Waterproof Studio!

Waterproof Studio!

Well, those of you who know me will be aware of the ongoing plight of the garage roof at Casa McGee.
This time last year the tarp covering the roof was constantly blowing away and when it rained all available receptacles were on hand to catch the deluge.  Well... finally we have a spanking new insulated roof which make the studio positively cosy!

The OH and I have been tidying up the place and putting up my array of test tiles, which makes the place seem more colourful.  I have to make room for my new Raku kiln which arrives tomorrow (excited squeal) and hopefully a wheel in the future, if I can find one which is unloved....
Now if only I can get rid of this pesky cat......

Franco being a pain in the cat...

Ooops, melted thermocouple lead, hopefully to be replaced soon with a controller

Shiny Rainbow of glaze tests

more tidying to do...

giant toolbox for precious tools

Starting some work (finally)

Happy New Year.....2012 is going to be a busy one!

Well, it's only the end of February and things are already busy, and shaping up to be a good one in 2012.  

The Affa Fine quines have been chatting (when they have time!) and hopefully you will see some exciting collaborative 3d work this year.

Doric Delft is travelling far and wide with further stockists to follow...

The figure of Napoleon Bonaparte has been admired by many and the Oldemldrum Wargames Group is using it as their mascot and logo.

Finally, as if things weren't exciting enough, I have been lucky enough to voted Chairperson of North East Open Studios. Along with Han almost entirely new committee, we hope to make the changes to NEOS it desperately needs to make it more sustainable.

Sayonara for now...

Teacosy Opening Night

Wow! What a fab evening, my feet are incredibly sore but it was all worth it for the fabulous preview evening of Teacosy Christmas in Aberdeen. It felt like I didn't even look up for 2 hours. I managed to get a few snaps of the other Teacosy vendors before it got too busy.....




Jenni from Mudpies and Teacakes who makes amazing bespoke tutus for wee people




Anne Marquiss Jewellery - amazing bespoke silver and semi precious stones as well as accessories




Elaine from Junction Arts which is Aberdeen's best stockist of local art and quality applied art - as well as being the best framer in the shire...




Aubin at Aubeebop Jewellery and fellow Affa Fine Quine - Aubin rocks, she makes acrylic statement jewellery using silver and semi precious stones.




Jenny and Angie McHardy who are Nervous Stitch and Clova Knits - very talented team of mother and daughter.  I own a set of Angie's neck warmers and hummel doddies - stylish and cosy.  My house will be filled with Jenny's soft cushions...as soon as its fit for decoration!




Gabi eating a sandwich at her Small Stories table and third Affa Fine Quine! Gabi is a super talented illustrator, painter and designer and supermum! I dont know how she does it!




Kirsty at A Wooden Tree Wonderful upcycled textile animals and housewares.  I will be getting a tweedy stag at some point from this talented lady.




Lindsey who is The Apple Fell Down.  A photographer and textile artist extraordinaire.




Renee at Revinha Jewellery plus lovely bump!




My table! X

There were so much more exhibitors and lovley people but it was soo busy, I didnt manage to get everyone in. 
I would just like to thank the Quines at SMART Consultants for really making it all possible and putting us up in a fabulous venue, heres the link to the Teacosy Facebook page.

TEACOSY CHRISTMAS 2011!

Well friends... its that time of year again and I have been very busy preparing for this weekends Teacosy.....
It reminds me of last year when we were all thoroughly snowed-in but 2 days of clear weaather allowed the roads to be cleared and Teacosy was on! What a great day it was, all cosy and everyone had a smashing time.

Lets hope this one is even half as good.
Cowdray Hall, Aberdeen (The building next door to the Art Gallery with the BIG granite lions outside!)

Tonight - Preview 6-9pm
Tomorrow - 10-6pm

Clutter...

Preparing, pricing and polishing.....

Barge Engineer Commission

Here he is, the Barge Engineer...

The commission was from a gentleman who worked in the oil industry all his life - right from the discovery of oil in the North Sea.  He wanted a figure, of himself in his younger days with the full 'Canadian Tuxedo'  denims, boots, 70s shirt, moustache and a McDonald T hat.
The McDonald T was an aluminium hard hat which has long since been banned due to health and safety, but some do still adorn houses in the North East of Scotland....

My mum uses my Dad's old one as a hanging basket!

holding a coffee cup and a walkie talkie

Finally finished making!

Well, I have finished making 4 figures recently - 3 were commissions and one is for the Winter Exhibition at Gallery Heinzel in Aberdeen.

Its been a bit of a 'lang haul' The people waiting for 2 of the commissions have been incredibly patient as I have had to stop in the middle of making several times for NEOS and London.  I even started one again as I was not happy at all with the way it was going.

The Filleter commission was perhaps the most emotive to date as it is a representation of the lady's Mother who passed away this year.  When I met her I got a real sense of who her Mum was and through looking at photographs and hearing stories, I built up a picture of her personality.  I very much hope this comes across in the work.  It feels rather like a huge responsibility but a massive privilege at the same time - who else gets to do something so personal and important?

The final of the four is Napoleon Bonaparte - as he was in exile, contemplative - this was also tricky as it was on request from my Other Half!

As always, they are currently in the kiln drying off before the long haul up to 1150C

Theres always a worry with commissions as if a person does not like what you have made, its not like you can add another layer of paint!
I suppose if I stopped worrying, I should stop making as its the personal, handmade and genuine love for what I do that makes it worth the money...

Another Oil Mannie - pandering to the local populace - and I like hard hats and boilersuits!

And Moustaches

Made and unmade - I'm repairing the ones at the back after an unfortunate accident with a closed jar of turps...

ready to start....

All the bits done but still needs the heavy grey coat....

Almost there...

really happy with the coat

The hat was a bit of a complicated nightmare too....

Filleter

Second one down.....