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Welcome to my Studio!
An eclectic collection of fibre art, polymer clay and
paintings by Jenny Dowde
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Breaking News!
Join me in June 2010
for a Magical Mystery Fibre Tour in the Italian Alps!
Visit the Alpine Adventure Agency
Or email Daniela or me for more information about this once
in a lifetime trip!
BOOK TITLES
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....."This book is about adding surface decoration to plain knitted
or crocheted backgrounds. Some of the 35 projects are worked in a traditional
way, others in a somewhat freeform manner. The book also provides a wealth of
suggestions for creating textured surfaces in knit and crochet, using fancy
yarns, making your own braids and cords, using the collage technique - and
seeking design inspiration from computer programmes. There are also
suggestions for using store-bought braids, trims, beads, buttons, lace
inserts and all kinds of 'found objects' to create interesting surfaces as
well as a 'Toys of the Trade' chapter. The projects include a host of smaller projects such as bags, a couple
of scarves and hats, some jewellery pieces, as well as a number of beautiful
shawls and other garments. Each is decorated in a particular way, but you
don't have to use the same techniques as the author. You have the freedom to
choose your own decorative technique or to combine several to create your own
unique result. Not into knitting or crochet? No problem. Many of the decorative ideas
ideas can be used in art quilts, wall hangings or other fibre art. 192 pages.............full colour throughout ISBN:978-1-86351-375-3..................................
RRP $44.95AUD For further information or to order a
signed copy email Jenny |
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Please click Errata for corrections |
....."Working in a freeform or freestyle manner means that you are
leaping into the unknown and working outside your comfort zone and it is all
about taking risks; with techniques, design and colour decisions, not to
mention putting your creative self 'on the line'. It's also exhilarating and
satisfying when you realise you've conquered something new! For those new to
the idea of working outside the rules and making things up as you go,
Freeformations will hopefully take some of the mystery out of the freeform
concept and give you lots of ideas for creating your own unique designs. With
25 projects, Freeformations will put you well on your way to creating your own
masterpieces and enjoying your creative journey". 192 pages...Full colour throughout ISBN: 1 86351 358
2.................................. RRP $44.95AUD For further information or to order a
signed copy email Jenny |
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OOPS! My apologies! There are a couple of errors in the book. Please click Errata for corrections
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.....The main objective behind this book is to introduce readers to the wonderful world of "Taking Your Yarn For a Walk" through the mediums of colour, texture and freeform crochet and knitting. For those who like a challenge, once the techniques are learned the concept of 'scrumbling' i.e. working in a freeform manner, is easy to adapt to larger projects and to the creation of wearable art! 176 pages....Full colour throughout ISBN 1 86351 327 2.................................. RRP
$44.95AUD For further information or to order a signed copy email Jenny |
ARTIST'S STATEMENT
This is not so much an "Artist's Statement" as it is a story. A story about how a Muse called "Creativity" one day, in a twist of Fate, took me by the hand and led me on a magical journey into the world of drawing, painting, colour and design, and fibre art. They say that major decisions or changes in our lives are sometimes made for us, and this was so in my case. Accompanying a friend to drawing lessons was the 'twist of Fate". Diane dropped out after 6 months and I went on to complete 6 years of study at Art School, majoring in Painting. I loved every single moment of this creative journey and it is one that I would not hesitate to do all over again. What started as a lark back then, ended as an obsession and today I can call myself an artist. And I do so, with pride! I've learnt much over the past 17 years! The Muse remains by my side, only leaving me occasionally to teach me some humility, to ensure that I continue to learn, both from my peers and by experimenting with whatever medium is placed in my hands. Many people have influenced my various artistic pursuits; Master painters such as Cezanne, Van Gogh, Kandinsky, Miro, Klee! Polymer clay artists such as Nan Roche, Gwen Gibson, Katherine Dustin and many, many more from the Polymer Clay community. My family who are ever supportive, my friends, my students and past teachers have all played their part in making my art what is is today. I thank them all for their support and encouragement and willingness to share. Special thanks go to Paul Higgs, one of my many talented art teachers who taught me to live dangerously through the use of colour, and that nothing is precious until it is finished. Good onya mate! I will be forever grateful! I embarked on the next phase of my journey in 1987, this time into textiles. I studied machine knitting for 2 years and since colour and texture had been my passion right through Art School, I was excited by the ability to knit wonderful textures and graphic images so easily, using the machine as a tool. I pursued this medium for some years, discovering polymer clay along the way. Polymer clay was to quickly turn into yet another obsession, again one where colour and texture effects are limited only by your imagination. Perhaps the major turning point in my creative life was when I purchased a book called The Crochet Workbook by Sylvia Cosh and James Walters. Full of brilliant colour and amazing textures, this book as I turned its pages, 'spoke' to me somehow. It tugged at my heart strings, sang to me, made my creative spirit soar! In 1997 I spent an entire week at the Australian Fibre Forum with James and Sylvia learning their technique of scrumbling or as some call it, "freeform crochet". That incredible week, and those two wonderfully inspirational tutors led me down a whole new creative path. Today I not only "scrumble" at every opportunity, I also teach their technique, which I call "Taking Your Yarn For A Walk", (© Jenny Dowde 1995) with their blessing. Sadly, Sylvia passed away on July 30th 2000 after a brave fight with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration and beauty for the world to share. Thank you Sylvia! I hope you enjoy visiting my Studio! |
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