Decisions, decisions

 

Looking through my photo archive to find a calming, delicate and soothing image for a bedroom picture frame, i compiled these top three images from Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona, and Aldeburgh, Suffolk.  Final decision is the beach shelter in Aldeburgh.

Maria Chapdelaine

 

To follow a self-initiated project, suggested by friend and great designer Kezia, i am creating a series of book covers for treasured tales which i have read.  I first came across Maria Chapdelaine by Louis Hemon, whilst studying a module in Quebecois literature at the University of Liverpool.  I love the descriptions of life in remote, rural Quebec.  It's a fabulous read and my colours and design are inspired by the annual tradition of 'faire de la terre' - preparing the land for farming following the thawing of the winter snow.

Hand embroidery

Here is my latest textile piece using traditional hand embroidery techniques.  Inspired by the dressmaking and knitting skills of the women in my family and by the history of stitch, I attended the course The Sumptuous Stitch with Debbie Brown at Morley College in 2009.  Several valuable and inspiring hours days later I left, keen to practise techniques I had learnt.  I plan to do more of this kind of work.

I love working with brightly coloured threads and creating lettering and traditional embroidery motifs.  This piece is sewn into felt and I have no clear idea where the stitched panel will end up….yet! 

Look out for more of my stitch work under the tag 'stitch'!

Bind a Book workshop

I am happy to announce the addtition of my Bind a Book workshop to my Book Arts calendar for 2010!
Join me on the 13th February for a day of creative bookbinding.

We'll begin our making day at 10am and during the workshop you will learn to manipulate paper, hand sew your text block with a French binding stitch and make a half bound hard cover.

Breaking for refreshments in the morning and later for lunch, the day will end at 4pm and you will leave with a unique Artist's Book to treasure.

The Bind a Book workshop is suitable for anyone and no previous experience on bookbinding is necessary.
The workshop will take place at Unit F7, The Chocolate Factory, Farleigh Place, Stoke Newington,N16 7SX. 

The cost of the workshop is £50.00 including materials and tea and coffee.

Places are limited to maximise creativity so do contact me as soon as possible to book this workshop at mary.pullen[at]yahoo.co.uk

New Logo and New Blog Labels for the New Year

I have chosen my NEW LOGO to reflect my love of drawing with continuous line; of recording the 'everyday'; of bright and vivid colour; and to reflect my life as an artist walking and wondering the streets and lanes in the most comfortable of footwear!

I am making my blog tag friendly and invite visitors to access posts linked to their interest via the tags.  This follows a decision to maintain one blog site in place of starting multiple blogs.

Enjoy reading throughout 2010!

Illustrations at TRAID

I have created four illustrations, commissioned by TRAID for gift voucher cards, which are now available at the TRAID stores in London.
I made sketches 'live' on a field trip to in the Camden store and drew further inspiration from the vintage shop front at TRAID in Westbourne Grove and from the fashion section of the V&A museum.
Thanks to Leigh and the team at TRAID for this illustration opportunity.
A great project and i am so pleased with the results. I feel my illustration style - or styles - are developing really well and ready for new projects in 2010.