Here are some more of my sample pieces for the ANB September Arts Trail at Luton Hoo Walled Garden’s Heritage Weekend.
Would love to see you there on 14th and 15th September: LHWG
Gateway and Detail LHWG
Bee Homes LHWG
Here are some more of my development pieces from Luton Hoo Walled Garden. I have so far made two completed pieces and am working on a third.
Visit the ANB Art Trail at Luton Hoo Walled Garden’s Heritage Weekend – 14-15th September to see the results: LHWG
We have a record number of entrants this year so it should be a fantastic show. Hope to see you there supporting all those wonderful creative people who live just round the corner!
https://www.facebook.com/dontletdunstabledie
We are happy to share this wonderful piece of work by textile artist “Joanne Bowes” which will be the DLDD Facebook cover photo fer the next 7 days….
“Here is my picture (reverse applique) of Priory Church.
I am a Textile Artist who worked and studied at Dunstable (Central Beds) College/University of Bedfordshire and am very keen to see Dunstable achieve a higher and more profitable profile.
I think that Priory is one of our finest assets and that Dunstable has a very strong artistic heritage. This is a great opportunity to celebrate our history and our local talent.
I hope that we will be able to capitalise on our local creative talent as the Master Plan develops and Dunstable becomes recognised as an exciting place to live, work and shop.
Joanne Bowes”
At last official confirmation of my degree – I am now BA (Hons) Contemporary Applied Art – Whoo hoo!
After six years’ of study, and a very busy time at my Degree Show and New Designers, it is very hard to imagine my life from this point on.
I am totally committed to making new work and finding customers for it and, as I received such fantastic feedback for my Degree pieces, I am confident that there is a market for my accessories and jackets.
But now comes the hard bit – planning work which which is commercially viable and making and developing those crucial contacts that lead to sales.
I have decided to take it slowly and follow up on all the fantastic advice and interest I have received so far. I certainly think I do have a business-minded approach, which many artists find a challenge, so this will definitely help.
I am also going to take some time research and produce new images from nature, as I always find this inspiring.
I really miss drawing, painting and using mixed media to create patterns and am looking forward to making a lovely sketchbook, not as a requirement of my studies, but just for the joy of it!
However, despite feeling positive and motivated (mostly) the move away from the structure and security blanket of study is so great and different from what I am used to that any future life feels like it might be happening to someone else!
Exciting and scary at the same time.
A much clearer vision of my work is emerging. I am beginning to find a way to combine my love of nature, use of natural materials and exploration of traditional processes.
At the same time I can see a way to reuse preloved items and reference my desire to see a move away from mass produced materialism towards cherishing carefully selected handmade and more precious items.
I hope in my own small way to encourage people to spend more time in looking at their environment more carefully and considering the benefits of creating items with their own hands.
I think this poem by WH Davies says it all:
“LEISURE”
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty’s glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
What is life if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare? When I stand and stare (not often enough) I see patterns – especially the shapes, textures and colours of nature. Sadly, many people see none … Continue reading
Joanne Shewan Textiles 