Gee How Quaint

Dam photos

It was a hectic start, a bit of getting lost, a bit of running in the airport, but somehow I made it.  Three flights, no sleep.  I was a bit shaky by the time I arrived.  It's the sleep deprevation and lack of proper nourishment that gets me everytime.

Anyway, he is most definately keepin' calm and carryin' on, my Dad.  We keep telling him he needs to keep it calmer and he needs to sleep and he needs to sit and you know what... I totally understand why he can be a bit annoyed with us.  Suddenly we are treating him like he is a child.  No grown man wants to be talked to like that.

Yesterday we went on an excursion.  He became fixated on the idea that he wanted to go and take photos of the dam near Stockville, which is over an hour round trip drive from my family home.  And so we did.  We drove and drove over the small hills, slipped between fields of wheat and corn.  He told me stories about a horse riding trail, trips to far flung colleges and that one time when there was a buffalo road block on our way back home from South Dakota.  It's like his head was full of stories and he just needed to get them all out.

We arrived at the dam and out came the $5 disposable camera.  I took pictures of dam, the sky, the small river rendering the dam a bit superfluous.  He took my picture with the dam behind me.  I took his picture with the dam behind him.  We then piled into the truck, drove even further to the large river and again, out came the camera.  It was at that point when Mom called.  We were in trouble.  Shame on us for straying too far from home.  So home we drove.

It was a pretty dam good day, that!

Summer Fair at Alnwick Castle Gardens, June 27th - 28th

 

Free entry into the gardens for this frollicksome event.

June 27th - 28th from 10am to 6pm

I hope it doesn't rain!

Gee How Quaint grooviness and artwork will be accompanying me to this crafty fair.

Spillers Quay at Jesmond Starbucks

 

After a manic 2 weeks with no weekend in between, I have finally created, had framed and have dispensed artwork to all of its necessary places.

On show at Starbucks in Jesmond: Spillers Quay (above), 2 Candied Car Parks (Gateshead car park in brilliant colour), Red and blue with stars Baltic, Newcastle City Living and a Sage with Pink Starry sky.

8 works have gone to The Art Works Galleries for thier new temporary gallery space at Dalton Park.

Castles of the Northeast will be accompanying me to the Alnwick fair this coming weekend.

Then I'm off.  I've spent hours re-booking flights to the states and have secured something that will do. 

To see more artwork, hop to www.cassandraharrison.co.uk

When a crisis arises...

...why is it that everything else in life is already shit?  Kitchen gutted.  Half finished.  Artwork deadline looming, then missed.  Then the call.  The email.  Dad in hospital.  Heart attack.

How can I get home without succumbing to a 12 hour layover in Minneapolis?

I must get home.  I must get home.  I must get home to see my Dad.

OMG!!

Hello blog readers,

You may have noticed that I have very nearly gone MIA.  Just to let you know, I am still kicking around the GHQ HQ and a rather manic manner.  There is so much on my plate that, well, I can't even see the plate.  With the making of new swim bags for Summer 09, three art exhibits in my very near future and the first meeting of like minded creatives for the Newcastle Craft Mafia, I just have not had time to update my blog.

So, without further delay.  The new swim bags that will rock your sweet nation for Summer 2009:

 

 

 

As always, they can all be found at www.geehowquaint.com

Another satisfied customer

 

Title: That Ominous Structure

This is one of three pieces I completed for a misplaced Londoner.  He has been missing 'home.'  Terribly.  Armed with a request for 3 views of his favourite city, he approached me with his ideas.  I am pleased to say, the Gherkin turned out lovely.  As did Big Ben and the building in which he used to work.  Look at the photo below.  Can you guess the name of the building?

Recruiting members for Newcastle Craft Mafia!!!

Doing someting creative, arty, crafty in the Newcastle upon Tyne area?  Why not join the family:

www.newcastlecraftmafia.com

I'm a Page 14 girl

 

A month ago one of the editor's of my alma mater's bi-annual Review magazine asked me to share my story for their publication.  They were doing a story focused on art students from current student's perspective and past students' perspectives.  Anyway, the text is mostly mine for my story, albeit a few small edits.  I was slightly horrified to see that they used a shot of me and my dishes.  It was action they wanted and I guess it was action that they were given.

For the full scoop, follow the link and skip to page 14: Dana Review - A little ditty about an artist...

The Libertarian (not to be confused with the Librarian)

Recently, I had the good fortune of setting up my stall right next to The Libertarian.  I had seen her stand in all sorts of venues, ranging from the Star and Shadow in Ouseburn Valley to the craft fair at the Tyneside Cinema.  Here and there and everywhere, the girl gets out.

As well she should.  Her offerings are unique, eclectic and eye-catching.  From fascinators to clocks made with records, she has quite a talent for making beautiful things from cast-offs.  

I really admire her hard work.  Being successful takes more than creating groovy little numbers.  You really have to take chances and put yourself out there.  Markets aren't always successful, but you still have to try to find where you fit in.  And where you stand out.  And where people can find you again and again once they've latched onto your name.

I hope to rock up next to the Libertarian at other crafty fair-like venues.   She is truly one of a kind.

the list continues...

26.  Magners on a warm day (it doesn't even need to be hot... not asking for much here)

27.  Knitting

28.  Going to a knitting shop and ogling the lovely colours and textures

29. This groovy t-shirt I bought at http://www.electriksheep.co.uk/

 

30. The guilty pleasure of watching Total Wipeout and laughing my silly little head off as people bounce off the giant red balls

31.  Being able to buy postage on line without having to line up at the post office

32.  Reading the paper in bed on a Saturday morning

33.  Pancakes at Belle and Herbs in Heaton

34.  Walking barefoot in the sand

35. helping a friend raise money by selling cupcakes

36.  Eating too many cupcakes at fundraiser

37.  Being able to earn somewhat of a living doing what I love

38.  Red, red wine

39.  Thinking of the places I've been to

40.  Making mental lists of the places I want to see

41.  Bacon on white bread

42.  Aphex Twin...always good to listen to

43.  Gold eyeshadow

44.  Life Drawing class 

45.  Going on walks with friends

46.  Peanut butter and cucumber sandwiches

47.  Watching the news every morning

48.  The smell of coffee brewing, anticipating the first cup of the day

49.  wearing my Rosie the Rivetter dress from Mod Cloth 

50.  What would you add to this list?

Come on.  Play along and comment.