Yesterday, I was at the V&A with my fellow machine knitters, looking at the iron works for some inspiration for a new up coming project. This must be one of the few times I’ve gone there not to look at fashion or textiles directly, but I can totally see why the iron works were suggested, gates with intricate lattices looked just like knitted lace.

Anyway after photos and sketches done, followed by obligatory tea and scones in the amazing cafe, I stayed in the shop a little longer after the others left, inspired by beautifully designed accessories and spotting a couple of floral wood blocks for printing (I will buy these another time). Finally I went to leave, calling it a day, which was full of inspiration, shapes, pattern and design, when I was handed a free ticket to a fashion show/performance that was just about to begin....

Sat near the back, I still had a great spot to capture the models as they appeared out on the catwalk. “Models at Work” was a performance piece by Paris based museum director, curator and performer Olivier Saillard, featuring five famous french models: Axelle Doue, Claudia Huidobro, Anne Rohart, Violeta sanchez and Amalia Vairelli. The performance was in five parts and rather than showing off clothing, it was more about the models gestures and the idea of dressing and design and the elements involved in clothing shown on the catwalk: Black sheaths, An exercise in style around the white tunic. Catwalk without clothes. Modelled in calico. Shadow garments.
It was really exciting to be sat in the Raphael Gallery along side some very fashion looking people, journalist and dear I say, hipsters. I love this sort of thing and I want to be more a part of it!

It has come to my attention recently, that I have been going out a lot to eat mexican and latin american. Not only is it refreshing to delevop a new taste for food, but some of the bars and restaurants, have really inspired me for their cultural take on interior design with textiles. Maybe this is a sign that need to go traveling again to explore the Americas...

Before heading back to London, walking along the seafront I came across these stunning paintings being worked on from one of the beach huts. Artist, Philip Clayton has been painting from the same spot in front of his rented hut since November 2010. Looking through a folder of his previous paintings you could see the changing moods, weather and seasons in the landscape with dramatic colours. I miss painting and having a direct handle on working with colour. I feel quite inspired after seeing Philip’s paintings and talking to him about his artistic career.



http://www.westcountryartists.com/

I am moving house. Although it is very sad and stressful, its time for a change. So things may be a bit quiet on here until I get settled again.