Judith Brown - visiting artist: Jewellery workshop and talk about PDA Young Artist of the Year.

Wednesday 19th March.

We were lucky enough today to have another visiting artist come to the art & design department  at Leek College to talk to the Foundation Diploma in Art & Design students about the PDA Young Artist of the Year competition and then to run a jewellery workshop.  the students had the opportunity to work with artist/designer Judith Brown working with wire using the same techniques as Judith uses in her beautiful work.

 

'Judith Brown hand-stitches with fine wire and vintage haberdashery to create elegant, quirky yet wearable jewellery. She studied Embroidery at Manchester Metropolitan University and has since developed her own way of hand stitching with wire to highlight the beauty of the stitch itself.

Much of her work recycles and up-cycles vintage haberdashery such as hooks, eyes, press studs, antique mother of pearl buttons and lace into elegant jewellery with a surprising talking point. She is inspired by the nostalgia of sorting through her Mum’s button tin as a child and the desire to highlight the simple beauty of such everyday items, once hoarded away in the times of “make do and mend”.

Judith exhibits and sells her work nationally at contemporary craft events and galleries including the V&A and the British Museum, a full list of stockists can be found on her website. Judith also runs jewellery making workshops inspired by her techniques and jewellery. New to the area, she works from her studio in Staffordshire, visitors are welcome by appointment'.

 

 

http://www.judithbrownjewellery.co.uk/

 

 

 The students had a fantastic experience and produced some wonderful work inspired by Judith. A wonderful session - huge thanks again to the PDA and also  massive thanks to Judith Brown for a fab workshop.

 

Photographs below show the students working in Judith's workshop and work produced:

 

 

 

 

Kingas lovely piece of work created in the workshop.

 

 

 

 

Sarah's very successful piece of wire work.

 

 

...lovely piece of jewellery modelled by the creator Beth.

 

 

 

Great piece of work resulting in this bracelet created by Luke.

 

 

 Kirsten working on her third piece of jewellery.

 

 

 

 Lovely pieces created by Kirsten.

 

Kerry's beautiful wire necklace.

 

Kerry & Judith

Sarah inspired by the discovery of some old hooks and eyes found in textiles!

 

 

Sandra Orme - Visiting artist. Workshop and talk about PDA Young Artist of the Year

 

Sandra Ormes pastel studies www.sandraorme.co.uk Artist Statement: My studio is in the heart of the Peak District with views of the moors of the Dark Peak to a distant Kinder Scout. A keen walker, I am inspired by seasonal colours, ever-changing light, weather and the atmosphere of not only this landscape but also the striking coastlines of the United Kingdom. I am drawn to the enduring aspects of these dramatic sites. In my studio I use sketches and photographs and most importantly, my memories of being there, to recreate a sense of time and place. I work in layers of pastel- exploring variations of colour and texture. The hands-on nature of its application lets me make a direct connection with each work.   Sandra Orme, artist and member of PDA (Peak District Artisans) came into college to talk to the students about the competition PDA of the year. Sandra gave an interesting talk about the PDA & the competition and about her work and being an artist. Interesting to hear the section about 'what does an artist does all day' as she highlighted all the many skills and talents that an artists needs when working freelance; Marketing, business, networking, admin, teaching alongside producing the actual artwork to name but a few of the tasks over a week. Really interesting and varied working week. The students all watched Sandra demonstrate her work and had the opportunity to work with the same media and technique as used by Sandra - pastel studies, producing some fantastic work. Really great opportunity for the art students to work with Sandra - huge thanks to Sandra and the PDA. Hopefully the students will submit work to the competition and who knows one of Buxton & Leek Colleges art students could be the next PDA Young Artist of the year.          http://www.peakdistrictartisans.co.uk/   'The annual PDA Young Artist of the Year competition is underway. The success of last year’s competition has attracted interest from three local sponsors. As well as hosting a month-long exhibition for the winners, including preview evening, St John Street Gallery, Ashbourne is contributing £350 prize money, whilst Turners Art Supplies will once again be providing artist equipment prizes for the winners. Arts-Beat Magazine is the official media partner and editor Amanda Penman will also be providing marketing workshops for the winners”. Speaking of the competition, organiser Suzanne Cannon said: “Over the last four years we have seen some amazing talent and wonderful results for our winners, from commissions and contracts to increased confidence making life changing decisions around their future careers. “The competition is now in its fourth year and is really gathering momentum. We’re looking for up and coming artists that can demonstrate their unique insight and creative vision as well as skills with materials.” The group aim to identify and give recognition to art students aged 16-25, with outstanding talent. There are no restrictions on technique, materials or style. The work can be 2D or 3D, but it must be effectively reproduced in 2D printed form if required. Since winning last year, Alex Jabore from Wilmslow has launched a successful art career in London where her work is currently on display. She said: “Winning, the PDA Young Artist of the Year was a wonderful boost to my career. Exhibiting at the Great Dome Art Fair was a fantastic experience that enabled me to meet and learn from many other practicing artists and the public.’’ The competition will see the overall winner receive £200 in cash, with second and third places receiving £100 and £50 respectively. All three will have the exclusive opportunity to exhibit their work alongside some of the Peak District’s finest artists and artisans at the award winning annual Great Dome Art Fair in Buxton, 18th – 20th July. Organised by the group, the fair is a hugely well-attended and highly respected event in the region’s art and festival calendar. The deadline for entries is 6pm, 29th March, this will be followed by the shortlist announcement in April. The winners will be announced at the Great Dome Art Fair preview evening, 18th July'.   Photographs below from Sandras workshop with BED 1 Art & Design on 25th February