Cas Holmes

Romany Roots

2012-03-03T20:02:00.003Z

One advantage of being too unwell to move around, is time to sit and reflect. I looked over some images I had taken at the Museum of Kent Life a while ago and remembered I had taken some images of myself reflected in a display telling the story of the hop-pickers who worked on the farms. My grandmother, a Romany, would have worked alongside the Eastenders who came to work and to have a little sunshine in the late Summer.

Had a lovelyy afternoon with my friend Anne, stitching, whilst we welcomed people to our afternoon viewing of Cuttings. in Tunbridge Wells. If I am fit enough, hope to catch up with a few friends and see the David Hockney in the next month.

Oh, and I managed to get on with a lot of hand-stitching and finished some pieces for the exhibition at the Knitting and Stitching Show and Festival of Quilts.

Getting better

2012-02-25T18:04:00.003Z

Beginning to feel a little bit more like myself. Spent the last few days stitching and making a couple of sketches. Only when unable to move around do you really appreciate the freedom movement gives you when it returns. Still 'trying' to take it easy and good friends have helped to keep me sane and nagged me to take it easy...no mean feat.

It is so lovely to see Spring arriving. Heard frogs in the garden and spawn in our small pond. Hellibores are out in the front and the Witch Hazel looks beautiful.

Happy Spring

Sick of being sick

2012-02-17T15:05:00.005Z

A whole week so far have enforced sitting down or at best hobbling. Have a really painful knee infection and now I am feeling a bit better in myself (raging temperature down) I am going stir crazy.Taking my first sick day ever next week as I cannot move around easily..so at least my students get a break.Managing to do a little hand stitch and use the netbook now and again but cannot get on with any projects or serious paperwork.

Not least of all, it was half term so had planned to see a couple of exhibitions and meet with a good friend to celebrate her 50th birthday, could not even attend Cuttings exhibition, Thanks to Anne for holding the fort on this one.

Still, small compensations:

first time I have days of stillness for a long time

managed to sit for the first time on the bench in the garden and have a good cuppa and share my toast with a bird

Finding some good old films on the tv

enjoying a bit of hand stitch

good excuse not to do the housework!

Hopefully there will be improvement in the next week or so

Snow from my windows

2012-02-05T12:31:00.002Z

This time last week I had returned from the Netherlands, but still the view from my windows is lovely.

Norfolk or the Netherlands

2012-01-31T13:40:00.007Z

I have just returned from a few days in the Netherlands. The landscape seems oh so familiar and equally lovely.

A Norfolk willow

Dreischor Netherlands

A Norfolk Waterway

A little bird tile at my friends' house in the Netherlands

Canal near Dreischor

Urban/Nature:Embroidery magazine calender of the year ahead.

2012-01-21T12:32:00.006Z

I featured in the Embroidery Magazine's calender of textile highlights of the year January/February edition. Feature on my exhibition at the Knitting and Stitching Show, Alexander Palace in October (also Festival of Quilts at the NEC in August)

Resonant Textile: Cuttings and other Collaborations

2012-01-20T18:22:00.004Z

I am exhibiting in Tunbridge Wells in:
Cuttings and other Collaborations Cas Holmes Anne Kelly
9 February – 10 March 2012

10th February, Launch of Re-Call Studios 6.00-9.00pm

Re Call Studios 103 Goods Station Road.
Open afternoon to meet the artist on Saturday 3rd March 2.00-4.00pm
(this space is also a drama studio so will update if any changes)

Connected Cloth

2012-01-12T11:32:00.002Z

Some exciting news about my next book, Connected Cloth, (Batsford/Anova) I am co-authoring with Anne Kelly on our blog Resonant Textiles.

I am also busy getting artwork together for my guest slot at the Festival of Quilts and the Knitting and Stitching show (Alexander Palace) this Summer and Autumn.

Norwich Cathedral Battle of Britain Lace

2011-12-31T13:38:00.003Z

Spending a few days in Norfolk. Saw this wonderful piece of lacework in Norwich Cathedral marking the Battle of Britain. More images on facebook

Seasons Greetings

2011-12-24T12:41:00.003Z

Seasons Greetings everyone. A few days to celebrate and rest with family and friends before breaking into Leap Year. All best wishes for 2012.

Traces at the Studio Gallery

2011-12-01T15:51:00.002Z

I am guest artist at the first exhibition at the Studio Gallery, Maidstone Television Studios for the FrancisKnight Ltd partnership. The exhibition runs until the 29th February 2012.

The Studio Gallery, Reception, Maidstone Television Studios, Maidstone, Kent ME14 5NZ t: 07855 180004 E: laura@francisknight.co.uk, www.francisknight.co.uk

The images show Red Rain being installed in the entrance lobby and a very helpful tech man.

Art Textiles Skills Workshop

2011-11-06T15:25:00.001Z

Teacher Training Middlesex University

Uckfield Community College

I have spent a few sessions in the last month developing and sharing textiles skills with students at teacher training in Middlesex University supported by 'The Making' and at Uckfield Community College. Some of the results form the one day sessions can be seen on this blog and by following this link: www.uctc.e-sussex.sch.uk/node/1820

'Native flair'

2011-11-01T14:22:00.005Z

Tunbridge Wells Hospital. Garden Paths. Collaboration Cas Holmes and Anne Kelly

I am exhibiting in ' Native Flair' at Tunbridge Wells Hospital, Pembury until the new year. I will also be exhibiting at the 'Maidstone Studios; from mid November. I have just finished a weekend of teaching at West Dean with some amazing students. Their commitment has inspired me to crack on with work for my exhibition at the Knitting and Stitching show next year. Sneak preview of a detail of a piece in progress 'Field Edges' more to follow in later postings.

Big Draw 26th October 2011

2011-10-10T17:02:00.003+01:00

I am running a 'drop in' workshop in this event on Wednesday 26th October, 10.00-12.00 at the mall Shopping Centre, Maidstone

International Year of Forests 2011.

2011-10-01T13:48:00.000+01:00

I am taking part in the International Year of Forests 2011 exhibition in Freiburg, Germany from 6th October- 18 November 2011. (see exhibitions page). See images from the exhibition below.

Monika Seberts works in corridor

My panels

Monika Sebert

Natural Tendencies

2011-09-14T10:13:00.002+01:00

I am exhibiting at Natural Tendencies 30 September-4 October 2011 at the Old Fire Station Gallery, Market Place, Henley on Thames.This is a new contemporary art exhibition showcasing UK artists who work in a a range of media. The original art works are featured in the exhibition as a response to the natural world. For more on the artists please go to the Exhibitors’ page. The exhibition will run from 30th September to 4th October 2011.

The Private Preview evening is on Thursday 29 September 2011. Writer and TV playwright Simon Brett - responsible for the Charles Paris, Mrs Pargeter and Fethering series of crime novels, as well as radio and television series such as No Commitments and After Henry- will be appearing and talking about his career.

Meet the exhibition artists and have the opportunity to talk to them about their work. Invitation by registration only. Email the exhibition team at naturaltendencies@live.co.uk.

Remembering September 11

2011-09-04T15:20:00.002+01:00

10 Years since September 11th. It was also my father's last birthday. I remember speaking to him as the day's events unfolded. We wished for a more peaceful, tolerant world. I am still holding on to that thought as I remember my father and say a prayer whilst we still search for peace.

To Do Different in Norfolk

2011-09-01T11:10:00.004+01:00

To Do Different is a Norfolk expression. I spent a few days with family and have only just had the time to update my blog with images of the water and fields of my beloved county!

Spot the birdies, Derek fishing and of course textures and the edges of things.

West Dean Summer School

2011-08-08T09:36:00.007+01:00

Work in progress Frances Taylor

I have just come back from another great week at West Dean teaching Summer School. Great bunch of students, a celebration of the week in photos

Samples on Board Emily Barnes

Low water immersion dyeing

Video Interview

2011-07-18T08:28:00.003+01:00

Had a busy couple of months catching up after Australia and am only just finishing with work at Adult Education. A very talented young man, Robert Ashton Junior interviewed myself and artist Graham Clark as part of his coursework at school. He has a channel the Script TV on YouTube. Check it out. I was on the spot so there may be a few things to make you smile and a chance to peak at my studio not beeing too tidy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BwUz-4LBLA

Meanwhile, I am teaching at West Dean first week in August and then I will have time to get on with some work.

Preniac workshops

2011-06-18T13:30:00.007+01:00

Cas Holmes- Grassland Preniac

Had a really good week working at Studio Preniac. Whilst it rained, when the sun shone, it brought out the real beauty of the region. The food, warmth and accommodation is marvelous only matched by the hospitality of the hosts Liz and Bill who are knowledgeable about the region.

You can examples of the work and region by clicking on the image above.

I would recommend the workshops or the opportunity to hire a Gites for a break anytime.

Finally, but not least, the students really took advantage of being inspired by this place and produced some amazing samples and works in progress. Many thanks for allowing the images on my blog.

Creative Drawing

2011-06-04T08:12:00.004+01:00

Creative Drawing, By Gemma Guasch & Josep Asuncion, Price £12.99 | ISBN 9781847733375 |144 Pages

Anyone who reads my blog or has bought a copy of my book, The Found Object in Textile Art, understands that drawing is an important aspect of my work. All of the artists who are at The Shed Gallery, Open studios this June (see previous blog) demonstrate the role drawing has in their textile and mixed media work. This book is a must for any textile artist who is looking to improve their drawing and relate it to their practice.There is a wealth of material displayed within a clear layout, and what is more you can get 25% discount.

Creative Drawing is published by New Holland Publishers price £12.99
Enter the discount code Holmes for your exclusive 25% discount plus free P&P
(Offer valid until 31^st October 2011 to UK residents only.
Discount cannot be used in conjunction with other offers!)

South East Open Studios, 3rd-19th June 2011

2011-05-28T09:13:00.014+01:00

Garden Paths at the Shed Gallery, Cas Holmes and Anne Kelly

SHED GALLERY 2011 – South East Open Studios

Anne Kelly, Cas Holmes, Clare Kelly, Karl Simmons, Lucy Willsher

Mixed media textiles, painting, framed boxes and papercuts

Open 4,5,8,11,12,15,18, 19 June 11am – 6 pm
29 Dynevor Road, Tunbridge Wells

I am a guest at the 'Shed Gallery' on Wednesday 15th and Sunday 19th June so feel free and come and have a chat. If you want to visit my studio in Maidstone at other times in the year please contact me direct.
for more information: http://www.seos-art.org/

To see map and direct link our pages enter our names into the artist search on the SEOS website. My listing is 125 in the booklet.

Home at Last

2011-05-12T09:22:00.002+01:00

Student examples Ballarat

Collage exercise Wellington

Blue Mountains

Wet and Windy Wellington

Banksia left

Finally arrived home last week and with recovering, work and catching up with paperwork have just about got back to normal. The experience in Australia and New Zealand was both exhilirating and exhausting. My various hosts fantastic and typical of the warmth found in the people..although the weather was much cooler than the heatwave I hear I missed in the UK in April.

Many thanks to the students who gave kind permission ro reproduce examples of work in progress.

End of Australia Trip

2011-04-23T09:10:00.006+01:00

Hello

My last day in Australia this Saturday. I head for New Zealand Easter Sunday. I have had a great time, met some fascinating people and been to some beautiful places. The weather has been colder here than in the April heatwave I have heard we have had in the South East of England.

There are some amazing creatures, including some which leave bright shiny blue eggs in the reserves, created a landscape (in my coffee cup...used the wrong pot!) and been to the Dandenongs and Fern forests near Melbourne.

People have been most welcoming, am sorry to leave but also looking forward to going home after New Zealand.

Happy Easter

I am in Australia

2011-04-06T21:41:00.008+01:00

I have arrived in Australia. In Sydney at the moment. I have captured some images of the scenes...including the essentail bridge view and a variety of animals. Am looking out for the spiders..will probably run the other way! Am very busy being a tourist for a few days but also trying to make sketches as I go. Am only just about recovering from the jet-lag. Will try and be good and keep the creative side going as well as even in the wettest period for some time which makes Sydney feel like Newcastle-Upon-Tyne!

A Day in Your Life, Japanese Earthquake

2011-03-19T16:43:00.003Z

A day can change so many lives. I was fortunate enough to study in Japan twenty years ago, this included placements with a Shifu weaver in Mito, Ibaraki and other with papermakers in areas North of Tokyo and in the Ibaraki Region, some of the worst hit areas. I decided to hold a couple of informal raffles of my work offering small framed pieces as a token of thanks for those who helped to raise money for the victims of the earthquake.
To the students of Kent Adult Education, Maidstone and the ladies of the Bedfrod Emboiderers' Guild, sincere thanks. In total, nearly £300 was raised.

Invite to Domestic Mapping

2011-03-10T16:13:00.003Z

Exhibition Domestic Mapping opens at the Trinity Arts Centre Tunbridge Wells from 21st March. Anne and I will be busy hanging the work on Sunday 20th March. Please feel free to come and join us on 23rd March from 5.30pm

West Dean February

2011-03-01T12:37:00.011Z

Susan McKay

I just spent a few days teaching a new course, The Found Objects and Materials in Experimental Textiles. Students created printing plates from fabric and other found objects, printed from cloth and used all kinds of found things for printing and stitching. A selection of images are shown on this post with thanks to the students who kindly let me take photographs of work in progress.

Carla Mines

Alison Miller

Val Cowan

Chrissi Newall

Caroline Lawrance

I had the worst kind of backache over the 5 day period but managed with much thanks to the workshop staff and students who helped where needed. I am preparing for teahcing in Australia which ever creeps closer and my thoughts are currently with colleagues in New Zealand following the earthquake last week.

Corner of my studio

2011-02-21T17:57:00.003Z

Have had a very busy few weeks and am teaching at West Dean this week..but the corner of my studio beckons as I am keen to get some work completed for my forthcoming exhibition Domestic Mapping, with Anne Kelly next month at the Trinity Arts Centre Tunbridge Wells.
(see www.resonanttextile.blogspot.com).

Please come and say hello to us on Wednesday 23rd March from 5.30pm.

LV21

2011-01-18T16:03:00.006Z

Inside the coal store

Lovely bit of old 'lagging'

An old porthole looking a bit Rothko-ish

Spent some time on LV21, an Old Light Festival which is being modernised and turned into a floating cultural resource (see www.lv21.co.uk) a couple of weeks ago.

You know me, like ferreting around and a vessel in its raw state and an opportunity to see all the nuts and bolts was too good to miss. This will be a wonderful resource for the Medway towns. Performances have already taking place on the outside of the vessel which looks amazing but there is still a ways to go and the interior as you can see from the pics. You can follow the progress on Facebook

www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=164473227147

Stitched Crows sound update

2010-12-22T09:48:00.005Z

I was so inspired by the Crows waking me up every morning on my roof that I added an update to my movie of stitched birds. See both the following for stitched bird with and without sound!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-g0Pc1fen9w

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_0HDug3Yy0 with sound

all best

Cas

Seasons Greetings to all.

2010-12-16T14:39:00.005Z

West Dean view from building
Just wanted to extend my greetings to everyone over this seasonally cold and wintery time of the year. I am teaching at West Dean this weekend. Cannot think of a better way to spend the last weekend before Christmas. Just hope the snow holds off enough for travel.

Wishing everyone a productive 2011

Cas

International School Brussels

2010-11-30T11:07:00.009Z

Have been busy over the last week and have only just been able to sit down on update my blog! Spent a week in November working at the International School in Brussels under the invitation of the old and friend and colleague. This follows in the wake of workshops in Le Mans, France with textile enthusiasts.

Working with the young people at the school and in France was a really positive experience and the exchange and challenges served as a reminder of why I continue to run workshops.

The images below show some of the Isolation techniques used with students in Brussels from drawing to collage and photographs and textile work in progress from workshops in France.
The school was on the edge of the local forest. A beautiful view just outside the window!

Keep an eye on the blog as I am in the Netherlands in January and Australia from April.

STOP PRESS

For those local to Maidstone. Signed copies of my book, The Found Object in Textile Art, are available for £20 as part of the Christmas Arts and Crafts Exhibition at the Graham Clark Gallery, Rose Yard, Maidstone.

Isolation Brussels

Forest outside artroom windows

Le Mans work in Progress

Le Mans, work in progress

Stitched Bird Movie

2010-10-14T11:57:00.004+01:00

I made cards to fundraise for the floods in Pakistan as part of the NRI presentation evening. Over 120 cards. The back of the cards has interesting variation of the machine stitched bird which I turned into an animated movie.. below. For those who cannot see here check it out on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-g0Pc1fen9w

ta da!

Pride of Britain Award

2010-09-29T12:40:00.003+01:00

I have been given a Pride of Britain Award, presented by Baroness Verma on behalf of the NRI institute. The Award is given to 'Honour Excellence in their Chosen Field of Activities' for work in the UK and abroad. Mine was in recognition of my contribution to art and international relations specifically referring to the my exhibition Traces, research and workshops in India and the UK and my work in Education. On presentation, they quoted a comment by local but internationally recognised artist Ralph Steadman:

A sense of provocation displays her commitment to art as part of life and shows richly in her dedication to community projects into which she throws herself like an avenging demon.

The award ceremony was held at the Aylesford Priory in Maidstone on 26th September, where the NRI launched its Kent chapter as part of its international work. A dinner was held at the House of Lords, hosted by Baroness Verma, Baroness in Waiting, Minster for International Development, Minister for Equalities and Women and also the whip in the Cabinet Office , House of Lords.

However, I am still, just 'Cas' and get on with the job, but really appreciate the honour the award gives me.

Exhibitions Maidstone and Farfield

2010-09-06T17:34:00.007+01:00

Installation: Garden Paths, Maidstone Library Gallery

Field at Sedburgh

September starts with exhibitions, resuming work and the launch of my book. My work is on show at in Natural Histories at Maidstone Library Gallery from 10th September - 15th October with Anne as part of Resonant Textiles. Feel free to come and meet with us on Saturday 25th, 2.00-4.00

In addition, I am also exhibiting at Farfield Mill and Heritage Centre, Sedburgh from Saturday 11th September-Sunday 14th November 2010

Check my links for opening and further information.

Oh, and the book is published by the way.

Review by artist Janet Sturge:

I enter a cool refreshing space, where alternating framed and free-hanging textiles harmoniously articulate the long white walls. This collaborative exhibition includes three major installations where the two artists have made an equal contribution, whether in square panels, long and shorter pieces, or a delightful ‘forest’, ‘Seed Bird Map’ of opened zig-zag booklets hung from the ceiling which may be walked through so as to read the maps and some of the texts of the ‘Natural Histories’.

Nature is everywhere apparent in both artists’ work: finely machine-stitched drawings of birds, insects and elegant tall-stemmed plants, wild and cultivated, as well as pages from plant and bird books embedded in stitchery. The long panels of their ‘Garden Path’ series also combine in a painterly way, in their verticality and colour - soft lilacs and greens echo each other from one long panel to the next. This orderliness, gentleness of colour and delicacy of drawing runs through the whole show.

Within the overall unity, I begin to distinguish the different characteristics of the two artists. Anne’s individual pieces are mostly framed, and even within the space are often bordered and centred, firmly holding together the disparate elements of collage such as straw hats, as do also her webs of machine stitching which as in ‘Tudely’ give a layered effect. This webbing is particularly successful in her three small panels , ‘High Holborn Rooftops’, where green leaves of a spring evening sharply contrast with the blues and slate greys, and gold as of a lighted shop window gleams through the dense web.

In Cas’s case, the layers are produced through areas of found fabrics and dyes, as well as more open quilting and painted text. Her composition is achieved through the internal organisation of verticals and horizontals, leaving a feeling of openness. ‘Iris and Sparrows’ and ‘Madder’, for example, seem to float off the wall, the latter retaining the glow as well as the formality of a Rothko.

This dichotomy of flow followed by full stops running through the exhibition like the pillars of a Greek temple, gives a rhythm to the gallery. I would recommend the visitor to allow enough time to sit and absorb the atmosphere of such a peaceful and refreshing show, which remains open until 15^th October. This splendid space is, alas, due to disappear in the near future.

Reviews my book

2010-08-14T10:33:00.005+01:00

I have been asked if I would review my own book...a bit too narcisistic! However given that the The Found Object in Textile Art is intended to open up our 'creative souls' through having an open 'Magpie mind' with textiles and mixed media, some reviews are coming to my attention from the States where is has recently been published. Feel free to follow the links and I am happy for anyone to post their comments. After all the book is out there and I should have the strength to be critiqued!

Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Interweave Press (August 24, 2010)
Batsford Pres U.K (September 20th 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1596683325
ISBN-13: 978-1596683327

Please follow the links and thanks to people who are sending their comments.

http://suebleiweiss.com/blog/ Sue Bleiwess
http://stitchtress.wordpress.com/ Debbie Bates who also opens her own words on paper in the post.

Us Your Brain Become an Art Quilt Scientist, Pokey Bolton of Quilting Arts

50 and just about going strong!

2010-08-02T10:03:00.004+01:00

Celebrated my 50th birthday last week. Teaching at West Dean. Hard work, lots of creativity and lots of fun. Am waiting for the birthday images....students created an outfit for the Thursday party night of circus theme. Nice little number with flowers in my hat and black leggings!

I sat up early hours of the morning of my birthday and took a photo of the moon from the front lawn of the house..and no, I had not had a drink, just a bit of moon madness. It was stunning. One of our wonderful summer school team, Frances Hatch, likes to paint in the moonlight.

Anne K, my friend surprised me by turning up on my birthday..I wondered how the team at West Dean found out. We spent the afternoon painting in the gardens.

Had afternoon cream tea when I got home, birthday treat in a bag bought to my garden by dear friends Simon and Mo with a devil may care chocolate cake.

Well back to work.

Cas

Retro-Active Janet Sturge

2010-07-12T16:46:00.004+01:00

Worth seeing is a a major retrospective at Maidstone Library Gallery of the work of Janet Sturge, Artist, Quaker and humanist. This exhibition is on until the 29th July and there is something for everyone to enjoy. The quality and volume of the work spans over 60 years and is a testament to a life lived and observed with a good hand and eye, humour and often strong social comment on the world we live in.

I wish I had half her tenacity and quality of experience. This is one not to be missed.

Personal favourites of mine are the Indian Dancers series for sheer exuberance (and shared memories)

Janet states of her more recent work:

Meantime I had secretly been making hundreds of spontaneous ‘Free Paintings’ – frowned upon by KIAD tutors – from blobs and scribbles. Latterly I have started to use some of these, first in block prints of imaginary animals, which stand for very human feelings and situations. A chance opportunity to use the animal collections at Quex House led to a second series where I have laid block prints on rice paper over computer text and digital images of rooms in the mansion. Since leaving KIAD I have made all my prints by hand, rubbing with a spoon. Now comes the time to make new oil paintings from some of the figures which sprang directly from the imagination ....

http://www.seos-art.org/artists/janetsturge

http://www.janetsturgeart.com/

Community Curators

2010-06-19T16:39:00.005+01:00

Community Curators
An exhibition of Contemporary textile art inspired by the costume collections of Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery
At the Trinity and own and Country Foundation Gallery
Trinity Theatre, Church Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 1LQ
Community Curators runs from Saturday 19 June – Sunday 15 August
Open daily 10am –3pm and one hour before performances.
For more information about the exhibition contact the
Museum and Art Gallery on 01892 554171
www.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org www.trinitytheatre.net

Butterflies with found fabrics by Meadows School, Tunbridge Wells made by students with support of myself and staff team at Meadows.

Images from SEOS

2010-06-09T16:16:00.006+01:00

Red Madder Cas Holmes

Seed, Bird, Map, Anne Kelly and Cas Holmes plus general view of space.

South East studios are open so feel free to come and see us at the Shed Gallery in Tunbridge Wells. I attach a few images of the spaces in and around our host Anne Kelly's lovely space.

Plaster Off!

2010-05-09T15:47:00.002+01:00

My plaster finally came off my arm three weeks ago. Trying to get used to it not quite being right and gradually marking improvement.

Students I have worked with have been very supportive. Lost count of how many right hand helpers have come forward to assist.

Typing and stitching is still limited. Not so bothered about the typing but cannot wait to get the needle back in my hand! Now that the weather is improving also want to get back on to my bike..but cannot do any weight bearing stuff at the moment.

If you are wondering about the image. Worked on colour wheel with students at Adult Education. Great to see the colours on the table.

Cowslip

2010-04-15T10:35:00.008+01:00

I ran a  three day  workshop with Cowslip using Newhouse Organic Farm
and individual references from books and text as a starting point. We
looked at different ways of texturing and colouring surfaces using
old books,text and magazines as our base surface. The book or
references helping with the direction of the projects alongside 
stitching as an extension of mark making and drawing.  A focus was
placed on the importance of keeping a sketchbook/journal as part of
the process of making.

The ambience of the farm was greately enhanced by the warm weather
and excellentfood at the on-site restuarant. It felt more than
Spring like,shirt sleeve weather with the sheep and lambs bleeting
away as we took the workshop outside to stitch.
Thanks to all the students who at times were my right hand as my
arm is still in plaster.Fantastic work by everyone.
Jo Colwill runs an excellent programme of workshops supported
by agreat team of people who made everyone feel very welcome.
.

www.cowslipworkshops.com

Traces in Maidstone

2010-04-05T16:41:00.002+01:00

Am able to do the two finger type now. still slow but my cast should be off in two weeks! Meanwhile, exhibition was hung in my home town of Maidstone, I have posted details below. Aslo check my website www.casholmes.textilearts.net and www.casholmes.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk.

Have been in touch with the last group at West dean who are still creating and communicating. Great to see their work progessing. Will try ad update info on this web when operational.

Cas

Traces

Traces has toured the U.K since 2007 and this exhibition at the Walkway Gallery, Maidstone Borough Council Offices, is one of the last venues where a body of the work will be shown together. It has come home at last.5th March-22nd October 2010

If you would like further information, please contact the Arts Team on , arts@maidstone.gov.uk or visit www.maidstonearts.com.

In addition, other works from Traces will be on show at Farfield Mill and Heritage Centre, Sedburgh from Saturday 11th September-Sunday 14th November 2010.

Farfield Mill, Garsdale Road, Sedbergh, LA10 015396 21958
www.farfieldmill.org/

The Found Object in Textile Art

2010-03-03T18:25:00.002Z

Advance promo from Batsford..is it really me?

Taps into one of the most popular textile trends today: the use of the found object
Author is one of the UK's leading textile artists
Contains a wealth of techniques and inspiration
Illustrated with the best textile art from around the world

Textile artists have always used found objects, both for decoration and to imbue their work with meaning, and recently the practice has become even more popular. Cas Holmes is renowned for her use of 'the found', and her many-layered, atmospheric pieces have been shown around the world.

The practice differs from recycling in that the objects often remain 'themselves' when they are incorporated into the work. The work is often conceived and built around the found object. The definition 'found object' can include a wide range of objects, from natural materials such as driftwood and leaves to old bits of machinery and vintage fabrics. Mundane objects such as CD cases can be used to create stunning pieces of art, or more sentimental items such as old jewellery can lend deep meaning to a work. This book contains a wealth of techniques and inspiration for incorporating found objects into your textile work.

ISBN 13 9781906388461
Price £19.99
Publication date 20 September 2010

Hardback 128 pages with 110 illustrations
276 x 216 mm, 10.87 x 8.50 in

Next stage of editing The Found Object in Textile Art

2010-02-10T20:29:00.004Z

Have just finished putting the text to images. Its strange to see my name as author to a book. Reaching the final stages before printing. I am teaching at West Dean next week starting on 14th..so no Valentine's evening with my partner but at least at one of my favourite places!

A really busy February as we move further into 2010 will keep you posted on exhibitions and events. Meanwhile, it remains really cold in the South East of England and likely to get colder. My Auntie knits the family bedsocks out of waste wool...have really needed them!

Brrrrr!

2010-01-07T16:15:00.002Z

Certainly a cold one today. Just returned from our local park. The Crows making such a racket as dusk falls. Our garden is a haven of berries and seem to have a whole run of bird species making the most of it...they fly off when I get out my camera!

Having some time off teaching as my local centre whee I teach is closed....will have to make up for it later! Trying to use this time in a focused way so am getting on with some pasting and stitching as well as sorting out the images for my book.

Keep warm all

Art in The Frame

2009-12-11T18:11:00.003Z

Working with Art in The Frame at St Aubins in Jersey the community participated in the making of the own lanterns for procession or home. Emphasis was placed on re-using found materials and combining paper and plant materials with the framework of willow.

Workshops were also run in two local schools, Hautlieu and Haute Vallee looking at the theme of Paper, Text and Image.

Art in the Frame hosts the annual Jersey Textile Showcase in March. Details from www.mnig.com

Liberty Gallery Showcases

2009-11-15T16:15:00.004Z

Liberty Craft Case Gallery

Showcase, small works plus silver pieces by Louisa Crispin

Liberty Gallery is hosting some of my smaller works and brooches at the Hazlitt Arts Centre Space, Rose Yard off Earl Street, Maidsone. The centre is open 10.00-6.00pm

Working in collaboration the Sarah Robson, Arts Development Manager for Maidstone Borough Council, the Craft Cases are a perfect stage for contemporary crafts designed and created in Kent today. Work by four other artists includes:

Jenny Fairweather, printmaker from Aylesford, Fiona Flynn, glass artist from Downswood, Sonya Oke, textile jeweller from Maidstone and Louisa Crispin, fine silver Jeweller from Hawkhurst. This exhibition forms part of the Maidstone Contemporary Art, Craft and Design Exhibition at the Graham Clark Gallery from the 30th November -31st December.

Home in the Autumn

2009-10-23T16:53:00.002+01:00

Manage to sneak a litle time out whilst running a workshop in Norwich to go to my favourite view from Mousehold Heath. A reminder that winter is on the way but a beautiful view of my home city. A brief visit, so mum was not aware I was home...don't let on.

Natural History Opens at Farnham

2009-10-11T17:32:00.005+01:00

I have been busy getting ready for two exhibitions. Anne and I with a great deal of support from her husband Paul hung our exhibition, Natural Histories at Farnham Maltings on 12th October. The exhibition is on view in the Cafe and public areas as well as larger works and an installation in the East Wing Gallery. I have posted a few images on the blog. This is our first exhibition as 'Resonant Textiles' and we are pleased with how the work fits in with the light and airy space of the East Wing Gallery and the Cafe. To access the East Wing Gallery, please collect a key from the Box Office.

Dates are from:
12th-24th October 2009, Bridge Square, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7QR T: 01252 718001
Please contact me directly via casholmes28@yahoo.co.uk if you want further information and see my websites www.casholmes.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk and www.casholmes.textilearts.net

I am also exhibiting with the Vir Art in Maidstone:Vir-Art Graham Clarke Gallery, Hazlitt Arts Centre, Rose Yard. Maidstone. Kent Contact Paula Williams:01622 738887

Summer School West Dean

2009-08-16T16:53:00.013+01:00

Summer school has just finished at West Dean. Got my glorious portrait drawn at the last night party (see above)

Had a great bigs space for the students to spread out in....some came as far away as Germany and Brussels to sample workshops, brilliant food and wonderful surroundings.

Examples of work in progress includes this little sampler by Helen Frost

Jenny Thomas stitching in progress

A tribute to shared resources and use of the found in Carol Tulloch's quick sketch, 'Cas and Me'. Using a bit of my discarded demo fabric...wish I had done that.

Amazing what you find on the Web

2009-08-02T12:13:00.004+01:00

Paper costumes secondary school project.

Googled myself the other day to find a long lost site and came across an editorial of my work on

www.greendiary.com/.../eco-art-recycled-artwork-by-cas-holmes-is-amazingly-inspiring/

You might have to type on the above the find the links as I am not very good at this html stuff. The site is worth a visit for anyone interested in Eco-Arts. Just a bit suprised, nicely, to find myself featured. Blowing my own trumpet again...too bad.

Is googling and accepted verb now?

Copied from the site:
Art is a process of deliberately arranging elements aesthetically to mesmerize your senses. Cas Holmes, a Maidstone-based artist, has a lot to offer with her breathtaking eco-friendly creations. The designs are made by re-assembling discarded items and waste material to create something beautiful and more meaningful.

The artist works by combining textile and paper based technique, which is very correctly practiced on waste paper and fabric. She layers photos, drawings, text and fabric using glue transfer methods. These can be torn and scraped to reveal layers underneath. For holding the work together stitches are used, which not only keeps the work in place but also adds color or a line, like drawing.

Holmes has recently created large wall hangings, textile canvases and objects that reflect traditional and contemporary styles. These creations are a result of the materials that she collected from India combined with donated waste silks, fabric and paper from the UK. Her impressive works bring out the connection she shares with the environment. In addition to her exhibits, Holmes has been commissioned to write a book called “The Use of the Found in Textile” for Batsford Publications, which will be out in 2010.