11th May 2012 by Susan Davis
FCA&C are currently selling some of Lovely Pigeon’s fab products in their online shop.
Lovely Pigeon is the alter ego of designer-maker Kirsty Thomas. She is a printmaker, illustrator and upcycler. She loves doodling, junk-shopping, making lists (and losing them again), mid-century modern, old tea towels, flea markets, sewing, folk, beaches, wine, growing vegetables, text, pop up shops, wally dogs… and pigeons.
We caught up with Kirsty to ask her more about what she does and what she plans to do next.
What’s your background and what inspired you to become a designer?
I originally trained in Design Studies and worked within the fashion industry for several years. I owned a street wear fashion label for three years before deciding to retrain as an art teacher. I got itchy feet again when I moved to Scotland 4 years ago. I started creating jewellery pieces, drawing more and teaching myself to print. From those experiments, Lovely Pigeon was born.
I am inspired by anything and everything but particularly like the simplicity of mid century art and design and the work of people like Charles and Ray Eames and Lucienne and Robin Day. I also like anything that makes me smile.
How would you describe your customers?
I think my customer base is quite wide – young, crafty-design types, ladies who lunch and lots of people in between. I would love to develop a stronger male customer base – there seems to be a real lack of craft based products directed at men.
What is your favourite piece from your collection?
Eek, that’s a difficult one! The Mr Pigeon lino print was one of the first pieces of print I did and it still makes me smiles every time I see it. He has a very cheeky look in his eye!
What are the highlights of your career so far?
Working with some of the best independent design shops in the UK and internationally and galleries is a privilege and it is always great when new stockists are interested in your work. However seeing my name in Elle Decoration is probably one of the high points.
What can we expect to see from you in the future?
Lovely Pigeon’s 2012 collection is a bit of a departure and features lots of colour, shape and pattern. I’m also hoping to extend my home wares and stationery collections and start experimenting with different print techniques, laser cutting and textile printing.
Thank you.
Lovely Pigeon Fantail Bird Brooch; available from FCA&C's online shop @ £5.50
Tags: fca&c online shop, illustrator, kirsty thomas, lovely pigeon, printmaker, upcycler
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27th April 2012 by Susan Davis
FCA&C are selling some of Syrah Jay’s beautiful textile products in their online shop.
Syrah Jay (aka Sarah Jacobs) is a Jewellery/Textile Designer based near St Andrews, Fife. All of her work is made by hand from 100% wool, and then embroidered by hand too. Virtually every piece of jewellery she makes is unique and special.
We met up with Syrah Jay to ask her more about her work and what she plans to do next.
What’s your background and what inspired you to become a textile designer?
I trained in printed textiles, screen printing etc. From a young age I have always enjoyed crafts from cross stitch, embroidery quilting, knitting, weaving and all kinds of printing- the list goes on.
How would you describe your customers?
People who like to make a statement and are not afraid to be individual.
What is your favourite piece from your collection?
I love to make my felt bead jewellery as no two pieces are the same so I never get bored of making them.
What are the highlights of your career so far?
Being able to teach my skills to others, I really enjoy teaching.
What can we expect to see from you in the future?
I am hoping to take the next step towards exhibiting at trade fairs such as Origin or Top Drawer and taking my business to the next level.
Thank you.
Syrah Jay Mini Thistle Pin; available from FCA&C's online shop @ £5.50
Tags: fca&c online shop, felt, sarah jacobs, syrah jay, textile designer
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13th April 2012 by Susan Davis
FCA&C have recently added some beautiful products to their online shop by ceramist Jo Davies.
Jo grew up in rural Herefordshire overlooking the hillsides of the Golden Valley. Renowned for its beautiful landscape, rolling hills and idyllic villages, Herefordshire is home to many famous UK studio potters. This was inspiration to Jo as she began her first creative explorations in clay, working intuitively with the material, even in these early days.
Her interest progressed and she gained her first degree from Bath School of Art and Design where she learnt a significant breadth of the ceramic art form. She graduated in 2002 and was recently asked to exhibit with selected alumni in an exhibition celebrating the Ceramics course at Bath.
Soon after graduating from her first degree, Jo set up a studio and continued her practice. During this time she was a resident artist at Portsmouth University and exhibited widely within the UK. Recognising her need to further her education she was given a place at the Royal College of Art in 2005 to complete a Masters.
After graduating Jo set up her London studio where she continues to make and develop her work. Jo exhibits UK wide and internationally, continuing to make all her work by hand.
We chatted with Jo to find out more about her ceramic work and what she plans to do next.
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Tags: barbara vase, Ceramics, fca&c, fca&c online shop, jo davies, mona vase, porcelain, zsa zsa vase
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30th March 2012 by Susan Davis
These interviews will appear every couple of weeks or so and feature artists FCA&C are working with. Lauren Crawford is a Fife artist now based in Stafford who is currently in the ‘Progression’ exhibition at Rothes Halls (until 4 April). Her work is also available to buy from FCA&C’s online shop. Read on to find out more about Lauren.
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Tags: artists, fca&c, lauren crawford, progression, reflection scarf, rothes halls, textile designer
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29th February 2012 by Susan Davis
Another Treat event that we’re ever so slightly excited about is a virtual ‘wall’ we’ve created for uploading to Supermarket Sarah.
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Tags: fca&c, hilary grant, jane gowans, jo davies, katie lees, lovely pigeon, lyle mccance, mitchell & black, supermarket sarah, syrah jay, treat, yoke
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29th February 2012 by Susan Davis
The first of FCA&C’s 3 Treat workshops took place last Saturday at the newly refurbished Social Club at The Vic in St Andrews (1 St Mary’s Place). Artist Kirsty Thomas (Lovely Pigeon) was on hand to encourage participants to create wearable items, inspired by her eclectic range of illustrative wares. Refreshments (scones and cream!) were apparently of a very high standard and a good time was had by all.
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Tags: fca&c, louise kirby, lovely pigeon, syrah jay, treat workshop
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20th December 2011 by Susan Davis
Here we are again at the end of another year – who’d have thought 2011 would’ve passed so quickly!
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Tags: fca&c, fife contemporary art & craft, xmas closure
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2nd December 2011 by Susan Davis
Dot Sim’s studio was alight was the spirit of Christmas when she opened her doors yesterday evening to the first of FCA&C’s 3 festive craft events. Her elegant jewellery sat well fabulous cosy knits by Mitchell & Black and Louise Wedderburn; ceramics by Vanessa Bullick; glass by Keiko Mukaide; and textiles by Molly Bullick.
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Tags: dot sim, fca&c, jan shelley, keiko mukaide, louise wedderburn, lovely pigeon, mitchell & black, molly bullick, treat, vanessa bullick
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21st October 2011 by Susan Davis
The wonderfully statuesque sculptures by Nick Evans arrived at St Andrews Museum on Wednesday and after some major fiddling about with lifting equipment, were finally moved into position late in the afternoon. And very wonderful they look too.
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Tags: exhibition, fca&c, fca&c website, nick evans, placement, st andrews museum, symposium
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6th October 2011 by Susan Davis
That’s what the plan is for a week today (Thur 13 Oct) when well known storyteller Judy Paterson will be at St Andrews Museum to tell traditional oral tales that are inspired by the ceramic work within FCA&C’s ‘Placement’ exhibition.
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Tags: claire curneen, david shrigley, fca&c, fca&c website, judy paterson, laura ford, placement ceramic connections wales & scotland, st andrews museum, storyteller
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