Jenni Burrows

Jenni Burrows' work is featured in 'Wood and Fibre' at Walford Mill Crafts until 26th October 2014. Jenni's practice is about ‘embroidery’ and ‘thread work’, producing artifacts to express concepts influenced by her cultural heritage. Here Jenni tells us more about the processes and thinking behind her work.

Through my investigation of indigenous and traditional embroidery, specifically hand embroidery, process is fundamental but within a context of traditional embroidery. Taking time to reflect through process has enabled me to take more care in my practice, developing a deeper understanding of my work; and to articulately express the message I give to the audience.

The core ingredient of my practice is thread; thread connects the key themes; care, value, process, memory and connection. The role of thread in handwork is the foundation to my practice. The physical interaction between the materials, thread and me and the repetition of the stitching process consolidates my thoughts, enabling me to reflect in practice and after practice. 

The meaning of thread derives from my cultural heritage, not only does it begin with my own relationship to thread, as a small child making my own embroideries, it travels much deeper, acting as a metaphor, connecting me to previous generations in my family. This is significantly apparent when working on objects passed down to me.

Before working with thread, the process begins with foraging gleanings ‘left by the reaper after the harvest’. The gleanings I select, possess an enticing material property, an opportunity to be re-invented from a pre-existing life. Gleaning everyday materials and found objects combined with traditional thread work are a celebration of both historical and cultural practices that have been handed down to me from the women in my family.

 I take discarded and unloved pieces to give them new life and value. The ‘gleanings’ absorb the energies, thoughts and stories of other people; each piece reveals a story lost in time. The land together with my memories and experiences is fundamental to my practice.

For 'Wood and Fibre' at Walford Mill Crafts I have restored a new seat for a maid’s wooden chair that has been in our family for the last seventy years. The chair has stood as a silent testimony to my creativity, waiting to be reinvented. A perfect opportunity to bring value to the valueless; breathing in new life. The cane seating has deteriorated and though no longer functional but it has been kept, broken for many years.

The exhibition is the perfect opportunity to create a piece of art depicting the correlation between furniture and textiles; encouraging the audience to view embroidery, not only as decoration but as a functional discipline to repair. I have used hessian (a supermarket bag), found electrical wire and old, beautiful discarded silk and viscose threads to create drawn thread work. The hessian replaces the hessian cushion my mother uses on her old ford tractor.

I also make my own threads combining the strength of the hessian with the delicacy of silk threads and skill of drawn thread work. I have used different shades of threads to illustrate wear and tear as the colour fades through usage. The different threads give a hint that this chair has been repaired by many different people. As I manipulated the threads, my memories joined those of the generations before me and the skills that have been handed down continue to survive.

If you would like to find out more about Jenni's work she will be giving a free artist's talk on Saturday 25th October at 2pm in the Gallery at Walford Mill Crafts, Wimborne, Dorset , BH21 1NL

You can also find out more about Jenni via her website  

Textile Artist Angie Parker

Textile Artist Angie Parker

Angie Parker's work is featured in Walford Mill Crafts' latest exhibition 'Wood and Fibre'. Angie is a weaver of exquisite rugs and vibrant textiles derived from Scandinavian rug weaving techniques. Here Angie tells us all about her background, current work and what is next. 

I love producing distinctive and intricate fabrics and rugs which I hand weave on my Glimakra Floor loom. Traditional patterns, such as Krokbragd, have become like handwriting to me over the years. The designs flow so naturally now, and by combining them with my instinctive and daring approach to colour I have found a craft that never ceases to thrill and excite me. 

My journey began when I specialised in Rug Weaving on the Design Crafts course at Cumbria College of Art & Design in the 1990’s

Tutored by the late Susan Foster I gained an insight into traditional Scandinavian rug weaving techniques and was hooked from the first day. After graduating I went on to win the Floorcovering Design award at New Designers.

I then had an accidental but very happy separate career in costume for Musical Theatre & TV. (Miss Saigon, Joseph, Jesus Christ Superstar etc..). This allowed me to develop my weaving without the pressure of earning a living from my Craft-a luxurious creative time indeed!

I now live in Bristol and have a workshop at B.V studios after setting up my practice in 2012.

It was the arrival of my third child which made me re-evaluate my career options and I realised that I wanted my children to see me doing the job I trained for...and love.

Setting up a business whilst caring for my young children has been challenging, fun and mainly hard work and careful planning. I can dip into my weaving quite easily for short periods of time if the kids are playing, and get long sessions done when they're in bed…I find my craft a symbol of fluidity in my world of interruptions!

 I was selected for the Craft Councils Hothouse Business Programme which was a huge step in my professional life and I now have a very clear vision of how I can proceed creatively in business.

Time spent living in India in 2006 and more recently the graffiti in my neighbourhood in Bristol have influenced the fabulously gaudy palate which is intrinsic to my weaving.

Each woven piece is a celebration of colour and pattern, and having the chance to show my work has confirmed that the pleasure I get from weaving shines through in the finished product. Having a cheerful nature myself, I love that seeing work makes so many people smile.

Salvaged and restored chairs are one of the uses I have found for these original and durable handwoven pieces. I have 'elves' all over the country helping me to find abandoned, forgotten pieces of furniture that are crying out for a little care and am unfazed by the complications of upholstering with these irregular fabrics.

Working in fine mercerised cottons, silks, chenille, and as much glitter as I dare, I hand-weave, restore and finish all the pieces myself. My weaving is weft faced on a strong cotton warp and much of my designing is done at the loom. By working this way I can retain the balance of colours whilst keeping each design fresh and exciting during the long production process. I love the surprise element of technique.

The next stage for me is to return to Rug Weaving and I am very excited to be launching my new collection of Rugs in January 2014, at the Devon Guild’s Get Fresh exhibition.

You can see Angie's work at Walford Mill Crafts, Stone Lane, Wimborne, BH21 1NL as part of the Wood and Fibre exhibition until 26th October 2014. Free entry.

You can find out more about Angie's work via her Website, Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Dresses and Darnings at Walford Mill Crafts

Dresses and Darnings at Walford Mill Crafts

Our new exhibition 'Dresses and Darnings', a solo show by Jenni Dutton opened this Saturday 24th May here at Walford Mill Crafts in Wimborne and has already received an overwhelming response.  

The exhibition features a collection of Jenni's work over the years which looks at the complex issues of memory, identity and loss all explored through the subject of the female form. 

Some of the most notable work is a series of large sewn portraits of her mother who has dementia. The work was initially in response to well loved photos from her family album, but this soon developed as a vehicle for Jenni to respond to her mothers gradual deteriorating health. The complex issues of memory, identity and loss are explored through the subject of the female form. 

You can see Dresses and Darnings at Walford Mill Crafts from Saturday 24th Mat 2014 until Sunday 6th July 2014. Free admission. #DAW14

Stone Lane, Wimborne, BH21 1NL

www.walfordmillcrafts.co.uk

'Mill Maker' Emma Calvert

Walford Mill Crafts have many talented artists and makers amongst its staff members. In the lead up to the exhibition Walford Mill Crafts will be putting the spotlight on each specially selected ‘Mill Maker’ featuring the work of eight very different disciplines including silk weaving, embroidery, photography, jewellery and printmaking. 

On the 28^th November 2013 from 5:30-8:00pm, Walford Mill Crafts would be delighted if you could join them for a very special late night opening as all of the ‘Mill Makers’ will be selling and some will be demonstrating, there will be entertainment, PLUS 10% off everything you buy.

Meet the Maker: Emma Calvert – Woven Jewellery

18^th November –24^th November 2013

Emma Calvert creates bold textile jewellery by fusing traditional techniques with sculptural forms and contemporary colours.  Crossing from textiles into jewellery, Emma explores the process of making a two-dimensional fabric into a three-dimensional form through weaving, folding and knotting. 

Specialising in woven textiles, Emma studied BA Textile Design at Central St Martins London and graduated with First Class Honours in 2007.  With a thorough grounding in colour theory and her experimental weave techniques incorporating metal, Emma pursued a career in jewellery initially working for Vivienne Westwood before setting up her own label in 2011.

Working with a variety of fabrics, ribbons are intricately folded by hand using decorative knotting techniques. Each piece is then carefully finished with metalwork that complements the graphic shape of the textiles.  Emma’s instinctive use of colour and tone is echoed in her jewellery by mixing textures and hand-dyed ribbons with neon bright tones and highly polished silver.

Since launching her label, Emma’s collections are now sold through both fashion boutiques and design galleries online and across the UK.  Emma also works to commission with both private and commercial clients, offering a bespoke colour service to create something special.

New for 2013 is her diffusion range, a collection of stacking bracelets, simple bar necklaces and drop earrings which incorporate woven sections of delicate ribbons and silver-plated chain.  The colour palette inspired by the dazzling mosaics of Palermo’s Cappella Palatino and the deserted Ancient Roman city of Solunto. 

Emma has just completed the Craft Council’s 2013 Hothouse scheme.  As one of forty emerging makers selected for the national programme, Emma was part of the South West cohort who partnered with University of Plymouth and Devon Guild of Craftsmen.  Building on her achievements so far, Emma looks set to continue her success with exciting new projects and collaborations set for 2014 and beyond.

www.emmacalvert.co.uk

facebook.com/emmacalvertjewellery

twitter: @em_calvert

FREE entry as usual.

Open: Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 11am - 4pm

Walford Mill Crafts, Stone Lane, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1NL. Directions here

01202 841400 info@walfordmillcrafts.co.uk

'Mill Maker' Krishula Auckland

 Walford Mill Crafts have many talented artists and makers amongst its staff members. In the lead up to the exhibition Walford Mill Crafts will be putting the spotlight on each specially selected ‘Mill Maker’ featuring the work of eight very different disciplines including silk weaving, embroidery, photography, jewellery and printmaking. 

On the 28^th November 2013 from 5:30-8:00pm, Walford Mill Crafts would be delighted if you could join them for a very special late night opening as all of the ‘Mill Makers’ will be selling and some will be demonstrating, there will be entertainment, PLUS 10% off everything you buy.

11th November - 17th November 2013 Krishula Auckland, Fine Art Photographer

Krishula’s work begins with a photograph. 

In 2008 Krishula graduated from Falmouth College of Art with a degree in Photography. During her time there Krishula trained primarily in traditional photographic practice, focusing on a wide range of historical darkroom techniques. These included printing with large format plate cameras, hand toning and developing film with a variety of unusual chemicals. A favourite of all the processes she leant, Albumen Printing, enabled a photograph to be created using egg white, watercolour paper and a sheet of acetate!
These fun and often-mysterious processes led to a passion for constant experimentation and since graduating Krishula has continued to play, incorporating a variety of both traditional and contemporary tools within her artwork.  

With a love of Polaroid film and the beautiful soft atmosphere it creates, Krishula often uses these small instant snapshots as a way of expressing her observations and understanding of the surrounding world.

Unfortunately, many of these wonderful film stocks are now disappearing and so the mix of both film and digital technology is now vital in allowing her a way of recreating such  colours and distinct tones. 

Although originally cautious of the mechanical and often sterile images created by early digital cameras, a rise in new technology has offered Krishula scope. Old and unstable chemical processes can now be scanned and preserved and a photographic canvas created. Pulling apart Polaroids, lifting and transferring emulsion and developing prints with the natural chemicals found in plants, are just some of a few of the hand manipulative processes Krishula uses and with the help of a scanner she continues to rework her images often adding several layers, textures and tones.

Key to her personal technique is the use of water whereby her images are floated, re-photographed and finally printed upon glass plates. The use of water and glass allows Krishula to explore her signature fascination with reflections and provide her with the soft ethereal tones found in Polaroid film. Ponds, puddles, metal and windows all provide great inspiration and for this reason she can be often found at the water’s edge, watching as the changing light creates fascinating reflections upon the tide. 

Stepping outside of the darkroom, Krishula has been fortunate enough to work both artistically and commercially within the vast realm of Photography. Exhibiting in London, Paris and Berlin, shooting film set stills and studio catalogue shots, designing book jackets and album covers; Krishula enjoys the great variety in her work and hopes to continue to constantly develop and hone her Photographic training. 

You can see more of Krishula's work here 

FREE entry as usual.

Open: Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 11am - 4pm

Walford Mill Crafts, Stone Lane, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1NL. Directions here

01202 841400 info@walfordmillcrafts.co.uk

'Mill Maker' Alison C Board

Walford Mill Crafts have many talented artists and makers amongst its staff members. In the lead up to the exhibition Walford Mill Crafts will be putting the spotlight on each specially selected ‘Mill Maker’ featuring the work of eight very different disciplines including silk weaving, embroidery, photography, jewellery and printmaking. 

On the 28^th November 2013 from 5:30-8:00pm, Walford Mill Crafts would be delighted if you could join them for a very special late night opening as all of the ‘Mill Makers’ will be selling and some will be demonstrating, there will be entertainment, PLUS 10% off everything you buy.

Meet the Maker: Alison C. Board

4^th November – 10^th November 2013

Alison C. Board is an artist, printmaker and art tutor with over twenty years experience in Fine Art.

Originally self-taught, Alison recently graduated from Arts University Bournemouth after deciding to take some time away from her already established career, in order to further her knowledge. Gaining a First Class Honours degree has given Alison a thorough understanding of both traditional and contemporary techniques and exposed her to a variety of working methods.

Being born and brought up in the beautiful county of Dorset has provided Alison with a love of nature, in particular those natural forms which grow wild and overcome their surroundings, regardless of obstacle. Alison is drawn to their colour, texture and their place in the surrounding landscape.

This sense of place is also evident in the work she creates inspired by her personal ancestry. In 2010 Alison discovered a series of letters in the National Maritime Museum, written by her ancestor Susannah Middleton, which has influenced a body of work that incorporates text, narrative and history.

Alison has always used a variety of techniques within her work, preferring to not stick rigidly to one medium but incorporate the best that each has to offer. She often finds herself within the border between traditional art forms and more contemporary presentation, a place which she finds challenging but fuels her passion to bring her art work to an expanding audience.

Having previously owned a business in her home town of Wimborne Minster, Alison secured a shop assistant position at Walford Mill Crafts, situated there on the edge of the River Allen. Progressing through the company during her studies, she successfully acquired the position of Gallery Shop Manager in 2012 and uses her expertise in contemporary arts and retail to support their community of makers.

September 2013 will see Alison open her new studio at her home in Stourpaine, near Blandford, a project which has been her dream for the last four years. Downend Farm Studio will be open to the public for commissions, tuition and picture framing, all set in the heart of North Dorset, surrounded by the countryside which inspires Alison daily.

For more information on Alison’s work visit her website: www.alisoncboard-fineart.co.uk, her Facebook page: Alison C. Board or her Twitter feed. Alison is always available to talk about any aspect of her work and you are welcome to call her on 07807 024194.

FREE entry as usual.

Open: Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 11am - 4pm

Walford Mill Crafts, Stone Lane, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1NL. Directions here

01202 841400 info@walfordmillcrafts.co.uk

'Mill Maker' Jasmine O'Hare

Walford Mill Crafts have many talented artists and makers amongst its staff members. In the lead up to the exhibition Walford Mill Crafts will be putting the spotlight on each specially selected ‘Mill Maker’ featuring the work of eight very different disciplines including silk weaving, embroidery, photography, jewellery and printmaking. 

On the 28^th November 2013 from 5:30-8:00pm, Walford Mill Crafts would be delighted if you could join them for a very special late night opening as all of the ‘Mill Makers’ will be selling and some will be demonstrating, there will be entertainment, PLUS 10% off everything you buy.

Meet the Maker: Jasmine O’Hare – Fine Art

28^th October – 3^rd November 2013

Jasmine O'Hare is currently studying a BA (Honours) in Fine Art at the Arts University Bournemouth. Jasmine works in a wide variety of mediums, focusing mainly on Photography and Sculpture with underlying themes of trace and preservation. Recent projects have included mapping drawing pins on telephone poles and documenting artificial animal enclosures at tourist attractions.

Jasmine often uses photography to abstract and elevate common mundane subjects. Jasmine's cards depict macro shots of winter scenes, captured using a digital SLR. The images are then edited and cropped into circles on the computer. When cropping Jasmine picks out small areas of detail and texture, slightly abstracting the subject matter. 

You can see Jasmine’s work from 28^th October to 3^rd November and she will demonstrating on our late night opening on the 28^th November from 6-8pm.

FREE entry as usual.

Open: Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 11am - 4pm

Walford Mill Crafts, Stone Lane, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1NL. Directions here

01202 841400 info@walfordmillcrafts.co.uk