Art in Action
21 - 24 July 2011

I have always enjoyed visiting this annual event in Oxfordshire, to experience the rich diversity of arts and contemporary crafts through the exhibitions and demonstrations.

Last year, I was thrilled to be selected as one of the 17 demonstrators in the Textiles area; it was an opportunity to show new works and a selection of the samples from my book, 'Embroidered Originals'.

The intricacies of machine embroidered lace came to life as I stitched away on my vintage Bernina sewing machine. Visitors could follow my creative journey through collections of inspiration material and botanical drawings into the embroidery pieces. The 'Hidcote Lace' dress panel , featured on my Home Page and Studio Page, was created especially for Art in Action; the stunning red colour palette of the stitched lace reflected a dazzling array of flora which I sketched in the 'Red Border' at Hidcote Manor Garden.

Kate Wells, the organizer of the Textiles tent, suggested a theme: 'Common Thread', which also stimulated fresh directions and ideas for our exhibitions.

Diary note: I shall be demonstrating and exhibiting at Art in Action 2012.

www.artinaction.org.uk

'Botanical Passions'
22 - 31 May

'Open Studio' within Oxfordshire Art weeks

This event marked a double celebration: the opening of Sue's new studio and a book launch for 'Embroidered Originals', published on May 1st.

'Botanical Passions' was a fusion of artworks and embroideries; a collection of Sue's original textiles which feature in her book were on display, against a backdrop of the framed botanical studies. Visitors could enjoy the intricacies of the finely crafted textiles, imaginatively styled on mannequins, with collections of samples displayed in antique plan chests. The inspirational garden setting of the studio reflected Sue's passion for plants, and the essence of themes central to her creative work.

The exhibition and book launch attracted nearly five hundred visitors during the week, from Oxfordshire and other regions. A number of the botanical painting were purchased; Sue is currently working on a commission, from the show, for an embroidered lace which continues the 'Viridis' textile series (as featured in 'Embroidered Originals').

Following this event, Sue showed her work and gave demonstrations at Kelmscott Manor in June, and at Art in Action in July (courtesy of Artvango). Earlier in May, she gave a talk at the Stroud International Textile Festival.

'A Wearable Art'
The Oxfordshire Museum May 2 - 31
Curated by Sue Rangeley

'A Wearable Art' featured a diversity of contemporary work by fourteen designer/makers, exploring the textural and sculptural dimensions of garments, accessories and jewellery. A fusion of design and craft, the exhibition offered visitors a rich experience of artistic excellence in the 21st century.

The language of creativity was central to the 'In Studio' sets; three personal studio spaces were created within the exhibition context: Emily Jo Gibbs- Accessories; Bridget Bailey- Headpieces; Sue Rangeley - Embroidery. Artists were in residence during the weekend of May 16-17; visitors enjoyed a unique dialogue with the makers, enriched by seeing specialist demonstrations.

Sue was also 'In Studio' during other weekends, creating fashion embroidery samples for the 'Viridescence' collection , featured in her book: 'Embroidered Originals'.

Referencing the heritage of British crafts has featured in previous events, curated by Sue (Contemporary Crafts in the Cotswolds 1997 -2007,for West Oxfordshire District Council); Selected exhibits from the Oxfordshire Craft Collection were displayed within 'A Wearable Art'.

Exhibitors:
Bridget Bailey, Jenny Bicat,Victoria Borondo, Sarah Cant, Liz Clay, Alison Dupernex, Emily Jo Gibbs, Rachael Howard, Annia Marcus, Annik Piriou, Sarah Pulvertaft, Sue Rangeley, Carole Waller, Tim Parry-Williams.