Newsletter - Military Boots 3rd Sept. 2014
Military Boots
Thank you to all those that participated at Nottingham Castle on 21 & 22 Aug, the project was well received with a total of 65 nametapes completed. Publicity for the project has covered much of Nottinghamshire, some call out articles in the press include Nottingham Evening Post, Worksop Guardian, Newark Advertiser, Mansfield & Ashfield Chad, Eastwood & Kimberley Advertiser, also East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association.
200 tapes have been sent out in the post with approx. 100 still to be returned. If you have requested a stitch pack in the post could you please try to return it in the SAE by 19th September? If you would like to take part please contact Joy Pitts at www.joypitts.co.uk/contact.php
The canvas is growing daily with 89 name tapes currently assembled, thank you to everyone who has sent letters of thanks and included details of their families military history.
The work in progress will be available to view at the preview of the exhibition Future Fields on Sunday 5 Oct 2014, 2-4 pm at Rufford Craft Centre, Rufford Abbey Country Park,near Ollerton, Nottinghamshire. NG22 9DF. www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ruffordcraftcentre
I will also be running a workshop to complete more nametapes at this event.
Other news from Joy Pitts studio -
Autumn selected open exhibitions
Ÿ 6th – 28th Sept. 2014 at Thoresby Estate Courtyard & Gallery, NG22 9EP. Please come along to the private view sat 6th Sept. 12 – 14.00.
Ÿ 8th Sept. – 10 Oct. 2014 at The King George Gallery, DE7 5HS.
Ÿ 2nd – 13th Oct. at Norwich Cathedral, NR1 3JQ.
Thoresby Estate Courtyard and Gallery - Selected Open Exhibition 6th - 28th Sept 2014
WORK SELECTED FOR EXHIBITION Reproduced from 5000 used clothing labels the British Longhorn Bull is celebrated for his decorative reputation and ability to win prizes in the show-ring. The 1.3 metre canvas was assembled over an eight month period following a visit to a Leicestershire Longhorn Farm.
Despite winning many prizes including Junior male in 2008 and more recently 1st Senior Bull East of England, his owner describes him as being very quiet with a lovely nature.
You are invited to join us this Saturday 6th between 12.00 and 2.00 for the opening. Visit site for directions
The King George Gallery 8th Sept - 10th Oct 2014
Over the past fifteen years local artist Joy Pitts has gathered 30,000 labels from the neck of used and discarded clothing. The woven labels have been assembled in sculpture and on canvas in images such as a Dairy Cow and Mute Swan, subjects that have been selected because of their practical or aesthetic association with humans. Recently commissioned by Sir Paul Smith for his collection, a print of Red Rabbit and maquettes showing how the work developed will also be exhibited. More information...
Costume and Textile Association 25th Anniversary 2nd - 13th Oct 2014
Two wall based pieces have been selected for the following exhibition which will be held in The Hostry, Norwich Cathedral from 2nd to 13th October 2014. visit site
Participate in Contemporary Art Commission - Military Boots
Be a part of Military Boots - As the country commemorates the centenary of World War One, artist Joy Pitts invites you to remember those in your family past or present who have served or are serving in The Armed Forces. Joy will provide all the materials for you to hand-sew their name(s) onto a strip of cotton tape which will become part of an art work on canvas depicting a pair of military boots.
During World War One it was common for both men and women to sew; repairing clothing at home and in the trenches, embroidering messages to send to loved ones and sewing bandages. This project recalls these activities and invites you to make your own hand made acknowledgement to those who serve.
To take part request your stitch pack by entering your name and address via the contact page www.joypitts.co.uk/contact.php Your pack will be posted to you and includes a SAE for return to Joy.
The work in progress will be available to view at the preview of the exhibition Future Fields on Sunday 5 Oct 2014, 2-4 pm at Rufford Craft Centre, Rufford Abbey Country Park, near Ollerton, Nottinghamshire. NG22 9DF. www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ruffordcraftcentre
This project was commissioned by Nottinghamshire County Council.
Part of the World War One Centenary Commemorations across City and County Trent To Trenches www.trent-to-trenches.co.uk
EMVAN - Meet the Artist
Meet the Artist - Joy Pitts visit East Midlands Visual Artist Network
Weston Park Fine Art Competition 2014
Ayrshire calf portrait selected for exhibition as part of Weston Park Fine Art Open in August 2014.
For more information visit www.weston-park.com
Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2014
Brow, cheek, nose, jaw, ear, lips, neck is a portrait of Jane, a Leicestershire dairy farmer with 130 milking cows in her herd. The image is created by pinning thousands of garment labels onto canvas to reflect facial anatomy and the patterns produced by hair and clothing. Jane has evolved from a process of assembling 30,000 used labels, and questions the idea of branding by literally describing specific facial features. The navy blue background label is woven with the words, ‘part of a two piece set’, and refers to a second portrait of an Ayrshire calf reared by Jane on the farm.
Exhibition runs until August 17th, 2014. London, Royal Academy.
artlyst London Art Network review
Textiles at the Royal Academy Hannah Sutherland
694 Labels at Erewash Museum
Sixty visitors including men, ladies and children participated in the event at Erewash Museum on Saturday 28th June 2014. Please contact Joy for further information about the project.