do you mind if i knit

The Brown Mouse.

Hello.................... I found a brown mouse the other day. She was lying on the road, between two cobbles. I picked her up gently, and tried to warm her in my hands, thinking I might be able to revive her. On closer inspection, I found a tiny puncture wound on her neck, and came to the conclusion that the cat who lives on our street had caught and killed her.

The cat must have killed the mouse, just before I found her, because she was absolutely perfect, no decay had set in at all.

I've never been squeamish about things like this, only ever fascinated. I also count it as a wonderful opportunity to hold a tiny wild mouse, and be able to stroke its softer than soft fur, look at its delicate ears and examine its tiny fragile paws.

The last time I had this sort of opportunity, was about twenty years ago, when I was staying with my Mum and Dad in Spain. I went for a walk in the valley, and was stopped in my tracks by a tiny Shrew lying on the ground in perfect condition. It was hard to believe it was dead.

I took it home, and as with the brown mouse, I did some drawings in my sketchbook of the shrew.

I did my first ever school visit last week, and as part of my time there, along with the books I've illustrated and preparatory drawings and original art work, I showed them my sketchbook, which the children were fascinated by, some of them wanted to go about making their own sketchbooks, wonderful isn't it? I enjoyed the visit to the school so much (it's a fantastic school) I'd like to put my name down on the contact an author website for school visits. The positive feedback I got gave me a lot more confidence to do that, which is a relief as before I started my visit, I felt sick with anxiety about it.

Last week was a funny old week, what with the food poisoning I got from the smoked salmon I treated myself to, followed the next evening by burning my face while trying to liquidise hot carrot soup. It's a good thing I had my glasses on or I would have got some nasty burns on my eyes. I eventually took myself to A and E, and a sympathetic nurse dressed my burn, which is on my temple down the side of my face, close to the hair line fortunately, so not too noticeable.

One thing I did learn is that you should never put ice on a burn, only ever put a cool wet cloth on it, (after running the affected area under cool water for ten to fifteen minutes to reduce the heat of the burn), ice makes the burn react and go deeper, causing more damage. The nurse told me you should never let a burn dry out, she told me to apply vaseline on it a few times a day, until the burn fades (I think this is for minor burns, if it's a second degree or third degree burn you have to be careful about infection). The nurse who dressed my burn said it's a common misconception that you put ice on a burn. I had put ice on my burn, and that's why the pain was getting worse and worse, and I decided to go to our local Accident and Emmergency unit.

So this explains my absence last week, illness, accident, school visit, huge pressure from my art editor to finish another set of revised roughs, so the book can go to Bologna Book Fair and .........................

............ and picking up the plinths for my sculptures (above), all three pieces I had in the exhibition sold (hurrah!). The exhibition I'm talking about is the one I mention in this blog post.

I've also got another gallery wanting me to give them six paintings and three sculptures to sell a.s.a.p, that's apart from the solo show of my work at the end of this year, and the commissions I'm working on. I'm not panicking. No. I'm just seeing it as tremendous opportunities I've been given after a lot of hard work. I'm absolutely determined to take every opportunity that comes my way, and make the most of what I'm offered, this is what I've been dreaming of and never thought possible. So far this year, I've been extremely fortunate workwise.

And now I have to decide what to do with the little brown mouse. She can't carry on being kept in a sealed container in the fridge like she has been all week. Every time I open the fridge, there she is, peaceful in her little plastic see-through box, it's a bit disconcerting when all I want is the milk for my cup of tea.

Perhaps I should give her a full burial like my Niece Millie and family gave Bob the Hamster last weekend. Millie insisted on a minutes silence in his honour, she then said a few prepared words through some tears, before he was placed in the hole that had been dug for the Plum tree that was being planted. My sister said that the fruit produced from that tree will forever be known as Bob's Plums.

Cheerio!

Vanessa xxx

 

Helen Stephens, writer and illustrator of children's books.

Hello!

Do you know the work of Helen Stephens? She illustrates children's books, and I just have to share these two books I bought, with you. She wrote and illustrated both the books (which is an impressive thing in the world of children's books).

I count myself fortunate to be a friend of Helen's, (and her partner Gerry), who I mentioned before in this post, and that is why I have the special signature and drawing combination Helen did for me, in the front of both my copies. Can you see them in the picture above? Rather wonderful aren't they.

Imagine an iceberg floating past your bedroom window, and hopping on it, you float off and have adventures................... along with penguins.................... How WONDERFUL would that be! I've given you a very abbreviated description of what happens in 'The Night Iceberg', you'll have to read the book to find out the whole story.

And imagine a little dog, who is homeless, and ................... well, after I read it (and you'll be relieved to know there is a happy ending for the doggy), the story stayed with me. It was one of those stories which grabs your emotions and squeezes your heart. You're sad, then you're happy, relieved and joyful. All those things.

And I love the name Fleabag!

On the last page of both books there is a short explanation as to what inspired Helen, along with some of the drawings she did to prepare for each book. This is rather a special touch at the end of each story, I think.

I've always thought that picture books for children, aren't just for children, I've been collecting them for years. Even if the story is aimed at someone a (little!!!) younger than myself, the artwork is something that any age of person can enjoy. I love Helen's artwork, but I also really enjoy her story telling, they're just wonderful tales.

I bought my copies from Amazon UK very reasonably priced, 'Fleabag' here, and 'The Night Iceberg' here.

Helen has a blog called 'oh, I forgot to say' here, and a website here, and if you have the time, I recommend a visit to both.

I don't want to deluge you with links, so I'll say cheerio for now. "Cheerio for now".

Vanessa xxx

An interview with Karen Ball.

Hello, I would have put this in my last blog post, but the interview has just gone live today.

Karen Ball, children's author, has done me the honour of interviewing me about my work, for her blog.

She has been very kind about me and my work, so naturally I'm very flattered, and she has also asked some interesting questions about the process of illustrating my books, which if you're interested in illustrating children's books, you might find of use in some way. If you'd like to read the interview, which comprises of six questions (just so you know it doesn't go on and on, it's a quick read, I know how busy everyone is), you can read it here.

Vanessa xxx

Eddie Spaghetti.

Meet Eddie Spaghetti, champion pilferer of other dogs toys. Champion charmer. Champion chap. A sparkle and glint in his eye at all times. Quick as a flash. Kind as a soft flannel washcloth. As dear as the smile of a child. Wearer of mulitple loving nicknames.

What a joy this commission for a brooch was to work on. I wish Eddie was my dog, he is pure and utter charm personified. My two doggies would not be amused about sharing their Mum with an interloper, and anyway, he already has a very, very loving home.

Vanessa xxx

RCA Secret.

Hello! We've had ice, ice, ice everywhere recently, even ice on the beach, it's been bitterly cold. Thankfully we have a wood burning stove, the best expensive purchase we ever made, the heat percolates through the whole house.

Thank you so, so much for your tremendously positive and encouraging comments on my last blog post, you have been so very generous, thank you. The private view went well, (once we got into the building, there were queues to get in). And I sold the "Determined Cat" sculpture at the private view! Marvellous! Hopefully in the remaining month, the other two pieces will also sell. There was a lot of art work of a very high standard at the show, so it felt like a real honour to be included.

Just to change the subject, today I've been finishing off these 6" by 4" postcard sized pictures. I've painted them to help raise money for my Niece's school (my sister saying that Millie would be very proud if I put some art work in, is the thing that got me!).

Her school are following in the footsteps of The Royal College of Art's "Secret Art" concept, of which you can read the full explanation here.

Basically, artists of fame, or not so great fame, (but practising artists), are asked to donate a postcard size piece of art work. But they must not sign it on the front, they sign it on the back. So no one knows if they are buying a famous artists work, it's guess work, and all is revealed at the end, when the work has sold, and the cards are turned over.

I remember this "Secret Art" thing starting when I was a student at the Royal College of Art, but I couldn't afford the £5 at the time to buy a piece. Hugely successful artists work was mixed up with lesser known artists pieces, so there was a huge buzz of excitement.

It's such a brilliant way of raising money don't you think? I'm putting in more than one piece, I'm donating five little paintings, to help raise more money, but also to give a buyer the option of having a set of four characters from the "Mole and Friends" books I illustrate (written by Jonathan Emmett). I thought I'd have a theme going too, and have them all interacting with butterflies.

Millie's school is at the other end of the country to where I live, so I'm not worried about showing these pieces, and my sister never reads my blog.

When I last skyped my sister, Millie came into view, and said to me, "you're going to be in the exhibition". I said, "yes I am". Millie responded, "I might buy your work!" Millie is eight years old. Bless her little cotton socks.

Well, I hope she's proud of me, and I can say with great conviction, that I've "done my bit".

Cheerio!

Vanessa xxx

The SSA - Society of Scottish Artists.

Hello! Something nice happened today. I received a parcel of some jewellery I bought from Emma Mitchell of blog Silver Pebble, (for someone who shall not be named incase they read this). Emma had read my previous blog post about Winifred Nicholson, and in the parcel she added a postcard of one of Winifred Nicholson's paintings! Is that not the most wonderful gesture, there's something very well observed and sensitive about that gift, apart from it being generous, because I suspect that the card is one of Emma's treasured postcards.

It's not the first time I have bought jewellery from Emma as a gift. Each gift I've bought has been a tremendous hit with the recipient, and so I keep on returning to Emma's etsy shop to buy more. Emma's jewellery is gaining ever increasing popularity and the word is spreading about her work, she had an entry in Kirstie Allsopp's latest book "Craft", and she was invited to sell her work at the Selvedge Christmas Fair, which is a seriously good thing to have been included in. Emma Mitchell Designs has a website here.

And now I have some news about me to share with you!

I entered three sculptures into the Society of Scottish Artists annual exhibition this year, and all three were accepted!

And THEN, I received this email:

 Dear  Vanessa,

Society of Scottish Artists Annual Exhibition 2012

Mansfield Park Gallery & Art Hire Prize

On behalf of the President and Council of the Society of Scottish Artists, I am delighted to inform you that you have been awarded  Mansfield Park Gallery & Art Hire Prize for your artwork: Cloud Music

The Award is  £250 Framing and a Solo Exhibition.

Prizes will be presented to you informally at the Private View on Friday 3rd February, between 5-9pm by the SSA President, Louise Ritchie.
 
Congratulations and best wishes,

Julia
------------------------- 

Julia Douglas

Administrator, Society Of Scottish Artists

www.s-s-a.org

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (These are my exclamation marks!)

So Hugo and I are off to the Private View tonight.

Would you like to see the pieces I have in the exhibition?

"Determined Cat"

"The Old Stories"

"Cloud Music"

And how do I feel about this extraordinary turn of events? Amazed! Happy and astounded. And a little speechless. Truly.

Have a good weekend, may you experience nice surprises too!

Cheerio!

Vanessa xx

 P.S. The exhibition, which is held in the Royal Scottish Academy on Princes Street, near Waverly Station in Edinburgh, is on from Saturday 4th February till Thursday 1st March.

Soceity of Scottish Artists website is here: www.s-s-a.org

Winifred Nicholson's flower paintings, a good substitute for sunshine.

This was the splash of colour on my desk a few days ago!

At this time of year, when grey days are numerous, my brain needs colour, a substitute for sunshine.

This little Cyclamen plant was a gift, and when I look at it I think of Winifred Nicholson's paintings of flowers on windowsills.

That's something else I find good for combating the grimness of grey skies, slowly leafing through my book of Winifred Nicholson paintings.

"Luminosity, open space and quick movements characterise Winifred Nicholson's paintings. Flowers on windowsills are a favourite subject, not only for their intrinsic beauty, or even their personalities, but above all for their living, transluscent colour".

  Quoted from "Winifred Nicholson" by Christopher Andreae

I love Winifred Nicholson's flower paintings, because she perfectly captures that moment when you first look at flowers in a jug or jam jar, and you get a jolt at their beauty. They're perfectly calm, and perfectly beautiful, and it's a pure moment in a busy day.

I find art with a domestic theme powerful, and Winifred Nichoson's work had a mostly domestic feel to it. A painting of a bowl of flowers on a windowsill, affects me more than a painting expressing an artist's angst. It's not just a bowl of beauty, it can be more than that, a moment of clarity and realisation of our smallness, and how fleeting perfection is.

The painting above is one of my favourite, it sings with sunshine. Winifred Nicholson managed to capture a sunny feeling in her work without being sentimental.

You can see more of Winifred Nicholson's work here and here.

And you can read more about her, here.

I hope Winifred Nicholson's work gives you a bit of alternative sunshine, if that's what you're needing just now...................

Cheerio!

Vanessa xxx

 

 

Flowers of the hedgerow made by yours truly.

Hello............ my blank and lethargic blogging mind has suddenly become a chirpy, perked up blogging mind. That's why my blogging has been so erratic, I'm sorry about that.................. but when you think about it, it's bound to happen occasionally isn't it? Sometimes it's a struggle to keep blogging every week, plus working hard at all the other things I do, without feeling worn out.

But enough of that, here I am, with a little blog entry, saying hello, and showing you a teeny weeny bit of what I've been up to lately.

I'll be using these flowers, which aren't finished yet, in the jewellery I'm making.

I would loved to have worked them in porcelain (!) but sadly I don't have access to porcelain making facilities. I've had to make do with paper mache, which is very, very fiddly (I'm talking tiny, thinner than a bit of skinny string, strips of paper here).

These flowers are going to be painted with a minituarist's paint brush, applying tiny detail that a mouse would hopefully be proud of (well, that's the sort of tininess I aspire to, a mouse would probably think my work a bit slap-dash).

At the moment, things like these seed heads, collected on walks in Spain, are inspiring some of my jewellery.

There aren't many walks I go on where I don't pick up a fallen leaf, or moss covered twig that's been blown to the ground by the wind, a feather, or a dried empty seed head.

Thank you nature, for your lovely gifts.

Bologna Book Fair, the place all the publishers take their new books to sell, is happening soon, and I'm in a flurry of activity trying to get as much of the book I'm working on, finished in time to take it to the Fair. In the midst of all this, I had a very nice journalist called Tamzin Lewis, from The Newcastle Journal phoning me up to conduct an interview about "The Pig's Knickers" last week. Tamzin wrote a wonderful article, she writes beautifully. There's an on-line version you can see here.

Now I've got my blogging mojo back, I can say with confidence, see you next Tuesday, and have a fantastic weekend!

Vanessa xxx

A Necklace in Two Parts.

Hello! I'm thoroughly behind on all things bloggy, chiefly, saying hello to blog pals and visiting blogs. I'm so sorry about this, so sorry, something always has to give when things get stupendously busy.

But on to other things, like my jewellery making!

It's a new year, and things are evolving in every area of my work, from the books I illustrate, to my sculptures, and now there has been a progression in my jewellery making.

You may remember these brooches I made, which I sold before Christmas..........

Welllllll........ Fliss, from blog Joshy and Belle, you may find yourself going oooooooohhhhh wonderful! at some of the things she makes, the Debbie Bliss pattern for a fair isle top she's working on at the moment is amazing, the link to Fliss' blog is here. Fliss' writing is magical, and her new baby is very, very, sweet. I'm not sure how she manages to look after three young children, write a blog, run a home, have a job outside the home, and come up with wonderful ideas, but she does.

Fliss bought a holly and berries brooch from me, and then decided on the strength of the brooches I had made, to commission a necklace.

For someone to have so much faith in you, over such an unknown quantity, feels amazing, and a bit scary, incase it turns out to be not up to much.

Fliss told me about her influences, images she likes, things she collects, and she asked for a necklace in two parts. A basic necklace that could be worn during the day, and then a part that could be added to make it more of a statement piece for the evening.

So I came up with a necklace that could have a brooch pinned to it, and the brooch could also be worn on its own.

Fliss is like a muse, she feeds me ideas, and I act on them. Fliss has been imagining a jewellery range for me, which is rather exciting that she has so much faith in me. At the moment, I'm spending spare moments making the components for necklaces and brooches.

I've just been looking at the dog in the brooch above, and realised he needs a red collar! How annoying that I missed that.

I did, however, put in finishing touches like little red bells to cover the knots in the ends of the cord, which Fliss can shorten if she finds the cord too long, by cutting the ends shorter and tying new knots.

The details are important to me, like tending to the ends of cord or string. That expression "the devil's in the detail", I think it must be referring to the detail being devilishly difficult and trying of ones patience. For me, I find that "joy is in the detail", and is essential. If I had a mathmatical brain, maybe I could have been a watchmaker, I like sitting hunched up with my entire focus on a tiny thing.

Such a nuisance I didn't apply myself enough to realise the dog should have been given a red collar. Sloppy of me.

Well I must now apply myself to the making of a cup of tea, and the savouring of a little something sweet of taste. That'll be some chocolate then.

Just before I go, talking of tea, Helen Stephens, a hugely talented writer/illustrator of children's books, came by to say hello and draw my doggies yesterday. Helen has a website here. Her work is magical and funny and touching. Her partner, Gerry Turley, was at The Royal College of Art at the same time as me, and I love his work too, which you can see on his website here. Hugo very generously gave me one of Gerry's gorgeous prints for my Christmas present.

I like to share wonderful talent with you all, it's enriching, don't you think?

Now where's that cup of tea I've been going on about?

Cheerio!

Vanessa xxx

 P.S.  Something else to share with you, a rather wonderful giveaway from Lori, of superb blog Lori Times Five. If you read her magical blog post here, you will be inspired, and it will lead you to how to enter her giveaway, it's wonderful. The time for entering finishes tomorrow, Sunday 22nd.

 

The dog equivalent.

I'd just like to say a big thank you to Douglas, above, for allowing me to publish these photos of him looking a little undignified.

Douglas doesn't have vanity in his personality as far as I've noticed.

The chief concerns in his life are, firstly, food.

That should be in capitals.

FOOD.

And then after that, it's me, his Mummy. And maybe his Daddy too (just to appease Hugo's outrage at not being up there with me, on Douglas' list of priorities).

Douglas was lying on Hugo's lap, and Hugo had one leg raised up, resting his foot on the other leg, just to explain these photos, (they may be a bit baffling if you weren't there at the time the photos were taken).

Douglas reminds me a bit of myself in the mornings, though I don't think I sleep with my tongue sticking out.

Every morning I do look dog tired. I'm busy, busy, busy with this and that, and things I can't show you yet, and ideas and goodness me, it's all go.

But I'm glad of it. I'm very, very glad to be busy.

I'm also glad I'm a human, though I do sometimes wonder what it must be like to be a cosseted dog, owned by me. Lots of sleep, hundreds of cuddles, adored. Hard work.

Well, I am going to leave you with the human equivalent of a waggy tail.

A big smile!

Cheerio.

Vanessa xxx