Julie Arkell

I think that one of the few downsides to having my studio in my own home and having an internet based business is that you don't get to see a whole lot of other peoples work first hand. Which was why it did me the world of good today to have the chance to see a number of different artist's work up close and personal.
One exhibit that I've been interested in seeing for a while is Julie Arkell's.  I really like her work, but I didn't realise just how much I loved it until I saw it for real today.

Her entire display area was completely wonderful and almost impossible to describe. It was a wonderland of textiles and paper mache, sewing and stitching.

It was the type of work that both inspires and overwhelms you. I'm torn between coming home and immediately getting down to work  and just throwing it all in, because there's no way on earth that I'm ever going to produce anything as wonderful myself.

I didn't expect to enjoy Julie's work as much as I did, but I'm so glad that I got to see it today. It was exactly what I needed after the week I've had, and has left me feeling just a little more energised.

If you don't have the chance to see her work yourself then I highly recommend her book Julie Arkell - Home , it's full to the brim with photo's and is the next best thing to seeing it all in the flesh.

Comments

[lucykatecrafts]

oh, you've been to the k&s show in harrogate today!, i went in september to birmingham. julie's work has a quality about it that you don't see unless you see the real thing, she looks just like one of her sculptures doesn't she!. i already had her book, but bought some postcards and was very brave and asked her to sign one for me.

one of the students on the embroiderers guild stand had made some really cute softies called 'quirkles', did you spot those?

[Jeannie]

I am so glad you had a fun day after this past week. Isn't it amazing how seeing another person's work lifts your spirits. Be happy!

[lazylol]

Her work looks wonderful - lucky you for getting to see it. I will have to got my hands on a copy of her book!

[janet clare]

I adore Julie Arkell too- her book is wonderful!

[Ali]

Fab isn't she - both her work and as a person. I met her at Alexandra Palace and the thing that struck me most was her total groundedness. There's no pretensions - just a wry sense of humour.

She offered to sign my copy of Home and her friend said 'Who d'you think you are? J K Rowling?' and the pair of them cackled. So human and yet so amazingly awe inspiring.

[iHanna]

I've read about her online before and I feel the same as you do. Throw in the towel, try to copy her or??? I want to make something similar and find my own style at the same time. Is the JA home-book the same as this one:
http://www.loopshop.gb.com/index.html?pageTitle=Julie_Arkell&pageDesc=&action=detail&maincatID=0&catID=&prodID=1671&brandID=

Then I think I'll get it from Amazon as a christmaspresent for me! :-)

Thanks for posting these photos!!!!

[Di]

Her work is great! My friend Mari saw it when they went to the knitting show in Birmingham and she told me about it- fantastic!

[Terisa]

These are truely amazing works of art!
terisa

[Sarah]

I cannot get hold of a copy of Julie Arkells:Home book. After reading an article about her in a recent 'selvedge' magazine I've just got to get her book. Any ideas where from? everyone is out of stock. - thank you

[Mary]

it's available from selvedge magazine 'objects' mail order - might be more expensive than on amazon though.