Anyway, I finally got around to getting the front of the flyer done. This year Hayley is at the "illustrator" controls with a few (probably) bum, cliched steers from me like "can it be black and white" and "I want whispy trees and snow and a warm glow coming from the windows". Anyway, blimey, she's done everything I asked. So, what do you think? I like it. But I would, wouldn't I?
So, I was wanging on about trying to have a few less artsist this year to someone (can't remember who) and I 've wound up with the same number again. The idea was to have a few less artists and give everything a tiny bit more space. I know. I know. But who wants to visit an open house with one or two exhibits rattling around in some one's front room? Christmas shows aren't about minimalism. Surely it goes against the whole ethos of Christmas with all the lights, tinsel and gratuitous materialism! Anyway, I have worked out a new layout that will make it even easier to look round. That said, most visitors love the eclectic curiosity shop nature of the Bungeroosh Gallery at Christmas and many come back several times during a show so we must be doing something right. I've got some plans for a new display installation in the ground floor bay window but will let you know when I've got more of a handle on it. I can hear the man indoors groan from here. Not the seven foot trees... and astro turf....in the house...again!!
Artists: The regulars, the newcomers and all women!
Many regulars are showing this Christmas with some new and provocative work. Maria is doing some more of her amazing embroidery and graffiti pieces which sold well in May. As ever, we will have an array of her popular and unusual vintage animal cushions. Maria says her clothes range will focus on the festive season with her unique brand of vintage capes, muffs and dresses.
Capes are big this season (it must be true, I read it in Grazia)! In truth, I'm not sure I understand fashion advice anymore. There don't appear to be any truly distinctive waves and or trends in fashion anymore. The "every thing's in this season" feels more accurate. I digress. If you are not convinced about capes (going a little bit more up market) the Observer magazine had a fashion spread unimaginatively and crassly titled "Go ape for a cape this winter"! Seriously though, Maria's vintage capes are utterly unique with her trade mark touches like retro pom poms and feathers, not too mention the retro muffs! They are really worth checking out.
Su Breakwell who was nominated for best artist in the May HOUSE Open 2010 says she has got some beautiful new framed paper cutting art (see the dandelion above), models under original Victorian bell jars and some recycled hanging glass tea lights underway.
We've got some some newcomers too that I am really excited about. Pippa Forster (Little Wings Accessories) agreed to show some of her audacious feather headdresses and earrings which are utterly unique and quite beautiful. I'll be posting more about Pippa and her feathers.
Carola del Mese, also a prop maker for opera and theatre by trade, will be showing a few of her unusual teapot sculptures made from recycled pewter tea pots, some of which are functional clocks so could make for a really distinctive gift. Carola will also be showing her Lux&Love vintage jewellery collection.
Anyway, that's a bit of info to get you intrigued.
Keep checking in to see and hear more about the 18 artists and their work. I'll be posting news as we build up to our opening on the last weekend in in November!
Cheers, Lou