Blog
It’s raining Sycamore flowers
They hung, fragrant and sticky earlier in the year, buzzing with insects eager for the sweet feed. The leaves and twigs of the tree, and the ground beneath, glistened with honey-dew. Now they fall down in showers, blown and sunburned brown and dry and carpet everywhere with their soft, cone-shaped florets. I scooped up […]
A small bird with a big voice
There is a Wren in the sycamore tree just outside my workshop, singing his heart out – he’s built nests in the sheds and is calling females to let them know. For such a tiny bird, he makes a huge sound and I can hear his insistent call over my hammering! It is thought […]
Oatmill Cottage – open garden
The National Gardens Scheme – Yorkshire Gardens 2014 On Friday evening I drove out over the moors to Oatmill Cottage in Lealholm – the roads are narrow, steep in places, and winding so it is an unhurried and steady journey. I was surprised by how much colour there was in the heather for this […]
Swallow Sculpture
Sleeping Swallow – in Soapstone My sculpture is often described as being ‘inspired by wildlife’, but here with the swallow it was very directly and intensely. You’ll know from my last post, that I found a dead swallow, and have felt heart-broken about it. The result was a very strong compulsion to carve something […]
A bad week for my birds
You know how it is when birds come to your garden, feed, bathe, nest – you feel pleased and proud they have chosen you to be with – and you call them ‘your’ birds. Well, my birds have had a bad time, and I’ve felt very sad about it this week. First my swallows […]
Open Studio – back to a workshop
On Sunday night, after my last visitors from North Yorkshire Open Studios left, it felt strangely quiet in the workshop. After two weekends full of laughter, talk, music, socialising, friendliness and warmth, I sat on my own, reflecting and feeling tired, and pretty emotional actually! Thanks to all who came and brought me joy […]
Open Studio – my workshop
When I arrived at my workshop this morning, on the eve of Open Studios, it looked all quiet and peaceful, as if still asleep, just nestled in its buttercup filled field. I’m thinking about the busy weekend ahead, the music, friendly people and sculpture it will be filled with. Better go and wake it up! […]
Open Studio – planning your route
In the North Yorkshire Open Studios brochure, my workshop comes under the Moors and Coast area – I’m number 94 on the map. I like maps and enjoy seeing where I have been and organising trips. I’ve drawn a little map here for you, to include my workshop and artist’s studios nearby, which makes […]
Open Studio – nearly ready
Just returned from a lovely meeting of local artists participating in North Yorkshire Open Studios – to wish each other all the best for the opening weekends and to top-up with brochures and gather cards and information. It is lovely to hear about everyone’s preparation and there’s a real feeling of excitement. I love […]
Open Studio – Opening
This year, NYOS 14, is the 10th Anniversary of North Yorkshire Open Studios and to celebrate I’m having live music at my opening on Saturday, 7th June – Bach played on the Viola in my workshop! Come and enjoy ‘music to watch sculpture by’ – a feast for eyes and ears. The viola is […]