Southbank Bristol Arts

As an illustrator I have always made use of photography, it's like my instant scrap-book. That interest became an obsession, and I now have more cameras than is healthy, especially cameras that may not necessarily be seen as cameras for producing "art", such as ancient 1950's Russian and 1970's Polaroids. I love dodgy lenses and out-of-date film. Come and see some odd coloured photos.

I will also be showing some pen and ink illustrations from a set I am working on for a future book about Bristol streets. I may be working on these at the weekend, come along and watch me work.

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My interest in jewellery was aroused at an early age. Initial making skills were gained whilst at Dartington Hall School. In the 1970s these were extended whilst studying at Queens Road College of Art and Design, 1996-1999. I have been designing, making and selling jewellery ever since. More recently it has become my full-time occupation.

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Jewellery captured my imagination as a child. My grandmother would let me play with her jewels, if I was good, all very loved and part of her style. Stories of Marco Polo, The Moonstone and lost treasure ships fuelled my imagination.

During the 1980s I was a regular visitor to the Arnolfini Gallery in Bristol, visiting the frequent contemporary jewellery exhibitions, showcasing innovative, international jewellery. In the 1990s I studied at Filton College in Queens Road, Bristol for ONC and HNC in Jewellery.

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I have recently retired after many years of running my own jewellery shop 'Vivica's' in Westbury-on-Trym. Now I have time to indulge my love of working with silver. Generally taking my inspiration from plants and natural forms, I make very wearable pieces of jewellery.

I have developed a wide range of designs of flowers and curved shapes which can be linked together to create a variety of different jewellery pieces. I also use handmade glass beads which are collected from my travels.

I have exhibited widely in the west country and my work has gone to the USA, Japan and China.

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My most recent work explores collections and communication. My work usually evolves from a specific site or is inspired by the people using a certain place.

This work consists of a collection of shop fronts. At first glance it looks like most of the shops are just dilapidated, but on a closer look you can see that all of the shops are in fact empty or no longer used as they were intended.

In March 2005 I participated in an expedition to Everest base camp in Nepal. These photographs document my experiences there.

contact me c/o: kwirx@yahoo.co.uk

For several months I have been collecting images and stories relating to shoes. Shoes can tell us a lot about the wearer and are often linked with memories. The collection of shoe stories can be seen at:
http://shoe-story.tripod.com

For this series of paintings I have concentrated on my own vast collection of shoes. Choosing those that have a special significance to me, and those that for some reason I am unable to throw away.

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I have, in this current body of work, applied illustrative skills to a series of chairs. The chairs I have used have all been abandoned, found on the street or in skips, discarded because they have become unfashionable, broken or worn. I like the idea of transforming something unloved and worthless into something unique and beautiful.

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The work is a celebration of the invisible, animating force contained within the visible. The work is in a variety of media, including; Artists Books, Painting and Photography.

I originally trained as an illustrator - now I make and sew my drawings.

I create 'animal-friends' from recycled fabric, clothes, buttons, ribbons and trinkets. I love bright colours, pattern and textures - especially pink sparkles!

All of the animal-friends are lovingly hand made and totally unique. They're all very friendly and each has its own cheeky personality!