It's been too long!..

So, already I have disappointed myself with my lack of effort with this blog. But, I'm not going to beat myself up about it, I've been working on my new project, and that can only be a good thing, right? 

'Woodland' is my chosen theme this time around, and ceramics and textiles (more specifically print and stitch) are my chosen materials and processes. 'Natural forms' seemed a bit too vague, and everyone knows that it's been done to death now. Some may argue that Woodland isn't exactly the most original idea, but I have my reasons for choosing it.

Reason 1: I want to utilise the (completely in-tact and untouched) WASPS NEST that is currently sat in a Quality Streets tin in my living room! It's absolutely beautiful and I find it so inspiring that an object built out of necessity can be so beautiful without even meaning to be.

Reason 2: I live in Worcestershire. Yes we have historic buildings. Yes we have the infamous Worcester Sauce. But we ALSO have some of the most beautiful woodland and countryside I've seen. Although I'll be in Leicester for the beginning and end of the project, being at home will give me a chance to re-visit all of those beautiful places that take me back to my childhood; the bluebell walks, the nature trails and the pine cone and conker filled woods.

Reason 3: My Diana Mini! As you can see on my 'Diana' page, even an amateur can achieve stunning results with this beautiful little camera. And, what better time to take photographs of lush countryside than in the summer? Of course all of these visuals will help me along with my work, but even without a brief to follow, just taking her out on a sunny day makes me so happy. 

There's something magical about film photography. Something that you just don't get with a digital camera. It's the thought that the moments you capture aren't so orchestrated - you really do get one chance, and one chance only. No zoom, no contrast settings, just you, and the camera... PERFECT.

I wasn't planning on writing even half this much tonight, but I guess that's what happens when you write nothing for a whole week! I feel that there needs to be a word/image balance here, so here are some of my initial, unedited, primary research photographs from this week. Enjoy!