exhibition quick peek

The exhibition last weekend went very well. It had a good turn out and many positive feedback. Thank you for those who came along. Here are some images of my work - an installation of porcelain lilypads and a film projected onto muslin screen...

For those who may be interested, this is a brief background. This exhibition was one assignment of my degree study, which was to work in collaboration with a local art dealer and gallery owner. The project was to make work in response to the wonderful 1820 Georgian house where he and his family live. 

I focused on two aspects of the house that fascinated me from my initial visit; one is a story of a fish pond, and other is beautiful patterns throughout the house. It was explained that the state of house & garden was quite run down when he first bought it. Due to over grown plants, he did not even realise there was a fish pond in the garden first, then he even found a fish ALIVE! (and still is today!) No one knows how long this fish has been living there, to which I thought the fish may have never seen any light. I was instantly intrigued by the story and made a short film about fish point of view. Similarly, as the restoration continued, the beautiful original feature of the house appeared, such as floor tiles and wall paper. Both fish pond and those patterns were undiscovered and untouched for a long time. I felt a sense of revealing ‘hidden beauty’ in both elements, which is what my work is all about. 

Those lilypads are all in unglazed porcelain, which I have never worked with before, certainly not thrown. It was quite a challenge for me, but enjoyed a whole new experience. Screen print design was all hand-drawn first. (you can see the process here) My favourite was pierced ones. (you can see the process here) 

Hope you enjoyed. (and so did a dog!?) x m

quite a journey...

it’s been quite a journey

 so many trial

 and error

 right in the middle of academic horror

 just wanted to hide sometime

but finally...

Dissertation is done! 

Exhibition work is up! 

What a relief! 

more images of the exhibition will soon be followed... m x

s t i l l

just that moment i like... do you? xm

an exhibition on its way!

So it went on the front page of the weekender in today’s local newspaper. To find out what it is about, click-open the image in new window to enlarge, or you can read from here.

If you are local, please do pop over. The exhibition is open to public at 16 Cold Bath Road, Harrogate, North Yorskhire, HG2 0NA on Saturday 25th February 11am - 5pm and Sunday 26th 1- 4pm. (I will be down there on Saturday till 2pm.) Fingers crossed for all going well! xm 

winter goes round

The weather forecast in Britain is a little hit and miss, but it did snow after all. Unlike my step-son who dashed out to sledge with his mates early this morning, snuggling in bed was preferable. Start with a bowl of blueberry porridge and a drop of melted local honey. The studio was rather warm from the heat of firing last night (thank god). Checking the result of transfers that was rather a battle. It was half good and half not good. Must find out why the transfer decal keeps coming off on the edge. (any solutions welcome) Oh, winter heaven, winter hell…  xm

fish point of view

I’ve never read so many books at once and written this long in English, probably not even in Japanese, and let me tell you, IT WAS BL • • • Y HARD. Nevertheless, a full draft of dissertation is finally done. Just about to review it through. Phew... 

Haven’t been making anything for ages, but it’s time to start again. Work for my next assignment - one day exhibition at the local gallery - is about to shape. xm

winter magic

i really cannot thank enough for your kind messages on the previous post. 

your support does help me so much right now. 

a huge thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

and these are for you. 

have a lovely winterly weekend. xm

frosty morning

How are you all? Here in North Yorkshire, we had a very cold but fresh morning. Regardless what’s happening outside, I am suffering from never experienced amount of stress, multiple pressures and worries over my study, work, career, family issues all at once for some reasons. At the same time, I am embarrassed to say this, as I know there are so many people who suffers more and would be glad to replace with me. How do we all cope? Taking one thing out of them seems to be not an option. Giving myself tap on my back. Nearly there, don’t give up. Occasional doodling is a wee bit of help for now... 

what I saw in a new year...

wishing you a wonderful 2012 with lots of happiness. x maki 

finally...

Almost the end of 2011! How was your year? For me it’s been one of the most hectic years so far and I am continuously in panic mode with an endless to do list, but finally I did manage to spend one afternoon just to do this….

cut cut cut

stitch stitch stitch 

and look at each other at times

 then

this year’s cards are finally sent out...

and this is for YOU. 

wherever you are, whatever you do,

Have a wonderful Christmas!!!

x maki

slow pleasure

work in progress slowly slowly… x maki

WINNER

December is here!! Can you believe it? (I certainly can’t!) Here is a bit of early celebration mood for you...

Thank you everyone for kindly answering my dissertation questionnaire. My thanks gift is a set of porcelain decorations. I have finally picked a name out of my winter hat. The winner for the prize draw is (drumroll please)…….. 

Valerie!

Please email me your postal address. Hopefully you will receive in time for Christmas.

Many people asked what my topic was. It is linked closely to my final project, so hopefully I will share about my research and some images of work here, but for now I must finish them first!! See you soon all. x maki

november??

It’s nearly the end of November. This is so unreal! I have lost a track of time completely. Thank you so much for many kind words on tribute to David and those who replied to my dissertation questionnaire. How could I manage without your support?? I really do not know. It's been a rather hard and emotional time for me, but also helped me reflect on my life and what I must do to move forward. So thanks again everyone. In the next post, I will announce the winner of my christmas gift prize draw from those who kindly participated to my questionnaire, so please do pop back!


Here are a bit of catching up of this month…

FLARE in earlier this month went well. It is always nice listening to people’s feedback. Many thanks to K for the beautiful scarf :) 

Adam Frew came to our college to do a demonstration. You just cannot take your eyes off his stunning work (and gorgeous Adam)! 

Dissertation is currently overtaking everything, but in between the nightmare of 'reading English books', I have also been busy experimenting for new work, which are gradually building up the forms, so have a peek...

Wrap up warm, folks! x maki