'Flock'

'Flock' is a project that the artists of Art in the Park

 http://www.artinthepark.co.uk/

took part in for The Big Draw

 http://www.campaignfordrawing.org/home/index.aspx

We used post cards and then 'migrated' our birds to Scotland to other artists taking part. The flock are going to travel the world. We have received some beautiful drawings from all over the world and as far away a Bhutan. 

I really loved this project because it fitted perfectly with my current work, drawing

 the simple everyday things that make me appreciate life. 

Every morning theses birds visit my kitchen door to ask for tasty treats.

 It s a lovely way to start the day : ) 

Birds are perfect because they don't sit still, and I love to draw quickly and with minimal looking at the paper to avoid too much ego in the initial lay out.

Drawing a Day - Day 1

Emily's Table

Oki Doki. I have been meaning to do this for ages... my day is often topsy turvy because I  run classes in the evening so the morning is my evening..?

Often by the time I ve done all the domestic and e maily bits it s time to leave. I think it was probably a Chrsitine Kane http://christinekane.com/  who said make the thing you love your priority.... the other stuff gets done anyway (eventually).  Like the saying goes... I am not going to think on my death bed 'I wish I'd have kept my cleaning up to date!'

So without much procrastination - two rows of knitting and a little chat with Emily - I did it! I did my drawing.  I am scared of failing.... but I ll take one day at a time : )

Getting on with it!

This is Engine Chat Chat, it is part of DIY Educate which happens at Core Gallery in Deptford.
http://coregallery.co.uk/diy-educate/

I ve been meaning to blog about it for a while blah blah but anyway here I am now. Having just come back from a DIY Nuts & Bolts talk on 'How to get paid' I am utterly inspired.... I always leave their events feeling joyous. Why? The talk was amazing, truthful, honest, sharing and brutally tragic in places : )  I am inspired, not because I now know how to get rich but from being with 'real'  people ... yes I feel normal when I am there and that is a good feeling.

What stopped me going for a drink with my neighbour after the event? Well the sinking feeling when Glyn asked me  ( as a follow up to the last Chat Chat )  ' So, how's the drawing going?' CLANG!
How can I tell this man - who has put together an exhibition since September - that I ve done approximately 4 drawings since we last met!?
Still, my cupboards are tidy, paperwork up to date.................................I hate myself : (

My current studio situation.......

.....hence the 5 inch drawings.

 Ok. It is not ideal, but it is not an excuse. I ve been working on a small quick scale because I wanted to push through raw ideas fast (?) I have so many ideas.......................

I get much of my inspiration from my direct environment, but I do live in an amazing place.  Living afloat as the antidote to the big bad city

I am playing with collage

and have stopped denying my love of colour, I was worried it was distracting
 but  I am over that now......

As my own therapist , I know the answer.
'Just do it!'
I ve got to stop worrying about creating a masterpiece and get on with it.

So I challenge myself to a drawing a day from this very day......13/10/2011

A satisfied customer : ) : ) : )

Coil Pottery Workshop at Art in the Park 

Zoe & Christa                

http://www.artinthepark.co.uk/timetable.html

E mail from Christa: 


"Hi Leyla:

Yesterday I didn't get a chance to properly say good bye and thank you for letting me be part of your class (and for the ride too!). 

I have trully enjoyed myself. This has being one of the best experiences I've had in london. Who would have thought I came all the way to have take a ceramics class? Like I said, every Monday I would look foward to going to class, having a cup of tea, and chatting with all of you... 

You are so nice and such an amazing person.  I know you will do great things and I hope we can keep in contact . I look foward to the time were the name Leyla Folwell will be famous for amazing pottery pieces and I can brag about how I was your student and am your friend. 

There is really no word to express how happy and thankful my heart is! Thank you for the class, thank you for the pottery advice, thank you for the compassion, thank you for the patience, and thank you for laughing at my jokes... 

With a thankful heart, 

Christa"


What can I say!?! It's all true ; ) Come and see for yourself! 

Surrey Docks Farm - The Movie : )

Ricardo Alcantara has made a beautiful film about the farm

Watch it here:  

http://www.vimeo.com/27018549

More than a Dogs Dinner!!

This is Jon's beloved family pet Max - enjoying the luxury of eating from handmade bowls. Cute : )

Surrey Docks Farm Pottery - part 2

My farm pottery dream is going from strength to strength!  It has become so much more than a class, it s about the people on my doorstep. What a delight for me to watch how people have bonded in the relaxed environment of the farm.  In a community where we have mostly hurried passed each other to catch transport to get to our next commitment... we are making new friendships as well as mighty fine pots : )

A cluster of dedicated Surrey Docks clay lovers : )


Why do they look so happy....?

Because they made these........

Functional wares by Jon & Simon

Mellisa - throwing champion!

Antonella is our very own Italian designer.

I love it when people turn up to class eager to see their fired pieces

Chung Chung's beautiful bird

Max our master model maker

Kids clay creations! How a pinch pot becomes a scary animation.

Little Noa loves pink : )

It has been so much fun, and that is down to all the fantastic people who have attended.  I am delighted that everyone is able to return in September and excited to be adding more classes for the people who we haven't been able to fit in yet.

The set up process has been organic and we are always ready to hear ideas from the public. This September we will be trying 'Slow Pottery Evening' for people who prefer to share a cheap chilled out Friday evening with a seat and music you can hear over - although it is still open to the under thirties who have seen the light early : )

Also 'Make it together', pottery class for parents and guardians who want to get stuck in along side the kids.... its not fair that they always have the fun! 

Get in touch if you'd like more details, I can't wait to see you at Farm Pottery!

leylaemilyfolwell@hotmail.com                    07745 725750