Friday 29 March 2019

Form & Fire Ceramic Exhibition, Barbados


Form and Fire Exhibition brings together 6 Ceramicists based in Barbados and I went to the opening, check out the sneak preview below and meet the talented artists.



In the video Juliana Inniss explains how the group came about

Exhibition opening - Argentina Embassy, Barbados - Artists - Amanda Trought, Ancel Daniel, & Juliana Inniss 
Juliana Inniss finishes her hand-built vessel forms using alterntive firing techniques such as Raku, Naked Raku, Saggar and Sawdust firing

Artist Lynn Haynes
Lynn Haynes throws porcelain vessels on the wheel and embellishes them with flowers and other tropical themes.

Artist Gail Riley
Gail Riley hand builds work from Chalky Mount white clay and indigenous terracotta clay incorporating other local clays as slips

Artist Ancel Daniel
Ancel Daniel hand builds clay masks which are then incorporated into 2D mixed media work

Artist Melanie D'Oliveira
Melanie D'Oliveira works are inspired by tropical fruit forms which.

Artist Martina Pile
Martina Pile's hand built and wheel-thrown work incorporates sgraffito into tiles, bottles and dishes.

A fantastic lineup of artists with a passion for ceramics but their own unique style, you really do need to see the work in person.  

If you are interested in learning about ceramics you can check out the list of books, tools and more on 

Monday 25 March 2019

Podcast Episode 65 - Creating in Faith - Loss and Purpose

Come and join me on the podcast.

In today's episode I talk about loss and purpose. What do we do with the feelings of the loss of a loved one. When does the weeping turn to joy and how can we walk through the pain into the blessings of their memories.




There are so many of us who feel that if we don't think about the person then we won't feel the pain of loosing them but the opposite is true, we will try and numb the pain but we will still feel it, coming in waves when something reminds us of them, and it could be the smallest random thing that sparks it off.

I found that the more I thought about all the things that we did together, and laughed at those moments it helped me wade through the pain.  The more I did it I found that when I did think about them I would think back to joyous times, the times we shared and the things that they would have wanted to be remembered for.  One of the saddest things we can do is to decide not to think about the person as if they never existed because we cannot bear the pain, without realizing that when we do journey through instead of covering up we will have some amazing stories of strength, love and compassion, our memories of our loved ones will intensify without the pain, and we will be able to find laughter at those times we shared.

You are not alone

I will always miss the physical presence of the person but the feeling of their spiritual presence as if they were in the room sharing the moments that I am going through fills me with comfort.  

If you are going through the loss of a loved one, take your time, it is a gradual process and I am here if you want to share.  If you are able to journal or do something in your art journal you will also find comfort in creativity.  Don't shut yourself away but reach out and as you are blessed be a blessing to another.




Saturday 23 March 2019

Art Journal Texture

Mixed Media Art Journal Page - Amanda Trought

There is a quote which says 'Creativity takes Courage' Henri Matisse, and I definitely think that you have to show up for yourself each and every day.  You will get those times where you don't feel like creating, and in these times especially you have to show up - not for anyone else, but for yourself.


To show up for yourself you have to first see 'You'


And not be afraid to put yourself out there, and then do it all again no matter who you think is or is not listening.


I wanted to play around with textures and brought out some embossing powders that had been sitting on my shelf for the longest time as I previously used them when making cards and didn't see other possible uses for them.


This is why it is essential to play around with your supplies and see how many other ways you can use them or what you can combine them with.


I also used a stencil made from recycled materials and applied Gesso to the page.  It is amazing the things that we have around our homes that can double for a creative tool!  Texture is important to me and helps tell the story that is waiting to be told.

It is only when you start looking at the detail on the page do you see all of the delicious textures that are evident.  I hope that you find the courage to step out in your art journal and experiment, you may like what comes up.



Friday 22 March 2019

Open Studio Tours - CaFA Art Fair 2019

It was great to be part of this years Caribbean Fine Art Fair (CaFA) as one of the artists and also sharing my studio in Barbados on the open tour. 

 I shared about the use of techniques using recycled materials, mixed media and more. 


It was lovely to have people in my creative space and it made it come alive even more

Fellow Sculptor and Mixed Media artist Afreekan Southwell 

Studio Tour Visitors blessed my creative space
Next years tour aims to be bigger and better with it being the 10th year of CaFA


It was also great to be part of the main exhibition which brought into the Island over 40 Artists sharing their amazing work.

Sharing a moment with Curator/Artist Oneka Small and Artist Russell Watson

Artist Earl Darius Etienne demonstrates his fabric pieces


Therapeutic Art with Artist S.Ross Browne

Designer modelling her own clothes
 And shared my work in the main exhibition of the Fair


Still working on a few videos of the exhibition and will share as they get done.

For further information on the Caribbean Fine Arts Fair 2020 - https://www.cafafair.com/






Thursday 7 March 2019

CaFA 2019 in Full Swing




Caribbean Fine Art Fair (CaFA) is in full swing and there is amazing work from around the Caribbean and wider.  Yesterday was the Gala and it was opened by Minister John King and a special award (Caribbean Luminary of the Arts Award) was given to the family of the late Winston Jordan




Friday's Tour Available to Book
Call - (246) 822 3694
Visit www.bajanart.com



If you are not able to join us I will be sharing the highlights of the exhibition, you can also see the parts of the Gala Live

I will also be speaking with The Money Mob Host Paul Muhammad and co-hosts today on Urban Jazz Radio 



It will be great if you could catch the show We will be talking all things Creative, the Arts, International Art Shows and Urban Gardening!!

Also on the show - FRANK ADOM, Managing Director Of PROSTACURE the award winning herbal tea. Talking about Prostate health and well-being.

On every THURSDAY from 6pm - 8pm on Urban Jazz Radio 
With a repeat on Saturday between 10.00am - 12.00pm
News, interviews, debates.


With your host - Paul Muhammad and co hosts Glenys Russell, Sister Barbara, Rosalyn Reid
How to listen:
Urban Jazz Radio Player: http://urbanjazz.org/ujr_popup_2.htm
📻 Via UJR Talk Radio on Tune In App: http://tun.in/sfz4K 🌍 
Via the UJR Talk Radio website: http://umojaradio.co.uk or
Urban Jazz Radio: www.urbanjazzradio.net

I do hope you can join me, your presence is always a blessing!!

Thursday 28 February 2019

Barbados Visual Arts Magazine March 2019 Issue


For those of you who love the arts, each month I will be sharing with you a monthly online Arts magazine edited and published by Artist and Photographer Corrie Scott called Barbados Visual Arts.  When I used to come down to Barbados, this was my go-to publication because it has practically everything that is happening creatively around the Island.  Also remember to check out the Barbados Arts Events Facebook Group for more events.





In this Issue you will find the following and more:


Gallery openings, arts workshops, reviews, featured artists and more. The cover painting is by Artist Joanna Whittaker.

FEATURED EXHIBITIONS

Artist Heidi Berger ‘My Sister and I’. Hosted by Frame & Art Gallery.
Weaver artist Sylvester Clarke ‘Expressions’ Curated by Artist Alliance Barbados. Hosted by Norman Centre
Artist Walter Bailey Curated by Artist Alliance Barbados. Hosted by Norman Centre.
Group Show at The Barbados Arts Council Gallery.

STUDIO TOURS
Featured artists in the Open Studio Tours collaboration with CaFA and Artist Alliance Barbados on Thursday March 7th and Fri March 8th

FEATURED ARTISTS
Artist Joanna Whittaker
Artist Ann Rudder
BPS March theme of ‘Fine Art & Abstracts’

FEATURE
‘Creativity Is The Foundation Of A Strong Community’ by Sarah Thomson

Plus many individual pages of art and photography. With added arts events, open studios and workshops.

Also check out some of the previous issues of the Magazine, there are some great articles and information about the artists on the island.

A big Thank you goes out to Corrie Scott who pulls all this together for FREE each and every month.  
Do SHARE the information and support the arts and artists in Barbados, and make sure that you put the events in your diary, you won't want to miss them!!

For now, stay blessed and be a blessing, if you want to know more information about anything in particular you can leave a message in the comments or on the Facebook.


Wednesday 27 February 2019

Review - Paperless Post

I was asked to do a review on a company called Paperless Post, and to see what I thought about their services, and it couldn't have come at a better time, because of the service that they offer.



I have been in between homes in London and Barbados and with birthdays, anniversaries and more often coming up I am always looking for a way to remember to send that card for that special person, and stay in touch with friends and family.  Often I have used social media to say Happy Birthday greetings, but receiving a card has always been my preference in this fast paced life.

Paperless post seems to cover two areas in one sweep with their online Invitations, Cards and Flyers.  It is much more special receiving an electronic card rather than a one line message on social media and you can send greeting cards and more via their site.

They are also great for those planning an event and need to send out invitations locally and around the world, and you are able to track whether the card has been opened.  So for those planning weddings and parties you can get a better idea of numbers and following up on your invited guests - all you need is their email address.  You can receive cards as well, and send a reply from your account and keep track of who you have sent a card to.


Paperless Post partnered with designers and lifestyle brands, delivering millions of cards around the world and have an impressive range of designs that you can alter to your own specifications, whether it is the colour, text, backgrounds, and the inside of the envelope.  You can also upload your own designs, and as an artist I love the idea of being able to upload my work and send as a greeting card.


A drawing I created and will upload as an online card

You can send a standard online card for free, for additional functions you will have to purchase coins to use to edit the cards and get a selection of online envelopes. You can purchase 100 coins for $20.  You can create a standard card with text details and envelope for around 6 coins, which is about 1.2 cents per card!!.  If you are sending out invitations and in volume then you will need additional coins which you can purchase to meet your needs.

Flyers are another thing that I am always creating and you are also able to create online invitation fliers that you can post on social media, or send to your mailing list and receive a response to you invitations and keep track of the attendees.

For those of you who still want to send a printed card you can do so.  Paperless Post have a print partner called Paper Source, they have a minimum order quantity of 20.  But you are also able to print your own cards using a design and templates they provide you can do it yourself and add your own spice to the overall look, and is great if you are on a budget.

One of the things I like most about Paperless Post is that I can schedule cards to go out to loved ones.  I can design all the cards for the birthdays coming up, or just send a 'just because' card and then schedule them to go out for specific dates, and they have access to the cards immediately.  So what you waiting for, check it out and let me know how you get on.

Stay blessed and be a blessing.



Join me HERE





Sunday 17 February 2019

Resolutions Exhibition - Argentina Embassy, Barbados



It was a blessing to be one of the artists chosen to exhibit in the Argentina Embassy in Barbados, and the opening evening was a great success with an amazing group of people who were able to spend time talking to the artists.


Visitors to the Exhibition




Ambassador Carlos Marcelo Salord and Minister for Creative Economy Culture and Sport - John King addressing the gathering
 I had two pieces of work on display, hanging sculptures.  I had decided that I wanted to present the sculptures in a different way.  They can also stand up


Precious Jewel Sister, Mixed Media - Amanda Trought
 They were lovely to create and incorporate a variety of materials and embellishments which taps into my love for mixed media.

Earth Metal Sister - Mixed Media - Amanda Trought



I have a few exhibitions coming up over the next few months and will be sharing the work and details


Sculptures making their way home
 All work is for for sale should one speak to you and they will be posted on my website
Sculptures Details - Earth Metal Sister, Amanda Trought

Sculptures detail - Precious Jewel Sister - Amanda Trought

As usual it is great having you here, and I will be posting more regularly and have some exciting projects to share with you, and a few challenges for you to take part in as well

Wednesday 2 January 2019

2019 Podcasts, Courses and Bonuses



Well we made it through to the 2019, and I started working on a new series on my Podcast called 'Creating in Faith' which helps you look at your creative practice and with suggestions and journey insights.  What happens when you are asked to do something that takes you out of your comfort zone?  Say 'yes sure I can do that' while I freaking out on the inside?

I was asked to lead an online group in a weekly practice and by the time it came for me to get on with it I realized that it wasn't as big of an issue that I was making it and if I just let go of the doubts and the fear I could actually enjoy the process.

I want to share that journey with you in which I had to lean upon my faith to get through, some days I didn't want to create in such a disciplined way but I pressed through, because I realized that the growth was in the journey.  

Each Monday I will be sharing insights - using a different word each week as a starting point, and encourage you to take some time to be creative in some way.  Don't make excuses why you can't, would've or could've but find some solid reasons to give yourself the time and stick to it.  I suggest that if it is not something you are used to doing then you start off with say 10 - 20 minutes - you should be able to find that time for yourself on a daily basis, or break it down if you have to into smaller chunks say 5 minutes - there is a lot you can do in that time.

This weeks title 'Leap' encourages us to step up and step out - feeling the fear, but doing it anyway!   I encourage you to make time to work on yourself, your dreams and goals and put things in place that will see you achieve those things that you always wanted to do.


While you are there, check out some of the other episodes that I have created.

The Mixed Media Play Date Online course that I will be teaching on has started!  I would love you to come and join us.  I have a selection of bonuses that you can get when you sign up using my link - Check them out HERE.


May 2019 be the year that you unfold your gifts, shine your light and be a blessing to you and others.




Monday 31 December 2018

Happy New Year 2019


Here is wishing you a Happy New Year!!!


Stay blessed and be a blessing!!

Thursday 13 December 2018

You have Everything You Need to Start!


You have everything you need.  Sometimes it might not seem that way but you really have.  I don't always believe it myself especially in those times of self doubt and feelings of fear, but deep down I know that I have available to me the tools that I need to use to do the things that I enjoy doing.

What you need to do is break things down, step back and look with fresh eyes.

Check out the podcast to hear more!



Remember when you make things more complicated than they need to be you miss the opportunities that come wrapped up in simple packaging.  Take time to reflect and remind yourself what is truly important to you and take a step in the direction of your dreams - if you need permission to take the step, use the slip below!!  Have fun and take lots of photos!!


Stay blessed and be a blessing


Wednesday 12 December 2018

Mixed Media Play Date - Registration is OPEN!!

Click HERE For More Info

The Mixed Media Play Date Registration is NOW OPEN and I am very excited to be among the AMAZING artist instructors who will bring you awesome lessons and inspiration throughout 2019!


This is a new mixed media collaboration intended to bring you endless inspiration, amazing fun, freedom in creativity and community like no other.  Hosted by Tiare Smith, you’ll be immersed in happiness, gratitude and fun from day one. 

And if you think you don’t have enough time to create, if you don’t know where to begin, if your inner critic keeps talking and you need someone to lift you up and shut her up, if you need inspiration or you simply want to find your own inner voice the Mixed Media Play Date is for you! Designed to teach, be a guide, inspiration and a friendly place for you to be yourself and thrive! Oh and AMAZING FUN and LIVE STREAMED MIXED MEDIA PLAY DATES!!!!

I know some of your are excited! GRAB YOUR SPOT NOW!
 

EARLY BIRD PRICING, be sure to enter code: PLAYDATE at checkout to save 20% good till December 25, 2018.  
 
Wait.... there is MORE!

BONUS GIFTS


For those of you who sign up for the course using my link I have several bonuses (worth over $40) to give away as a special Thank You!!

25 Ways to fit Art & Creativity into Your Life

Art Journal Bundle - Series 1

I Speak Life - Encouraging Words

You can check out the Bonuses and sign up HERE

Stay blessed and be a blessing.


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