Give Me Three #37

 Interactive sensory sound objects by Maddie Harris

Life is serious enough so why not add a bit of silliness to one's day!

Maddie Harris's colourful sound objects made me smile this morning. Handcrafted using processes such as metal spinning and powder coating, they are designed to be held and explored; blowing into them causes them to emit an unexpected and sometimes 'silly' sound. What fun! I'd love to have a go with my kids, wouldn't you?

A trained silversmith/jewellery maker, Maddie's new product designs were inspired by music, musical instruments, sea life, cells, microorganisms and toys. 

 If you live in England, and are interested in finding out more about Maddie's work, she will be exhibiting at a new show entitled 'The Art of Child's Play', at New Brewery Arts in Gloucestershire (23 July - 4th of September). This exhibition brings together some of my favourite artists and makers - Donna Wilson, Jennifer Collier, Gillian Lee, Samantha Bryan - and has pointed me in the direction of fresh talent such as recent graduate Caroline Brown, whose contemporary take on needlefelting (felt, plaster & porcelain) is both beautiful and intriguing. 

Definitely a date for your Summer diaries, if you're lucky enough to be in that neck of the woods...

Let me tell you a story

Morgandy

I'd like to introduce you to a few new acquaintances

Linnet, who prefers her bird friends to people. She prefers mist and twilight to sunshine. the birdcage door is always open, a comfort rather than a cage.

Brenna, who knows of the secret garden behind the old wooden door

Corinne, who dreams of island life, wandering the cliff tops and collecting flowers.

These exquisite creations are the work of Nottingham-based mixed media artist Gillian Lee Smith. Love at first sight! Gillian has a lifetime fascination with storytelling, history, fairytales and folklore. Her work (painting, felt and soft sculpture) explores the expression and characterisation of human nature, a glimpse of the hidden, and is influenced by the Baroque and Victorian periods.
Each of her sculptural characters tells an original tale and endeavors to embody a whole lifestory with a single image, a way of seeking the perfect representation of our character. They are a nod towards her own imaginations, avid reading and childhood dreams.

Need I say more? Gillian's work is quite extraordinary, moving infact. Her sculptures have a soul. Why don't you take a look for yourself?