Weald of Kent Craft Show

When I was Artist in Residence at King's School Worcester http://www.ksw.org.uk/ , I worked with Rodger Plant AKA 'The Pencil Man'.  Thus named for his beautiful pencils made from twigs http://www.twigpencils.co.uk/ , he's also a dedicted photographer and a lovely bloke : )

Rodger introduced me to the lovely craft events organised by ICHF http://www.ichf.co.uk/outdoorcraftsalive/  I have been their potter ever since and I love it!  My job is to go twice a year to the beautiful grounds of Penshurst Place in Kent http://www.penshurstplace.com/ and once a year over to Stonor Park near Henley-on-Thames  http://www.stonor.com/. 

Within the peaceful grounds of Penshurst

I take my portable wheel, tent and lovely boyfriend/assistant (when he is available) and set up workshop and camp for a weekend.  These shows have a terrific attendance no matter what the weather and the atmosphere is fantastic between the visitors, demonstrators and exhibitors.   I have been going for 5 years now and feel like one of the family.  It also feels like a mini break. Don't get me wrong, we work our little socks off, but I find myself looking forward to being in such a beautiful place.

View from out tent

Our set up is a simple one, offering the opportunity to have a go on the potters wheel.  Children usually leap at the chance to get mucky and try something new.  It never ceases to amaze me how they vary in their abilities regardless of age.... speaking of age... so many adults say they have always wanted to do it. But, my god, it can be harder work persuading then to give it a go than it is teaching them!  Poor old adults, at what age does this fear kick in? 


My aim is to support and guide verbally, limiting my physical contact with the clay to give the student as much of the making experience as possible. And guess what? Nobody has ever failed : ) They all leave with a pot!  However, the odd one hits the grass before they reach the car... but I just can't help with that bit.

Russell - the best staff I ve ever had!  lol : )

Some of our lovely crafty friends:
http://ficakes.co.uk/
http://www.mouseandmoon.com/

Other things that we have made

Modelling Table

Dinner and a well earned cuppa

...and then a good nights sleep in the fresh air. Bliss!

If you think you might like to join us at the next event, let me know and I will do my best to get you a complimentary ticket.

Easter 2011 Farm Orchard Map Project

Tracey Neil the Education Coordinator at Surrey Docks Farm http://surreydocksfarm.org.uk/index.php  fantastically won some funding from the Team London Bridge http://www.teamlondonbridge.co.uk/ and asked me if I would organised a series of mural workshops.

Now, as you may already know, I cannot stay away from the Farm - to me it is paradise in this crazy town : )  So, naturally I jumped at the chance!


We decided on a map of the orchard, showing the different species of trees, the products that the farm produce and the wildlife that inhabit the area. This was to be produced by local children over 3 days .... no problem!? 

You can see in this image that currently the trees have laminated signs hanging from them. These contain further information about the species,  products and time of harvest etc. 


I thought it would also be nice to make some permanent ceramic signs to replace these. 


What is interesting is that because our seasons are so erratic we decided not to include the harvested time as it can no longer be accurately predicted.




The plan was two, two hour sessions a day and my design required 140 tiles to be made and decorated. So a tile per person, plus a few. We made the actual map by painting on to manufactured bisc tiles and an ornate frame by adding clay sprigs to freshly rolled out slabs... that was a lot of rolling for me.


As an opening activity we made biodegradable honey bees out of clay and found greenery from around the farm. The lovely thing about this was the children scoured around the plants and gardens just like the farm bees. They turned back up in the class room delighted with their loot, images of what it would become buzzing (sorry!) in their minds.  It was great fun, the bees became more and more elaborate as the sessions went on.

Here is the map half painted.  I drew out the trees with underglaze pencils and numbered the backs. 

The children worked out designs on paper first and the used underglazes paints to transfer their images on to the tiles.

These tiles are part of the frame. Its made from an outdoor terracotta and painted with decorating slips.

No two the same!

All hand made with love : )

Every session was full to bursting, it was a lot of fun.

 When that was all over, the job was only half done for me. The 'greenware' frame needed careful drying and all tiles needed to be fired in the kiln to fix the painting.

  

Glaze comes from the manufacturer in powder form.

Glaze mixing equipment

Applying the glaze. 

And that is as far as I have got. When all the glaze firing is complete, I will apply transfers with text and then fire those on and then it will be ready to install.  I cant wait to see it in place!

Couldn't possiblyt tell this story without mentioning the lovely Katie Netley who took time away from her Brighton Degree work to come and help. She was an all round star and I really enjoyed her company. Check out her own work: http://materialspractice.moonfruit.co.uk/#/katie-netley/4548371738

And of course Tracey Neil who organizes and runs everything she does with such grace and calm it is almost unreal!  But that is her proffession, she has four schools a week through her class room! She provides tailor made educational activities for groups as well as running a Young Farmers club.
http://surreydocksfarm.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=28&Itemid=57

That 's it for now, I will add more when we have installed it. 


To be continued.......