Apart from my own work as a 'fine art bookmaker and eclectic craftsperson', I enjoy visiting galleries and exhibitions for inspiration and to keep up-to-date with other contemporary designer-makers. I would like to travel but do not get much opportunity. However, I have managed a few special trips and loved New York and Barcelona. I finally made it to South Africa in July 2003 when I met my late Dad's side of the family for the first time and it was very special to return to Africa to go to my cousin's wedding in 2007.
It all began with a paper doll I made at art school who told me her name was Alice. She started me reminiscing about the shared story times of my childhood with my mother and grandmother and the world of books and stories that they opened up for me. I remembered too how I drew constantly and used sharp scissors to cut out my miniature portraits which I then arranged and glued to make larger storyboards and little books.
So began the stream of my adult work based in traditional tales. I fuse old and new technologies through found materials, original drawing, digital photography and images, stitch, collage and book binding techniques as well as direct quotations to echo ideas and phrases that are universally familiar.
Paper doll Alice pointed me at the world her namesake discovered down the rabbit hole & through the looking glass. Below you can see the work I produced at the end of my first degree in 2003.
In July 2004 I was chosen to take part in 'One Year On' at New Designers in Islington London with the Crafts Council. In the slideshow below are some of the pictures taken at the event.
I completed an MA in 'Contemporary Craft' with Distinction at Coventry University in November 2007. Below are examples of my current Boxed Wallpieces, Plinths, Plaques & Bookworks.
BOXED WALLPIECES...
PLINTHS...
PLAQUES...
BOOKWORKS...
BADGES...are another popular feature of my works.
Single...hand finished badges with elements of pictures & illustrations from my work. (photographs coming soon)
Story...a set of three badges that tell a story...a book for your lapel!
KIE-KIE BOOKS...hand made zigzag book (photographs coming soon)
I sell my work through shows & exhibitions, galleries & fairs. To be informed of up comming events, please email me at alixswan@hotmail.com with your postal address & I'll add you to my mailing list. I am also happy to answer any personal enquiries.
I did the Country Living Xmas fair in November 2007 below are some pictures from the show.
In Febuary 2008 I did the Glasgow international Book Fair, below are some pictures.
In July 2008 I opened the house for Warwickshire Arts week & invited people to come & visit to see where I work & the gallery I set up in the stitting room. People really enjoyed seeing the work in this setting, so i have decided to keep it up & running. If you would like to come & see the gallery any time please email me (alixswan@hotmail.com) to arrange a time. Below are some pictures take of the event.
