Johnsons Island

Johnsons Island is one of London's hidden secrets! It opens it's doors to the public only twice a year. I visited over the summer and felt as if I'd stepped into a magical world!

Accessed by a footbridge off Catherine Bridge Rd, it is located on the Grand Union Canal in Brentford.

It is home to a small community of talented artists working in an eclectic collection of cosy....

...and creative huts!

This regal "Grey heron" wire drawing by sculptor Dianne Preston flew back home with me....and..

...if there was enough room in my lily pad, this handsome chap would have also come home with me! 

Although I loved all the huts and the different art works, I had a soft spot for Dianne Prestons birds. She actually lives on a narrow boat on the canal, where the birds inspire her work. For a list of all artists and details of future open days, please visit the website 

Jason Hackenworth: "Dance of the honey bees" balloon sculpture

New York artist, Jason Hackenworth, known for his organic and biological forms made from latex balloons, unveiled his latest sculptures last week at the Manchester "Dig the city festival 2013".

Suspended over Exchange Street, near Harvey Nicholls and Selfridges, I just love the bright colours, texture and shape of these beautiful "Honey bees!"

 

 

 

 

"Stayin' Alive!" Chris Bracey and Christian Furr seductive neon exhibition!

Stayin' Alive!

On until the end of August 2013. First floor bar, 45 Park Lane Hotel, London

Kitsch, Happy, Over flowing with attitude, Gorgeous!

Good to be here - A nod to Keith Richards - Laser cut black metal, Swarovski crystal words, Murano crystal neon glass

 

Essex Girls - Wayne Hemingway drinks coasters,  Murano crystal neon glass, black metal background 

All you need is love! A colour changing homage to The Beatles

 

American Pie!

Enjoy a cocktail and be seduced by beautiful artworks! 

Didsbury Arts Festival 2013

Didsbury was blooming this week-end! It was the start of the 5th Didsbury Arts Festival. This community festival is growing each year with a week long programme of music, arts, crafts, theatre, comedy, exhibitions and workshops and much more. 

One of my favourite pieces; "Pencil shavings" shoe!
"Art over the counter"; installations created by local school children and displayed in shop windows in Didsbury Village and Burton Road.

Sylvia Glover ceramics. Gorgeous! I loved listening to the potter at her craft fayre stall enthusiastically talk about her glazes, tiny footholes on her delicate pieces and home made punch...another world!

"Remind me tunic" made of post-it notes and "recycled crisp packet dress" in the Barnardos charity shop!

"So Satsuma"are running workshops this week and selling their funky designs including bespoke matching dog coats and hats!

Inspiring! "The Loose change buskers" who helped to open the first day of the festival. The group travels to different events throughout the year busking and collecting money for Cancer research. To date they have raised about £80k! Didsbury village was so cheerful with the sound of live music!

I really enjoyed a "promenade production" of the ghost story "The Turn Of The Screw" at The Parsonage (Both inside and in the pretty gardens) It is one of the oldest buildings in Didsbury and a perfect backdrop. So much work had obviously gone into producing this lovely evening.

Local estate agent JP & Brimelow were one of the festivals sponsors. They produced special Didsbury bags and displayed Animal houses ,art over the counter in their window.

This lively festival takes place every year in June and is well worth supporting and enjoying!

    

 

Soho Flea Market 2013

This was the second annual Soho Flea Market, held on Dean Street, London. A delightful collection of about 30 stalls selling crafts, upcycled paraphernalia, jewellery, stationery, ceramics (Melody Rose) and fashion. Home made treats served by Meringue Girls and their pink flamingos, eco friendly lampshades (The Baobab Tree), lush chairs (Velvet Eccentrics) and sassy shoes (Valentini Argyropoulou) 

One of my favourite stalls selling quirky china - Jimbobart!

Passionate plates and ceramics! by Melody Rose

Eco-friendly home furnishings by The Baobab Tree - really liked these simple and pretty shades!

The market supported the work of Kids Company charity. For more details about future events please see www. Cityshowcase.co.uk
 

   

Chris Bracey; "Neon is only happy when it's on, when it's alive!"

I just adored this exhibition by Chris Bracey, light artist extraordinaire, entitled
"I've looked up to heaven and been down to hell" at the Scream gallery, London
The lyrics on this sculpture were written by Martin Gore from Depeche Mode.

Acrylic paint on reclaimed wood and neon.
Pop culture - lyrics from a song by The Smiths

This vibrant neon installation is reminiscent of the streets of Soho



Iconic imagery from Vegas...



 

...to tattoo culture

Salvaged carnival light bulbs on reclaimed wood conjuring up images of old fairgrounds

Jesus as you've never seen him before....

More seedy....yet seductive imagery!

 

  I would love to have a big, bold, kitsch Chris Bracey neon installation in my home!

Kaffee Fassett - A Life in Colour

I love sewing, knitting and needle point, but unfortunately my enthusiasm far outweighs my skills! If only I was as talented as the knitwear and textile designer Kaffe Fassett…!

He is currently exhibiting his mesmerising creations at the Fashion Textile museum,Bermondsey.

 

The rooms are an explosion of colour with installations displaying vibrant quilts, paintings, throws, sumptuous needlepoint cushions and chairs, bold knitwear and an eclectic collection of beautifully designed items. I've been inspired to start making a patchwork quilt…