Christine Pike's Web Log
Christine Pike's Web Log
House-Warming Party!
I am just about to send off my latest little group of bears. They are off to Bath for the 'House of Bears' house-warming party. Formerly 'Party Bears' they have now moved to bigger premises.
If you plan on attending the show I hope you have a great time! Here is a sneak preview of the bears I am sending to the event...
Francois, 7 inches Araminta, 12 inches
Claudine, 5 inches Chuckles, 5 inches
If you plan on attending the show I hope you have a great time! Here is a sneak preview of the bears I am sending to the event...
Francois, 7 inches Araminta, 12 inches
Claudine, 5 inches Chuckles, 5 inches
Flora
My mum turned 70 in February so I thought I really should make her something special to mark the event!
Since I have been practising my sculpting skills, I decided to make use of the college kiln where I spend every Thursday evening at ceramics class.
I adore the work of Dutch doll artists, such as Ankie Daanan, who take their inspiration from old portraits by the Dutch Masters, so I thought I would try something in a similar style.
I was very pleased with how Flora turned out - although, of course, I have a loooong way to go before I get to be anywhere near as good as my idols, hehe! For those of you who are interested in the technical bits, I sculpted Flora's head and limbs in paper clay, which were then bisque fired. Here elaborate hairstyle is made out of Apoxie Clay. Her features were painted with artist acrylics, including her eyes, and she is constructed on a cloth body and wire armature.
I found that I particularly enjoyed sculpting the feet, not sure why! But I deliberately left her without shoes, so that I could show them off.
Since I have been practising my sculpting skills, I decided to make use of the college kiln where I spend every Thursday evening at ceramics class.
I adore the work of Dutch doll artists, such as Ankie Daanan, who take their inspiration from old portraits by the Dutch Masters, so I thought I would try something in a similar style.
I was very pleased with how Flora turned out - although, of course, I have a loooong way to go before I get to be anywhere near as good as my idols, hehe! For those of you who are interested in the technical bits, I sculpted Flora's head and limbs in paper clay, which were then bisque fired. Here elaborate hairstyle is made out of Apoxie Clay. Her features were painted with artist acrylics, including her eyes, and she is constructed on a cloth body and wire armature.
I found that I particularly enjoyed sculpting the feet, not sure why! But I deliberately left her without shoes, so that I could show them off.
Teddy Bear Artist Event ; Stratford-upon-Avon
Gosh, it seems ages since I have written anything! In my defence, I have beeen very, very busy... with a secret project that may or may not bear fruit in the next few months. Can't say more at this stage, so you will just have to be patient
However, I can reveal my auction bear for the up-coming teddy bear event at Stratford-upon-Avon on June 8th.
His name is Marmaduke and he stands at 16 inches. This is a hefty chap, since I filled him with crushed mineral sand (the filling is encased in little muslin bags, so there is no risk of leakage!).
This will be a silent auction, in aid of the British Heart Foundation - a very worthy cause, I am sure you'll agree!
If you would like more information about the show, there is a link from my website here: Christine Pike
However, I can reveal my auction bear for the up-coming teddy bear event at Stratford-upon-Avon on June 8th.
His name is Marmaduke and he stands at 16 inches. This is a hefty chap, since I filled him with crushed mineral sand (the filling is encased in little muslin bags, so there is no risk of leakage!).
This will be a silent auction, in aid of the British Heart Foundation - a very worthy cause, I am sure you'll agree!
If you would like more information about the show, there is a link from my website here: Christine Pike
New bears have arrived at Abracadabra!
Following on from my Eureka Moment regarding the direct sculpting process, I have been quite prolific and am now working on my fourth bear in this style. Two have just arrived at Abracadabra Teddies in Saffron Walden and will be on Marsha's website later this week.
You can find them at: www.abracadabra-teddies.com
Here is a sneak preview of 'the boys':
You can find them at: www.abracadabra-teddies.com
Here is a sneak preview of 'the boys':
On a Roll Now!!
Well, after creating Otto, I thought I would give myself a really hard time and try to make a similar bear - but only 4 1/2 inches high.
Tadah!!! Meet Harvey - who will soon be off to Abracadabra Teddies in Saffron Walden, along with a few friends.
These pictures show him slightly bigger than actual size.
Tadah!!! Meet Harvey - who will soon be off to Abracadabra Teddies in Saffron Walden, along with a few friends.
These pictures show him slightly bigger than actual size.
A New Year - a Radical New Design!
People say you should never go back... I agree with this, in principle - UNLESS you can go back and improve on the past!
Well, I think I have finally achieved something I have wanted to do since I began making aretist bears nearly fifteen years ago. Back then, my first bears had faces sculpted from polymer clay, because I was aiming for something that looked semi-realistic but cute - and gave me a perfect outlet for my sculpting skills.
Times have changed and materials - and my skills have moved on and improved. I was never entirely pleased with the way the clay met the fur in an artificial join, but could not figure out a way to make the progression from fur to skin look more natural. But now I have discovered a fantastic epoxy clay that is used by taxidermists and sculptors. After some trial and error, and a bit of research, I am proud to present the first of my newest design:
This is Otto, and he stands around 14 inches high.
I created this much more natural look by making the fur head first, and then sculpting a muzzle directly onto the fur - it takes nerves of steel and some skill to get the clay to go where you want it (and not everywhere else!) and you have to have a very clear vision of what you want to achievem as the poor bear looks like an alien during the construction of the face. Once I was happy with the shape, I let the compound cure and then I painted many thin layers of acrylic paint onto the muzzle to make it look like skin. I added a little more fur here and there, to give a downy appearance - and voila! I am so pleased with the way Otto turned out, I plan to take him to the Hugglets show next month...
Christine
Well, I think I have finally achieved something I have wanted to do since I began making aretist bears nearly fifteen years ago. Back then, my first bears had faces sculpted from polymer clay, because I was aiming for something that looked semi-realistic but cute - and gave me a perfect outlet for my sculpting skills.
Times have changed and materials - and my skills have moved on and improved. I was never entirely pleased with the way the clay met the fur in an artificial join, but could not figure out a way to make the progression from fur to skin look more natural. But now I have discovered a fantastic epoxy clay that is used by taxidermists and sculptors. After some trial and error, and a bit of research, I am proud to present the first of my newest design:
This is Otto, and he stands around 14 inches high.
I created this much more natural look by making the fur head first, and then sculpting a muzzle directly onto the fur - it takes nerves of steel and some skill to get the clay to go where you want it (and not everywhere else!) and you have to have a very clear vision of what you want to achievem as the poor bear looks like an alien during the construction of the face. Once I was happy with the shape, I let the compound cure and then I painted many thin layers of acrylic paint onto the muzzle to make it look like skin. I added a little more fur here and there, to give a downy appearance - and voila! I am so pleased with the way Otto turned out, I plan to take him to the Hugglets show next month...
Christine
Straw Bear Festival
What in the world is a Straw Bear Festival?? You may well ask!
Ever since moving to East Anglia last summer, I have wanted to witness this event - the last remaining straw bear festival in England, which takes place every January, in Whittlesey*, near Peterborough.
Believe me, nothing quite prepares you for your first sight of the 'Bear', which looks more like a moving haystack. Mind you, after a while, you do start to see it as a lumbering, dancing bear, accompanied by its 'handler' and a motley array of Molly dancers, Morris men, and blokes (it is mostly men!) in makeup and strange costumes.
The Straw Bear in all his glory! Part of the procession of different bands of 'Molly Men'
The bear and his entourage process around the town at various times throughout the day, chased by spectators (and plenty of local press), eager to get their own pictures and lasting mementoes of the day.
The event harks back to the days when agricultural work was scarce in the winter and so farm labourers would beg door to door for money - the various 'Plough Monday' festivals around the country were a form of organised begging. The Straw Bear festival at Whittlesey is the last of its kind in England and the tradition was only revived in the 1980s. Although it no longer provides for farm workers scraping through the winter, it still makes a bright splash of colour and zest for life during the dark days of January - and certainly gives a boost to the local economy, since all the hotels and B&Bs get booked up months in advance and the local pubs and cafes do brisk business throughout the three day festival.
The German bear, from Walldurn (twinned with Whittlesey), getting decidedly frisky with a bystander!
This year, there were three bears - two from the home town, and the German bear, who was clearly out for a good time!
There is real ale a-plently, good food, a wonderful spectacle, and a great vibe to the whole event - there is story-telling, barn dancing, various styles of Molly/Morris dancing, and the 'bear' is given a final, dignified sendoff on the Sunday, when the costume is ceremoniously burnt.
I tell you folks, it made me proud to be English - this is possibly one of the few remaining genuine rural spectacles to be had in England. this is no 'Disneyfication' of Merrie Olde Englande; this is the real deal, and - believe me - the participants take it VERY seriously! There is no limp-wristed flapping of handkerchiefs and skipping like girlies - these Molly Men mean business and you are never quite sure whether they are dancing or fighting with each other.
The 'Squire' of Bourne Borderes Morris Dancers - a really friendly and knowledgeable guy!
Having said that - and, given the amount of real ale flowing through out the three days - the atmosphere is extremely friendly and perfect for a family day out. The event is very well-organised and policed, and everyone is exceedingly good-natured. If you have never been to the Straw Bear Festival, and you find yourself within hailing distance of Whittlesey next January, then, beg a car, hitch a lift, buy a train ticket - do whatever you have to, but GO! This is one event you won't want to miss!!
*Although the town is called Whittlesey, the festival uses the older spelling of 'Whittlesea' - if you google this you will find all sorts of information, and the history of the Straw Bear Festival.
** A full feature on the Whittlesea Straw Bear Festival will appear later in the year in Teddy Bear & Friends magazine.
Ever since moving to East Anglia last summer, I have wanted to witness this event - the last remaining straw bear festival in England, which takes place every January, in Whittlesey*, near Peterborough.
Believe me, nothing quite prepares you for your first sight of the 'Bear', which looks more like a moving haystack. Mind you, after a while, you do start to see it as a lumbering, dancing bear, accompanied by its 'handler' and a motley array of Molly dancers, Morris men, and blokes (it is mostly men!) in makeup and strange costumes.
The Straw Bear in all his glory! Part of the procession of different bands of 'Molly Men'
The bear and his entourage process around the town at various times throughout the day, chased by spectators (and plenty of local press), eager to get their own pictures and lasting mementoes of the day.
The event harks back to the days when agricultural work was scarce in the winter and so farm labourers would beg door to door for money - the various 'Plough Monday' festivals around the country were a form of organised begging. The Straw Bear festival at Whittlesey is the last of its kind in England and the tradition was only revived in the 1980s. Although it no longer provides for farm workers scraping through the winter, it still makes a bright splash of colour and zest for life during the dark days of January - and certainly gives a boost to the local economy, since all the hotels and B&Bs get booked up months in advance and the local pubs and cafes do brisk business throughout the three day festival.
The German bear, from Walldurn (twinned with Whittlesey), getting decidedly frisky with a bystander!
This year, there were three bears - two from the home town, and the German bear, who was clearly out for a good time!
There is real ale a-plently, good food, a wonderful spectacle, and a great vibe to the whole event - there is story-telling, barn dancing, various styles of Molly/Morris dancing, and the 'bear' is given a final, dignified sendoff on the Sunday, when the costume is ceremoniously burnt.
I tell you folks, it made me proud to be English - this is possibly one of the few remaining genuine rural spectacles to be had in England. this is no 'Disneyfication' of Merrie Olde Englande; this is the real deal, and - believe me - the participants take it VERY seriously! There is no limp-wristed flapping of handkerchiefs and skipping like girlies - these Molly Men mean business and you are never quite sure whether they are dancing or fighting with each other.
The 'Squire' of Bourne Borderes Morris Dancers - a really friendly and knowledgeable guy!
Having said that - and, given the amount of real ale flowing through out the three days - the atmosphere is extremely friendly and perfect for a family day out. The event is very well-organised and policed, and everyone is exceedingly good-natured. If you have never been to the Straw Bear Festival, and you find yourself within hailing distance of Whittlesey next January, then, beg a car, hitch a lift, buy a train ticket - do whatever you have to, but GO! This is one event you won't want to miss!!
*Although the town is called Whittlesey, the festival uses the older spelling of 'Whittlesea' - if you google this you will find all sorts of information, and the history of the Straw Bear Festival.
** A full feature on the Whittlesea Straw Bear Festival will appear later in the year in Teddy Bear & Friends magazine.
Pottery and Ceramics Festival!!!
Ooooh, have to share!! We have just come back from a brilliant day out at Hatfield House, and the 13th National Pottery and Ceramics Festival
If you are into ceramics, sculpture, or just want a great day out, I can thoroughly recommend it!! The standard of work on display was amazing and there were free demonstrations from various master potters and sculptors. Even the other Half enjoyed it, and he usually hates these kind of events, muttering darkly about spurtles. Well, I can honestly say there wasn't a spurtle in sight, just really talented people selling wonderful pots and sculpture - and for about the same price as an artist teddy bear. Oh, and the admission price lets you into the grounds of Hatfield House too.
My camera doesn't like bright sunshine, so please forgive the quality of these pictures, but here are a couple of images of one artist's work - David Cooke. The rather bleached out cockerel was wonderful to behold (shame this pic didn't come out) and stood about three feet high. David was in the process of building a giant, 4 foot tortoise as we watched!
My lovely husband has bought me an Anthony Theakston jug, to be put away until Christmas. I would have loved to take home any of his wife's pieces too, but have run out of funds at the moment - I'm working on it for next year. You can see some of her fabulous animals on her website: nicholatheakston.com
Check out these artists too:
Paul Smith
I treated myself to a turntable and some bits and pieces as I am going to take a ceramics class in September. And now I feel truly inspired and want to get stuck in to some CLAY!!
But before then, I have the TBAI in New York to attend.... ah, but pictures and information will have to wait for another day - stay tuned!
If you are into ceramics, sculpture, or just want a great day out, I can thoroughly recommend it!! The standard of work on display was amazing and there were free demonstrations from various master potters and sculptors. Even the other Half enjoyed it, and he usually hates these kind of events, muttering darkly about spurtles. Well, I can honestly say there wasn't a spurtle in sight, just really talented people selling wonderful pots and sculpture - and for about the same price as an artist teddy bear. Oh, and the admission price lets you into the grounds of Hatfield House too.
My camera doesn't like bright sunshine, so please forgive the quality of these pictures, but here are a couple of images of one artist's work - David Cooke. The rather bleached out cockerel was wonderful to behold (shame this pic didn't come out) and stood about three feet high. David was in the process of building a giant, 4 foot tortoise as we watched!
My lovely husband has bought me an Anthony Theakston jug, to be put away until Christmas. I would have loved to take home any of his wife's pieces too, but have run out of funds at the moment - I'm working on it for next year. You can see some of her fabulous animals on her website: nicholatheakston.com
Check out these artists too:
Paul Smith
I treated myself to a turntable and some bits and pieces as I am going to take a ceramics class in September. And now I feel truly inspired and want to get stuck in to some CLAY!!
But before then, I have the TBAI in New York to attend.... ah, but pictures and information will have to wait for another day - stay tuned!
Pastures New...
Sorry I have been away for a while, but moving from the Isle of Wight to Norfolk doesn't happen overnight - it took us six months, actually! I will draw a veil over the miserable two months spent in a grotty, dingy, and overpriced alleged three-bedroomed shoebox just outside Cambridge (ahem), during which time I still managed to produce enough bears for the Abracadabra signing in June - very proud of myself there!!
Anyway, we are finally moved in to our new abode in Downham Market. the house glories in the name of "Puddlefoot" - which, given the recent floods around the country, no longer makes me smile. Hmmnnn... think we will have to change it; the front runner at the moment is "Coventina" which, as those of you familiar with Celtic legends will know (I wasn't - looked it up on Wikipedia), was the name of a powerful river goddess. Given that our house backs onto the River Ouse, maybe she will be nice to us and protect us from flooding!
Here are some pictures of our house - it is made from Carrstone, which looks like dry stone walling, and dates to about 1860.
This is the front: and this is the view from the top of our garden
Best of all, we now have a huge garage, which we are planning to turn into a proper studio for me - and we might even be able to create some gallery/workshop space above so that I can hold classes, yaaaay!!!
I am still finding my feet here but so far, I have to say that East Anglia, and Norfolk in particular, is rather splendid - beautiful and strange, especially the Fens. I think we are going to like it here!!
Anyway, we are finally moved in to our new abode in Downham Market. the house glories in the name of "Puddlefoot" - which, given the recent floods around the country, no longer makes me smile. Hmmnnn... think we will have to change it; the front runner at the moment is "Coventina" which, as those of you familiar with Celtic legends will know (I wasn't - looked it up on Wikipedia), was the name of a powerful river goddess. Given that our house backs onto the River Ouse, maybe she will be nice to us and protect us from flooding!
Here are some pictures of our house - it is made from Carrstone, which looks like dry stone walling, and dates to about 1860.
This is the front: and this is the view from the top of our garden
Best of all, we now have a huge garage, which we are planning to turn into a proper studio for me - and we might even be able to create some gallery/workshop space above so that I can hold classes, yaaaay!!!
I am still finding my feet here but so far, I have to say that East Anglia, and Norfolk in particular, is rather splendid - beautiful and strange, especially the Fens. I think we are going to like it here!!
Abracadabra Signing - June 2nd
Wow - what an amazing day we had!!
For the first time in weeks, we actually had some decent weather, so Saffron Walden was sunny and warm all day.
This summer signing is turning into a regular event and this year two other artists were invited to join me - Vicky Allum and Art Rogers.
Here we are at the beginning of the day, all fresh and raring to go!
As soon as the doors opened the collectors rushed in and made a beeline for their favourite bears. Vicky's lovely vintage style teds were among the first to be snapped up and Art had excelled himself by bringing 29 of his wacky bears and critters (I don't know how he does it - I have never made that many pieces for one event!!)
Marsha had arranged the bears beautifully, so that they all mingled with one another - so much nicer, I think, than giving each artist their own regimented space.
I am delighted to announce that all but one of my bears found new homes, Vicky also returned with a lone ranger, and Art Rogers will be going back to the USA with an even lighter suitcase than he imagined as, apart from selling 21 bears at the show, another 5 found new homes in the days following the signing. All in all, a very successful event.
I love these small, intimate gatherings as they are a wonderful opportunity to meet with collectors and spend time chatting and sharing our enthusiasm for all things beary. Sometimes, bear fairs can be too hectic and there is not enough time to spend with people.
The whole day was rounded off with a glass of chilled Chardonnay and a lovely meal at the local Italian restaurant thank you Marsha and Malcolm for a fantastic time!
Roll on next year!!
Hugs to all,
Christine
For the first time in weeks, we actually had some decent weather, so Saffron Walden was sunny and warm all day.
This summer signing is turning into a regular event and this year two other artists were invited to join me - Vicky Allum and Art Rogers.
Here we are at the beginning of the day, all fresh and raring to go!
As soon as the doors opened the collectors rushed in and made a beeline for their favourite bears. Vicky's lovely vintage style teds were among the first to be snapped up and Art had excelled himself by bringing 29 of his wacky bears and critters (I don't know how he does it - I have never made that many pieces for one event!!)Marsha had arranged the bears beautifully, so that they all mingled with one another - so much nicer, I think, than giving each artist their own regimented space.
I am delighted to announce that all but one of my bears found new homes, Vicky also returned with a lone ranger, and Art Rogers will be going back to the USA with an even lighter suitcase than he imagined as, apart from selling 21 bears at the show, another 5 found new homes in the days following the signing. All in all, a very successful event.
I love these small, intimate gatherings as they are a wonderful opportunity to meet with collectors and spend time chatting and sharing our enthusiasm for all things beary. Sometimes, bear fairs can be too hectic and there is not enough time to spend with people.
The whole day was rounded off with a glass of chilled Chardonnay and a lovely meal at the local Italian restaurant thank you Marsha and Malcolm for a fantastic time!
Roll on next year!!
Hugs to all,
Christine