The Apron 'Beneath the Skin'

Recently, I was invited (alongside 24 artists) to participate in a group exhibition entitled The Apron ‘Beneath the Skin’, coordinated by also exhibiting artist, Heinke J. Butt.

The Apron ‘Beneath the Skin’ is a collaborative project with a focus on the Apron as the garment that changes the identity of the wearer. The exhibition will include works that look at the past as well as the future of the apron.

The first exhibition will be showcased at the Brisbane Institute of Art (BiA) Metcalfe Gallery, 41 Grafton St, Windsor Q 4030, with the Official Opening on Sunday 7 September, 2014 at 2pm.

You may remember an earlier post where I was experiementing with printing onto recycled tea bags, well I decided to explore this a little more and I was extremely happy with my results....

 

Exploring layout options with the printed tea bags...

 

And of course, tea dyed calico backing...

Around the same time I was making my piece the Collectable Show was on at the local showgrounds, so I took my camera with me and scoop! Vintage domestic ware everwhere and loads of inspiration...

 

Here's sneak preview of my finished piece entitled Pinny, square recycled tea bags with printed imagery of vintage domestic ware, backed with tea dyed calico and sewn on my treadle Singer sewing machine.

And, later in the year, The Apron ‘Beneath the Skin’ exhibition will be showing at the Gympie Regional Gallery between 18 Nov – 17 Dec, 2014.

exciting news!

Most of my facebook buddies will know of this news already, but its way too exciting not to share with my blogging friends too!   Way back when in 2011, the lovely Jo Murray sent me a link to Landfillart.org  'The Landfillart Project' a call for artworks made with recycled hub caps - liking the concept, I created my piece and posted it off to Pennsylvania (previous blog posts). Three years on, my transformed hubcap entitled Threaded Notions has been selected for their very first exhibition entitled, "Second Time Around: The Hubcap as Art" held at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, Winchester, Virginia USA - OMG, excitement plus!!!

 

Second Time Around: The Hubcap as Art prides itself as an environmentally inspired contemporary art exhibition presenting works by nearly 300 artists from every U.S. state and 35 other countries, including little ole me!  So if your in the area please do call in and see the show - the Official Opening is on Saturday 6 September, 2014 and exhibits through to March 1, 2015.  Sadly being on the other side of the globe I'll not get in to see the exhibition - so if there is anyone out there that does, it would be fab to hear all about it!

Open Studio this weekend!

I am delighted to be participating once again in the 2014 Australian Ceramics Open Studios (ACOS).  The national event kicks off this weekend on Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 August, 2014, between the hours of 10am and 4pm.

Please accept this warm invitation and join me over the weekend and indulge in clay, creative conversation or perhaps view my Expressions of Love II ceramic + tea bag works, recently exhibited at Noosa Regional Gallery.

To arrange an appointment email info@kimschoenberger.com

With over 130 artists studios opening their doors to the public, mine included, The Australian Ceramics Open Studios (ACOS) promises to be a celebration of clay, creativity and community.

A regular day in my studio with my best mate, Max...

If you would like to know more about the ACOS event, please click on the inserted links above. The
2014 ACOS event is hosted by The Australian Ceramics Association (TACA). 

end of an era

I must apologise for my tardy blogging of late, it seems I am caught up in a rapid whirlywind - this year is racing by so quick leaving very little time for anything and omg, before you know it, we're already in July!!  I believe the time has come for me to reassess all this busyness...so big decisions are being made and changes are taking place.

In all the flurry of happenings, I recently facilitated a Medieval Pottery workshop at the Kids Medieval Fun Day and have been working under the pump and around the clock preparing my wares for The Abbey Medieval Festival, held last weekend in the grounds of Abbeystowe (behind the Abbey Museum, Caboolture), and to the most glorious Winter weather I might add!

2014 marked the 25th Anniversary of the Abbey Medieval Festival and saw my 20th year of trading, and sadly my last year of trading. Yes, this is certainly one of my biggest decisions I have ever made in a long while - currently the event receives crowds of over 40,000 peeps coming through the gates, the most part of 6 mths of my year is devoted to preparing for the event - working on both, the medieval festival and exhibiting for my art practice is incredibly demanding of my time and something has to give, I know, now is the right time for me to hang up my medieval boots and move forward with my arts practice.

From humble beginnings, way back in 1994...

 

 To the present day of 2014...

I would really like to thank everyone, who, over the cause of the weekend supported my decision and purchased the last of my stock, two full tables of pottery dwindled down to a couple of mugs, my third table of leather products was reduced considerably, props and all the bits and bobs were sold out.  I am feeling a sense of overwhelming gratitude for all the support and warm gestures I received too, it was really mind blowing, I had no idea how much my stall was appreciated. Heart felt moments... especially when a lady from one of the re-enactment groups told me her story... each and every year her kids loved and would buy my lucky dips and now they were all grown up (between 25-30yrs old) and still treasure them, omg, how precious! And, I will certainly miss the fun, and the sense of community that is shared behind the scenes - a credit to all the Staff & volunteers at the Abbey Museum - fond memories I will cherish forever! ♥♥♥

the latest goss!

Yes, I've been very quiet on the social media front of late! Have you missed me?

The last little while has been pretty full on with exhibitions and things....I think I've been a little overwhelmed with it all and exciting stuff is happening!

It's like, where do I start...

Whilst exhibiting at Noosa Regional Gallery an opportunity presented itself for me to re-exhibit Expressions of Love II in September (14th to 28th) at Gallery 159, The Gap, Brisbane (Gallery 159 is an initiative of TAFTA - The Australian Forum for Textile Arts, Ltd).  In discussion with Janet De Boer O.A.M dates were confirmed and it's been a flurry of activity with all the preparations and planning...  also, I have taken on a mentoring roll by sharing the space with emerging artist, Anne Harris.  Anne came to my 'meet the artist' morning tea and was interested in knowing more about the exhibition process - it was around the same time I was in negotiations with Janet for Gallery 159 and thought it would be a great opportunity for Anne and to share the space together. (more details soon - I promise!). 

Here's a sneak peek... Expressions of Love II - Lovingly Interrupted

On going correspondence with freelance Writer and Quilter, Linda Seward see's my tea bag Quilt once again selected to feature in an overseas publication, Linda's new book entitled, The Ultimate Guide to Art Quilting. Today's email notifies featuring artists' complimentary copies are in the mail - yippee!

Then today, the latest copy of Textiles Fibre Forum arrives via snail mail, and features a two page article for Expressions of Love II inside.

That's just a snippet of the latest news, 'tis all very exciting indeed....

tea bags mounted to canvas

The intensity of working on a certain medium over several months can open the flood gates for more creative ideas and experimentation, working on Expressions of Love II last year was no exception, it was super intense utilising over 10,000 tea bags, the ideas were literally oozing, it was challenging to juggle these creative juices and remain focused on the task at hand. I was able to steer off the beaten track every now and then, to explore this new found 'inspiration' and capture its intensity - so many fantastic concepts are given birth in these moments and they are not to be missed! I would often find myself working on a piece for Expressions of Love II then take a giant sideward step to initiate a new idea and document it, knowing when I could confidently come back to it at a later date, I would pick up the previous project again.

Expressions of Love II was carefully curated to build a sense of nostalgia upon entering into Gallery 3 with the object based works suituated on plinths, my intent was to draw my audience into a familar setting as seen with the works in Expressions of Love 2010 i.e 'Cols Cushions', the 'L' shaped gallery space allowed for it perfectly.  The direct view saw 'Close Knit CommUNITY' which lead the way for my new direction, by ustilising one knitting needle and hung 'partially literal' paved the way for this new direction with the final works in the larger open space - the three major works mounted to stretched canvas brought my audience with me into a new area I wish to explore - moving from the 'literal' sense into a contemporary context with wall based works.  This is not to say I am finished with object plinth based works, just for now, I wish to push the boundaries from the norm!

Which leads me into here, one such idea I have been entertaining and decided to explore...using original photos - process driven work exploring the element of rhythm and repetition with printed imagery on square shaped tea bags and mounted to stretched canvas...

A detail of the completed work comprises 374 recycled tea bags, entitled, Steel Square Tubing - Painted (30"x40)

 

Recycled tea bags drying on the deck - the humble home brewed!

 

On my treadle sewing machine, several individual panels were sewn first...

 

Then sewn together, at each interval ironed to maintain their shape and for easy sewing.  I seriously feel in love with the back view - I have most certainly made a note to explore this at a later date!

 

A backing sheet and binding was sewn with the panel for added strength.

 

Completed work, mounted to stretched canvas - detail.

Mark of the Artist

I am delighted to announce I will be kicking off the first ‘Mark of the Artist’ 2014 event at Noosa Regional Gallery.

Following on from my recent solo exhibition, Expressions of Love II  I'll share insights into my ceramic arts practice and how I go about creating the Southern Ice porcelain component to accommodate my recycled tea bags works, as seen in the image below.

Please accept this warm invitation to join me for morning tea, on Friday 11 April, 2014 between 10.30am and 11.30am – Riverside, Pelican St, Tewantin – gold coin donation – RSVP 8 April Email : gallery@noosa.qld.gov.au

Open studio + artworks showcased for purchase

Last weekend I participated in the Sunday Drive Open Studios - in partnership with Caloundra Regional Gallery's Sunday Drive Exhibition, Arts Connect Inc presented 11 Artists' Open Studios in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.  In addition, Sunshine Coast Council hosted a VIP bus tour to visit four selected artists' studios, a small hinterland gallery, a long term established commercial gallery and a pop-up gallery.  I was fortunate to receive a visit and was delighted to host an alfresco morning tea for refreshments.

Stunning weather created an ambience for the day, VIP's enjoying morning tea and studio viewing...

As artists we are constantly faced with gallery closures which always present us with an array of challenges - creating a sustainable income for one! Hosting an open studio with the wider community is a great way to share an insight into one's work and space, it also helps with generating potential sales and the prospect of future opportunities and then there's always the added bonus thrown into the mix of the shared experience and an appreciation for one's work, highly valued on my list and keeps me all inspired! 

One question I am often asked when people come and visit is, where can one purchase my artworks?   A selection of my ceramics and/or assemblage work are currently showcased in the following outlets:

Platform 72 a selection of my polished Southern Ice pierced porcelain was recently shipped down south, located at 72 Oxford St Darlinghurst 2010 N.S.W

 

 

Caloundra Regional Gallery Store 22 Omrah Ave, feature delicate porcelain works for purchase...

 

A Little Bling - etched, polished, translucent Southern Ice porcelain with diamantes and gloss interior.

 

 

Noosa Regional Gallery, Riverside Pelican St Tewantin, feature delicate Tea Cup & Doily Saucer sets a continued series from my Domestic Duties Chp.2, 2012 exhibition.  

 

 

Gary Myers Art Gallery 23 Maple St Maleny (upstairs Maleny Community Centre), for purchase feature assemblage artworks and small scale works including ceramics.

 

Beyond Silence - reclaimed steel and porcelain.

 

 

The Dancer I - reclaimed steel, found objects and acrylic.

 

It's the Little People - reclaimed steel and polished Southern Ice porcelain. (Limited Edition 10 - 8/10, 9/10, 10/10 available).

 

 

and last but not least, Main Street Gallery Montville, since 2008 have featured and continue to sell my popular Unearthed ceramics

 

hightlights

I am feeling all sentimental after downloading the last exhibition images (yesterday's bump out) and thought it might be nice to share a few highlights with you. The whole process of working toward my exhibition has been great fun, certainly one of my highlights was working and sharing with the community. It also provided me with an opportunity to get out from the isolation of my studio and form new friendships along the way - together we created a buzz leaving behind a trail of tea dust from collecting well over 10,000 tea bags!

It was a challenge narrowing it down to a dozen photographs because all the moments were special, nonetheless, here are some of my highlights from Expressions of Love II...

Embraced by the community...my first tea bag call out, February 2013, via social media, unprepared for the response I was inundated with tea bags coming in from all directions, I quickly established four collection points across the Hinterland.

 

Tea Bag Tea Parties ...  Rosebed St Gallery, Maya (& former partner Annie) kindly shared my tea bag call-out in their e-newsletters and before long Tea Bag Tea Partes were on the agenda (a big thank you to Rosebed for their generousity in providing the venue).

Team effort... all eager to lend a hand while having a cuppa adding to the collection!

 

D-day, installation day.... with all the hype working around the clock, installation day came around so quick - it was a day filled with many emotions, with a little time for reflection.  The title and name going up made it feel all very real.

 

Anticipation and excitement with placement... one of the biggest works (containing 3600 tea bags in total) layed out to calculate wall placement. 

 

...freshly painted walls, nails going in, work going up... I only ever viewed latched with Love layed on the floor, this was the most defining moment, finally veiwing on the wall and in place.  Internal dialogue..."Yay. Relief. Yes!!! Looks great! Validation - all the hard work, it was worth it, yay!!!"

 

Day one, doors open to the public... what better way than to share the day with a special friend who needs some TLC ♥

 

On another day... a special bus trip organised for a special group of tea bag collectors - Kureelpa Spinners & Weavers, and a dear friend, Petrus.

 

Opening night celebrations.... with special friends

 

mammoth crowd of people filled the gallery rooms...

 

Fun with Janet De Boer...

  

 

'Meet the Artist' Morning Tea... an awesome opportunity to meet gallery visitors and talk about my work.

 

Family Day, Artist Demo Day.... time for interaction and conversation.

 

My most loyal... sharing the whole experience, from the birth of the idea all the way along to bump-in.& bump-out with my best friend ever, Glen.

Artist Demo Day

Today was Family Day at Noosa Regional Gallery, a regular monthly event for the gallery (Gallery Public Program), Family day is where volunteer staff host interactive art activities; clay, paint etc., for the kids, while one of the current exhibiting artist contributes, usually in the form of a demonstration or similar for the visiting public.

A wet drizzly day weather wise today, however, it didn't stop folk from coming to the gallery. I was fortunate to have the gallery Foyer to spread out (pictured below), while the outside undercover area graced several long tressel tables full of happy little creatives and a sausage sizzle.

Just alongside me in the gallery were more tressel tables and more little creatives, this time being creative with tea stained watercolour paper, tea bag paper and tea leaves. Unfortunately, I was too busy to take photographs... the results were most intriguing!

My Foyer display.

 

Below, an Interactive display area I provided for the gallery and the duration of Expressions of Love II, latch hooking in progress for folk to have a try.

 

Additional interactive work, displayed just for today for further exploration. Foreground; Twinnings - Raspberry, Strawberry & Loganberry flavoured, yield pink coloured tea bags; knitting with spun tea bag yarn; prototypes, sewn patchwork panels, the making of Deconstructed Quilt; and crocheting with spun tea bags and a few sample crochet flowerettes.

 

After a quick run down on how to prepare the recycled tea bag yarn for spinning - everyone was most intrigued when the spinning begun.

 

Then it was time for others to have a try.

 

Thanks to all whom came today, 'twas a most enjoyable day!