Frida & Tracey

FRIDA” THE MAKING OF AN ICON & TRACEY EMIN: A SECOND LIFE : TATE MODERN. I had been to the Tracey Emin exhibition when it opened in February and hadn’t enjoyed it that much but this time I went with my daughter, first to the Frida Kahlo then (after a cup of coffee) into the Tracey Emin exhibition. I really recommend doing it that way round because it was so incredible to see the parallels in their work and lives as female artists… even down to the black cats.

Having said all that we were a bit disappointed in the Frida Kahlo show, it’s always lovely to see her work but this was a bit superficial with no real insights into the image appropriation and commodification that occurs with the ‘making of an icon’.

June Garden Roundup

A few things in the garden this month, despite the heat everything is growing like mad…except the grass that is, which has dried up and has holes dug by foxes everywhere.

Craft Festival, Bovey Tracey 2026

This really is the most fantastic event, 200 exhibitors, talks, workshops, food and kids activities. I only wish I could have been able to spend more time looking at all the beautiful work on show; a lot of jewellery and ceramics of course but also basket making, furniture, knitwear, leather, printmaking, textle art. The visitors at Bovey Tracey are so lovely, very appreciative and knowledgeable about handmade craft, often actually makers themselves. A couple of times I was asked sewing advice which was great to be able to help.

I was really pleased with how my stand design worked out, my daughter said “It looks really inviting”. It was just as busy as last year but I felt much more confident and comfortable this year; last year had been my first proper show and this one was my fourth. My sales were dramatically up on last year and on the other shows I’ve done, but more important than that was the feedback and discussion about the designs epecially about the new ones. The garden collection aprons made all the difference, I guess they have a broader appeal. Also there was huge interest in the calico toiles of the forthcoming ‘Home Collection’! Sold several potters aprons but oddly only sold a couple of bags.

Also very pleased with the bunting I made at the last minute!

Studio update

So the main thing on my mind this last week has been collecting and ordering fabric swatches for new collections and checking things, like whether they have a consistant supply. I plan to bring this sample of a new design apron, in pink organic canvas, to my stand at Craft Festival Bovey Tracey in 2 weeks (eek!).

Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit & Friends, Young V&A

I was really struck by the beautiful drawings and prep work. The intricate model-making is breathtaking, even when it’s MASSIVE like the pirates ship which goes right up to the ceiling! You can also try your hand at stop frame animation. An exhibition for older children and adults. Young V&A, London. On until 15 November 2026.

Original Print Fair – Somerset House

15 May 2026 – I got free tickets for this from my Tate Membership!

Really enjoyable, showing the breadth of techniques and approaches to printmaking. I thought it would be just contemporary printmakers, but actually there were also a lot of Picasso’s and works from Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore and Alexander Calder caught my eye. Also had a lovely lunch sitting out on the terrace (riverside of the building).

Ceramic Art 2026 – Olympia

So this was back on 8th May. I actually can’t believe I haven’t been to this annual event before, maybe put off by the venue and thinking it was more of a trade fair, it isn’t! An incredible variety of work on show, also very impressed by the inventiveness of the artist’s display stands.

Along one wall was a very long ‘hands-on’ clay table, and behind it seating, stage and screen for talks & demos. There was also a big shopping area, potters supplies etc and books. Very impressed with the amount of seating/chairs, plenty of space for chatting and coffee. Next year I will go with a friend and a budget!

May in the garden

The last day of May 2026, the garden has really woken up despite the hot dry weather. Most mornings I go out into the garden with my breakfast cup of tea and deadhead flowers, fill in the holes the foxes have dug overnight and even just sit and enjoy the company of beautiful plants!

Hurvin Anderson – Tate Britain

I have a Tate card so will be going to this exhibition again! We went to Tate Britain last week to catch the Constable/Turner exhibition that was ending on Sunday, which to be honest we didn’t enjoy. It was extremely crowded and we found the huge canvases oppressive, the sketch work was nice though. The Hurvin Anderson exhibition was a wonderful breath of fresh air in comparison. Large canvases full of light… or very dense foliage! I’ve never been to the Carribean but he made you feel very connected.

Hurvin Andersin • Tate Britain, London • until 23 August 2026