I have a year to catch up on, so in this blog post is a long one. I will start with the biggest news and then go through all the rest. This year has been the year for my art piece 'The Price of Freedom'. Last year it was in exhibition twice in The Qube in Oswestry then yet again in Funky Advark in Chester. This year again it has had two outings yet again, the first in Oriel Cric in Crickhowell then on to Undegun in Wrexham where it is still currently being shown. My favorite part of seeing my work o exhibition is going to see what types of work the curator has put near it, what they think goes with it. I am also enjoy seeing people's reactions when they do not know the artist is present. Many artists would have people touch their work, but I like it when people walk up and touch it to try to work out how it is made.

​Art is there to inspire, it is there to make people wonder and explore.

It is sad that this piece still has such relevance after the outcry for help a few years ago. However I am glad that it is still reminding people that it is still a problem today in our modern world. 

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Finally the last piece I am going to share today. I decided this year I was going to try to make more presents for friends and family. I have just completed a second one but can't share that till after next month so you will have to wait. There is however sneak previews of that available on Instagram. However I will share with you today a cross stitch I did for a friends wedding earlier in the year. This is around A3 in size and was a killer to make. However I am so glad I made it, the couple were chuffed with it and it felt so much more personal than just money or a shop bought piece.

Right, I am glad I am all caught up with you guys for now! I'll be fixing up the website and trying to get back to blogging a little bit more. But remember to check out my Instagram if you want to keep track on me ;-)

Georiga O'Keeffe once said   “To create one’s own world takes courage." I have to admit that every time I make new piece of artwork I go through a mix of emotions including self doubt (annoying my partner with endless questions about the piece), normally anger at some point (including throwing a paintbrush at the canvas before- as my mentor said at this time "Just make sure if you throw the brush, it hits your work and makes it better not worse), I even get some happiness when things start to go right (which is the normal point I head on the internet to share my happiness). A lot  of the time I have a lot of doubt about what I am creating and having the courage to put it on social media or into competitions is hard. However, the feeling when you are accepted or someone 'likes' or comments on that image make all of those emotions about creating the piece worth it. Especially when you are trying to do this work late at night after doing a full day at you 'proper job' (which to be fair is pretty fun for a real job ;-)  ). Today it feels like the courage put in to creating and showing my new work was really worth it as it is up today in The Qube, New Horizon's exhibition. After having a preview the other day I have to say I am proud to be shown with such talented artists at the gallery. I am really looking forward to the Opening of the exhibition this evening and hopefully will be able to get a few photos to share with you there. For now I will leave you with some photos of the work (photographed before it was framed). And a little reminder that you can find me on facebook on: https://www.facebook.com/LouiseSwantonTextiles/ and Instagram on: ​https://www.instagram.com/louiseswanton/

Today is the big reveal. If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram then you will have seen some of my pieces in the process of being made. Well today they are all completed and ready to go to the framers! I am really excited about my more sculptural pieces this time as I have been looking into exploring life more closely, with some of my work being through the microscope.
So what do you think? Opinions always welcome :-)  Hope you have all been enjoying the sunshine (not as much the rain)

Hope you are all having a great bank holiday weekend. Just a quick update on current work and general arty things. This weekend I had a go at some batik (which I haven't done properly for many years). I realised I am not too fond of trying to create trees for this technique, but really enjoyed my day out. I am going to be working into my left hand image as soon as I clear space to get my sewing machine back out. Such an exciting technique with such surprising effects! Must have another go soon!
Underneath the batik images are some images from of some of my newer knitting work using wire. I would love any feedback about my work always. I will be updating here with some more new pieces and some photographs of these when they get framed.

I have been a little busy recently and haven't had much chance to complete any artwork. However I am feeling very inspired after a trip to Paris, with the fabulous architecture, galleries, artwork and beautiful streets. For now I leave you with a few photos. But next week I will be sharing some new work in process

Today I have had a lovely day at the Gallery life drawing, it is such a positive experience being around local artists relaxing and drawing. I've posted a drawing from a 40 minute pose sketch which I really enjoyed creating. Below is the progress I am currently making on one of my oil paintings, I feel like it is really starting to get there. Back to painting tomorrow so should have an update Sunday evening,
Hope you're all having a great weekend :-) !

I hope you all are having a fab New Year. It's been a bit quiet on my end due to being busy and rather unwell. But I've got myself back in the studio starting a new piece. Below is some photographs of the work at different points in the painting process so far. This includes sketch, initial start of painting, after about 3 hours and finally after 5hours work today. Really starting to enjoy painting this and I think it is starting to look really good. What do you think?