Art in Action

Art in Action

Yipee, we're going to Art in Action this weekend.  Not many people have heard of it, which is such a shame as it is a fantastic day/days out for people who love all things creative. 

Art in Action is a four day event where artists and craftspeople openly demonstrate their skills and discuss their work.  There are workshops that you can book and have a go and an excellent marketplace, so bring some cash (some stalls take credit card, but others don’t).  All the work showcased is the best of British craftpersonship.  Disciplines include painting, sculpture, glass, woodwork, textiles, ceramics, metalwork and jewellery and there are 400 demonstrating artists, designer makers, teachers, musicians and performers. 

Art in Action runs from Thursday 19th of July to Sunday 22nd of July inclusive from 10.00am - 5.30pm each day and takes place at Waterperry House, Waterperry, Near Wheatley, Oxford, OX33 1JZ.

Daily programme for 2012

I went last year for the first time and now I can't wait to go again!

Update:
Well done to all the organisers of Art in Action for sorting out the car parking problems.  
My faves this year are:
Penny Williams - really cute animal jewellery (I bought two pieces from her)
Sharon McSwiney - really cute animal jewellery (I really want the hare brooch)
The Earring Cafe - gorgeous lampwork beads in lovely juicy colours 
Jo Downs - fused glass.  I love her Cornish pilchard range 
Graham Muir - glass artist.  He makes beautiful waveforms
Layne Rowe - his glass blowing demonstration was amazing

Flame Off - Towcester Racecourse

Today we went to the 5th Annual Flame Off at Towcester Racecourse.  It is an event organised by Tuffnell Glass which brings together lampwork beadmakers from all over the country.  There are lots of demonstrations and stalls selling handmade lampwork beads and all the equipment needed to make them.

In the taster area, you can get tuition from the stewards and have a go, so since I have always wanted to, I did.  My first bead didn't start brilliantly as I put a bit too much glass on the mandrel but my tutor told me that it had a nice drop shape (I think she was being nice).

 

I tried to make the next bead a little neater, and was quite pleased with its shape.

My tutor was very encouraging and suggested that I rolled the next bead in frit.  Frit is tiny pieces of glass that stick to the bead and melt in.  I was quite pleased with the effect, although I couldn't get the bead to be perfectly round.

I think that I could get addicted to lampworking, it was so relaxing.  Making a bead was easier than I thought, but making a good round bead will take a lot more practise.

I will definitely be booking a lampwork course in the near future.
Sam x