FEATURED ARTIST - Jenny Manning - Knitaquilt

How long have you been creating art and how did you get started?For as long as I can remember I have knitted, crocheted, woven, wrapped, drawn and painted. I completed a degree in Sculpture from the Canberra School of art in the 1980s during which time I challenged the orthodoxy by weaving and crocheting with rope rather than welding in steel

What is the main inspiration and influences for your work?I am interested in creating textiles that can be used in a variety of ways. Hand knitted mohair rugs are light and warm and offer me opportunities to explore my interest in pattern and colour while creating a practical object

When and how did you realise, this what you wanted to do with your life?I have always been involved in making things as a counterpoint to an exciting, stimulating but consuming life as an educator at the National Gallery of Australia. I spent 24 years there and have just completed my first year of retirement during which time I have explored my creative potential with great energy

What other areas of life have shaped your work as an artist?Working for so long with a marvelous collection of Australian and International works of art has given me a critical eye for excellence and an interest in creating original and unique works of art

How would you describe the art & design scene in Canberra?Vibrant

What have you learnt most about establishing yourself as an artist?I am still learning and have many fields to explore both for my business KNITAQUILT and for my painting and drawing practice.

Where would you like to take your art in the future?I would like KNITAQUILT to be a successful business. Knitting patchwork quilts is a very satisfying, meditative and soothing activity. I have sold many kits in the past and have run workshops demonstrating techniques. Scores of individuals have made their own rugs from my kits and I hope many more will do so in the future.

What advice do you have for other artists hoping to follow in your footsteps?
Look at a successful traditional technique, learn the basics and then add your own approach keeping in mind both marketability and aesthetic sensibility

URL www.knitaquilt.com.au for knitting kits www.jennymanningdesigns.blogspot.com for artworks

Re-Loved 2

Fashion parade and display. Sounds like a lot of fun. Commences 6:30 Thursday 22 October Craft ACT Gallery 1 & 2

Highlighting the innovative concepts of recycling fabrics for fashion of which I am a true believer!.

New Spring/Summer 2009 collections:
Hayley Wandett-Smith (Hayley Caroline)
Polly Stokes (Polbymade)
Karen Lee (The Renlee Label)
Georgina Edwards (George)
Hanny Dewar (handmade by hanny)
Lee Dewar (Craftilee)

Cranleigh Art Show - Works for a cause

Cranleigh School, Starke Street Holt

Over 60 artists from Canberra and the surrounding region have entered
Over 200 high quality works for sale including paintings, photography, ceramics, jewellery and textiles
A range of beautiful children's artwork also for sale

Opening Times Opening Night - Friday October 16 - 7-9pm
Saturday 17th October 10am - 4pm
Sunday 18th October 10am – 1pm
Sunday 18th October 12 Noon - Raffle Draw, People’s Choice Award & Last Chance Auction

Standard Ticket Prices:
$12.50 per adult pre booked, $15 per adult at the door (children free)

Prices for families of Cranleigh students:
$10 per adult pre ordered, $12.50 per adult at the door

New Markets for Canberra

Starting this Friday 9th October at 5.00pm is the fabulous new Limited Summer Twilight market to be held at the Old Parliament House.

It is not very often that you will get to see stunning stalls in such a stunning location. There will be lots of Handmade items up for grabs in time for Christma!

The Market will be held at the same time as double happiness (happy hour) on a Friday evening once a month starting on Friday Oct 9th. 5pm - 9pm. Check it out

AND ANOTHER MARKET DUE TO COMMENCE

Starting 28 November is the City Walk Markets. These will be held every Saturday from 9.00 - 5.00. More information to come