Charity Ramble

Yesterday we completed our Countryfile Ramble 2016 to raise money for 

Children in Need. Starting in Cotherstone, we travelled a circular walk to 

Middleton-In-Teesdale and back again, covering a total distance of 16 miles. 

To find out more information about Children in Need click here

The Island Bristol

The Island; Open Studio Day September 2016 Sidz Photography

The Old Bridewell Police Station

During a recent visit to Bristol we stopped by 'The Island'. What used to be a police station has been transformed into an exciting creative hub that houses an eclectic mix of over 100 creatives including illustrators, artists, dancers, musicians and more. 

Simon Alderson, one of the current talents at The Island, was gracious enough to show us around the building and his studio space. Simon is a working glass artist who we previously featured on the blog. You can find out more about his work here! 

Bristol Visit - Street Art

'Hanging Man' Banksy 

Bristol is a city that satisfies creative curiosity and encourages observation. The curious street art varies in style and scale from the small and almost intentionally hidden to the towering, imposing pieces that are almost the full hight of the buildings themselves. As you explore the city the street art starts to transcend the sometimes sterile, trend driven, notions of modern and contemporary design as it begins to feel more like an expression or rather the conciseness of it's artists and its people. The city appears connected to the people and, in turn, the people are connected to it. 

Unravel Game: Make A Yarny

We recently played 'Unravel' by Coldwood for the Xbox One. The game explores broken bonds and forgotten memories as 'Yarny' makes his way through beautifully detailed environments in this physics based platformer. 

After playing Unravel we had to make a Yarny for the studio!

What you will need:

(1) Red yarn/wool, (2) White yarn/wool (3) Paper clips (4) Flexible Wire (5) Pliers

Firstly you will need to cut a length of wire. Bend it in half and twist it back along itself. The length of the wire will determine the size of your yarny - we made a big Yarny with legs 20cm approx.

Next we create the arms by take a length of wire and again twisting it back on itself. 

Now wrap another piece of wire around at the centre of the arms and legs to bind them together.

Next you will need to make a frame for the head and then attach it to the body as shown in the photo above.

Twist some extra pieces of wire around the head and body, this makes it easier to wrap the wool/yarn around the figure later. Now you have finished your wire frame!

 Choose a starting point (we began at the feet) and wrap the red wool/yarn tightly around the metal frame - try to keep the arms and legs quite thin. Once you have covered the wire start wrapping the thread more randomly and loosely. When you are happy with the shape of your Yarny use a paper clip to push the thread through the body a couple of times, this will hide the end of the thread neatly. The eyes are created using a paper clip to push and pull the white wool/yarn through the red face - remember to keep it loose and random.

Your Yarny is now ready to go on an adventure!

For a full step by step yarny video from Coldwood click here 

Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP)

 We recently visited the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, an international centre for contemporary and modern art. The weather wasn’t on our side however it did not dampen our day. We walked the expansive historic grounds discovering a variety of sculptures around every twist and turn.

Our favourite exhibition was Roger Hiorns: Seizure. It’s a truly unique and immersive experience. To find out what’s on and for more information please visit: http://www.ysp.co.uk/home

South Lakes Lemurs

 

 

 

We recently visited the South Lakes Wild Animal Park in Cumbria. The park features a variety of large animal enclosures – some of which the public can actually walk amongst the animals! Grab yourself some animal feed and your camera and get up close and personal with birds, primates and much more. This close encounter experience is a great day out for animal lovers of all ages.

(see above) An original watercolour painting of a ring-tailed lemur inspired by the animals at the South Lakes Wild Animal Park.

Autumn walks

With the sun shining at the weekend we decided to take a trip to Fountains Abbey, home to an incredible medieval deer park, georgian water garden and cistercian abbey. As you can see from the pictures, this is the prefect time of year to explore the grounds as they are transformed into bright fiery autumn colours. A great source for some inspiration. Click here for further information on Fountains Abbey

Security Pig and Custom Paintings

We couldn't resist getting the camera out when we came across this little guy recently...clearly sleeping on the job! Animals are always a great source of inspiration for illustrations. Here's a recent custom Watercolour Art Card of a little pig. 

Nest Gallery spring exhibition preview

Last weekend we headed through to Barnard Castle for Nest Galleries spring exhibition preview featuring our very own Chris James Saunders. As Nest is showcasing a range of work from paintings and photography to textiles and ceramics it's a worthwhile trip as there really is something to suit everyones tastes. A few of our particular favourites included Eiann Cosgrove's watercolour and oil paintings, Beverley Holmes-Wright's beautiful and intricate textile work and Petra Lloyd's unique Ceramics.

The exhibition is running until November 30th 2013 so there is plenty of time to enjoy a cultural day out as well as the added bonus of taking in the beautiful countryside of the Northeast!