Featured Maker: Jenny MacKendrick

Jenny is a Bristol based illustrator and maker. Since completing a Drawing and Applied Arts degree at the University of the West of England she has worked from her studio at home where she loves to make things including nursery artwork, monsters from socks and brooches from felt.

Jenny has developed her own brand of fun gifts and artwork under the name of 'Stitch-ink', and with a wide range of products, she believes there is something for everyone!

As well as producing her colourful sock monsters, Jenny is also a member of the Drawn In Bristol crew, creating equally colourful illustrations. For her illustration projects Jenny works most in ink and watercolour but can manipulate a number of media depending on the mood of the piece in question. She has exhibited in and curated group shows around Bristol with friends and has had a number of private clients from hospitals to child minders.

www.stitch-ink.co.uk

Jenny's playful pieces will be available in the Paper • Scissors • Stone Volume 2 Temporium until the 24 July - come along to the launch party to see them for yourself!

Featured Maker: Sarah Dennis

Sarah Dennis is a freelance illustrator living in Bristol. With an interest in narrative, drawing and collage, Sarah’s artwork is inspired by themes of nature and childhood. Her work combines traditional collage with contemporary techniques to create a bold unique and stylised imagery that's bursting with charm.

For her current series of collages which will feature in-store, Sarah has developed a new and enchanting style inspired by Chinese paper cutting.

Sarah has been commissioned for editorials, children's illustration's, web design and products. Sarah is also available on request to create bespoke unique artwork.

www.sarah-dennis.co.uk

Sarah's cut outs will be making their debut with Paper • Scissors • Stone from the 7th of June. Find your invite to the Volume 2 launch party here - we very much hope to see you there!

Introducing Mermaid in England

We are very excited about the exclusive swimwear collection being launched at Paper Scissors Stone next Wednesday. We (or at least some professional models) will also be demonstrating the remarkable colour-changing swimwear range from Bristol company Mermaid in England in the Quakers Friars fountains at 5pm for your amazement and enjoyment.

Mermaid in England have started a swimwear revolution by combining colour change design with cool and contemporary silhouettes to create the unique AquaChange swimwear range; a collection of 13 astounding pieces of swimwear that change colour and pattern in water. Get Mermaid in England swimwear wet and watch as the water reveals the hidden design creating a stunning new look to the swimsuit. As the suit dries it quickly returns to the original look. 

This exciting development in swimwear design is all a colourful illusion; no chemicals have been added to the fabrics. Mermaid in England is proud to be designed and made in the UK and Paper Scissors Stone will be Mermaid in England's first retail stockist - Hurrah!

The ‘Vive la Swimwear Revolution’ collection is inspired by rock n roll glamour, retro cool and wild urban colour, the collection offers an exciting new choice in swimwear and a unique edge no other swimwear line has ever had. Shimmering neutral tones transform to wild animal prints and retro stripes; bold jewelled hues melt to reveal inner mermaids and beach babes. The range will include cute bandeau bikinis, in striking reds and cool whites that change to adorable polka dot prints and rainbow fades. Perfectly fitted string bikinis, in pale gold reveal striking leopard prints when wet and dramatic silver grey cut out swimsuits reveal daring zebra prints in water.

Mermaid in England’s Aquachange swimwear was launched in 2011 and has already won an award for design and innovation in the UK. Designer Natasha Berry explained how she came across the idea: “I bought a white bikini that had turned almost completely see through when wet, a totally embarrassing experience and a nightmare every girl dreads. This is when I came up with the idea to add a pattered lining to the swimsuit and change a design flaw into a design feature, and as no chemicals have been added to the fabrics, the effect never wears out or fades.” 

Mermaid in England also has strong beliefs in ethical garment manufacturing and excellent standards of quality. Consequently the entire collection is produced in the United Kingdom by a highly skilled team using luxurious Italian fabrics printed locally. 

Come and watch the swimwear in action at 5pm on June 6 in the fountains in Quakers Friars.

Featured Maker: Elsie Belle

Established by Liz Fennings in 2004, Elsie Belle is a vibrant Bristol based jewellery company showcasing a selection of unusual and eye-catching gems, trinkets and tiny treasures.

 All their pieces are handmade in their Stokes Croft studio using vintage and inspired components sourced from around the world such as beautiful vintage brass stampings and charms, Japanese lucite flowers, Czech glass beads, porcelain cabochons and hand-wired fresh water pearls.

 Their jewellery has been featured in a number of fashion publications including Vogue, Look, Heat, Grazia, Cosmopolitan and the Sunday Times, whilst celebrity fans include Mary Portas, Holly Willoughby, Fern Cotton, Alexandra Burke and Pixie Lott.

www.elsiebelle.com

Elsie Belle's beautiful jewellery will be available in the Paper • Scissors • Stone Volume 2 Temporium from the 7th of June. Come along to the launch party!

Featured Maker: Gabriela Romagna

Gabriela currently studies Illustration at UWE Bristol. She has a fascination with animals and patterns which reflects within her work, but also loves to draw people, houses and landscapes, among other things.

Every now and then she creates 3D illustrations; at the moment she is hand sewing plush dog models. Gabriela gets inspired by things around her - namely colours, shapes, music, ancient art and foreign cultures. With a vibrant imagination, the young artist says she "sees the world in colours and shapes" and loves to get lost in imaginary worlds when reading books and listening to music.

http://gabrielasillustrations.brushd.com

Gabriela's imaginative work will soon be available in the Paper • Scissors • Stone Volume 2 Temporium. Come along to the launch party to see the artwork for yourself - we'd love to see you there!

Preview & Interview: Maze Open Studios

Maze Studios in Barton Hill provide creative spaces for artists and makers to develop their practice, and currently comprises of 14 studio spaces, communal workshops and ceramics rooms. Their artists specialise in Ceramics, and have an extensive background in Fine Art & Design.

As part of the Bristol Biennial Maze studios are opening their doors for an open studio event, plus holding free workshops in print and ceramics to all their visitors. These workshops will incorporate the Biennial theme of Storytelling and are being hosted between 11am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd of June.

We spoke with the Maze team, ahead of this exciting event.


What's the history of Maze Studio?

Maze studios started of as a small Venture between two Bristolian artists looking for a space to continue teaching and making. It is now run by four inspired and active artists, all with a passion for expanding what Maze has to offer as a modern progressive studio space.

How many artists are active within the studio?

There are 16 studio spaces in total, which are available as whole or shared spaces. We currently have three artists renting full spaces and 15 artists renting shared spaces. Although most are working with ceramics there are backgrounds from fine art, illustration, sculpture and glasswork we are also host to visiting artists.

How is Maze Studio different to other creative studios in Bristol?

Maze Studios is probably one of the smaller studios in size in Bristol but because of this we are able to get involved easily with allot of events and make things happen allot faster. We are extremely well equipped for artists working with ceramics as a medium so this is our specialist area. In addition to the studio spaces there are other workshop areas for our artists to use. We find it really important to encourage a diversity of Artists working in different mediums.

What are some of the challenges when opening your studios to the public?

As Maze Studios is a relatively new set-up, a lot of people may not know we're even here so our main challenge will be getting the public to come to us as well as the more established studios who have already made a name for themselves but we are looking forwards to showing that Maze also has a lot to offer.  

What can visitors expect to see at your open day?

We have a weekend of free workshops inviting the public to try out an exciting technique of printing onto clay. There will also be a combination of sculptural ceramic art and functional design exhibiting both contemporary and traditional values. All of our current artists will be displaying a selection of their work and there will be the opportunity to find out more and talk with our artists.

What do you enjoy about inviting the public into your studio spaces?

At Maze studios (which is a Community Interest Company) we enjoy finding ways to interact within the Bristol community. It is always a fantastic opportunity to showcase work by our local artists and makers whilst allowing the public to find out about workshops we run and the facilities at Maze. 

What's the best thing about being a creative in Bristol?

Bristol has such a great scene with so many talented artists and a strong artist network which, when combined, opens up lots of exciting collaborative opportunities.

Do you have any local arts events you're especially looking forward to this summer?

We like to get involved in arts trails and events so we are looking forwards to being part of the Bristol Biennial Community Arts Festival when we will be having our open studios. We have just been involved in Southbank Arts Trail and are looking forwards to participating in Easton and Windmill Hill Arts Trails.

If Maze was a biscuit, what biscuit would it be and why?

We are like those animal biscuits, because we're a bit of the hoof and you never know what you’re going to get next.

Maze Studios Open Studio and Print Workshop will be held on Saturday the 2nd and Sunday the 3rd of June. Not to be missed!

Find Maze Studios....

Featured Maker: Stephanie Sarlos

Stephanie Sarlos aka fräuleinwunder is a German designer and screen printer based in Hamilton House, Bristol. She likes bold and simple designs sometimes verging on the minimal, with use of bright colours.

She draws her inspiration from nature and food. The fabric for the cushions are sourced from small obscure fabric shops, second hand stalls or sometimes from Bavarian cloisters, thus giving old pieces of cloth a new lease of life.

www.stephaniesarlos.com

We're happy to announce that Stephanie's designs will be available in-store, as part of Volume 2 of the Paper • Scissors • Stone Temporium, held from the 7th of June until the 24th of July. Find your invite to the launch party here and mingle with the Made In Bristol team!

Featured Maker: Rosalind Howard

Rosalind Howard is a designer and stationer with a base in Bristol. She offers a range of unique social stationery from thank you notes to party invitations, as well as cards for birthdays and other special occasions. Initially training as a graphic designer, Rosalind has had experience working with various printers and stationary companies, before launching her very own range in 2010.

Her current range takes its inspiration from nostalgic days gone by with retro typography and vintage photographs forming a strong theme throughout the designs.

Rosalind Howard also offers a bespoke and personalised service for wedding, business and personal stationery, combining traditional and contemporary design. From business cards and correspondence cards to wedding invitations and table plans, Rosalind's stationary offers something a little different.

www.rosalindhoward.com

Rosalind's lovely stationary will be available in the Paper • Scissors • Stone Volume 2 Temporium from June 7. Find your launch party invitation on the evening of the 6 June here - and be the first to get your hands on some gorgeous, locally produced stationary!

Preview: Bristol Biennial

Held from the 1st until the 16th of June, the Bristol Biennial is a coming together of the vibrant Bristol arts community, and looks set to be one of the biggest local art events of the summer. Visitors can expect Open Studio events, independent film screenings, artist talks and performances and, perhaps most intriguingly, "horse drawings", all of which will be on display across the city.

A theme has been chosen for selected artists and studios to work on and the inaugural year's is 'Storytelling', an imaginative theme which will undoubtedly allow artists to explore folk law, fairy tales, literature and much more besides, cumulating in a vibrant display of artwork, performances and film.

Will Kendrick

The Bristol Biennial team explain:

"Storytelling exists in all facets of life: we tell stories and anecdotes to engage others and break down isolating barriers between individuals or groups. Storytelling can enrich our lives, it can be cathartic, it can impart wisdom or illustrate values and customs. The event will also host international artists and curators, creating a universal dialogue about the nature of identity and communication through exhibitions, performances and symposiums."

Horse Painting, a installation piece by Lina Löfstrand

Here at Made In Bristol we're not ashamed to admit we are more than a little bit excited for this event. Spread across over 25 locations around Bristol, and featuring a whole host of creative talent in the visual arts field, there's something for everyone, and looks set to be an art event like no other.

Also our friends at Drawn in Bristol are taking part with an specially created illustration exhibition exploring ‘Myths & Legends’ from around the world. You are invited to embark on a journey with a selection of Bristol’s finest illustrative storytellers, taking you to a bygone world populated by mythical creatures, heroic characters and wondrous places. Expect to discover the ancient, the alarming and the magnificent at The Showroom at the bottom of Park Street (opposite Collage Green) from June 10 -17.
They are even having a launch party with Pimms & cake on Sunday June 10. More details here.

We spoke with the chief organiser of the event, Catherine Bourne, and asked her to shine a light on the up coming festival events.

What is the Bristol Biennial?

The inaugural Bristol Biennial Community Arts Festival is a large scale event that highlights the diversity of Contemporary and Community arts based practice in Bristol. Our aim is to encourage community participation in the arts, while also encouraging exchange with artists who work in both a craft based and a conceptual manner. With Storytelling as the theme, we have selected practitioners both local and international, whose work has a community focus by commenting on the economic or sociocultural realities that affect us.

Our central outcomes for this project are to promote Bristol as city with a vibrant art centre, while also representing some of the diverse wider local community that make this city unique.

Who are you and what is your background?

I’m Catherine Bourne one of the main festival organisers. I have trained in fine arts at a number of Australian universities. As a visual artist I’ve participated in residencies and exhibited in Australia, China, The Netherlands, Norway and the UK. I worked for a time as an administrative assistant at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. I’ve also performed and toured as a musician and with musicians in Australia, Asia and Europe.

Martyn Cross

Why Bristol?

We live here because we love it! Bristol has such an amazing array of talent. The diversity of artist run spaces, independent arts related projects and the support for empty shops initiatives such as Capacity were critical factors. We felt that the diverse Bristol arts community could benefit from exposure that incorporated many of the elements that were so crucial to this city but had yet to be brought together in a large scale event. So in this way my engagement with this Festival brings together both personal and professional factors.

Who are you most looking forward to seeing exhibit?

It’s hard to pick favourites as I feel so invested with all of the participants. If I was to consider some that best represent our shared values I would say Bari Ziperstein’s 1095: One Years Worth of Other Peoples Plates, a project that invites the public to donate items that are re-distributed via a public event, Martyn Cross’s Crumbling Into Dust that incorporates the stories and urban myths associated with English eccentric characters and the MadeScapes group who ask us to question both the economic and virtual (digital and internet enabled) realities that impact on our understanding of what it is to communicate in the contemporary world.

Madescape

Which has been your favourite space to programme in Bristol? 

The Capacity venues have been a pleasure to program. These non-traditional venues such as the Showroom, Parlour or Looking Glass provide such a great service by assisting the arts community, so it has been very rewarding to know that our participation can go in some way to promoting their aims.

For me these spaces best represent how in participation with the local Council, the arts community can be assisted to support those who need opportunity while also allowing public access to the arts outside of a formal institutionalized art environment. It’s also rewarding to know that these spaces, so integral to the development of artists, can be assisted to encourage the support of a wider audience in a manner that allows the participation of the wider Bristol community.

What's the biggest challenge when organising an event of this size?

It would have to be the issues that relate to the administration and financial realities that factor into the realization of such a large scale project. What softens the blow is the generosity we have received from divergent aspects within the Bristol community such as the Zion Community Art Space and the Bristol City Council’s Neighbourhood Arts project. It has been rewarding to know that without formal corporate sponsorship that such a project could be realised.

On another level it means that we have had to be resourceful by seeking ways to run our events in a manner that sees the best possible outcomes from limited means. In this way the support we have received from our wholly based volunteer Biennial team, and the Bristol arts scene and community based initiatives, have been crucial to overcoming these challenges.

Martyn Cross

Any advice for visitors to make the most of the event? 

By attending our public launch on Friday June 1st at the Festival Hub 32 College Green, you can meet the artists and community groups involved. For those who want to know more about the individual projects we’re holding artist talks at our various venues and the Biennial Hub and at RWA on the 8th and 14th Of June, there’s more info online. We’ve been busy distributing maps and event info, and the printed programme will be launched along with the festival so we’d encourage visitors to grab those.

If the Bristol Biennial was a biscuit, what biscuit would it be?

We’d probably be Jammy Dodgers!

www.bristolbiennial.com

Featured Maker: StuffedNonsense

StuffedNonsense is run by its two founders: Bex and El. Meeting at a boring day job four years ago, the duo made the decision to start making plush monsters in their spare time as a way to alleviate the tedium. We are supper glad they did because their creations are fantastic!

Since then their work has gone from strength to strength cumulating in a range of ten handmade plush monsters. Characters include the super small and ever popular 'Human Bean' and the grumpy-faced insomniac 'Long John'. Their designs are often based on common sayings and phrases ('Dust Bunnies' and 'Frowny Puss's') and celebrate bright fabrics and hand embroidered details.

The unique work of StuffedNonsense will be showcased in Volume 2 of the  Paper • Scissors • Stone Temporium (temporary emporium!) - the launch of which is happening next Wednesday!

Grab yourself an invite here.

Featured Maker: Zara's Chocolates

Zara’s Chocolates, run by Zara Narracott, is a small, independent chocolatier based in Bristol and we are very happy she is taking part in Volume 2 of Paper Scissors Stone. The amount of love and thought that goes into each and every chocolate is really tangible and from stunning chocolate roses, to tempting salted pralines, and their trademark chocolate teacups; Zara isn't afraid to try out new ideas.

By using ethically-sourced chocolate, you can feel that little bit better about munching your way through Zara’s delicious treats. No unnecessary ingredients are added either and the chocolate used is gluten free so there are no hidden surprises (just yummy chocolate!)

www.zaraschocolates.co.uk

Zara's Chocolates will be available to purchase from the Paper • Scissors • Stone pop-up shop from June 7 until July 24. Hurrah!

Featured Maker: Harriet St Leger

After graduating from Central St Martins with a first, Harriet St Leger set up her workshop with the help of a New Craftsman grant from the Craft Council. She works to commission, supplies galleries and exhibits at craft shows and Goldsmiths Fair. She creates jewellery that combines richly coloured layered enamel with mixed metals such as silver, copper, 18ct gold and pearls.

The images come from natural forms, plants, birds and sea life. She draws inspiration from Botanic Gardens where she photographs not only seed pods and fantastic leaf shapes, but also patterns caused by leaf growth and the spaces in between.

Her latest inspiration comes from the Natural History Museum where she has been studying the marine algae and seaweed collections behind the scenes. The extraordinary range of unbelievably delicate forms through to bold wild shapes and colours is the source of a fascinating new range of jewellery for men and women.

www.harrietstlegerdesigns.co.uk

Harriet's jewellery will be featured in Volume 2 of Paper • Scissors • Stone from 7 June until the 24 July. Come along to our launch party on Wednesday June 6 from 5pm - it is going to be super fun!

Featured Maker: Pigeon

Pigeon (real name Abi Ponton) describes her own work as ‘honest pencil scratchings’ and draws her inspiration from all sorts of sources, but mostly from what she thinks Mama Pigeon would enjoy. The illustrator's images are bursting with colour and her quirky creatures are full of character. Her folky style stems from her natural way of drawing, often joined with hand-drawn patterns and eccentric comments.

Pigeon was "hatched" in Essex and was soon drawing, painting, making and sewing, before flying the nest to get herself an Illustration degree in Cheltenham. When the weather turned cold she flew south to Bristol, where she now resides, always foraging for new projects and collaborations.

Pigeon's creations will be appearing in Volume 2 of Paper • Scissors • Stone from 7 June until the 24 July. Come along to our launch party on Wednesday June 6 from 5pm. 

Bristol Contemporary Art Pop-Up

The Bristol Contemporary Art describes itself as a "showcase for some of the best of the southwest's emerging artists."And for all you lucky art lovers, the gallery will be opening it's doors from the 29th May to 18th June 2012 as part of the Bristol Biennial.

In it's fantastic exhibition space in Cabot Circus, the gallery will be exhibiting the works of 18 artists from a wide variety of disciplines.

Confirmed exhibiting artists so far will be Abigail McDougall, Leah-Ellen Heming, Helen Williams, Marjorie Dumortier, Bridgid Heming, Rachel Milne, Rebecca Howard, Kate Evans, Bjorn Lie, Natasha Evans, Tom Frost, Emily Ketteringham, Emma Dibben, Rupert Morley, Rich Murphy, Susanne Baekby Olesen and Simon Tozer.

We caught up with artist and organiser Abigail McDougall - to find out more about the project and the exciting event.

Hi Abigail! What is Bristol Contemporary Art? 

Bristol Contemporary art is an online gallery and platform for emerging artists who do not already have major gallery representation to promote their work. The gallery is mainly an online venture, but I also organize a couple of shows per year to promote it.

Abigail's fantastic work.

How does it feel to be exhibiting as part of the Bristol Biennial?

It feels exciting because it will be a completely new adventure to be exhibiting in Cabot Circus. It's a great opportunity to bring art to people who might not ordinarily get to attend many art exhibitions and it's great that there will be so many other events taking place at the same time.

How have you interpreted the Storytelling theme of the festival?

All of the 18 artists have interpreted the theme in their own personal ways. Some tell very local stories, depicting the history of the here and now in Bristol and England, some artists are more illustrative and therefore their work has an intrinsic quality of storytelling. All the artists will be writing a short story about how their work came about to help the viewer understand the story behind their work.

Bjorn Lie

What makes Cabot Circus a great place to exhibit?

Cabot Circus really seems to be embracing the spirit of handmade food, gifts and music at the moment with all the festivals and markets its holding. It's great that the big high street giants can mingle with local organizations because it creates a much more authentic community vibe about the place. I think this is a vital integration for town centers, especially during the recession when the high streets of the UK are in such decline.

What can visitors expect from a visit to your pop-up gallery in Cabot Circus?

They can expect to see some really top- quality artwork from some of Bristol's most successful up and coming artists, including contemporary modern pieces and more traditional illustrative pieces. Also there will be affordable gifts and greetings cards and some exciting animal sculpture pieces from Barry Lewis as well.

Tom Frost

What do you most enjoy about exhibiting locally? 

I have been exhibiting locally all over for the past five years and I really find it very interesting to be able to meet the people who see the art and find out how they react to it. It's a really personal experience.

Which artist are you most excited to be showcasing?

I'm excited about showing a piece by Tom Frost, his career has gone crazy in the last few months and he's been selling out at art fairs around the country, so I am lucky to get my hands on a piece. Also Barry Lewis is a hugely successful local sculptor who sells out at his exhibitions, so I'm very lucky to get a few pieces of his as well.

Natasha Evans

Are you looking forward to any other local arts events this summer in Bristol?

Yes, very much looking forward to the Jamaica Street Open Studios weekend, the 8th 9th and 10th of June, it's always very exciting, there are around 40 professional artists exhibiting in their studio spaces.

If Bristol Contemporary Art was a biscuit, what biscuit would it be and why?

You're obsessed with biscuits! It would be a ginger flavour crunch cream, because it's crunchy, spicy, and luxuriously creamy.

www.bristolcontemporaryart.com

Featured Maker: Bethan Buss

Beth is a Bristol based designer maker and a Drawn in Bristol member. Her passion for animals leads to humorous depictions of a variety of different characters wearing, for example; a piece of clothing, a superhero cape or a pair of glasses!

She always works in pen and ink as it easily translates into the screen printing process. Every T-shirt and Art print is hand screen printed by Beth using eco-friendly inks and sustainable materials.

Beth works under the alias "Boodle".

www.boodleboutique.com

Beth's work will be appearing in Volume 2 of Paper • Scissors • Stone from 7 June until the 24 July.
Come along to our launch party!