#makespacetocreate

So far I’ve had 5 days in the serenity of Scotland surrounded by beautiful countryside and beaches. It has felt like the most amazing mini residency for me. I’ve had time to stop and #makespacetocreate more pieces than I have in the last 2months in London. Hoping to show you more as the week goes on. Here’s another piece I started using my Plane Tree Bark ink I made while I was here. Pretty pleased with it so far. #foragingforcolour #newartwork #artresidency #londonartistinscotland #crouchendarttrail2019 #crouchendopenstudios #londonartist #nearlyexhibitiontime #antiquemaps #nauticalcharts #alchemy #makeink #naturalartwork (at Clachan, Argyll And Bute, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwZ-YtODSDQ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=6jx9y8oa01ks

Testing out some ideas for potential new work using my homemade inks. I also went to the framers yesterday to get some bespoke made frames for two pieces of work. I can’t tell you why yet, it’s not official but if it happens then I’m going to be very excited!!! 😆 #dontjinxit #makespacetocreate #frames #bespokeframes #artwork #newideas #artist #londonartist #botanicalinks #handmadecolour #stocks #newartwork #antiquemaps #nothlondon #northfour (at Harringay) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvWSFEslcW1/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=wia34bc9wvfr

Day 13: Photography Day 14: How I Learnt I’m not doing very well at keeping up with the #marchmeetthemaker prompts so I’m squeezing two in together to try to attempt to catch up. I might still be doing this in May at this rate! Photography: Most of my photos are taken in haste. I have to quickly snap a photo in a class or at a workshop. Or I am trying to capture @pearlydoo doing something silly…she doesn’t like the camera unless @gis_a_look_man is taking the photos, and I don’t blame her, he’s so much better at it. I don’t have any fancy lights or use fancy apps, just the free #snapseed app. I don’t strive for a perfect Instagram page like some do, with perfectly composed images and beautifully colour co-ordinated. I just try to share the things that are happening in my space day to day. How I learnt: I don’t think this is an easy thing to try to explain. I guess the best way is to say that its been a long road of experience in many many different roles from PA to an artist, to making other artists work, catering, retail work, charity work, working for small start ups as admin, project manager and other roles too, working lots with lots of people of all ages, abilities and cultures, making coffee and serving food, creating artwork and props for advertising companies, having group and solo exhibitions, working a lot in schools teaching art or leading mural painting projects. I think all of the jobs you do in life eventually bring you around to being able to create your own dream by having a variety of skills built up over years and years. Things don’t happen over night and if you are ever in a job that you think isn’t “what you want to do” just remember although its perhaps not perfect, it WILL help you in the end. I value all the work and experiences I gained from a variety of positions and I wouldn’t be doing what I am doing now without that. FACT. #marchmeetthemaker #makespacetocreate #indierollermmtm #itsalllearning #londonartist #photographyskills #dowhatyoucan #northlondon #harringay @joannehawker (at Harringay) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvOzOShFmHr/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1h9lz8vsuj5hl

Day 11: Reducing waste I’m massively into recycling whatever I can. I keep pretty much everything and try to reuse it. From scrap paper, the kids drawings they ‘don’t like’, cardboard, the bits of paper from a hole punch, lids, toilet roll tubes, confetti from inside balloons, bubble wrap, tissue paper from parcels, pots, bottles, packaging. I take most things offered to me, which happens pretty much on a daily basis. Lisa, do you want this cardboard box? Lisa, do you want some paints my child no longer uses? Lisa do you want this old plastic tubing?! I pretty much always say yes. Sometimes I’ve ran out of room and have to say no but I’ll take it if I can. What’s your favourite thing to recycle? Mines definitely cardboard boxes, they are so versatile and useful! #recyclingforart #recycledart #recycle #reuse #makespacetocreate #marchmeetthemaker #indierollermmtm #mmtmday11 #artforall #usewhatyoucan #london #londonartist #harringay (at Harringay) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvESjzulTys/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1axrm6y8rqszw

Day 10: You 1.I’m a Taurus. Those of you that know a Taurus will know what this means for others. 2.I’m 5ft6” “I wish I was a little bit taller, I wish I was a baller...” 3.I love green, pink and mustard. Even better if all together. 4.Don’t talk to me before I’ve had my morning coffee. I’m quite moody. 5.I’m super duper competitive. I’ve been known to compete against myself when no one will play with me anymore, because I’m too competitive. 6.Apples are rubbish. The skin is annoying and chewy. 7.My pet hate is washing labels in clothes. They always get cut out because they are itchy and not necessary. 8.Please don’t stroke my dog. She’s not friendly to new people in her life. 9.I’m currently trying to not support fast fashion and buy my clothes in charity shops. 10.My guilty pleasure is Monty Don. He is the best....I’m slightly addicted to watching him on Netflix. 11.I won an award at school, aptly named “The Mona Lisa Award” 12.I used to own two pet rats, Prissy and Bobby, they were the best! 13.I believe if you ask the universe for help it will listen 14.I love the smell of freshly cut grass, but my hay fever doesn’t. 15.Im allergic to exercise/the gym (And yes, I’m still 5 days behind on this mmtm thing!) #makespacetocreate #marchmeetthemaker #indierollermmtm #mmtmday10 #randomfacts #aboutme #london #northlondon #londonartist #selfie #sorry (at Harringay) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvEBDJmF1eE/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=17a7p36jntzjj

Day 9: The story behind the name Sorry ladies and gentlemen, there’s not much of a story here. The space is based in the N4 postcode of London and I figured I’d mostly be running workshops soooooo there we have it The Workshop N4. I wish it was more interesting but I really just wanted a name that does what it says on the tin! I love it’s simplicity. It also humours the kids in my class to change my little light box sign from saying ‘The Workshop N4’ to ‘The Porkshow N4’ by only switching two letters. A little uncomfortable for the vegan in the room...me! #makespacetocreate #marchmeetthemaker #indierollermmtm #mmtmday9 #businessname #storybehibdname (at Harringay) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvAN6YpljYY/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1d5l3t4egkhj

Day 6: Full or part time? I think it’s more accurate to describe my work life as full, FULL time!! Which is why I need a lot of this, coffee! I’m lucky enough to have the best coffee shop @butfirstcoffeelondon right across the street from me. (Which I actually used to work in 2 days a week before I got the workshop). Since I went vegan my fav coffee is a black americano in my personal mug they bought for me 💕 My shop is nearly 2 years old now and since doing this full time I have had the best experiences. I’ve met so many lovely families, children, artists. I’ve got myself a beautiful (naughty) doggy. I’ve witnessed the making of many wonderfully inspiring art pieces. I’ve actually never been happier and feel very lucky to be able to say that. I made a big leap when I took on the workshop but I can honestly say it was more than worth the risk. I love my job! #makespacetocreate #marchmeetthemaker #indierollermmtm #mmtmday6 #lindonartist #fulltimeartist #coffeebreak #london #northlondon #dowhatyoulove #takerisks (at Harringay) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu5oaJ5lRGg/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=oty22jpp7rvo

Day 5: Detail or close up....or both! These are new pieces ready for the #crouchendopenstudios exhibition in May. I’m super excited to have another exhibition. Plus I get to show in my lovely little workshop in Harringay. If you want to see them in person keep 11th/12th May free! #marchmeetthemaker #indierollermmtm #makespacetocreate #exhibition #detailorcloseup #mmtmday5 #crouchend #londonartist #nothlondonartist #watercolour #antiquemaps (at Harringay) https://www.instagram.com/p/BuzExpylIq0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=19ts06vacgm20