Interview with SAT volunteer co-ordinator Becky Kidner

As you can see, Becky's been with us a few years now.  We thought it was about time we promoted all the good work she and all the other volunteers do for SAT.  Becky really seems to get something out of giving up her spare time to help.  If you fancy joining the team and help out over the weekend of the event then please drop us a line at hello@saltaireartstrail.co.uk  


Interview with SAT Volunteer Co-ordinator Becky Kidner


Q. How did you first get involved with the Arts Trail?
A. When I moved to Saltaire in 2009 I was a visitor to the Saltaire Festival which the Arts Trail was attached to. The following year I had a look on the Saltaire Arts Trail website and noticed they were in need of volunteers. I emailed and volunteered myself to help out over the 2 weekends the Arts Trail was on during the Saltaire Festival.

Q. What is your role as a volunteer?
A. Having volunteered during the Festival I then wanted to become a bit more involved in the organisation of it all. I then joined the Saltaire Arts Trail Organising committee and took on some additional duties throughout the year such as responding to emails, forwarding queries on and some adhoc administration jobs as and when they arose. Last year (2011) was the first year the Arts Trail became a stand alone event, and I was really proud to have been part of the organisation for it. I took on the role of Volunteer Coordinator which I will be doing again this year.

Q. What do you enjoy about volunteering for the Arts Trail?
A. I really love being part of the Arts Trail. It’s a fantastic event and is such a great opportunity to be involved in something so community spirited. I enjoy meeting people, and working with other volunteers who all put so much time and effort into making the event what it is.

The Arts Trail is run almost entirely by volunteers and we are always on the hunt for more people to join the team. If you are interested in volunteering for us either during the Arts Trail weekend itself (5th - 7th May 2012), or with various events and jobs throughout the year - please do get in touch with us at hello@saltaireartstrail.co.uk hello@saltaireartstrail.co.uk.

The Arts Trail really is a fantastic event to get involved with. I thoroughly enjoy being a part of it, and look forward to meeting and working with even more lovely volunteers who will love being a part of it too!

Screen Printing - from concept to product by Open House artist Salts Press

A fantastic glimpse into the screen printing used by Open House artist Salts Press.  From initial idea and preliminary sketches through to the finished product, this video gives a good walk-through of the screen printing process and all it involves.  Salts Press will be exhibiting at 19 Ada Street throughout Saltaire Arts Trail 2012.


Thanks to Salts Press and Dave Hackney for the video.

We've changed our website and brand

Here at Saltaire Arts Trail we've been going through bit of an online evolution in the recent past. We thought it might be fun to post a few thoughts from Laura who works as part of the SAT Marketing team as to why we went through the whole redesign process.

If 2011 was all about dipping our toes in the water as a stand-alone event, 2012 is all about diving in head first! Not only have we got an exciting and packed programme of events, we’ve also spent the last few months revamping the website and visual identity of the trail.

Over the years our website has stood us in good stead, but as the Trail has grown, so have our requirements online. Indeed, one of the key aims of Saltaire Arts Trail is to promote independent artists and makers and we needed an outlet to do this online. This is where we called upon the folks at Maraid Design.

After several months beavering away in the background, we now have a fantastic new website that gives us the control and flexibility we need. It means we have a platform to shout about all 120 of this year’s talented artists and makers. It includes an interactive map for all the Open Houses, as well as a great visual display for the Makers Fair. Each artist has their own page with a link back to their own site and we’ve got plenty of space to add details of exhibitions and events as they get firmed up – especially useful now the brochure print deadline has passed! There’s no way you’re not going to hear about all the great stuff that’s happening now!

Back in November, we also put our graphic design out to tender and following a lengthy pitch process, brought on board the team at Firecatcher. They’ve since been working hard putting together the brochure, flyers, posters and all the printed material that you’re sure to see popping up very soon. All of the illustrations, both in print and online have been created especially for us by Firecatcher and reflect the character of Saltaire that’s so much a part of our identity. The design brief was quite tricky, but I think they’ve managed to strike the right balance and appeal to the range of people we had in mind and am really pleased with the end result.

But more importantly, what do you think?

Laura

SAT Marketing 2012

Saltaire Arts Trail website hompage

Festival Special - 5 days to go!

In just 5 days time, Victoria Hall will be packed to its very high rafters with 45 talented artists and makers as part of the Saltaire Arts Trail Festival Special on 10th September. So to get you in the mood, here's a sneak preview of what's in store:

Doors open at 10am
Top tip: arrive early for the top picks - we're only here for one day this time around and as everything on sale is unique and handmade, when it's gone... it's gone!

Demonstrations
A number of our makers will be demonstrating throughout the day, including bookbinding, printing, weaving and painting. Feel free to stop for a chat to discover more about how they go from inspiration to finished product.

Children's Activities
The lovely people at Kirkgate Studios will be running a free childrens workshop, where junior crafters can get stuck in to making paper lanterns and learning origami. Just turn up and join in!


ARTISTS AND MAKERS:
There are no Open Houses in the Festival Special, but you'll see plenty of familiar names in the list of artists and makers taking part in the Makers Fair below. We're also welcoming lots of new faces too, so take a look for a full who's who...


Agnis Smallwood
Luxury handwoven and felted textiles

Alice Fox
Mixed media textiles and handmad cards

Anna McDade Jewellery NEW
Etched, recycled silver and copper jewellery

Barbara Cassell
Contemporary copper jewellery with a difference

Blueberry Park NEW
Screenprinted organic and vintage fabric

Button Boudoir
Vintage inspired jewellery and textiles

Catherine Green
Vibrant, tactile artwork and accessories

Catherine Woodall
Silver and semi-precious stone jewellery

Ce-Leather Goods
Bold, contemporary bags, satchels and leather goods

Clare Caulfield
Paintings, prints and handmade cards

Cross Barn Crafts
Fine silver jewellery - pendants and earrings

David Starley
Saltaire based artist working in oils

Dear Emma Designs
Quirky accessories and homeware

Debbie Greenaway Illustration
Illustrator and printmaker who draws everyday

Diane Taylor
Unique, co-ordinating handmade textile products

Ditsy Bird NEW
Freehand embroidered and beaded textile designs

Elaine Douthwaite
Silver jewellery with gemstones and more

Flossie Limejuice
Folk art dolls, bears and beasties

Gemma Scully Jewellery
Bespoke precious jewellery handmade in Manchester

Hugh Leishman
High quality, handmade wood-turning

Hunt and Gather Design NEW
Range of gorgeous handcrafted gifts

Inky Linky NEW
Etched copper and silver jewellery

James Green Printworks
Original linocut prints from Sheffield artist

Jaygo Touchy Feely Textiles
Quirky textile gifts and homewares

Karen Belarouci
Mixed media jewellery with vintage elements

Kate Bowles
Hand-bound recycled books and paper goods

Kate Thornton Design
Contemporary collage and design

Kitschen Sink
Colourful, kitschy, funky and fun jewellery

Leigh Shepherd Designs
Quirky, colourful, affordable, upcycled resin jewellery

Lindsay Thomas Ceramics
Handbuilt raku ceramic sculpture

Martin Priestley Photography
Landscape photography by Martin Priestley

McDonough & Davies NEW
A collaboration between graphics and textiles

Mercury Arts NEW
Contemporary ceramics and ceramic jewellery

Oldfield Press NEW
Original, affordable, traditional

Print for Love of Wood NEW
Eco-friendly letterpress printed goods and stationery

Rachel Lucie Designs
Unique handmade silver jewellery

Rachel Webb Printed Textiles
Printed textiles inspired by Saltaire village

Rogers Ink NEW
Strikingly different prints and greetings cards

Ruby Spirit Designs
Handmade jewellery utilising recycled vintage components

Steamstress
Eclectic mix of trendy recycled jewellery

Stitch Art
Textile and mixed media whimsy creations

Swirly Arts
Fun and quirky recycled products

The Old Brewery Pottery
Raku fired and wood fired ceramics

Treefall Designs
Textile based home accessories and clothing

Wychbury
Mixed media jewellery and accessories

Yeun Jewellery
Unique and contemporary precious jewellery

Zincwhite
Where discarded objects become desirable again

Call for Applications: Festival Special 2011

CALL FOR ARTISTS & MAKERS

SALTAIRE ARTS TRAIL: FESTIVAL SPECIAL
Saturday 10th September 2011

For the last 4 years, the Saltaire Arts Trail has been proud to work alongside the hugely popular Saltaire Festival and 2011 is no exception! We'll be back again to join in the festival fun with a ONE DAY SPECIAL on Saturday 10th September 2011. We'll be taking over Victoria Hall to host a Makers Fair and range of family activities.

We're pleased to announce that applications are now open for artists and makers wishing to take part. There won't be any Open Houses this time around as we'll be based solely in Victoria Hall, however we welcome applications for both 2D and 3D artists to take part in the Makers Fair. Simpy fill in the application that can be downloaded below and return it to us no later than 31st July 2011. Full details including costs and timings can be found on the application form and supporting notes.

For regular updates about the September event, as well as information and calls for applications about the main Saltaire Arts Trail taking place in June 2012, don't forget to sign up for emails here, or join in the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM >>

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE EXHIBITOR GUIDELINES >>


Date for your Diary:
Saltaire Arts Trail 2012 will be taking place on the bank holiday weekend of the Diamond Jubilee, 2nd - 4th June 2012.

Interview with Rachel Lucie-Johns

Rachel Lucie Johns is the jewellery designer behind Rachel Lucie Designs.  Her enchanting work has been seen in some very exciting places and she will be exhibiting in the Main Room of Victoria Hall throughout the Arts Trail. Rachel will be happy to talk to you about herself and her work in person this weekend but here's a sneaky preview into her inspiration and life.

Tell us about the work you do and the types of materials you use.

I make vintage-inspired silver jewellery using semi-precious stone beads, freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystal using wirework.I have also started to use gold-filled components in my designs.

Where do you produce your work? Does your working environment form part of the inspiration for your art?

I work from home, from a VERY tiny home office. My view is amazing across the valley in Hebden Bridge. This constantly inspires me and distracts me in equal measure! I do relish having my own, all be it small, space to work from, as I have 2 small children, and it's bliss being able to leave out unfinished work and tools etc without having to clear everything away every time I need to do something else. I do think when the kids are older, working in a creative environment like a studio space with other artists might be a good move, but currently this suites me as I can work around looking after the children and school pick-ups etc. I am the main carer, and we decided that if I could make my job work around them, that would be ideal.

 Is your art your main job? How did you get started?

Yes, designing and making jewellery is my main job, although involved in making this business    run is photography, photo editing, some basic web design work and marketing, which I do all of as well.

I got started when my youngest was about a year old and I had been a stay at home mum for about 4 years. I think lots of things converged to give me the drive to find something creative to do at that time. Being at home with 2 under 4's can certainly drive you to needing to do something for yourself! I got some birthday money in the spring of 2008 and decided to buy some handmade jewellery, but although there was some gorgeous pieces I found, I couldn't find something that was really me. As I looked around, my childhood love of beaded jewellery, silver and geology kind of entwined itself as I just got the urge to buy some beads and dive right in! I started getting ideas for jewellery for myself, but within a month I had decided I would do all I could to make it my career to design and make beaded jewellery! It sounds funny, but I had so many ideas, and lots of them were for jewellery that wasn't for me – my creativity was unleashed.

What work will you be exhibiting at the Saltaire Arts Trail?

I will be exhibiting some of all my current Summer jewellery collections, which are Songs of the Sea, Botanica, Forever Pearl, Vintage Wedding and Inspired.

Do you work in any other mediums besides the work you will be exhibiting at the Arts Trail?

I am only working in silver and gold-filled at the moment. I am enjoying photography as much as the jewellery making, but it's not something I have yet persued professionally as yet.

Where else can we see and buy your work?

Heart Gallery, Hebden Bridge,

Pyramid Gallery, York,

Shire Hall Gallery, Stafford,

soon to be at the Solo Gallery, Sheffield and Royal Exchange, Manchester

Online on my website www.rachellucie.co.uk and Etsy http://rachellucie.etsy.com also Notonthehighstreet too.

Tell us about your most exciting or memorable commission?

I was asked to make a Chanel-inspired necklace based on the one worn by Keira Knightly in the Coco Mademoiselle advert photograph. It's a real statement necklace with large pearls, opulent belcher chain and Swarovski crystal stars. I loved making it, and my client was really happy with it, she's worn it out a lot!

It's always a real honour to be asked to make something unique for a bride on her wedding day A lot of my pearl collection lends itself to weddings, but to make something the bride herself is wonderful. I have had some commissions for bespoke statement earrings, bracelets and necklaces so far.

What was it about the Saltaire Arts Trail that made you want to apply to exhibit?

It's a very prestigious event. I visited the Makers Fair a couple of years ago and really only dreamed I would be accepted. I went last year to visit and was asked by several people there why I hadn't applied, which was very flattering!

Have you participated or visited the Saltaire Arts Trail before? What is unique about it and how does it differ from other events?

The shear size of the event and the diversity of arts on display make it a real must for anyone to visit who loves to support handmade craft, and likes unique products. My only worry this year is that I won't be able to see everything at Victoria Hall properly!

Unfortunately I have never been able to go on the trail itself as I have always had the children with me, but I know it's a wonderful chance to see beautiful crafts in such gorgeous domestic settings. Saltaire is a world heritage site, and the houses are works of art themselves.

Could you leave us with one more interesting fact about yourself or your work?

I was lucky enough to be asked to take part in a Vogue editorial piece last April on pearl jewellery, which was an amazing honour. I also have some of my collection being used in a book trilogy coming out later this year, including I believe a picture of my necklace on the front cover.

Rachel Johns

mail@rachellucie.co.uk

www.rachellucie.co.uk

http://rachellucie.etsy.com

http://twitter.com/rachellucie

http://rachelluciejewellerydesigns.blogspot.com

An Interview with Laura Slater

Tell us about the work you do and the types of materials you use.

I produce hand-screen printed bespoke textile products, all inspired by the interaction of colour and pattern and the translation of drawing concepts onto cloth. All my prints come from hand made marks and development of hand made marks through CAD, I then take the process back out into a hand produced process, printing onto 100% linen with water based inks. All my products are hand made and finished.

Where do you produce your work? Does your working environment form part of the inspiration for your art?

I produce my work from my studio and print workshop at the Art House in Wakefield. I am very slowly outgrowing my studio as it has really become, part print workshop, creative space and stockroom. It’s very cosy, but an all round really inspiring environment, that is filled with lots of colour, drawing, mark-making, in amongst all the equipment that is!

Being part of a group studio like the Art House is also a very inspiring place to be in, as it is filled with such a wide variety of creative people all with different disciplines.

Is your art your main job? How did you get started?

I am a full time printed textile designer through my business Laura Slater Textiles. Alongside that I also work as a print technician, lecturer in Surface Design and as a creative educational practitioner at the new Hepworth Wakefield. I have vocationally trained in textiles since the age of 16, so I knew pretty early on that this was what I wanted to do. I then went on to do my degree and MA in Mixed Media Textiles at the Royal College of Art before setting up my business 3 years ago. Its really hard work, but thoroughly rewarding, I think you just have to be very dedicated and motivated!

What will you be exhibiting at the Saltaire Arts Trail?

I will be exhibiting a range of printed textile products including lighting, furnishings and upholstery pieces. I will also be selling lots of smaller, personal products to pick up and take away. I also work on a commission basis and sell fabric per metre too. I will be around at the Arts Trail if you have any questions about my print collections - you can find me at 2 Constance Street which is number 10 on the arts trail map.

Do you work in any other mediums besides the work you will be exhibiting at the Arts Trail?

I have recently worked in collaboration in translating my designs into bespoke hand tufted rugs with local rug designer and makers Area rugs. Collaboration is an important part of developing my print ideas, especially into products. I am also working with a product designer in producing some unique shaped lampshades and lighting and I would love to work with some ceramicists, so fell free to get in touch if you’re interested in working with a print designer!!

Where else can we see and buy your work?

There are a number of different ways you can buy my work, I stock with lots of shops and galleries, the most recent being the new Hepworth Wakefield gallery. I also have an online shop and stock with a number of online craft retailers too. You can find a list of all my stockists and a link to my online shop at my website:

http://www.lauraslater.co.uk/.

Tell us about your most exciting or memorable commission?

I work to commission regularly so it’s hard to pick, but I love working on large fabric commissions for people to use my fabrics on their vintage furniture pieces. The most interesting and exciting request I have had recently is to use my prints to upholster the inside of a vintage Citroen car that some one is renovating. I can’t wait to see how that commission develops!

What was it about the Saltaire Arts Trail that made you want to apply to exhibit?

I have exhibited at Saltaire Arts Trail now for the last 4 years and loved every trail. The Arts Trail is truly a fantastic, inspiring and creative event in an amazing location, supported and including the work of a wide variety of talented artists. Not only that, but the Arts Trail has really supported my development in selling my work and building relationships with lots of lovely people, from fellow artists to buyers.

Have you participated or visited the Saltaire Arts Trail before? What is unique about it and how does it differ from other events?

The Open Houses is a really unique idea, as you get to see artists work in the beautiful houses around Saltaire. The advantage of this is obviously you can be nosey and look at other people lovely homes as well as the art work it’s self.

As an artist I personally think exhibiting in this situation is also a really brilliant idea as people can get to see how art work might be able to fit into their home an living environments too.

Could you leave us with one more interesting fact about yourself or your work?

Yes I am soon to start running photographic screen printing workshops for textiles, throughout the summer.  I have just purchased an exposure unit as a new addition to my studio and am looking forward to launching my workshop program shortly. For more information please contact me on: laura@lauraslater.co.uk

http://www.lauraslater.co.uk/

laura@lauraslater.co.uk

Cherry Kino Programme for Mobile Cinema Announced!

Cherry Kino – Programme of Super8 films to be screened in the Mobile Cinema at the Saltaire Arts Trail THIS WEEKEND! Totally FREE.


Above: 'Every Four Frames' by Alberto Cabrera Bernal

Films will screen between 11am - 5pm this Saturday 28th, Sunday 29th, and Monday 30th May in the tiny mobile cinema which will be situated outside the Salts building of Shipley College, opposite Victoria Hall, in Saltaire (screening at the Cherry Kino Lab to be announced separately). On Saturday between 12 noon and 4pm there will also be a free workshop run by the 'Unravel' folks, whose project is making Britain's longest hand-painted film, one piece at a time.
PROGRAMME OF FILMS BELOW!

PROGRAMME 1: TO THE STREETS


Above: 'This is a test reel' by Matoula Eolou Gekko

Hotel La Mirage – dir. Maximilian Le Cain / Ireland & Greece / 2010 / 5 mins
A melancholy vision of cinema-as-mirage. ‘Hotel La Mirage’ simultaneously weaves and unravels a romantic reverie across the ruin of space and time.

Radl (Bike) – dir. Viktoria Schmid / Austria / 3 mins 19 secs
The bikeride to my darkroom captured with my Super8 camera. After riding the bike I developed the film by myself. My love for bikeriding and filmmaking coming together in these 3 minutes.

Red Road – dir. Arturo Almanza / Colombia / 2005 / 3 mins
‘Red Road’ is an experimental film made with negative Super 8 vision 2 (ASA 500) developed as cross process, which gives a positive with a violent red shift. The development is handmade and made by Kinolab Colombia.

This is a test reel – dir. Matoula Eolou Gekko / Greece / 2010 / 3 mins
On the 8th of April I went out in the main streets of Athens to test a new Super8 camera. I asked random strangers to hold captions I had prepared, therefore making their short portraits and transforming a small Super8 reel into a collective project. This was my own way of reacting to the fear and disappointment that had been created due to ‘the crisis’ that had just been announced in Greece. Super8 was the dream medium, the one that was in opposition to the TV, to the flux, and that allowed a space for encounters, just for a reel’s time.

In the Streets - dir. Robert Harris / USA / 2009 / 5 mins 40 secs
4th of July passions in Chinatown and Little Italy, NYC 1975.

Every Four Frames (Cada cuatro fotogramas) - dir. Alberto Cabrera Bernal / Spain / 2009 / 1 min
A film constructed from destruction with the piercing or perforation of its footage, the different fragments of selected archive images. Every four frames the film’s body is punctured, the holes revealing the cinematographic mechanism’s entrails: the screen and light.


PROGRAMME 2: ELEMENTAL


Above: 'Song before dying' by Pere Ginard & Laura Ginès

The Palm Tree Song Line – dir. Dagie Brundert / Germany / 2008 / 1 min 50 secs
Los Angeles and its palm trees. They are singable!

You Can Never Hurt Me – dir. Jon Perez / USA / 3 mins 30 secs
Like film, the canopies of trees are surfaces ravaged by light breaking through the cracks. Shot while continuously spinning on a single piece of Ektachrome, the film relieves the viewer from the representational aspect of photographing a forest. The trees persist in attracting our imaginations, creating a new vision for new eyes.

Untitled – dir. Elina Street / UK / 2011 / 2 mins 40 secs
My first Super8 film, which I recently completed. My film aims to be interpreted freely, themes may be: the representation of women in film, the mystery of the cameraman, the conscious and unconscious…

LOVE – dirs. Egidijus Praspaliauskas & Rasa Juskeviciute / Lithuania / 2002 / 3 mins 30 secs
Our Motto: let’s develop film under a tree
'Love' is a DEDICATION FOR A Dream Come True, A Heart Full Of Love, A Hug A Day Keeps The Meanies Away, A Love Story, A Piece Of My Heart, A Time or Love, All You Need Is Love, Addicted To Love, As Long As A Bunny Has A Tail, My Love For You Will Never Fail, Bit By The Love Bug, Boy Meets Girl, Bucket Of Kisses, Can't Buy Me Love, Can't Take My Eyes, Off Of You, Circle Of Love Is Never Ending, First Love, First Impressions, For All Eternity, From My Heart, Gimme A Kiss...

Canción última – dir. Dan Hildred / UK / 2010 / 3 mins 30 secs
‘Canción última’ is a very short tribute to the Spanish ‘goatherd poet’ Miguel Hernandez, shot on the centenary of his birth in his native Almeria, and features a reading by the Basque video artist Marta Luque. The film explores themes of decay and abandonment in the landscape.

Song Before Dying (Canción del antes de morir) - dirs. Pere Ginard & Laura Ginès / Spain / 2011 / 4 mins
A film about ghosts (or fools or mimes or butterflies) inspired by the mystique of St. John of the Cross. Performed with joy by Laboratorium.

Fishquay – Matt Sutcliffe / UK / 2011 / 4 mins 53 secs
´I must go down to the sea again´
Loosely based around two poems, ´Two Lighthouses´ by Julia Darling and ´Sea Fever´ by John Masefield, I originally shot my first super 8 film as an accompaniment to a piece of dance choreography. Using samples and rhythm´s from the North Sheilds Fish Quay as a base for the soundtrack, I tried to capture it´s contrasting atmospheres through both sound and colour. The outdated medium of super 8 seemed an appropriate choice when filming the Fishermans declining trade.

Preludio (Prelude) – Albert Alcoz / Spain / 2010 / 3 mins 20 secs
‘Preludio’ is a filmation of a landscape with a building during one evening. Using time lapse options, shutter speed solutions and different exposures, the film transforms one simple framing of the camera in many possible moving image solutions. Some organic changes done in front of the camera allow different representations of the people in the park, the walls of the building, the trees and the sky, the main elements of this minimalistic film.

Untitled [2] – dir. Nathan Cyprys / Canada / 2009 / 3 mins
This diptych Super8 film loop explores the singularity of two people’s relationship as well as the duality of the individual when disconnected from the other. The water each is submerged in plays between the comfort of its all encompassing warmth and the discomfort of its suffocation and the subjects’ nakedness. The actions performed by both subjects in this piece reflect a form of meditation where the subject’s counterpart is sorrowfully both remembered and forgotten. They are disconnected from each other in the framing and placement of the images, yet it is evident that both are in the same location. Their actions remain simple, creating a universality for this piece to be understood.


PROGRAMME 3: ALCHEMY


Above: 'De Luce 1: Vegetare' by Janis Crystal Lipzin

Monster – dir. Marta Daeuble / France / 2004 / 40 secs
Stop motion animation, pixellation technique, painting on paper. I aim to break the storyline in different levels of time, working outside the fixed cinema screen.

Colour Stream – dir. Ian Helliwell / UK / 2002 / 4 mins 45 secs
Flowing lights and colours are the focus of this abstract film shot with Super8 through a close-up lens. Homemade electronics provide the rhythmic soundtrack.

Magic Kingdom – dir. Stephanie Wuertz / USA / 3 mins 11 secs
Waves of neon unleash a sea of pastel visions drifting through the Magic Kingdom.

De Luce 1: Vegetare – dir. Janis Crystal Lipzin / USA / 2009 / 5 mins
This work delves deeply into experiments, expanding the realism of colour expression that original film allows. ‘De Luce’ extends beyond the Kodak palette of colour, by subjecting the film material to unique influences of pigmentation. Unfamiliar colour and light sweep into and literally illuminate vegetative subjects to supply visible evidence of a surreptitious conspiracy between the artist, her materials, and photochemical occurrences. This is an artisanal hand-made work shot entirely on Super8 film and hand-processed by the filmmaker.

Untitled - dir. Elsy Benitez / USA / 2010 / 3 mins

Solar Eyes – dir. Rosie Parsons / UK / 2011 / 2 mins 34 secs
An adventure in memory haunting the future.

Nightlight – dir. Dagie Brundert / Germany / 2009 / 2 mins 22 secs
Berlin lights in time-speed-machine; the gelatin layer of the film stained red.


Above: 'Nightlight' by Dagie Brundert

Check out the Cherry Kino blog here: http://www.cherrykino.blogspot.com

Interview with David Mawdsley

David Mawdsley is a designer and maker of contemporary furniture.  He runs his Skipton based company Mawdsley Williams with his wife Stephanie.  David will be exhibiting and demonstrating his work on the stage area of Victoria Hall and took part in our interview to tell us more about his stunning work.

Tell us about the work you do and the types of materials you use.

  

I design and make contemporary furniture that is comfortable to use and live with.  Natural forms, architectural shapes, unusual wood grain and decorative joint detailing influence my designs. 

European and North American hardwoods and where appropriate manufactured board and veneer are used to construct my furniture. I particularly enjoy using locally sourced timbers and pieces that have unusual grain patterning, this makes each piece of furniture unique and often gives my clients something to tell their friends. I recently made a coffee table using Burr Oak from Pickering and small amounts of Bog oak dated to approx 3500 BC from Norfolk. The Oak tree would have fallen into a marsh or bog and been preserved in a Norfolk field until fairly recently, Bog Oak is black in colour..

Most of the pieces of furniture I make are made to commission, each piece is designed and crafted with the client’s needs and wants in mind.  Through a process of thoughtful design, careful material selection and appropriate construction methods I create furniture that maintains its simplicity while creating a sense of intrigue.

My wife, Stephanie whose expertise is in fibre art often helps me with the designing, we are currently working together to produce decorative sculptural pieces and use Stephanie’s textile skill in ways other than for upholstery.  Inlaid work also forms part of our current focus.

Where do you produce your work? Does your working environment form part of the inspiration for your art?

I have my workshop in Gargrave near Skipton, I get inspiration from a range of areas, I like to incorporate curves into my work and natural form ,the human body as well as manufactured objects all help as starting points in the initial stages of developing a design.  I am fortunate to have my workshop in the heart of such beautiful countryside and will often go for a short walk along side the canal to think out a solution to a design problem 

Is your art your main job? How did you get started?

I have a passion for making furniture and was fortunate to study furniture design and making at Loughborough University and graduated in 1982. When I graduated  I worked as a cabinet maker for a couple of companies and taught Design Technology.

I moved to West Yorkshire in 1991 and taught at Stoney Lee Middle School, Cottingley and Oakbank School in Keighley. Six years ago my wife Stephanie and I established Mawdsley Williams where we design and make contemporary bespoke furniture to commission; we also have a range of semi bespoke pieces that clients can choose from. Russell our son has recently joined the business.

What work will you be exhibiting at the Saltaire Arts Trail?

I will be bringing a selection of my recent pieces of furniture including chairs small tables and cabinets. There will also be some smaller items such as Jewellery boxes, clocks and mirrors.

I will be bringing a small workbench and will be demonstrating a few techniques and will be pleased to discuss these techniques with visitors to the fair.

Do you work in any other mediums besides the work you will be exhibiting at the Arts Trail?

I think that it is important for designers to be able to communicate their ideas through drawing, I enjoy drawing, life drawing and I paint and use both oil and in watercolour, this is done mainly for my own personal enjoyment and I am not selling any of my drawings or paintings at the moment.

Where else can we see and buy your work?

I have recently completed a commission for chairs, benches and tables for use at the Mercer Art Gallery Harrogate.
I am taking part in the following events this year

• North Yorkshire Open studios 2011 the dates are 10,11,12 – 18,19 June
• I have a consol table exhibited in the Bradford Open Art Exhibition at Cartwright Hall Bradford
• The Great Yorkshire Show my stand will be in the Made in Yorkshire marquee.
• Art in the Pen 2011 Skipton 13,14 August 2011
• Celebration of Craftsmanship and Design, Cheltenham 20 -29 August 2011
• Autumn flower show Harrogate my stand will be in the Made in Yorkshire marquee.
• I will be exhibiting as a member of the Northern Contemporary Furniture Makers this Autumn at Tennant’s, Leyburn.
• Visitors are always welcome to call at my workshop in Gargrave but please phone first to make sure that I will be there ( 01756 748088) 

Tell us about your most exciting or memorable commission?

I have recently completed a commission for designing and making the furniture for the recently refurbished Mercer Art Gallery in Harrogate. I was asked to design and make four pairs of chairs of different designs, two pairs of benches of different designs, a coffee table and a large side table. I made each piece of furniture by hand using locally sourced Ash, Oak, Brown Oak and Elm. I was fortunate to find the Elm which is now difficult to find in wide enough boards to make chair seats. I choose different colours and textures of the timber to complement each other. One of the chairs that I was particularly pleased with was made in Ash with a Brown Oak seat and small amounts of brown oak detailing.  The furniture is now in the gallery and provided for the visitors to use.

What was it about the Saltaire Arts Trail that made you want to apply to exhibit?

There are several reasons for applying to exhibit at the Saltaire Arts Trail

• Located in Saltaire, a unique and interesting village
• The event has a good reputation and was recommended to me by other makers
• A selection process requiring designers and makers only
• I enjoyed my previous visits to Saltaire.

Have you participated or visited the Saltaire Arts Trail before? What is unique about it and how does it differ from other events

I have not exhibited at the Saltaire Arts trail before and I am looking forward to the event. I came as a visitor a few years ago as a visitor and enjoyed a great day out talking to other makers and having the opportunity to see Saltaire and the open house idea is great.  Exhibiting with other artist and craftspeople is important to me; I enjoy their creativity and enthusiasm. Those exhibiting at the Saltaire Arts Trail have designed and made their own pieces and have a depth of understanding of their art or craft, this is important.

Could you leave us with one more interesting fact about yourself or your work?

 I enjoy walking in the Yorkshire Dales and my chair designs are named after the Dales where I have walked.

Thanks so much to David for talking to us, please visit the Makers' Fair on any of the three days to see him at work and talk to him about his craft.

Mawdsley Williams

Unit 1b Asquith Industrial Estate

Eshton Road

Gargrave

Skipton

North Yorkshire

BD23 3SE

Interview with Elizabeth Milner

Artist’s Name: Elizabeth Milner

Where Exhibiting: 5 William Henry Street

Tell us about your art practice, what kind of stuff do you do and what is your work about?

My practice combines elements of textile art, crafts, set-designing, prop-making, photography and critical analysis. Using the miniature setting as my stage, I create intriguing installations with an unsettling undertone.

What motivates you to be an artist?

I am constantly inspired by all varieties of exciting and engaging art and culture. The interesting ideas and debates that are formed in my own mind as a result of such stimulus leads me to reflect and produce work in my own way.

Tell us about other projects you are working on?

I am participating in a project called the Yorkshire Art Loop, I am awaiting the delivery of a piece of artwork on the 11th July, when I will have two weeks to respond and create my own piece which I will then post on to the next recipient. Also, I am currently the Audience Engagement Intern at South Square in Thornton, delivering events and workshops to the visitors of the South Square Centre. I also work at Pop Up art space in Bradford as a volunteer coordinator, furthering my career within the gallery sector.

How did you get started as an artist?

Whilst studying for a BA in Textiles and Fashion, I realised that the process of design didn’t provide me with enough stimulation. My work needed to be more critically engaging, so I began to tailor my practice towards a gallery environment by giving the work a third dimension and narrative.

What will you be exhibiting at the Saltaire Arts Trail?

A subtle and surprising installation that plays on voyeurism within the domestic environment, and the use of a home as an exhibiting space.

Have you participated or visited the Saltaire Arts Trail before? What did you think of our previous events?

I have visited the arts trail before and have always enjoyed the experience, so it is a privilege to now be taking part.

Could you leave us with one more interesting fact about yourself or your work?

I have a controlled obsession with art, fashion and culture magazines and other printed matter!