Tuesday 30 August 2011

On the Kent coast

This weekend I visited a few places along Kent's east coast, and came across a beautiful shop in Margate's Old Town called Blackbird, owned by textiles artist Maxine Sutton.

Margory 2008, Flower/back 2008, Cowtree/Tufty 2008 screen printed, embellished and embroidered tea-cosy

If you ever get a chance to visit go next door to The Greedy Cow deli, (which serves amazing homemade burgers), and like the Blackbird boutique it also celebrates the old and the new with it's eclectic interior and contemporary artists work on the walls.

I couldn't afford any of Maxine Sutton's framed pieces but was able to buy a screen printed cushion I'll take a snap of soon to share.


Sad Bird 2009, Hungry Bear (detail) 2009 screenprinted, needlepunched and emroidered textile

Riffling through Sutton's achieve images I am reminded of an old course mate at Brighton who's work is inspired by folk style imagery, and bold yet selective use of pattern. www.silviakceramics.co.uk


Saturday 6 August 2011

colours of summer

I first saw Zoe Murphy's work at what must have been the 2008 New Designer's Exhibition, together with printed textiles, she recycle's vintage furniture - rejuvinating it with strong blasts of colour and contemporary etched graphics.


Now in August and a long awaited cycling trip to Kent's coast looming, for me Zoe Murphy's work reminds me of that fresh optimism crazy summer days with friends can bring.