Part B

I came across Part B through a friend.  This innovative group aim to engage other artists and the public with what they term 'research jewelry' by displaying pieces beyond traditional means.  Or for a more eloquent description in their own words click here.

So off I headed to Hosier Lane for Steal This.  The aim - for pieces to be displayed within the lane until stolen and it may well have been the world's shortest exhibition as most items were bagged within minutes.  However I did spot a nice wire lace adornment that was bagged before I could grab a picture.

I love the genius behind Part B and will definitely keeping an eye out on their movements.

A Poppy For Rememberence

This wire lace poppy was spotted bursting from the grass at Federation Square's Amphitheatre, clearly a creation to mark Remembrance Day.  Its metallic finish seemed to merge into the facade of the sqaure and it was soon surrounded by bikes.

Not too hidden though as by lunch it had been 'picked'...perhaps for a vase, perhaps to adorn a bike or to give to that someone special.

Architectural Hats - a must for the races

Sammifi is a fashion-lead textile designer focussing on headwear.  All designs are original and her Architectural hats incorporate digital embroidery to create contemporary lace designs. 

Sammifi won the "George Jackson" travelling bursary for her research and design for this collection.

Thanks Sammifi for demonstrating how contemporary lace techniques can produce stunning results that will be sure to turn heads come race day.

Guerilla Lace

Inspired by guerrilla knitters is this the first guerrilla lace?

This torchon tie was spotted on the Three businessmen who brought their own lunch; Batman Swanston and Hoddle on the corner of Bourke and Swanston streets in Melbourne.  The sculpture itself was unveiled in 1994 as a gift from the people and government of Nauru and it was made by Melbourne sculptors Alison Weaver and Paul Quinn.  This playful sculpture is much loved and its position and size leaves it begging for further adornments and offerings.  In fact at the time of snapping these pics another of the men was sporting a briefcase laden with oregano.


So will this tie start a trend  amongst business folk to soften their look with lace?  Will there be more guerrilla lace popping up in the streets?  I know I will have my eyes peeled.

The 98 Lace Group

The 98 Lace Group is an inspiration.  Formed in 1998, the group, based in the Brittish Isles, consists of 40 lace makers.  Their goal is to give modern lace a livelier public profile.

The group uses an annual residential weekend, regional art exhibitions and other events to inspire its members to produce original work, pushing forward the traditional boundaries while demonstrating the relevance of lace today.

Love your work.

Industrial Lace

A friend let me know of the creative pursuits of the Dutch design house Demakersvan .  Designer Joep Verhoeven  entwines the  harshness of the industrial with the beauty and intricacy of lace.  Demakersvan states: 

Fencing is a sign how we modified and cultivated our environment.  Like brambles fences are rising rampantly around us  What would happen if a patch of embroidered wire would meet with and continue as an industrial fence?  Hostility versus kindness, industrial versus craft.

 A truly inspired design idea.  I'd love to see some in Australia.  

For more on Demakersvan's lace fences see 3Rings  and Art Propelled blog posts.

A Passion For The Craft

I have been making bobbin lace for over half my life.  It is a craft that is truly addictive.  However in an age of minimalism and sleek lines I have found myself asking: is this a dying craft and is there room for lace in today's society?  And so Beyond the Doily begins......

Beyond the Doily looks at the art of lace making and how it fits into contemporary arts, craft and design.  The blog aims to document how lace is used as inspiration in the 21st century while still honouring traditional techniques.  May it inspire and enlighten you about this beautiful craft.

If you are interested in learning more about lace making you could start by trying to contact a lace guild in your area.  The LaceGuild UK and the Australian LaceGuild are two such sites.