From Monday January 31^st until Sunday February 6^th 2011 the UCL Slade School of Fine Art will return to Heal’s as part of Artists in Residence 2011 with 11 artists taking part in the inspirational project over 7 days.

For one week only students from the prestigious Art School will take up residence in the windows of the flagship Heal’s store on Tottenham Court Road to create original and limited edition artwork and installations.

Heals launched this project last year to celebrate their bicentenary and it was thoroughly well received. It has the potential to showcase the talents of the students and also to lead to future collaborations.  I think this is such a great idea and an incrediable opportunity for the students

One particular artist, Alex Springer who took part in the project when it launched last year, is this year creating 6 handmade working cameras from homeware products found around the store including a Brabantia bin which customers will be encouraged to use to either take a photograph of themselve or of a product from around the store (image below).

Joseph Griffiths (image below) is creating large scale 3D laser cut butterflies Joseph will produce an installation in the window covering the walls, ceilings, floor and window.

Sophie Blagden (image below) will be modifying ready made sculptures found in second hand stores Sophie will be working live within the window with her work exhibited on plinths as each piece is complete.

Student Cansu Aladag will be creating a large scale hand knitted structure using walking sticks as knitting needles, which will cast off in-store and progressively continue to suspend across the front of the store between the columns.  She will also be hosting small workshops to teach customers how to knit so that they can help her complete the unique installation.

There will also be a workshop by Poppy Whatmore who will be producing model fantasy furniture.

Heal’s hopes to create the same excitement as last year, encouraging customers to take part and be involved in the process of seeing an original piece of art being created.

I think it will be well worth a visit…!

A customer taking part last year

Work in progress: Artists in Residence 2010, Diana Taylor

As I explore further into the world of interior styling, I am constantly discovering new talents and inspiration that pushes the boundaries and opens up a world of imagination for interior decorating.

One such talent worth discovering is Australian interior stylist, prop salon owner and author Sibella Court. Sibella has a wonderful eclectic style, combining collectibles and tid bits in the most exciting way that is alive with creativity and life!

Check out these snippets of Sibella’s amazing work

It appears ‘Perth Upmarket’ is quickly becoming known as the place to be for new local designers and craft lovers alike, to celebrate their passions for all things arty. I was so encouraged and excited by my visit to the most recent markets, with the discovery of local ceramic artist Patricia Fernandes.
Her beautiful range of printed brooches, earrings, pendants and scarf holders are created by layering traditional Indian patterns onto white porcelain, in a range of sizes and bright colours. Each of these irresistible pieces are unique, and are a wonderfully ornate addition to any bag or outfit.

Image: Brassed flowers by Patricia Fernandes

Image: Brooches by Patricia Fernandes

Speaking with Patricia and learning about how she creates her pieces, I have come to appreciate the lengthy and involved process involved and especially her awareness of her design process and its’ impact on the environment.

Image, necklaces  by Patricia Fernandes)

Follow Patricia’s design journey here and keep yp to date with the launch of her online store and new homewares collection which will include framed wall plaques. Keep an eye out for Patricia Fernandes as a designer of the future!

Having such a love of graphic design and all things pretty and floral, I can not resist the timeless and beautiful work of 1950’s designer Florence Broadhurst.

Her collections of wallpaper, fabric and print designs are still manufactured and supplied today in a variety of colours. What I adore most is the Japanese influence in her work, featuring fans, bamboo, flowers, cranes and geometric shapes, in a contemporary graphical style that is so wonderfully distinct. Wander through more of Florence Broadhurst’s fabric and lifestyle galleries here: Signature or purchse her designs here

Feature by Meghan Plowman

These pieces are by a designer called Jurianne Matter.  All her work is created from paper and transformed to make pretty objects and accessories.  I think my favourite is the first image.  I really like the colour platter she has chosen, it almost has a slight folk feel about it.  You can view more of her work at here: