"I begin with an idea ... and then it becomes something else"
~ Picasso

Tuesday 28 July 2015

stitching a purple sea garden and other dreamy thoughts



 
since I last posted ... it's been a whirl of fun and busy-ness
 
making mosaics and gathering shells for still life
and being inspired by the colours and tones in my collections
 
 

looking closely at shells
and noticing that some of them have their own little sea gardens growing on the outside


 loving purple fossilised seaweed on mussels
 
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CAROLYNSAXBYTEXTILES

and being inspired to create my own little purple sea garden on a heart
with a shell found on Mousehole harbour beach
sourcing just the right shade of mauve to use with tones of chocolate and shimmer

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CAROLYNSAXBYTEXTILES

I enjoyed creating a new jar scene with this adorable vintage photo
and posed the heart with the little girl who is looking shyly off camera


I wonder how long she was made to stand there and pose ...


the jar photo was meant to be just for a moment in art
but I've kept her in the jar to be enjoyed on my hallway table

I could have sold the purple sea garden heart several times over
and had a lovely commission to make one as similar as possible

but, gladly, and uniquely, they all come out a little differently
 
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CAROLYNSAXBYTEXTILES

I called this one ... "believe in dreams"

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CAROLYNSAXBYTEXTILES

I adore stitching these one of a kind seaside, ocean and rock pool hearts
I love to source the fabrics and shells that I will use
muse over text and enjoy the quiet time that hand stitching affords

with shop sales and commissions creating the hearts keeps me very busy indeed
 and I think I've made around 20 recently with more commissions still to stitch

and for those who have asked me whether I will be making more textile art beads
the answer is "yes" ... they are in progress but I had to put them to one side
while I got my panel for Festival of Quilts finished

and will share more on that once it's been up to the show
Festival of Quilts, NEC Birmingham 6 - 9 August 2015



for the past couple of months I have been seriously weather watching
and capturing moments of mood and colour on the landscape and seascape
photographing, pushing paint around, paper and fabric collage and stitch
working in my sketchbook towards my show later in the year

something catches my eye every day ...

cloud formations, brewing storms, rain drops on windows, huge waves
mist hanging over the village and rainfall on the far Lizard coastline
the lichen changing colour on the cottage rooftops
the sea changing from silver to deepest aqua, phthalo green and thunderous indigo



there have also been some beautiful sunrises


and early morning pink skies ... serene and calming



it cannot help but inspire ...


I hope this little video works ok ...

it is mesmerising ...


watching the sea sparkles dance
 
of all ... I think silver seas and skies are my favourite


since I last posted work at home is progressing slowly

inside ... a small ensuite shower room is taking shape
with white suite and grey and silver tiles


the living room fireplace has been opened up and a new one created
with a black sea sparkly granite hearth sourced from Carn Brae
housing a gorgeous large windowed wood burning stove

I'm gradually tackling the garden in my spare time
the outside of the house has been painted white and
a new patio has been built to take in the awesome views

my view - vintage style
since I last posted we've enjoyed Cornish time with family and friends down staying
and meals out at The Tolcarne Inn, The Water Mill, The Lifeboat in St. Ives
The Wheel Inn at Tresillian and a night out at Hall For Cornwall

we spent time at Lamorna Cove, Porthcurno, The Minnack Theatre and Sennen
St. Ives (of course ... always my favourite)



Newquay


Pentire Point and Perranporth


we can't wait to return to Pentire Point
to walk this path at a time when the seed heads are at their best


the landscape is already looking autumnal and firing my imagination


which brings me to what's coming next ...

(after completing my current orders this week)
I shall be concentrating on my work for "Seeds and Pods"
for exhibition at Porthmeor Studios in St. Ives
12 - 19 September 2015


my work will include painterly textile wall hangings, framed work
hearts, cottages, totes, cards and supporting sketchbooks

I can't wait to totally indulge in one of my favourite themes
I do hope you can come to the show!


and after that ... autumnal work for The Crow Show
an exhibition of textile art and mixed media with textile artist friend Jo
at St. Ives Arts Club from 31 October - 13 November 2015
(details on the side bar)

I hope you enjoy the photos
and thanks always for reading ♥

14 comments:

Lululiz said...

Absolutely gorgeous post, I don't know where to start. I love the photos of the sea shells, gosh, the colours of whatever it is thats growing on them are just amazing and your embroidery is so spot on. Every single image is such a treat, the quilt, the heart, the sunrises.....

Carol Rigby said...

Oh yes! Carolyn. I did enjoy the photo's. You are so lucky to live in such a beautiful place. So much inspiration all around. The jar gives a 'dreamy' look to the image of the little girl what a lovely photo it is and no wonder your hearts are so sought after they are beautiful.

Tracy said...

A lovely post. I kind of feel like I've been on a whirlwind holiday! What a stunning area. I live in Greece, beautiful too but difficult to get inspired when it's 40 degrees! I miss the seasons. Every time I see your work I think that I must get all my bits and pieces of fabric, silks and beads out.... And then of course I get sidetracked. I really admire all the talented crafty people who work from home- such discipline is beyond me!

Angie Willis said...

A wonderful, inspiring post as always. I love the way you take inspiration from the nature that surrounds you and what better than the Cornish coast! Your beautiful muted colours are always a joy.

chrissie said...

Always wonderful too see you makes and the beautiful photographs of you area

Love Chrissie xx

Linda Vincent said...

So much inspiration all around you.....I'm trying not to be envious 😉 and so much inspiration provided by your artwork. I love it all..... xx

TwinkleToes2day said...

What an absolutely delightful post. So dreamy and quite relaxing. All the colours and textures and views and the sights and sounds in the video are a complete joy.
Your bathroom is going to be the perfect place, indoors, to relax and take stock of the day.
I do so wish I could see your exhibitions. Perhaps one day, my dream will come true, when Wee Man is grown. Lots of loving hugs
Mo xoxo

Julie said...

Festival of Quilts is almost on us and I can't wait to see your beautiful quilt. Similarly September Festival is not far away and I know that is going to be a real treat too. xx

Chyfey said...

It is good good to have you back

Lynette (NZ) said...

Hi Carolyn - another delightful post. I can't pick a favourite photo or heart - they are all divine. Hope you are enjoying some more lovely creativity this week xo

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Come to the show? Oh, how I wish!!! I can but dream. I think you truly must live in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Sue Marrazzo Fine Art said...

What a fun and INSPIRING post! Thanks so much for this lovely work!

Andy Lloyd Williams said...

This is such a fabulous blog, full of inspiration and eye candy: it lifts the heart and having just returned from North Cornwall, I want to return rapidly! Thank you

NM_Creatrix said...

Love, love, Love the birds on your mouse... Have you read "When Women Were Birds" by Terry Tempest Williams...??