Butterfly Couture

It's London Fashion Week and I have always had an interest in fashion and textiles, which is evidenced in the Dresses page of my website. I am curious about the choices we make in what we wear everyday and also what outlandish creations fashion designers will push the envelope with each season. I came across these pictures of this amazing dress whilst going through some files the other day. I was reminded of the genius of Alexander McQueen, and what an extraordinary talent we have lost, (although his legacy lives on through the vision of Sarah Burton). These images were I think, from his 2007 S/S collection, (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong on the date), and show the amazing imagination, and attention to detail that goes into the creation of couture garments.

 

                                                   Check out the shoes.

And of course no outfit would be complete without a hat. These amazing creations were created by the equally talented Philip Treacy, the celebrated milliner. I can imagine these hats look amazing when they are in a breeze, or animated by the movement of the wearer. A fantastic halo of butterflies.

The Wey Gallery

Down to Godalming in Surrey, this week to deliver new pieces for Julie and Claire, the lovely proprietors of the Wey Gallery. Amongst the pieces delivered was, You Are My Heart's Delight, another romantically inspired piece, ideal for a Valentine perhaps? And another copy of the limited edition lasercut Heartbeat.

Godalming has a lovely village feel, and there are some interesting shops along the high street, most of which are currently decked out in a Valentine's theme.

The Wey Gallery, 44 Bridge Street, Godalming, Surrey Tel: 01483 418013

www.theweygallery.com

Art for the Heart 2013

After the success of the Christmas and New Year shows at Cambridge Contemporary Art, I have been invited to take part in Art for the Heart, (a show of original art dedicated to all things romantic). I shall be showing several new pieces based on the concept of love such as the one above. Art for the Heart runs from 1st-24th Feb. at Cambridge Contemporary Art, 6 Trinity Street, Cambridge. Tel: 01223 324222

The Bridesmaid

Discovered this beauty in the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge. A true Pre-Raphaelite 'stunner', in every sense of the word. The painting is The Bridesmaid, by J.E. Millais (1829-1896), of the muse Miss McDowell. It was painted in 1851 and depicts the old superstition that if a bridesmaid passes a piece of wedding cake nine times through a wedding ring, she will see a vision of her future husband. Love the colour of her flaming golden red hair against that midnight blue background, and also the way the colour of her eyes reflect the pale greens of her corsage, (orange blossom, a symbol of chastity), and dress. Millais was a talented, precocious painter and his skill with the brush is very much in evidence with his rendering of her eyes, the silk/satin sheen of her dress and amazing rendering of the silverware sugar caster on the bottom left of the painting. It is only a small painting but it leaves a huge impression.

160 Pieces of Silver

Recieved my first private commission of the New Year recently, so have been busy gilding and cutting no less than 160 silver Sweet Potato Acraea butterflies. Since last year this has been one of my favourite shapes to work with and I have created several pieces around this little butterfly which is quite common in Africa, and varies in colour from pale yellow to orange and brown.

Papillons - Schumann

Time for a musical interlude. Here is a link to Schumann's 'Papillons', played by prodigy Claudio Arrau, widely recognised as one of the greatest pianists of the twentieth century. It is one of the first pieces that started off the butterfly obsession in my work. Enjoy!

All Wrapped Up Cambridge Exhibition

I have been invited again to take part in the All Wrapped Up Christmas exhibition at Cambridge Contemporary Art gallery. It is always good to take a day to get out of London and visit this pretty city and the lovely staff at this gallery.

This Christmas they will be showing my new pieces Lineate and Coronet pictured here, as well as my Kaleidoscope screenprint.

Whilst there I also took the opportunity to visit Kettle's Yard to see the intimate exhibition of Winifred Nicholson paintings which were inspiring.

The All Wrapped Up exhibition is on from 1st December - 24th at Cambridge Contemporary Art, 6 Trinity St. Cambridge CB2 1SU Tel. 01223 324222 www.cambridgegallery.co.uk