A Cultural Reunion.

211 miles. 4 months. It's been AGES since I last saw En-Jia. But as my first year of architecture came to an end we were reunited at last for four days in Manchester!

We explored the parks, the galleries, the famous curry mile and most importantly of all... I was introduced to ultimate frisbee - En-Jia's number one hobby. But for now - a composition of our artistic adventures.

The photos are from a mix of Whitworth and the Manchester museum - I think Whitworth was our favourite. Not just the art but the place also, and how they used light in the different rooms. (#architect) But seriously you will know what I mean if you go.

We also had a venture to the Northern quarter and discovered lots of little independent galleries which were all pretty lovely to explore. AND lets not forget I found the best shop ever for an architecture student. If only it was in London. Magma Manchester you have my heart.

Whitworth Art Gallery // Manchester Museum

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The Killers - Exitlude
Jet - Look What You've Done
Julian Casablancas - 11th Dimension

Royal Academy of Arts: SUMMER EXHIBITION 2014

Until this summer I didn't even know about this exhibition - the largest open entry exhibition in the WORLD. Crazy. But as soon as I came across it, I was in awe. And at the first opportunity, I hopped on a train to London and made my way to the Royal Academy of Arts.

 I've never seen an exhibition presented in such an exciting way, with walls full of art, coming from world renowned artists as well as first time painters. It's such an awesome mix.

The paintings also had no explanations - only a number to help you find the name of the artist and the medium used. Although I do like knowing the stories behind the art, it was really interesting to use your imagination for the different scenes.

Two of my favourites are below. The first I loved due to the style of painting on wood, the second I found awesome for the technique of stitching used to make such beautiful colours and textures.

After the exhibition, I left feeling all artsy and inspired (plans to paint over summer are getting underway!). I also felt the need to explore Regents Street where I stepped into Anthropologie for the first time. (Sister brand to Freepeople and Urban Outfitters - both of which I loooove)

I've stalked the website many a time but the shop is something else. The design is beautiful. The clothing prices are sadly out of range for me but I left over the moon with the Saltwater Kinfolk Issue for a laid back afternoon of reading in Hyde Park. The design of the shop is worth a visit in itself - I'm talking wall of plants here.

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Golden Leaves by Passenger

The Boxer by Jerry Douglas
Tout Doucement by Feist

Les Artistes à Paris - 1

A little while back, I woke up at a ridiculously early time, grabbed my suitcase & passport, and headed to Paris with a school group of artists!

It was manifique! Since then, my computer had been busy being useless so I've only just managed to put together these posts. Here goes the re-living of this creative adventure. 

First of all, meet the main girls: Libby on the left, and Louise on the right.

To begin with, we only knew each other from the mishmash of different years & schools on the trip, so we soon became the three musketeers (we like to think so at least...).

After lots of sleeping, trying on endless perfume samples & being introduced to 'UNO' on the ferry, we arrived at our first destination: our local castle. As you do.

 The architecture was incredible & we all got started on our sketchbooks, trying to jot down our first impressions of the place.

After doing a little unpacking, we got ready to explore the town further...

Oh, and did I mention the be-a-u-tiful blue skies?

The next day was just as hot, and we set off to visit the Ron Muek exhibition. It was incredible. He creates very realistic sculptures of people & every detail is perfected - toe hair, unshaved legs, cellulite, you name it, he's though of it! (Definitely worth a google)

After this exhibition, we made our way to Sainte - Chapelle, passing these cute riverside stalls on our way.

To get there we had to go through some pretty intimidating law courts & so I finally had a chance to bust out my French, asking for directions.

The design was amazing, both upstairs & downstairs (It was a double decker church - say whuuut!) were very different but both incredible.

The downstairs was smaller & more gothic, whereas the upstairs was filled with huge stained - glass windows. 

Once we had all found which part we preferred, we sat down to sketch for a while before heading back outside.

The outside is toned down a little compared to the interior, but it still is a pretty awesome place to be, there are 3D patterns on the walls - like this castle detailing.

I can't really remember what I was listening to at the time, so here is what I am listening to now: 'I Love It' by Icona Pop & Jasmine Thompson's cover of 'La La La' by Naughty Boy.

My School's Pop-up Exhibition

After what seems like centuries, my exams are over, I've ventured out of my crazy revision phase & am experiencing things I had forgotten existed... free time, sun, socializing - hooray!! 

Last night, my family, best friend & I went to my school's exhibition of all the Art, Textiles & Technology work to wrap up our year of art (and to show our work to the moderators - how scary!). 

As an art student, I was in my element, flicking through nearly all sketchbooks, I just couldn't can't stay away. Here is a snippet of my evening.

In the main hall, there was a collection of AS & A2 coursework & exam work which was amazing! I love this little painting from a Paris trip.

For me, the A2 sketchbooks and final pieces were most interesting as they got me thinking about my project for next year (we get to choose!).

This sketchbook belongs to my incredibly talented friends, Cherelle. Some definite sketchbook envy aha!

And below are my sketchbook & display board - just at the entrance ready to be trodden on, great aha!

The photos at the top are of my sculpture, the abstract pieces are inspired by the shapes in my sculpture & the tiny piece of a painting at the bottom of my board is the result of a 5 hour exam... (Don't worry the aim of the exam is the quality, not a finished product haha)

After having seen each sketchbook and art piece many many times, myself & En-Jia wondered down to the Textiles room.

Don't you just love these fabrics...

Clothes, bags & sketchbooks were all on display and there were lots of pretty sketches involved.

Below are some design ideas created by my creative fashion guru of a friend - Louise!

After having been to the rest of the exhibition, I had to come back to the art room for one of my favourites, these children's dresses were created for an A2 Art exam with the title 'Submerged'. The installation included a few other bits and pieces but the dresses were my favourite part.

There was so much more to the exhibition (even some street art) but this is a little insight of how inspiring the evening was. I think it was better than your average exhibition as you could look through the sketchbooks & see all the ideas working towards the final pieces.

Bring on next year's!