Smile Maker of the Week #15 - Painting by Debbie George

It’s a time of “Smile Maker of the Week”, my only series in my blog (he he!), where I share brilliant artists work that I love and makes me smile. Today I would like to share a fabulous paintings by Debbie George from Yorkshire. I am sure many of you have seen her beautiful paintings, but if not, she is a must!

I remember the delight when I first came across her paintings via Instagram probably about a half year ago. Her paintings with flowers and ceramics (which is the best choice by the way) are just so breathtakingly charming. I love that somewhat nostalgic style she creates and the way she treats the surface with scalpel, which I felt a bit like scraffitto sensation in clay that I love. 

I have been following her Instagram since and always (yes always) loved every single piece of her work without fail. I wanted to purchase her work so much but obviously could not afford many (I wish!), so I was closely monitoring her feed and talking to my heart. One day her Instagram feed came up with an image (→ this post), which wasn’t actually a painting but a photograph of a small cup with a rabbit on it and forget-me-nots. Suddenly I had a sort of flash back and felt very emotional. I even felt a bit personal. I knew this was it. So I contacted her if I could possibly purchase this combination of painting, which I knew she would paint wonderfully without a doubt. 

You can guess how delighted I was to see the painting in real life, which arrived to us last month (sorry this series title is “this week”, nevertheless!) via her solo exhibition at The Edition. 

So why personal to me? 

Well, I have a thing with rabbits but the story was this. 

Me and Muffin at my old flat

I once had a little rabbit called Muffin. 8 weeks old Muffin came to my small flat I used to live nearly 15 years ago. It was one of the most difficult time for me after having experienced a few years of physical and emotional abuse from my ex-husband. Left that ugly moment behind, I started my own life from a scratch again and slowly, but it was not easy than you might think. 

Muffin was a calm but funny bunny. I absolutely adored him. He became a great company for me. In a way I felt that he helped me to rebuild my self-esteem. He showed me a light out of tunnel, telling me that life is good. He was a saviour. 

Some years later, having started a relationship with a new man - now my husband, Muffin and I moved to a new house and settled down well. Muffin loved my step-son and he loved Muffin. Muffin became a part of our family. Unfortunately Muffin suddenly died before my daughter was born. But he remains in my heart as a symbol of good life. 

This particular painting has certainly stolen my heart, with my favourite flower, forget-me-nots. (And how not to love that name!) I now see this painting as a reminder of good life, no matter how hard the things can be. Now sitting in my living room to shine everyday. I must get it framed soon! 

Thank you so much Debbie for such a wonderful work. More of her paintings, do check out her Instagram here. 

Smile Maker of the Week #14 - illustration by Sanae Sugimoto

A beautifully illustrated postcard by Sanae Sugimoto has arrived from Japan. 

Among many artists with multi disciplines, I truly admire illustrators the most. Their expression and sense of originality cannot be underestimated. Think about it, they use a pen and paper. Ok there are more variety of materials and techniques they must use like any other art of course, but basically they use a pen and paper like we all have since we were kids. Using such basic tools and on 2D, those brilliant illustrators can express precisely their own world, connect us and make us awe. That itself is so powerful skill I think. 

With that in mind, I love following many of illustrators who I admire, and Sanae Sugimoto is one of those wonderful talents. I remember that I was thoroughly excited when I first found her work via Instagram. She uses just black and ‘shu’ red of Japanese calligraphy ink, which creates rather nostalgic images with her distinctive drawing. I fell in love with her work instantly. 

This postcard was from her current solo exhibition in Hiroshima, Japan. I really do wish I could go. You can find out more of her beautiful work in her site. (→here). m x 

Smile Maker of the Week #13 - ceramics by Florian Gadsby

Hello everyone. I haven’t posted much here lately, as all of the Team Hastings has been ill health one after another nearly for a month! Hopefully we are almost on the mend. 

Today I would like to share with you these beautiful ceramics by the young sensational potter Florian Gadsby. If you love functional tableware, he really is the one to watch!

Florian works at Maze Hill Pottery with Lisa Hammond, one of the most established potters in UK and beyound today. Recently he completed his two year apprenticeship with Lisa, and now he has started making his own work alongside with making work for her. Some of you might have already seen his work and even he has been featured in ceramic reviews for his hugely growing audience through his Instagram. Being a busy mum for a little three-na-ger, sadly my subscription has not even been opened, so I missed the kick start! It’s only been a few months since I first came across his work via Instagram. (I only started Instagram this summer, finally catching up with 21st century!) I then quickly became a regular reader of his posts or rather it’s a bit like an addiction to me. 

Florian’s Instagram is a packed full of delicious images. Just flicking through all of them takes you to a great trip to learn his talent, skills and eyes for beauty. But what makes his Instagram so unique and outstanding is his words alongside the image. Whether that is about glazing or turning, he always writes in so much detail. It’s so informative, so articulate, so consistent. He also shows video too, which is often focused on one small topic, rather than a full lengthy throwing process with time-lapse. I find this much more effective for viewers and certainly captures the detailed skills, that you may want to learn from. I guess many readers, if they are potter learners especially, must have felt so grateful with his online tuition. It has already helped me a lot too, especially since my mentor passed away and I have been off studio work for so long, my self-taught throwing skills has got rusty. 

This week, the order has arrived to our home. Having actually seen his work in reality, I have certainly fallen in love with his ceramic ware with the beautiful white crackled glaze. I have never been familiar with any crackled glaze before. I think I've found the ultimate beauty here. 

Any functional ware we bought from many favourite potters are used at our table. It’s such a joy to celebrate family meals this way and we would like to continue to do so. Sabrina has now officially started to use one of his bowls. I am happy for her to be able to feel the craftsmanship in her little hands. 

Personally, every time I see his post, I truly admire his passion and enthusiasm toward the pottery. This has influenced me deeply and made me realise what I would really like to pursue, so I am very thankful for him more than the pot itself. 

After this years work with Lisa, Florian is planning to work on his own studio. I am so looking forward to seeing him embracing the future. I think he will go beyond anybody’s expectations including himself.

Find out more his work and check out his shop update in his Instagram (→here). 

m x 

Smile Maker of the Week #12

“let me hold it!” 

I couldn’t get my daughter’s hand off. 

Not surprised, because they are sooooo cute! 

Lovely three angels arrived from the Netherlands, made by Sarah Michael. 

I first met Sarah via my late mentor David. After then, she kindly invited me to exhibit in Clay 2 Day,  Ceramic festival in the Netherland that she runs. 

(You can view some past post about my mentor via “mentor” tag or here) 

(View my post about Clay 2 Day, here)

Just like Sarah herself, her work are always bright and colourful, joy to see and makes you smile. These angels are super cute and I love how she decorated them. Every Christmas, we purchase one new bauble, and we enjoy display them together each year. This year’s bauble got to be Sarah’s angel, I thought as soon as I found them in her site. But we ordered three angels to imitate us as family, and she selected three different sizes for us. Aren’t they look great together? We love them. Thank you so much, Sarah.

Sadly, Sarah lately lost her dearest friend by cancer. The idea of making angels came from her friend. 3 Euro of angel is going to be donated to Cancer Research. If you would like to see more details, please go to her site; here. xm 

smile maker of the week #11

Utterly beautiful wooden cutlery set for children called “co-zen” has arrived from Japan. They are all hand crafted one by one and treated with lacquer in a traditional way by a master of NUSHISA. I was drawn to the design at the first sight, but felt a little hesitant to let my daughter use such prestigious ware. Nevertheless, when she started to use a spoon well enough to eat by herself, I thought she might enjoy meal time more with them, so I revisited NUSHISA’s site. 

What I then realised was that it was not just a design that co-zen was all about, there were so much more than that. The quality of wood and tradition were pursued precisely because for children, being able to learn to appreciate good things in this ‘throw away’ society. I agreed with the motto and I thought by familiarising the quality of material on a daily basis, she might be able to understand the importance (and joy of course!) of family meal time, too. 

I am 100% happy that I bought them now. Sabrina herself, too, seems to be pleased with her new spoon. It’s so light, that may sound obvious as it’s made out of wood, but so much lighter than any children’s stainless steel spoon with a plastic handle, yet it is durable. She’s got better at scooping food and bringing into her mouth. Well, it would be nice if she quits being a fussy eater, as well!? 

Why not visit NUSHISA for finding more beautiful work? xm

smile maker of the week #10

Another surprise arrived for Sabrina that totally made us smile. Her pretty face drawn by Japanese illustrator Yu Shichiji and a beautiful hat knitted by her mum and artist Yoshie Shichiji. Yoshie dyes all her yarns organically and this one is carmine. What a gorgeous colour! Thank you so much both! (click names to view their wonderful work) 

Thank you for your kind messages on the previous post. 

Your encouragement made me feel strong. I am ready and shall share with you soon. Hope you can come back. Thanks again. xm

smile maker of the week #9

bird people, people bird… (look here)

utterly distinctive postage and present from Claire Loder has arrived to my daughter Sabrina. though she won’t be handling it yet! made us smile. thank you Claire. 

* * * * * *

so long no blog. 

you may think normal motherhood would probably be the reason, but for us, lots more than that.

lots lots happened since my daughter was born. 

good and bad. 

not sure how to write about it.

not sure if i want to write about it. 

yet. 

but hopefully will do, one day. when i’m ready. 

in the meantime, just to say hello, we are still here, surviving. 

hoping things get better one day. xm

smile maker of the week #8

This super cute sailboat piloted by a merry wobbler was a total custom made by fabulous Ann Wood. Beautiful vintage fabrics in my choice of colour. So so pretty, don't you think? I am sure many of you also adore her world. If you have not seen it yet, you know you must! (click here) 

Have a nice easter evenyone! xm

smile maker of the week #7

A beautiful pair of ‘molecule’ earrings by Northern Ireland based glass artist Catherine Keenan 

For quite sometime I was looking for dangling earrings in this particular colour to go with my favourite range of clothes (I like combining purple accessories with my greenish dress) and wondering if it can be done with her gorgeous handmade glass... I was delighted when Catherine kindly accepted my request! And it has arrived just before Christmas! Thank you so much Catherine. 

Visit her site to see the wide range of her glass work here. You may find your fav, too! xm

smile maker of the week #6

It’s been a while to show my 'smile maker of the week' series here, but this is so worth waiting. Beautiful Blackbird and Rose Nest print by Angela Harding. (Thank you so much Angela!) This print is one of the limited special edition of 100 that Angela kindly offered to Country Living magazine readers. The current issue features an article about her work and studio, which is also a joy to see! Whether you are birdie-minded person (like me!) or not, do pop over to Angela’s world here. It will make your heart sing for sure. x m 

smile maker of the week #5

a gorgeous package from Canada has arrived. 

original mixed media work by Annamaria Potamiti.

I think her work has unique narratives beneath that can take you to the wonderful journey together. Those composition, mark-making, line drawings and colour combination, all the stuff I love, her work has it all! In this particular work called ‘my sweet vacation’, I fell in love at the first sight. Thank you so much Annamaria. 

Have a lovely weeked all. xm

smile maker of the week #4

a wonderful post arrived from Japan
too cute to open!

gorgeous zine by hiki 

open and smile

and more zine

my favourite page

I first saw those lovely photos by hiki via my friend’s flicker favourite and soon fell in love with her world. I love all about her photos, how she captures the everyday beauty around us in its composition and its subtlety that tickles your heart without unnecessary explanation. Her zine is available from her shop among with other gorgeous Japanese goodies. I am sure you will find your awe. 

Have a nice weekend everybody! xm

smile maker of the week #3

A gorgeous gift arrived from Norway yesterday.

A colourful set of illustrated cards by Line Katrin Moe. Smile maker of the week! (you can peek my smile maker #1 and #2) 

She kindly sent them to me in return for my SHIN SHIN card. That is sooooooooo sweet. Thank you very much Line Katrin. Find out more about her work here. xm

smile maker of the week #2

An exciting post from the Netherlands has arrived. Anja Mulder’s postcards. Totally smile maker of the week! They are utterly purely truly inspirational. I love the way she styles and photographs. Much influenced me since I found her blog that has spoken to my heart without the words (literally).  xm

smile maker of the week

illustration by Veronika Horrocks

Today, I would like to share with you a great surprise that I had this week. The UK based artist Veronika’s illustration has arrived to my home. Yey!

This is one of the great things by blogging. To engage to people. Only a year ago that I somehow started to see “blog” on my computer, you can tell how trendy I was (NOT!). Then after having some time of learning I got mine started in this June 2010, without knowing what’s really going on. Then interestingly the link to these people in the world began to develop. Veronika is the one of them. Luckily I found her this summer and I started to view her illustrations regularly.

Like I mentioned before (in this post), I deeply admire the people who can paint or draw. Because I simply cannot. Their skills and imagination are such respect. Veronika presents her illustrations and messages in her blog almost daily, which I take my hat off for her energy. Then when I found this particular illustration and message, my heart clicked. Yes, I am a bit of camera geek I must admit. But it spoke to me. Yes, I do need to look into further to find what I really see. It was interesting. On the return to my comment, you know what? She offered me a gift of this drawing! How lovely! So I was so chuffed when it finally got to my home. I immediately dug out my old camera and positioned it next to her illustration. Ahhh. Now I am thinking how to frame this illustration and where to put... such an exciting feeling and I LOVE it!

I felt terribly selfish just to have it for free, so we've agreed to have an exchange. I sent my ceramic piece to her this week. I was nervous actually if she does not like that or thinks too simple or whatever. But I am hoping she would connect to me somehow, like I did to her. If she does like it, that would be a bonus.

Do have a look at her website here, there are more illustrations you can view.

Have a lovely weekend everyone! xm