Also entered the Ohh Deer pillow fight competition. I have applied two quite different designs to cushions including designs from my old collection and also a fresh drawing... Wish me luck!!

Progression...

I have made some progress with my screen-print ideas. I am keen to start the printmaking process so I have been arranging my drawings into compositions ready to apply splashes of colour. This is what I have created so far...

I am working with the linear qualities and want to create an effect of the sea engulfing and embracing the ships. I have used images of ships that I feel reflect a history and nostalgic feel. I am looking forward to developing these even further and experimenting with colour, backgrounds, shapes and qualities.

As I begin my final year of studying, I have started to look at more illustrative styles of drawing. I have always wanted to focus on this as a clear aspect of my work. My initial drawing have been underway for a while and I am beginning to think in terms of printing methods and artist prints. Here is a selection of the drawings I have been creating...

I will be shortly moving into colour and prints for these ships. I have been inspired by local areas and visits to Maritime museums and I am hoping to create a mysterious atmosphere that reflects the myths and ideas of the depths of the ocean.

In other news...

For now though there are other exciting things I have been working on...

http://folksy.com/shops/EmilyKateAtherton

Been busy building an online shop selling my prints and cards from my latest work. I am hoping to continue this throughout the year and keep posting my recent prints and designs for sale!

I am also involved in the Heswall Arts Festival in my local area. This takes place in October and I am involved in the craft fair and arts trail. Really excited to get my work out there for people to take a look at and get stuck into the atmosphere of things!

Here is the website that you can check out for yourself! More details to come, I will keep you updated!...

http://www.heswallfestival.com/events.htm

Been busy working on some new drawings to translate into prints when I get back into the studio... I think I will begin by using printmaking techniques such as lino and mono printing to create a more painterly effect. Then I will focus much of my time and energy on screen-printing. Looking forward to re-visiting the print room and getting stick into printing again. So watch this space for progress on the printmaking side of things!....

http://folksy.com/shops/EmilyKateAtherton

Where to start?...

Had an extremely busy summer so far, coming to an end already!

Took some time out to travel, had the most wonderful and inspirational trip to Canada! The scenery and lifestyle over there just blew me away and I am eager to go back and explore more of the country!

Our first stop, after a very exciting flight, was Vancouver. Had a chance to catch up with some wonderful family and explore the areas of textiles, stationery, gifts, interiors and of course value village...There were so many quirky shops and villages to explore within the big city. A favourite of ours was Gastown, made many friends with shop owners and found many inspirational interior goodies!

Our first two weeks were spent camping through the Rockies Mountains! Breathtaking scenery and wildlife mixed with incredible journeys with people and places... Met some wonderful people and had many chances to sit back and enjoy the freedom! 

Okanagan...

Banff (Bear Country...)

 Camping Life...

Lake Louise...

Jasper...

Vancouver Island!...

Vancouver Island was a chance to do some WOOFFING on a far in Shawnigan Lake! The farm was a haven of angora goats, llamas, chickens, horse, dogs, a crazy cat and for a small while... micro pigs! It was based around the textile industry: using the goat wool to clean, spin, dye and weave into beautiful products... It was a perfect opportunity to learn behind the scenes from start to finish and become confident in a timeless skill...

The beginnings of my hand-woven scarf...

Dying our own wool!

Toronto and Niagara Falls...
More beautiful scenery at Niagara Falls, very inspiring...

The Big Apple..
We made a exciting detour on the way home... New York was bustling and a huge change from the laid-back lifestyle we had been enjoying so far. The contrast in the cities was incredible but inspiring all the same. So much culture and places not to be missed..

I certainly think this trip has changed my outlook on work and the ways my designs will come together. I appreciated every moment from the bustling high streets to the quiet havens of farm life... The attitude I put towards my work has all together become more free and I am always looking for new opportunities to enhance my portfolio...