The Late Shows, escape the taxidermy to the haven of my studio!

On the 18^th and 19^th May the Ouseburn will transform into a night time wonder with the Late Shows. A programme of events and exhibitions centring on the cultural venues within the area have been organised, and I promise you, you’re in for a treat!

Step into the Mushroom Works’ cabinet of curiosities. All of the Mushroom Works residents will be opening their studios to the public and will be showcasing the best they have to offer. I hear on the grapevine that intriguing artwork is to be expected, animals from all corners of the world and specimens that may make you look twice. I think ‘taxidermy’ is the word for this year’s curious exhibition!

But if you decided to escape the weird and wonderful oddities, or if you just want to pop your head round the door and say hello, then please escape to my haven in Studio 7. From 7 to 11pm on both Friday and Saturday I will be working in my studio, and I would be happy to share my new ideas with you and other events that I will be participating in. So drop by, treat yourself to a glass of wine and enjoy all the unique artwork on offer. Hope to see you there, it should be two very exciting evenings!

Creative Recycling

Creative time is in short supply at the moment as my boys are keeping me busy, but when I do escape to the studio I have so many ideas I don't know where to start! I counted that I had 15 pieces of work started but not finished today :-S

Here are a few small pieces I have been working on for the Alnmouth Arts Festival. I have been cutting and sticking, recycling old artwork and textile designs that I did years ago and have been collaging them into new pictures.

I have to say I have been having lots of fun with these pieces revisiting old techniques. I have been reading lots of Eric Carl books to the boys lately and I think his work has been making a lasting impression. I am looking forward to expanding this collection and incorporating some mixed media back into my larger paintings. 

Let me know what you think, its always good to have a bit of feed back on new work:-)

Take a peek around the studio

I thought it was about time that you were all introduced to Joanne’s studio. If you’ve come to an Open Studios event or if you’ve ever popped in just to say hello, you’ll know that Joanne’s studio is well and truly one of a painter!

I often get distracted while working, as I can spend ages just looking at all the curious bits and pieces that take pride of place around the studio. Joanne shares a studio with Bethan Laker, an illustrator with a very bright, colourful and playful style. The walls are covered with Bethan’s illustrations, Joanne’s original paintings, postcards of anything and everything, and sketches of work in progress. And when you’re not looking at the walls there’s the trolleys with endless pots of paint, sewing machines, baskets of material, paint splattered aprons and my favourite new edition of three traditional deckchairs! I honestly sometimes wonder how Joanne gets any work done herself!

I’ve tried my best to describe the wonders of Joanne’s studio, but if that’s not enough for you, here’s a sneaky video.

To break up the day all the artist’s in Mushroom Works look forward to the call for tea breaks. Just outside the kitchen, an old school bell sits. If anyone goes to make themselves a brew and fancies some company, the bell is rung and artists come flying! It’s a great way for everyone in the building to have catch up and keep up to date with the progress of each others businesses. Plus, the kitchen has a working heater, so that’s another incentive!

The Mushroom Works is a great place to come and find out how different artists work and the methods they use. I’ve learnt so much by working here. So if you’re interested in Joanne’s work then do not hesitate to get in touch with her through the website to make an appointment at her studio. Alternatively, the next open studios event will be The Late Shows. From 18-19th May 2012 almost 50 venues throughout Newcastle and Gateshead will be opening their doors to the public offering a chance to see inside artists' studios and a chance to get involved with the artwork yourself. This weekend has had great success in the past and this year looks to be even better!


 We look forward to seeing you!

New Year, New Designs

So here we are, the New Year is upon us and we’ve already lined up lots of exciting events. The major one on the horizon is the Spring Fair International 2012, 5th - 9th February, Stand 4FF85. In anticipation for this we will be launching our brand new wildlife collection of cards. Galleries and gift shops will be able to place trade orders at the show or can contact us for our 2012 trade catalogue.

Like what you see? They also now all available to buy on my retail  web shop. 

I'd like to thank our faithful followers out there, and wish you all the best for the New Year. We really wouldn’t have got to where we are now without your support. Hopefully we will see you all in the year ahead!

3 Days To Go!

Over the past few days the Mushroom Works has been home to artists and designers rushing around, touching up paintings, last minute framing and hanging up pieces around the gallery space.

...But it’s finally here! The much anticipated Ouseburn Open Studios has arrived and here at the Mushroom Works we could not be more ready to start our Christmas shopping!

This weekend Joanne’s studio at the Mushroom Works Studios will be opening its doors to the public. Joanne will be in her studio over the weekend and is looking forward to showing visitors some of her new pieces as well as works in progress. This is your chance to view all of Joanne’s new work from this year for the very first time. Her tiles, greeting cards and jewellery collections will also be displayed and available to buy.

People are welcome to come and have a nose around all the studios at Mushroom Works, talk to the artists, find out how the artworks are created and what happens in the life of an artist. Also for one weekend only the 20x20 exhibition will be open with all artworks exhibited costing just £20! This is the perfect opportunity to pick up some original and unique presents for those Christmas stockings.

So why not do something a little different this weekend. The preview evening will be 25th November from 6-8pm. Then the Mushroom Works Studios will keep its doors open over the weekend from 10am-5pm. Hope to see you all there!

£20 for one weekend only...

It’s all go here at the Mushroom Works! Joanne seems to be stuck for space in her studio at the moment, we are literally surrounded by 20x20s!

The Ouseburn Open Studios is just around the corner, and many of the artists at the Mushroom Works are busy making their 20x20s ready for the opening night.

Joanne has been busy in her studio and has been experimenting with lots of different materials. Building on designs of her old favourites such as puffins, donkeys and hares, she has also created many new designs such as the classic Volkswagen camper vans, beach huts and, my personal favourites, the weekender caravan.

Joanne's 20x20s

There also seems to be a bit of rivalry in the studio. Joanne shares her studio space with illustrator Bethan Laker. I’m pretty sure there have been some sneaky glances by the two artists to see how many each other have produced! Every time I come in I have to spend a good ten minutes admiring all the new 20x20s.

Bethan's 20x20s

The Ouseburn Open Studios will be open at the Mushroom Works on Friday 25th November from 6-8pm for the opening night. The studios will then be open over the weekend from 10am-5pm. And if the pictures below aren’t enough to tempt you, I’ve just heard on the grapevine that Lottie McPhee will be taking charge of the cafe this year. Surely no one can turn down a scrumptious cupcake or two?!