Way.... Way out of my comfort zone

I am so nervous.... 

A few weeks ago I was asked by Pam Schomberg to give a little talk about opening my studio earlier in the year...She has assured me that it won't be too nerve racking and that everyone will be kind, but that doesn't help my nerves.  The evening has arrived.... I'm shaking in my boots...                                  

It was strange the way it happened...  Coincidences do happen... I had recently read about a brilliant book; ‘Id rather be in the studio’, by Alyson Stanfield which apparently gave a lot of information about taking the steps from being a closet artist to becoming more professional. Being someone who is full of self doubt, and no courage, I promptly ordered it from the local library... Too tight to buy it?  ... It's an expensive book!!!!..  It turned out to be inspiring and hand-holding and helpful, she talks about being pro-active, and that it's up to the 'artist/me' to basically get of their proverbial arse and do something about it and not wait in the studio for 'it' to happen...'It' won't... So here go's..

Would any artist/crafts people like to join me at Cuckoo Farm Studios this evening.. I can give you a lift from Wivenhoe. It's free.. Let me know asap.

I shall be leaving around 6pm.. email, or ring me..

  

Cuckoo Farm Studios 

Presents the first event in our yearlong going Cuckoo programme.

Thursday 17th November 2011, 6.30pm at the 

Benham Gallery

Heidi Lichterman (www.heidilichterman.co.uk ) discusses the Open Studios in Cambridge.
Three local artists, from Wivenhoe, Dovercourt and Mistley talk about their Open Studio experiences.
Followed by a homemade supper in the Benham Gallery.
The talk and discussion is free (booking via admin@cuckoofarmstudios.org.uk  is essential). Supper is £7 (£5 for CFS Tenants and Associates.)
Heidi has been involved in Open Studios in Cambridge since the concept began and will be looking at the way they have developed through a process of trial and error. Doug Selway, Daphne Sandham and Julie Howe will look at Colchester and Tendring Open Studios and how it has affected them. Open discussion will be encouraged.
Do come and join us in our very first event at Cuckoo Farm Studios.
going Cuckoo celebrating 20 years of Cuckoo Farm Studios.

Wish me luck... I have so many butterflies... Send me some courage..

... Did I buy the book in the end... Yes! It's inspiring.. Well, it's encouraging me out of my comfort zone for sure...

Secret places in Colchester

Just a little local colour..

Look to the right... Bit of a grey old day...

 Look to the left...........

Straight forward if you please..... The pub is just below and a little to the left....

The nottage Maritime Institute, is situated on the waterfront of my little home village.  It is a fantastic place where you can learn to build a dingy using traditional methods of working, look at the clamps that are holding the planks in place.

 

I think that these boats are called 'Stem Dingy's'.... please don't ask me what a 'Stem Dingy' is, I haven't got a clue, just love the process and thrilled that traditional skills are not being lost.

Every summer their is an exhibition of work by local artists which is always worth a look, this year my favorites were Alison Stockmarr - Textiles and Paper and Barbara Pierson - Painter.... Have a look at the homepage nottage-maritime-institute   you'll enjoy it I'm sure. 

Winkle brig

Winkle Brig

Working on two new collagraph plates today

 Barnacle Goose 

The reason for making this collagraph plate I read this -  

The barnacle goose gets its name from an old notion that it began life in a shell, growing on a seashore ‘barnacle tree.’ 

How could I resist making a Barnacle goose plate.. Just need to get on and finish both of these plates, between making ginger bread biscuits and the washing... What shall I do first?... Biscuits... They are in the oven.. Smelling delicious...