Selected Artists Showcase at The Middletons Hotel April 2015

David Patrick, Samantha Mills, Elizabeth Redfern, Peter Byrne and June Hardy are proud to be selected and part of a great event, to raise awareness of the amount of creative talent we have in York.

Showcasing in the beautiful setting of Middletons Hotel, nestled in a secluded courtyard garden minutes from the city centre, where you can stop and enjoy lunch at the hotel restaurant on your tour around the Studios.  Or why not stay for the weekend perusing the artist’s work within the hotel and beyond.

David Patrick studied art at Leeds and Leicester, and has worked in archaeology, museums and interpretation. His drawings and paintings capture aspects of the built landscape in and around York. 

June Hardy’s’ paintings have a strong design influence as she likes to extract the superfluous and work with the structure and the simplicity of shape within landscapes. Fishing boats on the east coast and trees locally have provided inspiration for June’s mixed media pieces.

Peter Byrne studied at The Newport School of Documentary Photography in Wales. After graduating worked with numerous national and international clients as an editorial photographer based in the North of England. More recently he has dedicated his time to traveling whilst exploring the art of medium format photography.

Elizabeth Redfern creates One-off pieces of jewellery hand-crafted in silver and often incorporates found objects and textiles within her work.

International exhibited Art Jeweler Samantha Mills has moved to York from Manchester and new to York Open Studios. She aims to bring the love for heritage and objects into her work.  Samantha is highly influenced by her surroundings within “Architectonics” foundations in Jewellery sponsored by the Arts Council and toured internationally. Will we see the same influence with York Open Studios? Or could it be a more political development as in “Adornments for Justice”? You will have to visit Middletons Hotel York to find out!

“York Open Studios was initiated with the aim of promoting, celebrating and encouraging participation in the visual arts. It offers the chance to talk to and experience the world of the selected artists and makers, discover their passions and inspiration, share their knowledge and support their engagement with the local community. With studios, workshops and exhibitions open all over the city, York Open Studios has become a major event. Over eleven years it has introduced more than 180 artists to the visiting public. The support and encouragement of visitors old and new for both the well established and the emerging artist is much appreciated and important to the continuing development of York's cultural environment.” YOS Statement.

“Middletons hope that by showcasing the skills of local Artist throughout York we will be recognised as a creative hub in the heart of the City.  Owner and Director Henny Clark has worked hard to have a creative ambience within all areas of the Middletons for guests and visitors to enjoy.  By hosting the YOS in 2015, this will certainly be felt throughout.  We are honored to be taking part in such a successful event and look forward to welcome lots of talented artists and visitors through our doors in April.” http://www.middletonsyork.co.uk/

For further information on York open studios, including details of other events in your area, please visit: http://www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk/

York Open Studios April 2015

I am please to announce I have been selected for York Open Studios April 2015, where hopefully my influence and research into York will transfer into my work, and more sculptural pieces will emerge.  I am working at Hands on at the Castle museum handling objects, and hearing peoples memories of that object.  Which is what I hope I have created within my work, so it holds the story of not only the object, but myself as a maker and the peoples stories that own that piece.

The preview for YOS will be held at Blossom Street Gallery, York which as selected artists such as Autumn Garner, Magdalena Thaller, Charmanian Ottaway, Mo Burrows, Ruth Claydon, Ellie Crosby amongst others.

Opening two spring weekends York Open Studios offers the chance to talk and experience selected artists within York.  It offers a chance to meet the artist rather than the gallery owner, and an event that continues the development of Yorks cultural environment.  Also a chance to say I have now moved to the great City of York, and speaking to a few visitors the tourist capital of England!

In the mean time I am concentrating on objects of the past such as my "Arsenic & Lace, spool, Jack ranges to create individual pieces for christmas selling.
Also my development of the butterfly range in silver and steel will be available to purchase online through agent showcase etsy

Art Arcade, Festival of Light

Make a Statement!

I will be taking part in the Art Arcade at the Festival of Light event in Huddersfield on 

Friday 6th Dec 4pm till 10pm

Saturday 7th Dec 12noon till 10pm

Sunday 8th Dec 12noon till 4pm

You will find myself and many other artists at 

The Mission Huddersfield 

The Lord Street Mission is a short walk from the train station, and a central part of the Festival of Light, in Huddersfield.

"This quality makers fair will be held in the Lord Street Mission where you will find unique gifts for your friends and family, or special treats for yourself from our vast sample of the finest art being made in Kirklees and beyond. Twice as many artists will be sharing their wonderful work with the festival revellers this year filling the bright mission hall with colour and creativity, chic, quirky, beautiful and striking imagery in many forms. From photographs, drawings, paintings, prints, ceramics and carvings there is something to appeal to all tastes and all pockets."

Adornments for Justice tours to Wales

A collection of body adornments based on the 

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) 

will feature at Oriel Davies Gallery, of which is the largest 

and most significant visual arts venue in the region, 

and a key gallery of Wales. 

"showing groundbreaking national and international art and craft." 

Free Admission

16th November till 22nd January 2014

Exhibition launch on 16 November 2013

3 - 5pmRefreshments provided

Eleven jewellers including myself have interpreted eleven articles from the (UDHR) to create unusual, individual and often personal jewellery pieces.  Fundamental themes and issues addressed include freedom of choice, hunger, industrial disease, access to medicine and the female right to vote. The jewellery is supported by Jonathan Keenan’s photography exhibition, showing shots of the work worn on the body. Taking a journalistic stance the photographs show the pieces in context, challenging and prompting the viewers response around common human rights issues.

Jewellers: Caroline Royal, Stefanie Buckley, Samantha Mills, Rowena Golton, Anne Hawley, Ewa Barker, Abby Filer, Martin Rees, Melissa Hansom, Tara Kirkpatrick, Gemma Scully.

Please tell us your thoughts on the pieces and exhibition, we would love to hear your views.

Something Old Something New Handmade & Vintage Market 26th May 2013

"Ding Dong Saddleworth Vintage" concept derived from being Whitty as it was Whit Weekend in Saddleworth.  Also the ideas around the wedding industry, due to all parties including myself are part of.  "Something Old, Something New" seemed a fitting title to our vintage and handmade market.  Plenty to see and do as always check out the website for updates http://www.saddleworthvintage.co.uk/fair/

Shop Open!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/AgentShowcase

My Shop is now open!

Oxjam Takeover Manchester 2012 Lost & Found

This Weekend Oxjam Boutique will be running alongside a great music line-up at Antwerp Mansion as part of the Takeover 27th October.
Featuring an eclectic mix of original hand-made , re-worked and vintage clothing, unique jewelry and accessories, scrumptious cup-cakes and kitschy craft items. High street – eat your heart out!  

Here’s just a taste of who will be showcasing their wares on the day :_______________________________________________________

Mustard Tree aims to improve and rebuild the lives of homeless and marginalised people in Manchester through the provision of furniture, clothes, emergency food, training, mentoring, friendship and social enterprise.

Second hand vinyl records and books donated from people around Manchester,will be on sale at their stall at Oxjam, cheap as chips!
_______________________________________________________

Oxfam Originals need no introduction
If you’re into retro, this terrific stall has high-quality gear from the 1960s and ’70s. Shop in the knowledge that it’s for a good cause.
_______________________________________________________

Chezzie Le Choux
A wide range of cup cakes from the crazy peanut butter and jelly to the good old British Jammie Dodger
_______________________________________________________

Dirty Work 
Graffiti art specialists; art supplies, t-shirts, caps and much more!
_______________________________________________________

Junk 
Unique and imaginative clothing, art and accessories that transcend the everyday expectations and scream of individuality. 
_______________________________________________________

Saddleworth Vintage and Handmade 
Lost and found pop-up shop, vintage style accessories, clothing for the party season. For that unique Christmas gift made from found objects by Samantha Mills. On The Lost & Found stand you may have a Brief Encounter with Laura Norey from Memory Lane calendar, the vintage model & dancer will be signing selling the Calenders through this event.  
_______________________________________________________
Memory Lane is a vintage pin-up calendar project, helping to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society. 
http://www.facebook.com/MemoryLaneCalendar 
_______________________________________________________

Elly Page 
Unique garments handmade using vintage lace and other gorgeous fabrics
_______________________________________________________

TOMS Live Art Installation
http://www.toms.co.uk/
TOMS give a pair of new shoes to a child in need for every pair of TOMS purchased
_______________________________________________________

0% Dinosaur
A range of laser-cut acrylic necklaces – perfect festival accessories 
_______________________________________________________

Helena Dennison 
Handmade crafts – Colourful hanging birds, Owl hats, Crochet blankets and more
_______________________________________________________

Not Now 
An award winning, Manchester based creative studio with recent exhibitions in Font Bar and Cord. They produce effective client-based work balanced alongside self-set experimental projects and will be selling off some of their work at Oxjam.
_______________________________________________________

Peggie Mae Vintage by Sarah Crawford
Lovely vintage for ladies and fellas from the 50’s-90’s
_______________________________________________________

Kitty’s Vintage Closet by Kate Frain
Step back into time and and into a fabulous frock from Kitty’s Vintage Closet. From the 1950s to 1980s, whatever the occasion and wherever you’re going we’ve got something to make your wardrobe pop!
_______________________________________________________

Crafty Ginge Designs by Kelly Joseph
Hand-made cards, cushions, brooches and more with an ongoing aim to be as environmentally friendly as possible.

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The Boutique Market will run from 2pm to 8pm in the ballroom upstairs at Antwerp Mansion
Entry is £5 for a wristband which ALSO gains you access to the live music at…

// Trof Fallowfield
// FUEL Cafe Withington
// Red Rum Fallowfield
// Antwerp Mansion 

Therefore, if you have already bought one for the music you DON’T need to purchase a second one for the market, and vice versa! 

Wrist bands are available at the door on the day or online here; with all proceeds going to Oxfam
http://www.wegottickets.com/oxjam/event/187510

Ethical Metalsmith needs you!

September 19, 2012

We need your help.

The Alliance for Responsible Mining and Fairtrade International have put forth proposed standards that call for selling Fairtrade and Fairmined gold that is mixed with gold coming from other “responsible” sources.  You can review the proposal on pages 86 to 89 via this link.  

In sum, the document calls for gold that is Fairtrade and Fairmined to be “mass balanced” or in the words of the consultation paper ‘diluted’ with other gold from “responsible” sources. The gold in jewelry products would be only 85% traceable to a Fairtrade mine. The proposal also creates two new product categories. “Made with Fairtrade and Fairmined gold” would be 50% from certified mines, and “contains Fairtrade and Fairmined gold,” which would be at least 10% certified fine gold content. 

At Fair Jewelry Action and Ethical Metalsmiths, we see Fairtrade gold, the most precious gold in the world, as a transformational product.  The power of this gold lies in its story, and its purity.   

If you agree with our views, sign the letter below and email it to us by September, 26 at action@ethicalmetalsmiths.org The official ARM/FLO comment period ends on Oct. 7, 2012 and we will compile your signatures and forward the letter by the deadline.

Thank you for your help.

Sincerely,
Christina Miller, Ethical Metalsmiths
Marc Choyt, Fair Jewelry Action, USA
Greg Valerio, Fair Jewellery Action, UK

PS: If you are interested, read Marc’s editorial response to the response to our first letters from ARM and the Responsible Jewellery Council.

An Open Letter to The Alliance For Responsible Mining and Fairtrade International

Dear Alliance For Responsible Mining and Fairtrade International,

As jewelers and other members of civil society, we strongly oppose one aspect of the current proposed standards, which changes the product composition component to allow mass balancing or dilution to take place. These proposed changes to the standard are described in Section 6, put forth July 2012, in the Fairtrade and Fairmined Standard for Artisanal and Small Scale Mining Document.

The proposed standard to mix Fairtrade and Fairmined gold with other gold will severely damage the FT&FM gold brand and create confusion in the marketplace.  It will also undermine the confidence in the product.   We are also concerned with how the mass balancing might negatively impact the FT&FM brand as it develops not only with gold, but with other mined products emerging into the market.  As jewelers, who deal with customers every day of the week, we understand the market better than anyone else.  At this juncture, we urge in the strongest possible terms that Fairtrade gold be kept pure.

We urge ARM and FLO to direct more efforts toward supporting jewelers and strengthening a consumer campaign to build on the great success in the existing market.  The certified FT&FM Sotrami miners in Peru received £75,000 ($120,00 USD) of premium from gold purchases by jewelers in 2011 alone.  Our greatest continued success will only be achieved if we all work united, in a concerted effort to support FT&FM small scale miners to bring pure, traceable Fairtrade and Fairmined gold to a vibrant market. 

Sincerely,

Name
Company
Country of Origin

---

NOTE: Ethical Metalsmiths and Fair Jewelry Action are working together to bring certified Fairtrade and Fairmined gold to the US.

Appeal for lost earrings

Mini Makers Faire MOSI

For the first time ever, Mini Maker Faire comes to Manchester at the Heritage venue at MOSI on the 28th & 29th July 2012.

Makers Faire is a celebration of the things people create themselves, from electronics gizmos to homemade clothes and inventions built in the garden shed. It is a place where technology meets art, science meets fashion.  Engineering meets crafting.  With activities for all ages and abilities, where people show what they are are learning and making.

Saddleworth Vintage will have a stand posing the question what is vintage?  looking at vintage gadgets and favourites within the make do and mend lifestyle. Women were the driving force of the consumer revolution in the 1930′s.  They at last had a vote, on equal terms with men and would even be the main earner in alot of house holds, this was a time of empowerment from domestic service into the office role!  The appetite to spend earnings was inhanced by a influx of new womens magazines and sections of newspapers which instilled that the decor was changeable and so was your fashion. The women wanted to be seen and heard.

Play time

Thread of Society was created by my love for the readymade and the creative act, looking into mixing textile and metal techniques. Using spools and playing around with using them as a component within jewellery.

I use various old tools and gadgets within my metal work, and also references iconic objects and textile methods within my jewellery.  The recreation of these iconic pieces, pays homage to the inventor or the memory that the piece gives to the wearer, such as “Thread of Society” or spool jewellery. How this little part of a machine plays such an importantant part in textile history.  So many can relate to this object and recognise its place in history.  I still have a wealth of tradional tools, handed down from my Grandma & Grandad.  I use gadgets such as the spool to create jewellery fit for any maker who can relate to that object.  Within my game playing the Jack and ball create childhood memories for so many, and also creates a balanced decorative piece of jewellery.  I love to re-purpose things and gadgets, so that people can view them, as the iconic objects that they are.

Diamond Concept

Looking at the Diamond part of The Queen's Diamond Jubilee, I started to research where people or companies source a Diamond, and what information is given on the history of that Diamond. My first port of call was Ethical Metalsmiths to start gathering their thought's on sourcing a diamond.

"Ethical Metalsmiths recommends that jewellers interested in using diamonds in their jewellery carefully consider the sourcing of these stones. There are a variety of diamond sourcing options available from conventional to lab grown and every jeweler needs to decide which sourcing option suits their needs best." Christine Miller 

1. Conventionally sourced diamonds: these are newly mined and have no traceability structure in place. In the U.S. "Diamond Certificates" have nothing to do with traceability, but are designed as a "blueprint" to describe the stone (size, carat, cut, color and clarity). As a generally policy, not know the provenance of a diamond not good practice. 

2. Kimberley Process certified: The Kimberly process was established with the intention to prevent conflict minerals from entering the supply chain, but Kimberley certification has recently come under scrutiny and is no longer a trusted certification. 
- http://www.globalwitness.org/campaigns/conflict/conflict-diamonds/kimberley-process (Global Witness is located in London and Washington, D.C.)
- http://www.globalwitness.org/library/global-witness-leaves-kimberley-process-calls-diamond-trade-be-held-accountable
- http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10307046
- http://www.fairjewelry.org/archives/5079

3. Forevermark Diamonds: These diamonds are part of an elite line of DeBeers diamonds and have only been recently introduced to the market. "Beautiful, Rare, Responsibly Sourced, Inscribed"  http://www.forevermarkdiamond.com/us/discover/forevermark-promise http://www.forevermarkdiamond.com/us/discover/responsible-sourcing
- Certified by: http://www.mining.sgs.com/en

4. Vintage, Used, "Post-consumer" Diamonds: In many ways sourcing diamonds that have already had a life with someone offer a great alternative to buying conventionally sourced diamonds, of which is my prefered method of reuse, revamp, recycle. At this time however no studies have been done to determine whether or not using recycled diamonds is affecting the demand for newly mined diamonds. Another thing to consider is that in some parts of the world diamond mining provides a critical source of income for poor communities, of which is their only source of income. Jewelers can use stones that clients provide, especially if the original certificate for the stone was kept (to assure that it really is a diamond). The Jeweller or dealer can also assist by offering buying services to clients for vintage or post-consumer rings available that include diamonds (again with proper paperwork) and then re-sell these pieces of jewelry. Some suppliers are beginning to offer loose "post-consumer" diamonds for purchase to be incorporated into new designs. In the US, Hoover and Strong has started offering this service: http://www.hooverandstrong.com/category/Hoover+&+Strong%27s+Loose+Diamond+Program/
Ethical Metalsmiths has not investigated Hoover and Strong's "HARMONY Diamonds" and is therefore unable to comment on their product or process.

5. Synthetic Diamonds: These are diamonds that are manufactured in a laboratory from carbon and other minerals and is being described by companies such as "Diamond Nexus" (http://www.diamondnexus.com/)  as "a diamond simulant is a revolutionary coated crystal that near to perfectly recreates the optical and physical properties of an earth-mined diamond." 
Synthetic diamonds to provide ultimate traceability. While this process essentially creates a diamond without mining it does require energy use in the form of heat to produce the crystals and it relies on raw materials mining to source the ingredients in the first place.  And so the process of tracing needs to be in-place for working conditions of the raw materials.

Diamond simulants have not yet been evaluated in ways that would facilitate a comparison between simulant creation energy expenditure and related "costs" in the mining process. More jewelers are excited about this diamond option, because they appreciate that the resulting product hasn't been mined. 

Other companies include: 
http://www.diamondhybrid.com/
http://www.lab-diamonds.com/

6. Fair trade Diamonds: Currently there are no sources of "fair trade certified" diamonds available. There are initiatives in place that are exploring these options and a lable that consumers recognise. Fair trade could become an ethical model for sourcing diamonds from various diamond rich areas of the world. Fair trade as an economic and development concept, that aims to improve the lives of miners and their communities. The fair trade concept is typically reserved for miners working on the artisanal and small-scale. Fair trade products cost more because a percentage of the price goes directly back to the communities for development programs of their choice. Diamond miners who would meet fair trade standards would have to comply with and guarantee that certain social and environmental safeguards are in place.

Current Fair trade initiatives:
Rapaport Fair Trade: http://www.diamonds.net/fairtrade/About.aspx
Fairtrade International: http://www.fairtrade.net/

Ask your jeweller if buying a diamond, on what method of sourcing they use.  Or even revamp your vintage family treasures if it is not to your taste. This will hold a value other diamonds cannot compare to due to the sentimental value of its history personal to you.

MJN @ Handmade, Victoria Baths

When: Saturday 19 May  Where: Victoria Baths


"Connecting the culture of traditional skills and materials with modern-day digital production, distribution and interaction techniques. Handmade brings the dialogue to life around the intersection of craft and digital culture, in one of Manchester’s prime 
"heritage locations."


"Artists working in the areas of craft and digital technology display their work in an interactive craft fair designed to encourage visitors to create their own DIY artworks;  Manchester Jewellers Network and leading artists in the field of digital craft examine and discuss their practise. MJN will also be looking at the commissioning process within the jewellery area, how it has changed buying culture on line, yet keeping a personal 
service."


Showing and selling at Handmade will be MJN member Kate Wimbush Jewellery. Kate states "I create figurative, colourful jewellery using silver and 9ct gold, highlighted with brightly coloured, translucent resin. I use traditional handcraft techniques combined with computer technology to construct my jewellery, which is inspired by my life and memories and a love for all things miniature." In discussion with regard to her process of making and commission of pieces Kate adds "My recent work incorporates a number of new techniques, exploring the use of computer technology. As my work develops I aim for ever greater precision in my designs which I have achieved through using laser etching and cutting. I begin by drawing all of my designs and piercing the initial models by hand so I can visualise the pieces and how they will work. I then transfer the drawings onto the computer and make the designs ready for laser etching. I then use the resin as a cold enamel to add the vibrant colours. Adding the resin can sometimes be a painstaking process as the pieces are so small but the sense of achievement when a piece is finished is fantastic!"

Charlotte Verity begins "At Future Everything’s ‘Handmade’ at Victoria Baths, I will be exhibiting a range of jewellery laser cut from fluorescent Perspex. This is available in six different colours, with each having an exciting ‘Live Edge’ effect, whereby the light which strikes the surface of the Perspex is absorbed and refracted to exit at the cut edge, producing a glowing ‘lit up’ effect. This effect is highly desirable, and for this reason, the jewellery items are designed with a large number of edges, both internal and external, in order for the ‘Live Edge’ effect to be exploited fully. This type of Perspex also fluoresces under an Ultra Violet light. Cutting these patterns and shapes by hand would be an incredibly time consuming process, however, using a laser to cut the items is much faster and the added bonus is that the laser leaves the edge of the Perspex appearing polished."

Charlotte then talks about her process on commissioning her pieces, which would become a piece of artwork in any Baroque boudoir as featured below.

Charlotte adds "Despite laser cutting being an easily repeatable process, there is only one of each of my designs in each colour, making each one unique, not repeats. Pendants are provided with matching ribbon necklaces, but these can be exchanged for a sterling silver chain. Some designs incorporate Swarovski faceted crystals or beads, crystals can be added to other designs upon request."



Simon Denver creates Tribal "computer generated patterns often mimicking those found in nature, coupled with modern materials such as acrylic, polypropylene and silicone" as big round neck pieces and bangles, ideal to wear with those animal print dresses.  The concept derived from looking at Turing and punch tape polypropylene bracelet with coded message on it, as used on colossus.  His work will be on showcased with the support network of MJN members and un-veiled at Handmade 2012. You will be able to commission Simon to create pieces by bringing along a drawing and talking over the cutting process.

I will be showing my Architectonics piece, which is based on a piece of Manchester's history. The Daily Express building inspired the restrictive cuff shown during Architecture-Week-2005. In 2005, this was a rare cutting edge piece made using the process of laser etching and cutting within jewellery, how times have changed! You can add your very own piece of artwork to the "Freedom of Expression" piece inspired by the architecture of Manchester, by commissioning Simon to laser etch on the individual plates, Therefore re-creating and building another part of Manchester and Manchester Jewellers Network history, in the inspiring and heritage building of Victoria Baths!


We support http://www.craftanddesignmonth.net/ during this event.