Bloom in the park
Back in May I took the plunge and decided to apply for the craft village at Bloom in the park in Phoenix park, Dublin. I had exhibited at Bloom previously in 2008 and 2009 and even brought home an award for best craft stand, which I was delighted with. The van going home in 2009 was also full of greenery, ferns and orchids which still flower today on our window sill. They have thrived on very little attention!
For the first time in years I had really lost momentum in my work and the drive to push it on. I was also feeling quite isolated working from home. Bloom gave me great focus and on the days I exhibited there, the opportunity to socialise and meet my customers.
Bloom has a wonderful festive vibe and its a great day out; especially with the sunny and hot weather we had in early summer. It was a long and very busy show over 5 days, but the atmosphere and energy of the people kept me going, as well as family and friends who helped me out.
What I was most delighted with at the show was the reaction to my new series of work ‘textural creatures’ based on the structures, details and components found in nature. These are approached in a completely different way to that of ‘the lives of birds’ work. Created using stitch techniques on the machine, but in an unorthodox and unconventional way to form luscious surface texture and colour.
‘Another world’ SOLD
‘Green creatures’ SOLD
This work was exhibited alongside ‘the lives of birds’ artwork, prints and home wares.
One thing I realised at Bloom was the amount of people who have jug fetishes! These proved very popular as were the ‘for the birds’ cake plates, which mainly bought as engagement and wedding gifts.
It was a fantastic show and beyond my expectation. It gave me the spur on that I needed to get back on track with my work. hopefully I will be lucky enough to exhibit there next year.
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