How Do Galleries Find Artists?

Hello again folks!

Funny old weather this! I've been away to see my family and en route got diverted because of floods, saw another 4 closed roads that had me doubling back on myself more than once and finally ended up in a storm.  Saturday morning saw us diverted yet again for major flooding - my hearts go out to those affected.  It's supposed to be summer....... when's it going to happen????  Come on weather get your act together!  I'm really fed up of wearing my winter clothes!

Today has been another day where I've been thinking about what to do next.  I need some more galleries to stock my work - those that already stock me are showing good sales, but I really need more spread across the country.  I'd love to know how others approach stockists - I fear there is a magic formula unknown to me!! I've tried asking in the past, but that hasn't always worked either! Is there a way to become un-shy when approaching sellers? How do galleries find their new talent? I'm open to ideas so do let me know!

This weekend sees the opening of the Flameworks Summer Exhibition 'Pushing The Boat Out' at the Relegacy Gallery, New Street, The Barbican, Plymouth.  I've submitted work, but won't actually know what (if anything) will be included until I get there.  My husband, David Muddyman, is also hoping to exhibit this time so we'll keep our fingers crossed. For those interested the exhibition runs from 21st until the 29th July and is closed on Mondays.

Over the next week I plan to work on dyeing some new designs (preferably without the black thumb debacle of last time *note to self, buy sturdier gloves) and cutting them into some very exciting designs.  I'd really like to see if I could combine bronze with aluminium......... hhhhmmmmmm........new ideas............. watch this space!! And remember, you saw it here first!

Finally, did you all tell your other halves that if they really loved you they'd buy you a Shades Of Grey pendant? If not, whyever not? Direct them here with indecent haste!!! http://slicksilverjewellery.co.uk/page16.htm

See you all next week!

Launching Bronze and Grey

Hello folks, it's been a couple of weeks since my last confession.......

No really,  I've been busy, busy, busy.  I've been working on new pieces which are destined (hopefully - they still have to get past the selection panel!!) for a summer exhibition by Flameworks which is being held in the Relegacy Gallery, The Barbican, Plymouth from 21st July to the 29th.  My husband, www.davidmuddyman.co.uk is also hoping to exhibit this time too. The theme is 'Pushing The Boat Out' and this is the first time that I will be showing aluminium, silver and bronze. Would you like a little sneak preview?

This bronze Wood bracelet is destined for the exhibition

This busy time has also seen the launch of my Bronze Collection on my website. http://slicksilverjewellery.co.uk/page15.htm Why not take a look at these organic pieces and let me know what you think? It is possible to add a beautiful heat patina to bronze and that is what has been applied to the bracelet above and I plan to introduce more of that to the website collection soon.

So, what else have I been up to?

Well, there's been so much in the press and media of late regarding a certain trilogy of books and it made me think that I could start a Shades of Grey collection.  As there is so much interest and many people are posting pictures of shade charts and paint charts so I thought that there might be a demand for a simple, beautiful pendant.  I used dip dyeing techniques with aluminium dye, deliberately letting the dye dry in 'tidemarks' and repositioning the sheets every few minutes to create the lines you see as well as aluminium ink in black.  (My thumbs are still showing evidence of this 5 days later owing to a blowout in my latex gloves!) Every single pendant is different and are reminiscent of landscapes, seascapes or even cloudscapes and I'm really happy with the end result.  I think they look stunning and will certainly appeal to anyone who enjoyed the books and those who haven't read them.  These are my take on 'Shades Of Grey' and they have their very own Collection on the website http://slicksilverjewellery.co.uk/page16.htm  Who knows - I may make another colour collection if these prove popular! 

So, if anyone would like to know more about any of my pieces, or about the forthcoming exhibition, or even where else you can see my work, please do email me at info@slicksilverjewellery.co.uk - I'm always pleased to hear from you.

I'm also looking for new gallery stockists, particularly in Cumbria and Wales.  If you know of anywhere do let me know.