Lacey Contemporary Gallery

I followed up a link given to me by my friend Cait, suggesting I enter some work into the Lacey Contemporary Gallery Summer Arts prize - first prize being £1,000.

I haven't done anything like this for a while, so I thought why not.  I entered two smaller ceramic vessels - 'They Grow up So Quick' along with 'When I Grow Up I Want to be a WAG' and then forgot all about it.

A couple of weeks later I received the email saying that one of my vessels had been shortlisted!  Only 50 out of 600 entrants were chosen!  I was over the moon! Can you see my vessel below (clue 2nd row on the right)

I was also invited to the Private View and it was there that the winner would be announced

Here are some pics from the night:

Unfortunately I didn't win, however it was great being involved in an exhibition in West London again.  The winner was a short film of a launderette.

I also think, in future that I will enter my bigger ceramic vessels as in a gallery the small ones can be lost - or enter them as a collection rather and individually, as they all have a narrative and are linked together.

It was also really nice wandering round the back streets on Holland Park looking at all the houses and the architecture.  It made me think about my future and where I want to be living in 10 years time!... Well I can dream can't i! 

Spring and Winter Open 2014-15

The year before last I held an open exhibition - "The Spring Open".  I advertised on Facebook as well as in the local newspaper and I had an amazing response.

Artists from far and wide submitted their work!

The show was a such a great success, I decided to hold another one - "The Winter Open".  Again, I had such a great response, from the same artists and new faces!

I did it again the next year too - another Spring Open..

... I should carry on the tradition shouldn't I.  There's such a selection of art on display, there's always something for everyone!

Next year, I'll do another Spring Open!  Gives me a bit of time to advertise!

Southend / Leigh Plate Commission

A couple of months back (.. I fear every post I write will start with this).  A couple of months back I was approached by a gentleman who wished to have 12 plates made with a unique Southend and Leigh on Sea vibe, after seeing my Leigh on Sea pub mug designs (tell you about that later)

He has a house in Italy and it is a tradition to give plates, and he wanted a reminder of 'home' on them.

I have used a mixture of illustration and photography to achieve the designs.  I really enjoyed doing these actually, as I am so used to putting designs onto cylinders, it was nice to see them 'flat'.

I am of course available for commission - have you got an idea you want on a plate?

Get in touch

Pop Up in Whitstable

At the beginning of September I took part in my very own Pop Up Shop in the lovely seaside town of Whitstable.

It's just across the estuary from me here in Leigh on Sea and its a place I have frequented quite often on little visits, as one of my friends, Imogen has a place there.

I was sharing the space with vintage lifestyle brand Love Ur Look.  Ronke, the designer had held a pop up shop in my gallery earlier in the year (more about pop up shops later) and mentioned she was doing one in Whitstable and I jumped at the chance!

I made some mugs based on the local landmarks of Whitstable - Red Sands, the historic WW2 forts out to sea, Wheelers Oyster Bar, The Fish Market in the harbour and the Old Neptune Pub along the seafront:

They went down really well and now they are being stocked at the Whitstable Improvement Trust - 34 Harbour Street, Whitstable (if anyone fancies a gander or wished to purchase one!)

I had also brought along some other artists work from my gallery in Leigh.  Julie's teacups and also artist Malcolm Perry's paintings of Whitstable:

Here are some other pics from my Week in Whitstable:

I had an incredibly nice lunch at Waltshaw's (19 Harbour Street) - a few doors down from Show Off Gallery, I had A salt beef on white bread and a sparkling elderflower.  Yummy!  Would def recommend, the lady was very friendly, and if I was into coffee I would be in heaven! And if I wasn't working, I would have had a sip of the mant craft beers they have on offer!

I found that Whitstable was very similar to my home town, perhaps that's why I like it so much?

Wow ... it's been a while

So, I've just realised just how long ago it was since I wrote my last post on here.

Gosh, so much has happened in the last 3 years, I just don't know where to begin!

You can have a look at my facebook page, to see absolutely everything I've been up to, but I think that a fresh start from now onwards would be better, although i'll put a couple of posts up about my recent commissions and exhibitions for you to have a gander.

Ah, it feels nice to be back!

Grayson Perry's Essex Retreat

Wayhey!  Good 'ole Grayson. Giving Little Essex a mention!  He want to build a house right here in mine & his home county of Essex, dedicated to the Essex Girl 'Julie'.

Julie happens to be a resident ceramicist at my studios... I wonder if he is looking at her for inspiration?

Really looking forward to seeing this.  Dont think it will be built until 2014 or something anyway.. read more on the BBC news website..

Terry Sibson's Exhibition - Private View

What a lovely busy evening this was! Thanks everyone for coming!

By 4.25pm (we opened at 4pm) we were packed to the gunnels!  Terry's work obviously proved popular with the masses!

Here is a little bit of background info on the artist, Terry... as well as some images from the drinks reception!!


Terry Sibson is Southend born and bred.

She trained to be a teacher back in the distant past & for last 20 years has worked as a special needs coordinator.

Terry started painting 15 years ago when attending classes led by talented local painter and tutor Reg Smith -mainly as company for youngest daughter who was just embarking on a level art. Daughter stopped painting as soon as a- levels finished but Terry has been painting ever since.

Started painting journey working in oils but has recently discovered the many and varied benefits of working in acrylics. This medium suits her style which is to paint boldly and quickly ,without unnecessary detail ,yet allowing layers of colour to show through.
Subject matter is very eclectic and varies from holiday destinations, local scenes, interiors (particularly fond of cafes) to ,lately, a rather impressionist look at cows, sheep and ducks.
She has exhibited and sold works at the Beecroft Art Gallery, art fairs, cafes and other venues around Southend and the local area.

She has been constantly grateful for the wealth of guidance and support from local Leigh artist Peter Smith who she has painted with weekly for the last decade and who has been a real influence on her painting.

Amazing cakes, made by Terry and her Mum! Nom Nom Nom

You can see an example of Terry's work here : www.made-in-essex.com


The exhibition runs until Saturday 13th October.
During the exhibition, gallery will be open 11-5pm Monday - Saturday (closed Wednesdays, cos I work at Job number 2 then!)

ALL WELCOME!