We? Shall We? (2010)

The exhibition, spanning the past 6 years of Ryan's career, featured delicate papercuts and signed prints. Work included one of Ryan's most popular works to date Can We? Shall We? (2010), and Ryan's current largest papercut The Map of My Entire Entire Life (2012). Viewed in its vast entirety, it really was quite breathtaking.

The Map of my Entire Life (2012)

The whimsical figures of Ryan's work are often paired with sentimental, honest (and occasionally humorous) pieces of writing. Through his art Ryan explores how we view people and how people view us... And how we view the people we love. A romantic element runs through much of his work.

Our Sub Atomic Love Story (2015)

Listen To The World also featured new work, including the limited edition multi-coloured lasercut Our Sub Atomic Love Story (2015) exclusive to Yorkshire Sculpture Park, and previously unseen papercuts and screenprints produced for Ryan's 2016 wall calendar. My favourite piece was My Hands (2015) for the simple yet powerful message it conveyed.

'My Hands' (2015)

One of the things that I took away from this exhibition was that despite being incredibly successful, none of Ryan's papercuts were perfect. Cuts weren't always smooth and text wasn't always neat. And yet each piece of work was effective, and carried a thought provoking message. Your art doesn't have to be perfect, you just have to do it.

 The Pearls Story (2015)

Listen To The World ended on 1.11.15.

Ryan's shop Ryantown is located on Columbia Road in 

East London.

Image credits:
All images are my own, except...
The Map of my Entire Life: http://robryanstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Map-Of-My-Entire-Life.jpg

Until next week...

-Karen 

Halloween Crafts

Traditionally, Christians believed Halloween (or All Hallows Eve) was the night when the veil between the material world and the afterlife thinned... In order to prevent being recognised by a weary soul, they would wear masks or costumes to disguise themselves.

Between carving a pumpkin into a jack-o'-lantern and watching Hocus Pocus, this year I'm going to give some of the following crafts a go:

 Split pumpkin - Owl pumpkins

Whilst my pumpkin carving skills aren't quite on par with this silhouette lantern, it's made me determined to up my game...

For those who prefer not to gut a pumpkin, there are lots of internet tutorials for no-cut designs, like these monochrome sharpie owls! Perfect for kids too young to be wielding a kitchen knife...

 

 

Skull bunting - Origami bat

Bunting! Skulls! What's not to love?! Really easy to make and effective to look at. Cut from metallic card to add a ghostly feel...

While my origami skills haven't got further than a couple of penguins and a swan, I'm looking forward to giving this bat a go. It might take me a few attempts...

 

Paper web - Paper spiders

I don't like spiders but I love these paper cut 3D webs! Make a few and watch the shadows dance on the walls. Decorate with neon spiders.

Decorate with an eerie spider garland, cut from a simple strip of folded paper. For an extra long garland, carefully glue multiple strips together. 

 Spider cookies - Ghost cupcakes

Why not bake a batch of spooky cookies or ghostly cupcakes? Your trick-or-treaters will pick treat every time!

There are also lots of recipes for using up the insides of your pumpkin, including pumpkin bread, pumpkin and choc chip cookies, and even pumpkin flavour cocktails!

What are your plans for Halloween?

Until next week...

-Karen 

*All images from Pinterest

Eden Camp

Last week I visited the Eden Camp Modern History Theme Museum in Malton, North Yorkshire. Eden Camp is a former World War 2 prisoner of war camp, developed into "one of the largest and most comprehensive museums covering British military and social history".

The museum is divided into 29 original huts (built in 1942) and promises to "transport you back to wartime Britain". The museum's main focus is The People's War 1939 - 1945, although there are also huts dedicated to World War 1 and other, more recent, conflicts.

Each hut is focused on a different aspect of the war. Beginning with The Rise of Hitler, the museum explores The Home Front and The U-Boat Menace, and even looks at fashion in the 40's in The Street at War. War time experiences are reconstructed using sounds, smells and even smoke!

I really enjoyed Hut 8 'Women at War' which looked at the vital roles played by women during World War 2, including the Land Army and the Wrens (Women's Royal Naval Services). In Britain, women were essential to the war effort, in both military and civilian roles.

Another particular interest for me is The Blitz, a terrifying period when Britain endured major aerial attacks with great courage. Take a walk through a blackout (with strategically placed white stripes) and "smell the acrid burning in a bombed street, experience a British town under siege."

I really recommend this museum, it's great for all age groups and very reasonably priced! 

 

Eden Camp is open daily 10am-5pm.

What museums have you been to recently?

Image credits:

1) Facebook.com/edencamp 
2) Instagram.com/stephaniepops
3) My own image.
4) Instagram.com/tmmackail
5) Facebook.com/edencamp

Until next week...

-Karen

Treat Yo Self Tuesday!

Welcome to Treat Yo Self Tuesday! The mornings are getting chillier, the nights are slowly drawing in, and the next bank holiday isn't until Christmas... It's time to Treat Yo Self!

Below is my pick of my current favourite etsy shops. Pick yo self something pretty! £££

Etsy favourites:

 

Earrings: Instyleglamour - Pineapple pillow cover: PupTartHandmade

Recently I've been on the lookout for interesting sterling silver studs. These tiny triangles from Instyleglamour would be perfect for everyday wear.

Who doesn't love a pineapple print?! Inject a splash of colour (and fun!) into your room with this hand printed cushion cover from PupTartHandmade.

Frida Kahlo print: LouTaylorStudio - Floral print pouch: ohsquirrelshop

Stunning Frida Kahlo giclee print from an original papercut by LouTaylorStudio. Follow @LouTaylor on Instagram to see her incredible papercut dolls and intricate outfits!

Ohsquirrelshop handmade pouch with polka dot lining, perfect for storing make-up or stationary. Check out the classy hen party sashes if one of your friends is getting married soon!

 

Stegosaurus cuff links: designosaurYEAH - Bear t-shirt: Dontfeedthebears

Dinosaur lover? Treat yo self to a pair of acrylic stegosaurus cuff links by Brighton based designosaurYEAH. Their jewellery range is all handmade, fun and vegan!

Dontfeedthebears unisex pirate bear t-shirt. That's right, pirate bear. Check them out for more bears in all manor of situations! Designed and screen printed in Sheffield.

 Moon necklace: RosaPietsch - Cacti planter: noemarin

Handcrafted resin and laser cut jewellery made in London by RosaPietsch. I love the full moon/crescent moon necklaces, available in various colourways.

Add some fun to your desk during the 9-5 grind with this Noemarin ceramic cacti planter! Handmade using traditional processes it is sure to make you smile, even on Monday.

What have you been treating yo self to recently? 
Share your links with me!

Until next week...

-Karen

Finding Inspiration: Music Documentaries

Often the first place I look for inspiration for artwork is music, and so this week I thought I'd blog about some of the music documentaries I've been watching recently...

Foo Fighters: Sonic Highways
Directed by Dave Grohl

An 8 part series devoted to chronicling the histories and cultures that define a city's musical identity. In each episode the band record one song in one city, as Dave Grohl interviews the musical 'local legends'.

I loved this series! Being able to identify the reasons behind the lyrics makes the songs on the album (of the same name) much more meaningful. I also enjoyed seeing inside the 8 different recording studios and hearing the stories behind them.
 
Cobain: Montage of Heck
Directed by Brett Morgan

An honest look at the life of Nirvana front man Kurt Cobain through home footage, never before seen drawings, and journal pages. 'Montage of Heck' features in-depth interviews with Kurt's family and closest friends, including Krist Novoselic (Nirvana bassist) and Courtney Love (Kurt's wife). Revealing and very intense.

The accompanying book (of the same name) includes transcripts of hundreds of hours of interviews, and features never before seen photographs. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on it!

The Wrecking Crew
Directed by Denny Tedesco

 
My local independent cinema recently brought this documentary to my attention. 'The Wrecking Crew' were a talented group of studio musicians in LA in the 1960s who played on almost all of the hit records of the day, including songs by Nancy Sinatra, Beach Boys, and Mamas and Papas.

Unknown to the general public, the accomplished musicians were often brought in to replace entire groups on recordings. If you are at all interested in the history of rock music, I recommend this documentary!

Amy
Directed by Asif Kapadia

As with 'Cobain: Montage of Heck', 'Amy' isn't always an easy film to watch. Directed by Asif Kapadia, 'Amy' depicts the life of Amy Winehouse: her  blossoming career, her relationships, and her struggle with drink and drugs.

Kapadia's controversial choice to use paparazzi footage at times  creates the unpleasant feeling that you are hounding Amy, as the paparazzi so relentlessly did. But there are happier moments: a tattoo free Amy excited to begin her musical career. Be prepared to cry.

What documentaries have you watched recently? I'd love to hear your recommendations!

Until next week...

-Karen

The Hepworth Wakefield

A week or so ago I visited the contemporary Hepworth gallery in Wakefield for the first time. Named for Wakefield born sculpture Barbara Hepworth, "The Hepworth Wakefield is the largest purpose-built exhibition space outside of London." 

 

 The Hepworth Wakefield

On permanent display at the gallery are 44 full size working models "made in preparation for the works in bronze Hepworth executed from the mid-1950s to the end of her career". I really liked the fluid shapes and smooth surfaces. There was rarely a sharp edge in sight.

The sculptures benefit from the spacious, light filled gallery space. 

Winged Figure

Unveiled to the public in 1963, the full-size 'Winged Figure' has stood in front of John Lewis's flagship store on Oxford Street in London for over 50 years. (The smaller version is on permanent display at The Hepworth.) 

Commissioned to evoke common interest and ownership, "it is estimated that the sculpture is seen by 200 million people a year."

I particularly enjoyed the exhibition 'British Sculptures as Print Makers' that explores the link between print and sculpture. Sculptures often use printmaking to "work on ideas which would eventually translate into sculpture".

It was noted in the exhibition that Hepworth also worked the other way, transferring sculptures into prints. Walking between the two mediums, clear links could be made.

Morning Shadows, 2012

Not restricted to the work of Barbara Hepworth, the gallery also celebrates other contemporary sculptures. 'Caro in Yorkshire' traces Sir Anthony Caro's "interest in architectural principles from early abstract works throughout his remarkable career".

Instinctively you want to interact with Caro's large, floor-filling pieces. Luckily, if you are under 10 years of age there is a circular staircase you can climb!

'Caro in Yorkshire' is on display until 1st November 2015.

Have you visited The Hepworth Wakefield?

Image credits:

All photos are my own, apart from:

Winged Figure: http://www.hepworthwakefield.org/news/john-lewis-oxford-street-and-the-hepworth-wakefield-celebrate-50-years-of-winged-figure/ 

Morning Shadows: http://www.hepworthwakefield.org/whatson/anthony-caro/

Quotes are taken from The Hepworth Wakefield website.

Until next week...

-Karen

Exhibitions To See

My pick of the exhibitions to see this summer:

Benedict Drew "KAPUT"
QUAD, Derby
27th June - 6 September 2015

"Oscillating between space tourism and the mystical power of sacred objects" QUAD's exhibition of Benedict Drew's new work questions different modes of learning and "the power and privilege of the acquisition of knowledge".

See Red Women's Workshop: 1974 - 1983
Huddersfield Art Gallery, Huddersfield
6th June - 19th September 2015

A series of posters designed by See Red Women's Workshop (the women-only printing collective) is currently on display at Huddersfield Art Gallery. From 1974 - 1983 the women produced posters about their own personal experiences: the oppression of housework, childcare and negative images of women.

Little Hoot
Birmingham
8th July - 27th September 2015

26 owlets, each crafted by children from local nurseries and schools across the city, are currently on display at 18 venues across Birmingham. 'Little Hoot' has involved 25,000 children across 114 schools experimenting with colour, texture and pattern.
 
Rob Ryan "Listen to the World"
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield
4th July - 1st November 2015

Rob Ryan's second exhibition of papercuts and prints at Yorkshire Sculpture Park is now open! Merchandise and exclusive editions were created especially for YSP including a range of ceramics, a multi-coloured lasercut (in an edition of 100), and a wooden screen-printed clock.

Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon
National Portrait Gallery, London
2nd July - 18th October 2015

Th National Portrait Gallery's photographic exhibition celebrates the life of philanthropic actress Audrey Hepburn. A selection of over 70 photos, including classic and rarely seen prints, illustrates one of the world's most recognisable and much loved stars.

What exhibitions are you going to see this summer?

Image credits:

Benedict Drew: http://www.derbyquad.co.uk/exhibition/benedict-drew-kaput
See Red Women's Workshop: https://www.ica.org.uk/blog/feminist-pioneers-see-red
Little Hoot: http://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/bmag/whats-on/the-little-hoot
Rob Ryan: http://robryanstudio.com/2015/05/rob-ryan-ceramics-for-ysp/
Audrey Hepburn: http://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/hepburn/home.php 

Until next week...

-Karen 

Finding Inspiration

For the past few weeks I've been uninspired and unmotivated, which is beyond frustrating. And so this post is filled with a few of the things that I've been looking to in order to find that elusive inspiration.

1) Rob Ryan YouTube videos. I love Rob Ryan. He's an endless inspiration, not least because his work has been adapted to many mediums including ceramics, textiles and jewellery. In the handful of videos on YouTube he comes across as a genuinely nice, down-to-earth guy (phew!).

 Handmade Portraits: Rob Ryan.

2) Books. I am a huge bookworm so of course I would turn to books in my hour of need. 'Papercutting' compiled by Laura Heyenga is a good collection of temporary paper cut artists. I also have a few Rob Ryan books (naturally), but the book that has inspired me of late is 'The Crafter's Guide to Papercutting' by Emily Hogarth. 

L) Favourite papercutting books - R) Artwork cut from a Hogarth template

3) New kit. Recently I've picked up a few new bits of kit, including: Swann Morton no. 3 handle, 10a blades, bone folder, 160gsm card, and a metal ruler pinched from my dad's garage... As the saying goes a poor craftsman blames his tools, but the art of papercutting does require a few basic but essential tools.

Swann Morton no. 3 handle with 10a blade - artwork cut from Hogarth templates

4) Visiting craft fairs. It's really important to get away from your desk and see what other crafters have been busy creating... While craft fairs are a great excuse to eat cake, they are also invaluable for gathering ideas on how to present products and considering fair pricing. My favourite fair to date was the Summer Market at the Roundhouse.

L) Summer Market at the Roundhouse, Derby - R) Carla Dodsley ceramics at Bird in Borrowed Feathers mini market, Nottingham

5) Friends. Friends who already have very full lives, but are still pursuing further exciting ventures... If that's not the ultimate inspiration, I don't know what is.

Where do you find inspiration?

Until next week...

-Karen

The Origins of Paper Cutting

Paper cutting is an ancient craft originating from the Far East. The oldest surviving paper cut is a symmetrical circle from the 6th century found in Xinjiang, China.

In China, papercuts were originally used as patterns for embroidery. Modern papercuts are chiefly decorative; entrances decorated with paper cuts are supposed to bring good luck. Red is the most commonly used colour.

Work by Pan Qiuai

Kiri-e is the Japanese art of paper cutting. Papercuts in Japan were originally used as stencils for printing textiles.

Work by Aoyama Hina

Eventually the craft traveled along the trade routes to Europe where monks and nuns painstakingly created religious texts boasting elaborate cut designs. Many early European papercuts focused on religious symbols.

By the 17th century paper cutting had become a folk art form in Germany. Designs were often created by folding the paper, producing symmetrical black on white images.

In Britain and France, people began to use paper cutting to create silhouette portraits. The first silhouettes were drawn life-size: produced by lighting the model's head with candles, and drawing the shadow on to paper. These were coloured black, cut out, and mounted on white paper.

 1778

Papercutting continues to be a unique and varied craft. Papel picardo (the Mexican art of paper cutting) is frequently used to produce decorative banners. Similarly, Swedish homes are decorated with paper cut flowers at Christmas.

Papel picardo

In China modern paper cutting has become a commercial industry, and continues to be popular during Chinese New Year and at weddings.

"Today, artists continue to breathe new life into this art form and push it forwards, while still retaining the traditional key elements - paper, a cutting tool and their imagination."

- Emily Hogarth

Image credits:

Red bull: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-11/22/content_10395515.htm
Aoyama Hina: https://designramblings.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/papercutting_aoyamahina.jpg
Religious: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/fc/6c/9c/fc6c9c69973956911f1580efcfc8afe9.jpg
Symmetrical black on white: http://livinginnyon.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Paper-cut-1.jpg
Silhouette: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papercutting
Papel picardo: http://plentyofcolour.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/plentyofcolour_papel_10.png

Until next week...

-Karen