Uncategorized – Page 23

November 26, 2014November 25, 2014

Wednesday Wonderings #3 Guest Fashion Artist Diane Goldie!

Thanks so much to Diane for writing this post for me this week. I absolutely LOVE her work and inspiration, make sure you check out all the images and links at the end of the post! Love Susan x

I’m very happy to have been asked by Susan to write a guest blog post for her, so here we go!

My name is Diane Goldie and I am an artist, working with textile and paint. Being able to say that is a big thing for me, as for many years ( 25 to be exact) I worked as a children’s entertainer/puppeteer , not believing I was quite up to the gravitas that the title ‘artist’ held.

But then I met Sue Kreitzman, the amazingly inspirational artist and queen of outsider art and colour. She asked me to customise a big black raincoat for her with my paintbrush and from that moment on, the spell was broken: I believed!

Now I have the honour of being the person that makes or customises all of Sue’s very iconic wardrobe based on hand painted and appliqued kimonos and floaty tops. Her subject matter for the kimonos are very specific, they are all about female energy, which for me is a joy as I identify as a radical feminist, really celebrating the power of woman. I am able to take Sue’s very joyful and lyrical paintings and sculptures and put them on her kimonos to turn her into an actual walking gallery of her own . Sue doesn’t get dressed in the morning , she curates herself! In the New Year , Sue will be one of Selfridges “Bright Old Things ” and will be celebrated in one of the windows of the top retail store for two whole months! If you get a chance to walk down past Selfridges in the New Year, have a look. I can’t tell you all how exciting this is for me, as Sue’s going to have her very own mannequin wearing one of my favourite creations I made for her for my very first fashion show.

Oh yes, I have had a fashion show… it’s crazy. It was a launch party event for an exhibition called Chromophilia held at St Pancras Hospital conference centre and it was an exhilarating and validating experience for me as well as the varied non professional models and friends who were wearing my upcycled creations and various kimonos on the catwalk. I have a personal mantra that drives me in my quest to make wearable art. It goes like this: ‘Fashion tells you what to wear, style asks you how you’d like to express yourself. ‘ I’m all for style, as I believe fashion is just part of a big , nasty , consumerist machine that forces you to buy new each season lest you be deemed out of fashion. Style operates outside this dynamic, vintage can be mixed with new, whatever colour makes you feel good is the one you wear, whatever shape flatters you is the one you choose. No body shape or age is correct, style is as inclusive and positive as you can get.

I’m currently working on making kimonos that flatter all body sizes and ages, male and female, that are made of african wax print fabric mixed up with applique and hand painted elements to create bold , yet subtle statements. ( Yes I know that seems like a strange contradictory statement , but I hope the pictures convey what I mean). My imagery is mostly about goddess and other forms of beauty , so I do feature a lot of Frida Kahlo imagery, along with tribal beauty and art, beauty in nature and sometimes elements of the darker side of life.

I’ve been asked to contribute to an artist run Xmas fair, so I’ve made lots of individual ,large hand painted, velvet butterfly brooches and a limited series of cushions , that will be available this weekend, Saturday and Sunday 29/ 30th November 12-6 pm at the Old Church, Stoke Newington Church Street, N169ES. If you’re around and looking for unique gifts, do come and see me!

The best thing about doing what I do? It’s the feedback from the people I make things for. They always report that the kimono or dress makes them feel different, confident, more themselves than they have ever felt, and that people react differently to them when they are wearing it. This is the power of style. We don’t need to be sheep . Let’s be roaring dragons!

Diane Goldie

Maker , artist and puppeteer.

www.iheartcart.com ( hand made art bags)

www.dianes-puppets.co.uk (puppets website)

www.facebook.com/CrochetDarkAndDecadent ( Crochet Diva Dollies and oddities)

November 19, 2014November 19, 2014

Wednesday Wonderings #2 comps, sales and youtube!

My Art life this week has been lovely, creative and busy. So I’m going to start today by letting you know what I’ve been up to.

I recently collaborated with The Mother Magazine to create a holistic colouring book which they have put together beautifully with my images. This is now available as a download for just £1.99 from their website. It would make a great gift for a little one or for adults who love to colour in and find it therapeutic to do so!

I recently heard someone talk about ‘colouring in’ limiting creativity. I can see where this point of view comes from but I have to say I disagree (my opinion only). As an Artist (who used colouring books as a child) and a mother I see it as an addition to creativity. For some children and adults art, drawing, putting any colour to paper, or even creating shapes or patterns out in nature doesn’t always come easily. I’m not talking about simply being worried it ‘won’t look right’, but for some the freedom to explore in the visual feels overwhelming.

For some, colouring in can be the first step to realising it’s not scary or limiting. You can add any colour, or stickers or mud, or craft, my daughter likes to cover the whole picture in one or two colours or add extra lines and shapes to the image. It can be a discussion about a picture or a challenge to change it in some way. Creativity for any of us is a gift, and it is limitless. So hopefully some of you will buy this colouring book, create whatever you or your child want with it, alongside exploring any other creative form you wish indoors or out!

The other project I am involved in with The Mother Magazine is their exciting new app ‘Mother’s Connect’. They have an indiegogo campaign to raise funds but they also have some exciting developments going on behind scenes too. My involvement is supplying 2015 Calendars to them for some of their packages. The Calendars are a collection of my ‘Life’ illustrations and look so lovely. The app is a wonderful idea as it not only connects people but it will connect parents based on their interests, parenting styles, location, activities and so much more. If anyone reading is a parent you may understand the craziness that often becomes your life when having children, and connecting with others can often feel like a lifeline so go and check it out!

I have also this week added my first two basic drawing tip clips to my YouTube channel, Susan Merrick and I will be adding a clip per week for anyone to use as a guide or tool for picking up basic drawing ideas.

My Christmas Sale has started and is on for the next week – I will be creating 10 illustrations, most with a winter theme, and posting them to my FB page. These signed originals will all be for sale for just £35 each!

Finally I have today announced the winner of the competition I launched last week. The lucky winner (check out my FB page) will receive the original sketch of their choice from the official music video I created for the Glass Child’s single ‘Yesterday’.

With my weeks news announced I want to move on in my Wonderings and start talking about the inspiration behind some of my work. So today I’d like to introduce the large Oil painting that I created this Summer, ‘See Me’.

The image is a gathering of figures laid together, holding one another in various poses and positions to pull together the image of an eye.

This was a very personal piece to paint. Since becoming a mother the various roles I have in my life have become many and often the chaos of this (often self created) seems immense. The change from individual woman, to family, to mother. My working roles and my roles as a parent. There was an awakening that this brought in me in relation to the feminine and sensual but also this was also entwined with the demands of routine life.

The duplicity and medley of selves this can create at times makes a person feel less visible, confused. So ‘See Me’ brings about the many selves and shadows and shapes of oneself. As a whole creating a larger more striking image and enhancing the person, not reducing her.

Thank you for reading, I will be back next week to see what the next few days bring and what my mind begins to wonder about! I shall leave you with my vintage outfit of this week. A silk skirt and separate underskirt that I found in a lovely charity shop, along with a jumper I got from a vintage section last year.

It feels a bit luxurious, like I’m going to a party….. And why not 😉

have a lovely week!

Susan xx

November 12, 2014

Wednesday Wonderings #1

Hello!

I’d like to introduce my new weekly blog my Wednesday Wonderings.

I’ve wanted to have a regular blog for a while and thought I’d just bite the bullet. Some of you may have read my previous blog posts so you know some of my interests which include but are certainly not limited to Art, body image, cosmetics, vintage clothing and fashion, maternity care, maternal and paternal rights in maternity and feminism.

Here I will as the name suggests have a weekly wonder about anything that takes my fancy. I have loads of vintage and second hand clothes that I love putting into outfits and would love to start sharing these so this can also be my excuse to do so!

I take inspiration in my Art from the world around me and I will share with you the inspiration behind some of my pieces and projects old and new.

I can also let you in on my world of being a self taught, self employed Artist and the interesting and often eclectic mix of events and projects this entails.

Today I start with an image of me in an outfit that I’ve recently put together and love! It’s a second hand grey pleated dress that I’ve found with a salmon jumper. I like to have the odd floaty item whilst still being warm! This image I wanted to use for the new graphic I created which is shown on my homepage. I wanted something that had a vintage look whilst also retaining some modern elements and an element of indie that I’m always drawn to.

I am often inspired by what people wear as well as the people themselves. Clothes can often make a huge difference to a person, reflecting music tastes, cultures, religion, a sense of being different or fitting in, because they love the clothes or perhaps because they don’t care about what they wear at all. Clothes can sometimes affect or seem to affect how people hold themselves, how they speak or look around at the world. How they seem to fit or not fit and whether they want to.

Interestingly though I often sketch, draw or paint figures without clothing. Being inspired by but then taking away the layers to see the person below. Giving me the freedom to use the body alone to create the expression of an emotion or moment.

So on this sunny Wednesday, I shall leave you with my Wonderings for today. I hope to see you next week for more.

Keep wondering

Susan xxxx

November 5, 2014February 11, 2015

Blog Post: Debut Animation is Music Video!

Click for My Debut Animation!!!!!!!!

So last week saw the release of Charlotte Eriksson (The Glass child)’s third single of her amazing new album. Not only that but it was also the release of my debut animation as her official music video.

Three months ago I had never used any animating software, and even two months ago I had not started learning how. However, I have a passion for learning and taking on challenges in terms of Art. If I am inspired (as I always am with Charlotte’s music) then i know I can set my goals high.

At the start of September I sat at my computer with many many sketches that I had been creating after listening and learning the song ‘ Yesterday’. I listened, felt and danced to the song, literally as well as in my mind. This started the basis of my sketches for the animation which I then had to learn to put to the screen and make move!

I spent many many hours over the next few weeks teaching myself to understand the basic of action script and animation in Flash. With this and my sketches I began the process of putting the art to the music and brought my figure slowly to life. At times I didn’t quite know what moves she would make next, which may sound absurd as I was creating and controlling her. However that’s how it felt. I really let myself be led by the music and where my own dance skills are limited I could make this figure move as the music suggested to me.

The thrill of seeing the animation come to life was exhilarating. At times of course also exhausting, managing my day to day demands alongside this however I have a patient family and I managed my time fairly well.

So now, a week on and the wonderful song and video is flying far and wide. I have had some beautiful feedback about the animation and the song is matching the wonderful album in terms of high praise. Charlotte, thank you for your trust and your voice. Two artists coming together in this way was and is truly magical.

I cant wait to embark on my net project and adventure in this wonderful world of Art!

Susan xx

July 21, 2014

What’s New?

Hello!

I’ve been rather quiet on the blog front so I thought I’d give you a little update 🙂

Makeup/skin care
Since my makeup free month blog I have felt vey different about makeup. I’ve tried several natural and homemade products and am currently loving the Neals Yard range. Their mineral foundation is just beautiful and my skin loves it. This morning I was feeling a little jaded after a glass or two of vino with the hubby last night. A small circular dusting of this mineral and my skin was lifted. I’ve included a pic. In general I still go most days without makeup now, but when I choose to wear it I find I don’t need concealer or powder. This foundation product is enough and it’s really light compared to anything I’ve used before. If I fancy it I add some of the Neals yard mascara and Burts bees lip tint (on lips and cheeks). I wore all of these to see Aerosmith a couple of weeks ago and felt so happy to feel glamorous with far fewer chemicals on my face! I haven’t found a good natural eyeshadow yet, but I’ve still got lots to try 😉

Art
The last couple of months have continued to be very exciting for me Art wise.
I’ve met some fantastic people who are giving me great feedback and advice. This is the part of life that I love and it motivates me to do so much more!
I was so excited to see my SKIN video and artwork written about in an article by the Makeup Museum. To have some recognition for my work is just lovely.
I’ve started my little shop on Etsy and had my wonderful Bristol based manufacturers approved to make my cards and prints.

Cycle to the Moon by Veronika Sophia Robinson is at the printers and is full of paintings and sketches by me that I loved producing. Creating images of femininity is what I truly love and is one of the reasons I also started my new illustration print range on Etsy.
I’ve started searching for an agent and I’m halfway through illustrating another exciting children’s book for an acclaimed theatre writer/director. And finally (for now) I’ve just finished a large piece for a competition submission and I’m hoping to start with a new collaboration very soon.

Summer is here, warmth, light, love, music and friendships are feeding my soul and my art.

Here’s to more summer adventures, more live music and plenty of champagne over the next month!