Get To Know: Christine Watson!

This week we interview the lovely Christine Watson who has been with us at the EFO since the very beginning!! 

 1.       What was the first piece of art you remember making?

 Although I have always drawn and painted as long as I can remember my clearest memories of creating artworks was in my RE lessons where we had to make a series of pictures illustrating episodes from the Bible. I was especially proud of my depiction of St Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus. My teacher Mrs Thornley praised it highly but added that although I was good a drawing I was certainly not a genius - a baffling comment as at the age of nine I had never really reflected on my ability one way or the other!

       

        2.   If you were an animal, what would you be?

 Probably all three of my cats who live life to the full in very different ways but totally on their own terms.

  

        3.  An indulgence

 Swimming in the sea at the beach at Marathias near Neapolis in the very southern Peloponnese. Beautiful warm, clear water shared only with a few locals - the madding crowd have yet to spoil it with their noise and clutter!

        

        4. When making art, what is your biggest mind block?

 Having worked as a professional artist for over 30 years the concept of mind block is irrelevant and I have learnt to work through the bad times in order to create the good ones. Waiting for the muse to arrive is not an option and I have to work to a strict routine much as I would in any job.

       5. Favourite place in East Finchley? 

 It has to be the Phoenix Cinema! Before we moved to East Finchley we used to go to the Phoenix very frequently on the 102 bus from Temple Fortune and in the end it seemed simpler to move house in 1989. We've been members for years and cherish the wide and varied programme ranging from Led Zepplins Celebration to All is Lost to Whiplash.

       6. What inspires you to make more art?

 A quest for perfection! If I ever reach the stage when I feel I have created the perfect picture I'll know it's time to give up  - but as only a handful of us achieve that goal I know I'll be painting hard for ever. Each painting I make is a rehearsal for the next!

        

     7. How did you get involved in the East Finchley Open?

I was involved from the outset and was one of the exhibitors at the famous concert given by Sarah Downs and her ensemble at the church in Durham Road.

            

       8.  What is your fondest memory of London?

It has to be the Olympics - such an amazing summer filled with the feel good factor and the excitement that London actually got it right!

       9. What are you doing at the moment?

 Painting hard, etching even harder and teaching harder still. I have plans but am keeping those under wraps for the time being!

      10. Where in Social Media can people find you? (Facebook, twitter..)

Twitter @cswsc96

www.christinewatson.co.uk

Facebook Christine Watson and Christine Watson's Art Classes - shows much of the brilliant work done by my hardworking students!

Get to know: Daphne Carnegy

      We have officially started working on this year's events so we are working as hard as ever to get these interviews published so that you will get to know us better before our first exhibitions and the very important Open House Weekends. This week we chat to Daphne Carnegy who creates beautiful ceramics.

1.       What was the first piece of art you remember making?

Depends what you call art!  When I was growing up I loved drawing, and, like many others, I made pinch pots at school.  I read French at university and then got a job in publishing in London.  During this time, I started going to pottery evening classes and got completely hooked on making coil pots.  I had never considered ceramics as a possible career until I went to live in France and was offered a place as an apprentice to a potter in Burgundy.  After that there was no turning back!

       

2.       If you were an animal, what would you be?

A dog (with a devoted owner!)

  

3.       An indulgence

Campari soda

        

4.       When making art, what is your biggest mind block?

Physically getting started – I tend to procrastinate by finding a myriad other things to do!

5.       Favourite place in East Finchley? 

The Islington and St Pancras Cemetery.  It is like a vast nature reserve, quite wild in parts, with many interesting birds and of course foxes.  I walk my dog there most mornings and it is a quiet time for reflection and gathering my thoughts for the day ahead.

6.       What inspires you to make more art?

Drawing plants and looking at art generally.  Museums and exhibitions are always stimulating in some way. I am also inspired by earliest examples of tin-glazed earthenware (eg: Islamic, Spanish) before designs became too refined and sophisticated.

        

7.       How did you get involved in the East Finchley Open?

I was a member from the outset.  It seemed like a good idea to get to know other local artists and makers.

            

8.       What is your fondest memory of London?

Walking along Bankside and the docks long before the whole area was developed.  It was very atmospheric and you could smell the spices.

9.       What are you doing at the moment?

Designing tiles for ‘The Crafted City’ which will be part of London Craft Week in May 2015

10.   Where in Social Media can people find you? (Facebook, twitter..)

I am on Facebook and my website is www.daphnecarnegy.com

Our next blog post will be a bit different as it will be about our famous Open Houses and what you can expect this year from us. Stay tuned!!

Get to Know: Alison Michie

This week is the turn for Textiles, and first in line is the lovely Alison Michie! She does amazing work with felt for the EFO. 

1. What was the first piece of art you remember making?

       

In my childhood...I have no idea, most probably a painting. I remember painting a painting of a duck pond and a tree.

       2.   If you were an animal, what would you be?

        Something fluffy

       

        3.  An indulgence

        

        Flowers

        4. When making art, what is your biggest mind block?

      I don’t particular get them. 

       5. Favourite place in East Finchley? 

       Favourite place? Jennie Mann flower shop

       6. What inspires you to make more art?

        

      A deadline!!!

     7. How did you get involved in the East Finchley Open?

     

Through a member, Jane, who suggested to come along

      

       8.  What is your fondest memory of London?

At the moment, Dennis Severs’ house which I wanted to see for years and years.

       9. What are you doing at the moment?

Waiting for the next deadline…haha

       10. Where in Social Media can people find you? (Facebook, twitter..)

Nowhere I’m afraid! 

Get to Know: Caitlin Smail

Today's turn goes to Caitlin Smail who not only paints but is also an amazing photographer!

1. What was the first piece of art you remember making?

My father was creative director of an ad agency in the 60s. As a child I remember lying on the floor of his office with a seemingly enormous A2 pad of paper and big fat 'magic markers' which I thought smelled wonderful. I created fantasy stories and characters that would keep me amused for hours. I would get completely lost in the experience... I discovered the joys of creativity and imagination (and of course the intoxicating effects of magic markers).

2.   If you were an animal, what would you be? 

I've always envied my cat... she seems to have the right idea when it comes to the good life. Asleep most of the day, lazing in the sun - then out on the town for a wild night life after dark.

3.  An indulgence

As someone who is a bit obsessed by food, it would have to be a really good vanilla ice cream and an expresso... it's a perfect combination of contrasts: white and black, cold and hot, sweet and bitter (mmm... total bliss)

 4. When making art, what is your biggest mind block?

Starting a new project is always difficult. I tend to prevaricate and find excuses not to go into the studio (the washing up needs doing). However, once I get going the washing up can pile up for as long as it likes.

5. Favourite place in East Finchley? 

The Phoenix Cinema... how did we survive without it for all those months of refurbishment? I finally became a member recently and now try and go every week.

6. What inspires you to make more art?

Other people's art. If I am every in need of inspiration, a quick trip to the Tate will sort me out. I come back brimming with ideas.

7. How did you get involved in the East Finchley Open?

When I moved into the area 5 years ago I didn't know anyone, so one of the first things I did was to put myself on the waiting list for membership of the EFO. It finally came through in 2013. It's been a great way to connect with other artists and keep in touch with what's going on artistically in the area.

8.  What is your fondest memory of London?

Too many to mention... I've lived here since 1961!

9. What are you doing at the moment?

Planning 2 upcoming exhibitions of art therapy work (what I do when I am not being an artist). All members are welcome at the private view on 20th Feb at the Tavistock Artspace in Hampstead.

10. Where in Social Media can people find you? (Facebook, twitter..)

Twitter - @arttherapy4all

Facebook - The art therapy agency

Websites - www.caitlinsmail.net     www.artherapyexhibition.co.uk    www.arttherapy4all.co.uk

Get to know: Ann Froomberg

This week we sit down to find out more about artist Ann Froomberg who paints silk for the EFO.

1. What was the first piece of art you remember making?

       I remember drawing and painting all my childhood and I have never stopped. I do remember an incident in infant school when the Head teacher made a special point of commenting on one of my drawings which I vividly remember was of people skating....she remarked on my illustration of the skates.

       2.   If you were an animal, what would you be?

       No idea......but I have always said if I had another life I would like to come back as a very loved and pampered domestic cat. I think cats are beautiful, I love the way they move, however, they are ruthless so not sure that would suit me.

        3.  An indulgence

        A warm and sunny holiday in my flat by the Red Sea

        4. When making art, what is your biggest mind block?

        I am very lucky, as to date, I have never had a “block”. I know I need to be relaxed and in a good space to create, but as my “day job” is commercial design, I had to learn many years ago to keep the creative juices flowing as there were always deadlines to meet.

       5. Favourite place in East Finchley? 

       I lived in East Finchley for 30 years in a beautiful cul-de-sac called Shakespeare Gardens......it has very special memories for me and I miss living there.

       6. What inspires you to make more art?

        I am very peaceful when I have a paintbrush in my hand, I love the act of painting, mixing colours and creating shapes, I usually listen to music at the same time. So I suppose it’s such a pleasure that I just want to keep making more designs. I find every piece of work a challenge and different from anything else I have ever created before...so I am never bored. As I am a designer by profession I need to work to earn a crust too.

 7. How did you get involved in the East Finchley Open?

       Many years ago I visited the Brighton Festival and had my first taste of open studios. I was so excited by the whole experience and thought how I would love to open my home if the opportunity ever came my way. In 2004 I received a flyer through my door with information about the first EFO open house exhibitions. Consequently I visited every house and then, at the first art fair in Nov 2004 I made enquiries how to join which I did immediately. I have been very involved ever since.

      

       8.  What is your fondest memory of London?

       I have lived in London all my life and my memories are too numerous to mention.....this is a really hard question. I know one of my favourite places is Kenwood on Hampstead Heath, so I guess some of my fondest memories were the picnic concerts many years ago (when anyone could just turn up, lay down a rug and enjoy the occasion), especially if there were fireworks.

       9. What are you doing at the moment?
       I am a freelance textile designer by profession so I am always working on the next design collection.
       I also have just completed a new furnishing fabric collection which is being exhibited in Germany and I paint silks for the EFO and I am just starting to think about new work for the Open in the summer.

       10.Where in Social Media can people find you? (Facebook, twitter..)

        I have a website: www.annfroombergdesign.com

       I am also on Facebook: Ann Froomberg Hand Painted Silks