Hanna Tonnek Bonnet

Check out these beautiful ceramics cups & saucers and brooches from the talented Hanna Tonnek Bonnet.

I first came across Hanna's work when we both were exhibiting at Pulse, Earls Court a few years back, I remember talking to her about traveling in from Essex and offering lifts (Hanna is a fellow Essex girl based in Brentwood - quite far from her Scandinavian roots) but unfortunately we didnt keep in touch...

A couple of months ago a lady came into the gallery and told me about her friend Hanna who 'does ceramics' and said she'd put her in touch with me.

I think you can guess the next bit!

Hanna's Rosie Posie T-Cup and saucers are available at the gallery for £26 cup and £4 saucer

Friday the 13th

Really lived up to it's name this year...

Massive slip spillage, and then (okay the next day..) i break my mould in two!! It couldnt be ay worse could it?..

oh well!

Happy St Patricks Day!

New In - Sun Ae Kim

New in the shop this week. Ceramics by Sun Ae Kim, a recent graduate of the Royal College of Art.

I met Sun Ae at a gallery in London, whilst on a course. You may remember me writing about it - Debut Contemporary? Anyway, we have Sun Ae's beautiful bone china mugs adorned with delicate pencil drawings of an 19th Century Tea Strainer... Only £15!

"Snow White" and "Black Queen" are delicate porcelain flower brooches, rings and earrings, a perfect gift for yourself for spring!

New Press

Some good news!

I've received a little bit of press over the last couple of days! woo! Firstly, I have been featured as the 'centrefold artist' in The Plectrum - The Cultural Mix. Pop into the gallery to buy a copy OR click here for the online shop. The middle folds out and you can get a poster of my illustrations! WOWZER!

Secondly, Level 4 a local magazine to do with the arts etc in Southend has written an artists profile on me! yay!

And Thirdly, again in Level 4 Magazine, there is a little write up about the gallery!

Getting famous!

FRAGILE!

My first ever vessel was sent by post this week!

Do you think the postman will know to handle it with care!?...

Seriously...

..The things my mum keeps!

I found this little box of goodies in a drawer whilst searching for a hairbrush:

Grayson Perry - Tomb of the Unknown Craftsman

Danny & I really wanted to go and see this exhibition. I tried to book online, but unfortunately all the tickets were pre-booked! The only other option was to get up there by 9am and nab one of the 200 tickets they make available on the day!

So that was the plan.

Just my luck that I wake up late and to cut a long story short, we get there at roughly 1.30pm.. and guess what - they'd all sold out! DOH!

Never mind, I still got to see Grayson's motorbike and Alan Measles Stunt teddy 'Ted'

As you can see, Danny is pretty unimpressed as to not being able to see the full show! hehe

Its Nice That - Selfridges

Danny & I had a little London adventure the other day, and whilst on our travels we came across this in the window of Selfridges:

"It’s Nice That is honoured to be taking over four (count them!) of the windows at Selfridges in central London for the next few weeks. In the showpiece window we have installed a huge wooden roller-rcoaster with 30,000 unique fortunes for the year ahead running around it – our tribute to the sheer ruddy wonder of the English language. And with three of our favourite creatives giving their own representation of the word "words"in three other windows, it’s safe to say this is a project which has got us buzzing"

You can read more about it here. But we jumped at the change for a freebie fortune!

This one was Danny's:

And mine was:

How appropriate!

Danny always has his phone on silent, so it's nice to know he will now be trackable this year! As for Low-Cost... why not! I could do with saving a few pennies!

Its funny how once you read your horoscope or fortune, you seem to live your life by it so it comes true?.. does that make sense?

Studio spaces now available!

Are you a Contemporary Crafts-person? Designer maker? Artist? Creative? Are you looking for somewhere to work and share ideas with like minded individuals?

Would you like access to a modern gallery & shop space to showcase and sell your work throughout the year?

Look no further!

..at miss annabel dee* gallery & studios artist studios have become available!

Contact

missannabeldee@gmail.com

Please send details of your discipline and recent photos of your work

Look forward to hearing from you!

4th Downing Street Visit...

Was asked to go back to Downing Street to film a short Press video on the contemporary craft & design exhibition being held there.. YIKES! with only a day's notice!

Had to be there at 9am this morning, which meant for me, getting up at 6... (alarm at 5.40 so i can have a snooze).. and boy, am i tired now!

I even fell asleep on the train - something i never do for fear of the 'snoring-so-loudly-you-wake-yourself-up'. I had only written a short piece of what I wanted to say about my pieces and had memorized it on the train (before the snooze).. or so I thought. Once the cameras were rolling I went completely blank and I actually have no idea what I said.

So, I cant wait for the actual video.. see how much of an idiot I manage to look like!

On the plus side, I saw Humphrey the Downing Street cat, sprawled out on top of a radiator....

That's the life ey!?

oh no, ive just looked the cat up, and bleeding hell, the current cat is only bleeding LARRY!? whoops! I hope they dont mind!

Sorry Larry!

Spring has Sprung

Take a look at these gorgeous Spring & Easter decorations by Julie Spurgeon, a resident artist at miss annabel dee* studios & gallery

Look at those cute button tails!

I'm also in the process of changing the window display around, in time for Spring.

We stock Larios Pet pins. Come along and check them out! We've got Pugs, Beagles, Bunny Rabbits and more...

Valentines Day

Was treated to these lovely blooms and the quirky card from the boyfriend. Love the sentiment of the card and the words!

On another note, I still have various FINE ART PRINTS available, perfect for the one you love, whatever day of the year!:

Another Sotheby's commission...

really do have to thank Janice Blackburn for giving me so many amazing opportunities, such as the Downing Street exhibition.

It was Janice who visited my degree show before we had opened and chose me to showcase my work in her 'small show Huge Talent' show at Sotheby's. It was here, that my work caught the eye of the Head of Sotheby's and he has been commissioning me ever since.

I have just delivered the latest commission, which was a ceramic vessel for his partner's 40th birthday present. Unfortunately I havent any photos of the final piece, as I like to respect the privacy of my clients (as the images and words are quite personal to them etc) However I do have a snapshot of the decal sheet, just as a little taster:

I received this LOVELY thank you note this evening:

"What a wonderful piece of ceramic you have produced for my 40th. I honestly can say that it is the most beautiful present I have ever received. I knew about your talent from Jasper's (Conran, a previous commission) jars, but mine is massive.

I thought you were so smart and thoughtful choosing the composition -ok, getting the symbol of Madrid, the bear and the evergreen tree in relief is already quite something- and arranging the pictures so fantastically well.

I'm so proud to be the owner of one of your pieces, so carefully crafted and smartly produced. What a great treasure to look back to my life with perspective and see that everything is just fine, and so well narrated."

I'm well chuffed! Another happy customer!

Number 10 Downing Street

Third visit to No.10 Downing Street the other day! (haha i sound so blase about it..)

I was delivering two vessels to be displayed in the state rooms of Downing Street which will be part of the Contemporary Crafts exhibition there curated by Janice Blackburn. Click here for some more information from the Department of Culture (these are the first wave of artists who exhibited their work last year)

They'll be there for roughly 6 months, which is brilliant news - hopefully LOTS of people will see them and hopefully I will get some commissions from it.

The vessels titled 'If That Door Could Talk' and 'Number Ten' are based on - funnily enough, Downing Street and the people who, stick out, particularly in my mind - Winston Churchill for example.

Just a little peek of the final pieces:

The facilities manager there loved them! Which I'm really chuffed about! There was even talks about him actually buying the pieces to keep at Downing Street permanently! Cripes! Fingers crossed!

New Exhibition* 6th-25th February 2012

Miss Annabel Dee* gallery & studios is joining forces with artist Cherry Ann Hall for both parties first solo exhibition.

The Leigh Road gallery which has been open just 3 months will be showcasing Cherry's, who works under the pseudonym 'EssexGirl' paintings and prints from Monday 6th February - Sunday 26th February. There will be a drinks reception held Saturday 11th February 12-4.30pm for the opportunity to meet the artist and view the works on display.

Annabel approached 'EssexGirl' after seeing some of her work on a blog. "I love the figures portrayed in Cherry's work. The titles are really quirky too, for example 'EssexGirl does Red Carpet'. I understand that a certain 'Essex' celebrity has bought one of these prints and has it displayed in her shop. I'm very excited to be showing another fellow Essex Girl's work and look forward to seeing everyones reaction. This is Cherry's first solo exhibition, and that's one of the reasons I wanted a gallery like this - to showcase emerging talent"

Cherry was born in 1958 and is very much a self- taught artist - working in her small bedroom home studio. After studying for a BA (Hons) in Psycho/social Studies from East London University she decided to concentrate on her artwork, having been influenced by other artistic friends.

She creates her essexgirl artwork to express her personal journey through this life, having often felt emotionally and geographically displaced from her move to Essex at the age of 10. As with most people. she is quite complex and contradictory - sometimes she quite likes to be called an 'essexgirl', other times she's not to keen. As mentioned before this will be her first solo 'essexgirl' exhibition, although other exhibitions include the Chelmsford Art Trail and being selected to exhibit her work for the last 3 years in the Beecroft Summer Exhibition.

All work will be for sale.

The Gallery will be open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 11 - 4.30pm

12 days of Christmas Handmade Baubles... LIMITED EDITION!

Handmade ceramic baubles with red ribbon and bow detail. Only 3 sets left! 12 for £60.

One set available to be sold separately. Each bauble £8.

Totally worth it!

Handmade Christmas Shop

Handmade, unique Christmas gifts & Decorations now available at miss annabel dee* Gallery & Studios:

153 Leigh Road

Leigh on Sea

Essex

SS1 1JF

A Selection of handmade Christmas decorations from £4.50. Multibuy deals available.. Watch out for the 12 days of Christmas Baubles..

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS OFFERS!! Limited edition ceramic vessels from £60!!! Quick! Limited time only!

Handmade Jewellery from £6

Is That Plastic?

Butter Dishes - £26

Condiment Dish - £20

Egg Saucer - £10

A wider selection available in store, including ceramic notepads, tea sets and photography!

IMPORTED - First International Exhibition

So, the first international exhibition to grace miss annabel dee* has been and gone - and what a success it was!

My friend and fellow ceramicist Alia Pialtos attended Central Saint Martins for a term. It was here we met, and three years later, we decide to curate a small show over here in the UK.

8 graduates from the ceramic program at the University of Massachusetts exhibited small works at the gallery last week. It was a breath of fresh air to see what people my age who were studying ceramics were making across the pond

See the images below for a taster of the exhibition.

NOW OPEN!

This is it! we are now officially open! THREE CHEERS HIPHIP.. HOORAY! After months and months of saying we'd be open next week we are finally up and trading!

The opening party was held last night, and if i dont mind saying so myself was a rip roaring success! I have a few photos, but I had a professional team come along and film the night to make an advert promoting the gallery and they took photos as well.

Here we go.. a little bit about the gallery etc...

The gallery will be showcasing an example of Annabel's work which has been exhibited in places such as Sotheby's London as well as New York and early next year at No. 10 Downing Street. Annabel has had many a prestigious client commissioning her for a unique ceramic piece for their home or office. Alongside Annabel there will be a permanent retail area which will sell prints, jewellery and homewares from other emerging and established artists.

Annabel an ex Southend High School student graduated from the prestigious Central Saint Martins 2 years ago before embarking on a long and hard renovation project of the shop along Leigh Road to change it into an art gallery and studio spaces for fellow like minded artists: "I couldn't believe the interest in the studio areas. Obviously Leigh has a hidden army of creative people waiting to be exposed! I hope the appearance of my gallery and others such as Studio 3 and the White Wall Space in Leigh and gallery 11 in Westcliff will encourage others to take a look at some art and get involved somehow. Infact I cant believe the interest in the whole project, from day one we've had people putting their heads through the door asking to builders what's going on, and still i get people stopping and peering through the windows!"

The studios have a kiln available to rent for those who need access to one at very reasonable rates. A glazing facility (compressor and glaze gun) is also available to use, and so it a small teaching space if anybody is interested in sharing their knowledge of a craft with others, Miss Annabel Dee* is able to accommodate 3 adults (5 children), again at very reasonable rates.

Surprise!

Whilst clearing the very over grown garden and cutting down a rather large and unruly 'bush' the gardeners come back to me and asked me if I knew I had a two storey building at the back of the garden!

We were very suprised to say the least, it was like the crooked house once they'd pulled all the vines away, all lopsided and looking very sorry for itself. However it worked out in our favour, because it meant I could have a few more studio spaces, and these ones are self contained!

Here are some photos of the two story building before it got finished. Well, its half way through. I didnt even think about taken photos in the beginning, scatterbrain!

I will go to the studios and get some 'after' shots tomorrow so you can see how far we've come.

I'm Potty about my new studio!

A local newspaper article covering the opening of my gallery

I was quite lucky when it came to getting a piece in the local paper about the gallery finally opening. You may remember I had a Pop-Up Shop in the same space a few months back during the Leigh Art Trail and the paper covered the story then. Ever since the journalist, Hannah Marsh has been walking passed peeking in the windows to watch my progress.. So when I emailed her the details of the opening she was more than happy to oblige. Click here to go to the Southend Echos Website

We had a lovely chat, she actually came to the gallery to talk to me which was really nice rather than a telephone interview and her being there, really gave her a feel for the place, and write a really nice piece.

Grand Opening...

Its finally arrived! The grand opening of my gallery and studios! ta daaaaaaa! This is predominantly the reason I havent been blogging for a while, I've had so much to do, I just havent had time to sit and write anything - which is a shame because I havent kept you all updated! boo!.. Well here it is in the next couple of posts, whats been happening. to the build up of the GRAND OPENING!!

Artside 2011

This year I am lucky enough to be art of ARTSIDE - 1sy July 16th July. Basically a Southend on Sea Art Trail, with artists working with venues along Southend High Street to produce artwork relevant to that particular place. This year's theme is 'PAUSE':

"The title PAUSE reflects the site-specific nature of Artside, the exhibited work will be thought-provoking, a surprise or will simply encourage us to stop and view familiar places in new light. Artists will be working with the venues creating site-led work, either related to the type of business, to the individual stories of people working there or responding to the space itself."

My venue is The Railway Hotel, Scratton Road, just opposite Southend Central Railway Station. Its a lovely pub owned by Hoxton Bar And Grill. I look forward to speaking to the owners and producing ceramic vessels which captures the essence and the memories the Railway holds.

The pieces have to be installed by 1st July, so I am in the process of making some 'work in progress' vessels which I can place in the venue, perhaps on the piano, or behind the bar whilst i collect stories and ephemeral matter.

Below is a work in progress image:

Project for ARTSIDE 2011 | Southend-on-Sea | www.artside.org.uk

Cental Saint Martins BA (Hons) Ceramic Design Degree Show - Class of 2011

What a great standard this years graduans have set! Some really lovely work over at Southampton Row, at what is set to be the buildings last ever degree show before the university moves over to Kings Cross.

The work was really colourful and different and it was great to see everyone so enthusiastic and positive. Just what I needed to keep me motivated and on track for the Grand opening of my gallery in August.

Spotted some potential pieces I would like to showcase and fingers crossed, we'll be able to come to a deal.

That was the whole point of the gallery really, to showcase up and coming emerging ceramic talent, as I didnt really know where to start once I'd left uni - If it hadn't been for Janice Blackburn, and my exhibition at Sotheby's - I probably would still be wondering how to get into gallerys and find commissions!

Below are some select photos I took of the show, in no particular order:

Kane Sutton - "Scale Up"

Yixue Huang - "Corro Corro mugs corroding"

Elizabeth Cooper - "Once there, now gone"

Stephanie Turner - "You dont bring me Flowers"

Yuki Ouchi - "Mortus Creatura"

Sarah Comissiong - "Sweet fa Days"

Agnieszka Ewa Juszczyk - "1 in 4"

Manuela Becker - "Daydreams and Nightmares"

I also liked the work of Emily-Clare Thorn, who unfortunately I didnt take any snaps of, beautiful bubbly sweet inspired tableware - infact there were quite a few I seemed to have missed out on - Must have been the free wine! hehe.

You can catch the degree show from 20-23rd June 12-8pm at Southampton Row, London, WC1B 4AP and also at New Designers, Angel Islington from 29th June - 2nd July

Pop-Up Show!

So I did it! I actually managed to get everything ready in time! I was still at the gallery at 1am the previous morning before the opening, washing the windows with slightly tipsy people over at Tigerlilys as an audience. Thats a bar opposite by the way.

I couldn't have done it without the help of the wonderful Danny! He helped me with all the handy man duties, as when it comes to wood nails and screwdrivers, I draw a blank and all common sense goes through the window! So again, Thank you very much Dan for all your hard work.

I'd like to give the builders and the electrical and all the men that have been working on the gallery a big thumbs up! You've done such a good job - it doesnt look like the same place. I wish i'd taken some more 'before' photos, but never mind, youll have to use your imagination. The transformation of the space is amazing! Before, it was one room with rotting floorboards & joists, anaglypta wallpaper, french doors boarded up, rotting window frames.. all the usual pre-renovation features or failures and now, well now its a lovely, modern & dare i say sophisticated space perfect for showing works of art.

The Pop-Up Exhibition went really really well.

I had lots of positive feedback when I told people my ideas for the shop. They were pleased it wasnt going to be another hairdressers or takeaway! Alot of people thought thats what it was going to be - a chinese, beacause ive got a hatch in the wall! It divides the shop from the working studio spaces and will provide a window for people to watch me working and for me to see out into the gallery/shop, see whats going on.

Below are a selection of photos I took just before I opened.

Exterior of the Gallery

Interior of the gallery

Recycled Glass Bowls - Debbie Hadley

Lovely exposed brick wall - Original Framed prints by East End Prints & Jenny Robins

All Washed Up! Brooches - Miss Annabel dee*

Material Pleasures - Julie Spurgeon

The Pop up Show has arrived!

Nautical Cupcakes

Wish You Were Here? - Miss Annabel Dee*

Lovely Package

Recieved a lovely little package of limited edition prints from illustrator Jenny Robins.

These will be exhibited and sold at the up-coming pop up show... lets hope the shop is all finished in time!!

Pop-up Show CONFIRMED!

Thats right, the gallery is well and truly on its way to being.. well half decent!! As you all should know, I have a space in Leigh on Sea which I am turning into Studio & Gallery Space..

In the meantime whilst it's still being decorated, I'm holding a POP UP SHOW!!

Here is a mini press release I have written for the day:

An exciting new venture sees Annabel putting ceramics on hold to renovate an old shop along Leigh Road and turn the space into an artist led collective and gallery & studio space. "When I left university, I wanted to be exhibited in galleries, but they seemed to take too much commission unfortunately! I want to create a platform for emerging ceramicists & artists to showcase their work at a reasonable rate. I also wanted a studio space where ceramicists and other artists could work together, inspire and help other, just like we did at university"

"Miss Annabel Dee* presents..." is a Pop Up art exhibitions run alongside the Leigh Art Trail 11th-19th June. The show consists of up & coming artists of the area as a sneak peek of what the future holds for this Leigh Road Gallery.

Julie Spurgeon, also a fellow Leigh dweller and Central Saint Martins graduate will be showcasing her Material Pleasure fine bone china tea set, which is currently in an exhibition in Fortnum & Masons, alongside Annabel’s unique cylindrical vessels. East End Prints, the number one preferred supplier of quirky, graphic prints have some of their artists work on display also.

The Leigh Road gallery will be holding an Opening Party on Saturday 11th June from 10am onwards.

The confirmed artists are:

* Myself
* Julie Spurgeon www.materialpleasures.net
* Jenny Robins www.jennyrobins.co.uk
* East End Prints www.eastendprints.co.uk
* Heidi Wigmore
* Lousie Graham (by Louise)

Come down and spend the day by the seaside...and have a look at some art whilst you're at it!!

Once its gone, its gone*

MoMac Pop up Art Exhibition

A few days ago I found out that 5, yes 5 of my vessels had been selected by gallerist Roberta Moore to be part of the 2 day exhibition she is curating.

The Big Beat Club - one of the vessels selected

Roberta specializes in showcasing emerging and established British and International artists.

The artists exhibiting in the show include Paul Robinson (who has exhibited extensively in New York, Los Angeles, London and Hong Kong and has collectors that include Sydney Pollack, Renee Zellweger and Jason Priestley), Stuart Semple (who has shown in a string of international exhibitions and Biennales and is collected by celebrities such as Debbie Harry and Sienna Miller) and Roni Stretch (whose work is held in numerous public collections in the US and Europe as well as private collections worldwide).

Artwork for 'On the Door', another selected vessel

Artists from Debut Contemporary that have been selected by Roberta to be part of the exhibition are Tahnee Lonsdale, Patrick Colhoun, Chantal Powell and myself.

(with thanks to Chantal Powell for words as I copied this off of her blog, go check it out :) )

Charity Auction at DEBUT Contemporary

Yesterday evening saw a Charity Auction take place at Debut Contemporary, the gallery at which I am currently being represented.

There was a good turn out! My piece in the auction was purchased by an important collector! Below are some snaps from the night courtesy of Peter Barsony . Check out the full gallery here

Ceramic Plate - The Future's Bright

Tinsel and Twinke

Nearly a WHOLE month without a blog entry...

Almost a WHOLE month - I'm terribly sorry! What must you think of me? I suppose I could post-date some entrys and say that i've been blogging all along... so that's what i'm going to do... just so it all runs nicely in succession! sorry!

It's been a hectic month! Excuses, Excuses I know! The boy's sister got married the weekend before the Royal Wedding, so I guess everything has been revolving around weddings at the moment and I kinda got caught up in it...

danny & myself at the sisters wedding..

danny and myself at the 'other' wedding of the year

I'll fill you in with what ive been up to in the next couple of entries...as some exciting stuff has been brewing!

I PROMISE NOT TO DO IT AGAIN! :)

New Business Cards

During the last month or so I've had a delivery of new business cards from moo.com

I love this site, its amazing, theyve really done a good job! You can have as many different images on one side. I decided to change mine, as I didnt think they really represented what I did anymore. For this batch I have images of the Publand & Slugs and Snails ranges, but also a detail image of one of the dollfaces on a vessel - you can see in the image below.

New Business cards arrived! yesss!

Yorkshire Sculpture Park - NOW STOCKING MY WORK!

Just before the Royal Wedding, I took a trip 'oop north' to Wakefield to deliver 15 vessels to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park to be displayed in their Shop Showcase from 9th May - 22nd July. I still dont quite trust the postman to not break my stuff, and a little break is just waht i needed.

The vessels at the shop

Here's the shop! That's the display cabinet in which the work will be displayed

It was such a beautiful day we decided to stay up there and make the most of the park. It's set in 500 acres of rolling rural park land. I really couldnt believe how lovely it was, the sky was a piercing blue and there were sheep with lambs roaming the land! I really do feel honoured to have work exhibited here!

One of Jaume Plensa's large heads - they really were massive

Bretton Hall in the distance behind a sculpture 'Promenade'

Terroising the lambs

After the park visit we didnt really want to drive the 4 hours back home, so we decided to drive through the Peak District, somewhere I've never been before, but Danny had when he was younger. A little mid-week adventure.

Stopped at the side of the road to take a photo of the peak district! haha.. cars were roaring by!

We drove to Buxton - i recognised this name from the bottled water, and loved the fact there were railway arches - viaducts? with houses and buildings built literally underneath them, right on top.

It was all very reminisant of the Railway Children, dark stone cottages, bright green greenery! - have i got the right area? Anyways, next we drove through Bakewell (home of the infamous tarts!) and ended in Matlock Bath where we were to stay the night in a little B&B.

Matlock Bath

Bakewell

Danny and I have decided we must be getting 'old', as we keep stopping to take photos of a mountain, or of a lovely waterfall - those typical holiday snaps you have of each other standing next to an area of interest - A PHOTO OPPURTUNITY perhaps? haha, ah well, we embraced it and loved it!

I'd def recommend a visit to the Park and to the Peak District. Really loved it!

Festival of Britain Celebrations at the Southbank Centre

The South Bank Cente Beach huts

I was lucky enough to be involved in part of the 60th anniversary of the Festival of Britain along the South Bank over the last couple of weeks.
Metal an arts orgainisation in Southend, my home town managed to secure the beach huts along the embankment for 4 months.

Setting up the Gallery hut

My Vessels

All Washed Up! Brooches

My Big Fat Royal Wedding PV

A really good turn out at Maiden, Shoreditch High Street for the private view of My Big Fat Royal Wedding. East End Prints are there all month! Go down and grab yourself one of my prints!

Look, there's one of my prints - Commercial Tavern!

And there's my NEWEST print 'Royal Blue' on the bottom right!

Inspiration

I was wandering around the Westbourne Grove area yesterday, and I think its time to move my inspiration west, away from east London - just for the time being of course!

The houses are DIVINE. When I grow up this is where I want to be.

Anyway, I love looking at windows and doors and chimneys and ariels.. so watch this space.. new work should be evolving soon!

debut contemporary - workshop with Paul Barthaud

Those are some good looking DEBUT Artists!

Tuesday 29^th March’s Workshop led by successful Auctioneer, Art Handler and specialist Cataloguer, Paul Barthaud (www.paulbarthaud.co.uk), demonstrated that all artists should be prepared, at least with an understanding of the runnings, for Auction Houses at an early stage. Barthaud also stressed the importance of what he described as the “nuclear option” – having a clear voice as an artist and a control over the price, placement and integrity of one’s artworks.

Some key market trends were noted as to the boom in art sales in particular countries in the last decade and following Jean-Phillippe Vernes talk, the value in remaining respectful to your collectors whilst maintaining a strategic business mind is clearly of high importance.

text and images courtesy of the Debut Contemporary Blog.

My Big Fat Royal Wedding

I will be selling prints at the following exhibition, come along show your support!

My Big Fat Royal Wedding

Come and see ‘MY BIG FAT ROYAL WEDDING’ at MAIDEN Shop

188 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6HU

Thursday 7th April 6-9pm Top 5 listing for First Thursdays in the East End.

Show runs until 3rd May.
Opening Times 11-6pm

EAST END PRINTS is popping up downstairs from MAIDEN,
the offbeat and exciting shop on Shoreditch High Street.

The work produced from artists, illustrators and designers
will be based around the loose theme of the Royal Wedding.

Affordable prints and originals nestle alongside Charles and Di memorabilia.

Check out the brand new limited release from ART IS THE CURE*… Rich Simmons – Beautiful silkscreen editions and affordable range of prints -watch this space! Including his Future ***King work as seen on TV!

We will also be giving a sneak preview from the archives…in our new typographic range from ‘Vintage by Hemingway’ too -so there is plenty to see and a whole month to do it in!

Artists include Twinkle Troughton, ART IS THE CURE, Tinsel Edwards, Paper Inc, Philip Sheffield, Helen Lang, Miss Annabel Dee, Jennifer Camilleri, Tisna, Fiona Watson, Hi-Artz Press, Infinity Bunce, Anonymous Hands, Paul Collis, Dale Edwin Murray, Andy Bridge, People Will Always Need Plates, Paul Delaney, Hennie Haworth…plus Vintage by Hemingway exclusive typographic print collection….and much, much more…

Second Workshop at Debut Contemporary

My second workshop session at Debut Contemporary. It went really well. Below is a review of the afternoon courtesy Debut Contemporary's Blog (http://debutcontemporary.blogspot.com/)

On Tuesday, the 15th of March, the Debut Artists were introduced to a prominent collector who was fortunate to pick up early works by the acclaimed Anish Kapoor and the late French artist Simon Hentai. In more recent years, Vernes added the work of young British artist Hugo Wilson to his collection, whose unique paintings have been exhibited in galleries across Europe. The in depth session with Jean Philippe Vernes opened eyes about the dynamics of a relationship between artists and collectors. Vernes revealed that is often not as romantic and exciting as we are lead to believe and often collectors are quite austere and serious characters. What is required between the two parties is rigour and a business-like attitude.

Vernes explained how collectors play an important part in the history and upkeep of art and will buy into things to make a difference to society. He also relayed that although the buzz of the art market leads artists to desire being recognised young, they should manage their expectations accordingly. The collector himself admitted that he loves meeting artists, buying their work and then seeing them gain success and recognition in later years.

Sad Day for Ravensbourne

Well, Ive just seen a photograph of my old college - Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication - where I studied for a year working towards my Diploma in Art Foundation... and it seems that Rave. is no more! The whole college is being relocated to Greenwich.

What a shame!.. Never mind onwards and upwards I suppose..

Funnily enough, Central Saint Martins, my old university is also relocating, well the University of the Arts colleges are all merging and moving to a brand spanking new building in Kings Cross. I still feel so sad though, the buildings (maybe not Rave. as it was more or less 1960s new - at a guess) but certainly for the building along Southampton Row, its so beautiful and old and seeped in history, parquet flooring, wooden banisters, stone coving - ah well.. Hopefully they wont be as quick to tear down this building.

STOP THE PRESS! - East End Prints

Great News!

It's been a long time coming, but I am finally selling prints via EAST END PRINTS yesss!! Please visit and be very generous!

I'm really looking forward to working with these guys. They're a good company and I'm very excited about new ventures and exhibitions which will be revealed in the next coming weeks.

One of my prints was even included in the newsletter viewed by over 6,000 contacts! hurrah! (top right image)

Studio Snap

Hard at work, making the Slugs & Snails Mark II for the Yorkshire Sculpture Park showcase in June. If you look closely you can see the bisque doll faces ready for firing (in the top left corner). These will become the Whats Up Dollface brooches, we all know and love!

She Said - Private View*

This was my first foray into the galleries of trendy East London. And it went rather well! The Event was even listed on the Design Week Blog!

The gallery was packed all night and I even made a sale. The work there is pretty good as well. A particular favourite of mine is Kelly Davit's "Red Hat". So lifelike! (see below)

Anyway, the show is open until 13th March, so if you're in London I'd def recommend going and have a little nose around.

debut Contemporary - OFFICIAL Launch Photos*

Images have been uploaded from the launch! hurrah! Here are a select few (which feature me!)

Also some snaps of the artists with their work To view the whole image gallery, please visit Debut Contemporary's flickr account here. Below is a selections of images from the night, courtesy of Debut Contemporary.

Samir Cedric (bow tie) & Zoe Knight (to the right) and the curator team at Debut Contemporary

debut Contemporary - Launch Photos*

Below are some photographs of the very successful launch night of Debut Contemporary. As you can see there were queues to get in from the word go at 6.30pm!

Photos courtesy of Robert West. There will be more photographs and video footage of the night online shortly.

If you look closely in the image below, you can just make out the top of one of my vessels (inbetween the man and lady's face)

new work* - Mulberry Bush

Wow, the launch of Debut Contemporary went really really well. Thanks to all who came. This venture looks like its going global! - Photos of the launch will be available soon, so watch this space!

Anyway, it was here that I revealed my newest piece of work 'Mulberry Bush'. It is part of the Slugs, Snails & Puppy dog Tails collection and it pokes fun of today's Mulberry bag culture. The ceramic vessel is emblazoned with the slogan 'here we go round the mulberry bush' and features children prancing round a bush sprouting the infamous bags.

It is available for purchase (as is the rest of the Slugs, Snails & Puppy dog Tails and the chewing gum floors collections) from:

Debut Contemporary
82 Westbourne Grove
London
W2 5RT
+ 44 (0)207 7221 1651
info@debutcontemporary.com

Studio Publicity

Courtesy of One a Day Design (http://oneadaydesign.blogspot.com/2010/11/ceramicist-annabel-johnson-acquires.html#comment-form)

Ceramicist Annabel Johnson acquires studio space in Leigh on Sea

In a recent chat with One A Day, Annabel Johnson revealed her exciting plans for expanding her creative practice

"I've just bought a shop in Leigh on Sea Essex - a trendy type part of Southend. Well, it's Leigh on Sea, not Southend, but you now what i mean... I'm gonna gut it out and turn it into working studios and a gallery"

This is a highly ambitious investment for the 24 year old artist and surface designer who practises under the pseudonym Miss Annabel Dee*.

"At the moment, I feel like it's a total pipe dream! Every time I go there I'm like 'it's not gonna work!' but chin up ey! Fingers crossed it'll all be done by summer next year"

So what inspired her to establish her own studio? And what plans has she got for it once it's up and running?

"I just have this great idea of making a - I dunno if you call it a collaborative or organisation or whatever. The studios are fully functional in the back and then we sell the work in the actual gallery. I want to try and keep on 'ceramics' and I'm gonna contact this years grads to see if they'd like to rent out the extra space."

Annabel is currently in the process of developing her latest collections 'Publand' and 'East End Memories' for the East London Design Show. More details at the official website.

debut Contemporary - Launch*

Debut Contemporary showcases the best of British creative talent across all art disciplines including painting, sculpture, photography, video and performance art.

I am pleased to announce that miss annabel dee* has been selected as a Debut artist and will be exhibiting and selling her work here at the gallery in London's Westbourne Grove

COME ALONG TO THE LAUNCH NIGHT on 2ND MARCH 2011!!!

Please make sure you RSVP as the launch is set to be busy busy busy...with industry heavyweights, national and international press etc. Email names to rsvp@debutcontemporary.com before 12 noon 2nd March 2011. Please note that your name MUST be on the door as unfortunately no alterations can be made on the night. I do hope you can make it!

there will be a big performance spectacle on the night both indoors and outdoors including recorded music, visuals and live performances hence it is truly going to be a night to remember.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n8MxVlv3f10/TWjdkkKisXI/AAAAAAAAAis/Xwr9djazSZ0/s1600/Debut%2BPreview%2BInvitation.jpg

She Said - Upcoming Exhibition 10-13 March

...SHE SAID is a group exhibition that celebrates the joys of text.

The show will be held in conjunction with the WISEWORDS festival that celebrates Women's History Month. This show is about what she said, how she said it and the influence that those words had. Therefore this show is not exclusive to women artists as by its very nature that would deny the importance of women's words.

...SHE SAID brings together a collection of artists from film makers, to illustrators, painters, ceramicists, sound artists and performers. Including C.A.HALPIN, JULIETA HERNANDEZ ADAME, JEMMA FOSTER, MARIA PAZ GARCIA, TIFF MC GINNIS, ANNABEL JOHNSON (thats me!), EAST END PRINTS (ARTHOUSE), TINSEL EDWARDS & TWINKLE TROUGHTON.

ILL BE EXHIBITING HERE, SO FOR A CHANCE TO SEE MY WORK, POP IN!

The Outside World Gallery
44 Redchurch Street
London
E2 7DP

On the set of THIS MORNING*

hahaah! my vase is now on the set of ITV's This Morning! wahooo! Right there between the two main sofas..

I was watching today and there it was slap bang in the middle of Ruth, Eamonn and Adele! bizarre huh!?

miss annabel dee* is Artist of the Week!

"Salon Contemporary is dedicated to discovering and fostering some of the best new and emerging artists both in the UK and internationally. Based in London, they work with artists, curators, and gallerists. Programmes they run aim to present these dynamic individuals onto the international platform."

HURRAH!

I've won 'Artist of the Week' this week!

Each week Salon Contemporary selects an artist of the week. Later this year (i think... i hope!) they will choose various artists from this to have an exhibition in the gallery in London, so watch this space!

They've emailed me some questions to answer for an interview to be posted up on the blog in a few days time, so ill keep you updated!

Stylus.com - Trending Magazine Report

A report on the East London Design Show by online trending magazine Stylus featuring my work!

East London Design Show - What a Success!

Thanks to everyone who came to the East London Design Show over the weekend. What a great show that turned out to be!

The Limited Edition range 'Publand' was a huge success with all but two selling out!

BLIND BEGGAR Small - SOLD OUT*

COMMERICAL TAVERN Medium - SOLD OUT*

Both brooch ranges, All Washed Up! and Whats Up Dollface also proved popular...

I'll soon be selling via my website www.missannabeldee.co.uk so keep checking back with that. So, in the pipeline will be the Second Edition Publand collection, which will feature the same pubs, The Blind Beggar, Commercial Tavern, and The Golden Heart but all in various sizes.. (the limited editions were one pub in one size..) Look out for new illustrations of markets, streets and alleyways...

REMEMBER I DO PRIVATE COMMISSIONS, so if you have a particular place you wish to have featured, dont hesitate to contact me!

miss annabel dee* is on a roll..........

East London Design Show - Set up

Well, what a load of fuss about nothing - that's weather for you!

By the time we'd made it out of Southend, the snow had.. well 'what snow' would be the correct phrase! I felt slightly daft as i clambered out of the car in me wellies - never mind!

Lovely old place, the Shoreditch Town Hall

Make sure you come to see my new ranges 'Publand' and 'East End Memories'. I'm on STAND 24 - DOWNSTAIRS

Heres the stand just as I arrived!

And here it is starting to take shape.....

You'll have to come and visit to see the finished product!