A place of joy

I’ve decided it’s time to focus on myself and develop an new personal project, so I will no longer be posting on this page. If you would like to continue to follow my artistic journey, please follow me Tapdancing Cat Designs. Thank you to everyone x

22 March, 1929

Celebrating her 94th birthday today, one of the more colourful characters of the Japanese art world, artist, writer and poet Kusama Yayoi (草間 彌生) who was born on 22 March 1929 in Matsumoto (松本市), Nagano Prefecture (長野県). https://youtu.be/Els2gFMTU-Y

A precursor of the pop art, minimalist and feminist art movements, Kusama influenced contemporaries such as Andy Warhol and Claes Oldenburg, and although throughout her career she has worked in a wide variety of media, including painting, collage, sculpture, performance art, and environmental installations, most all of her works exhibit her well known and distinctive thematic interest in psychedelic colours, repetition and pattern.

Although largely forgotten after departing the New York art scene in the early 1970s, Kusama is now acknowledged as one of the most important living artists to come out of Japan, and an important voice of the avant-garde.

In 2017, the Yayoi Kusama Museum opened in Shinjuku, Tokyo, featuring her works.
You can learn more about her life and work here: https://youtu.be/vbmsL7tSPc4

“Centrally Creative”.

“At a time of massive uncertainty, of pain and anxiety for many, the arts have never been more important. It can inspire, bring joy, bring comfort, make us think. It can lift our soul.”

5 Artists in residents including my self worked at during the year of culture creating poetry, origami, window and canvas art, concerts, films, hangings, books, displays and much more during their time at the hall. Several of the artist have remained working with the venue on its continued legacy and Art Hub.

With special thanks to Rev. Stephen Willey, Ade Johnson , Nikki Bovis-Coulter , Mark Andrews , Emilie Lauren Jones and Seb Farrell for being a major part of this journey and piece of art.

My final workshop is tonight at 6.30! Free dinner before from 5.30 plus free drinks available.
Cosy Creative has one week left, so come and be warm and have fun!

Sunday is my final workshop . Come along for a relaxing and fun evening of painting colourful leaves with me!

Sundays workshop was so much fun! Lots of awesome people and leaves attended and created a spectrum of foliage!

Announcement;

January is Cosy Creative month in as part of the legacy. As part of this myself and other local artists have created workshops that you can attend for FREE!

My mural “Joyful Garden” needs rainbow leaves which you can create in my workshops, all happening in a cosy space with hot drinks and a friendly welcome!

Suitable for all ages, and is open to everyone!

My first workshop is on the 5th January, more details to follow!

Cosy Creative is one of our first legacy commissions and runs throughout January 2023. The sessions will provide a warm, welcoming, and safe space at Coventry Central Hall, Foleshill Community Centre and The Anglican Church at London Rd Cemetery.

Artists and makers will take up residencies at the venues for four weeks of creative workshops that focus on sustainable art making, with food also provided.

Find out more: https://buff.ly/3HVvjsp

RIP, it’s been a good innings, but now it’s time for marmalade sandwiches.

Out in the sunshine this afternoon in the Bullyard for until 4pm today! Pop along and say high and buy some of my exclusive artwork!

Saturday , confidence through photography expo is a showcase of what the group does; workshops, talks and a photographic exhibition!

Still bring joy

This weekend!

Would you like to have a stall to sell your artwork or crafts on the 4th June at our Jubilee event? Book now and receive a discounted rate! Drop me a Dm or email me at [email protected]!

(Please be aware that you will need public liability insurance )

A Place of Joy Pop Up shop has been nominated for new start-up award! If you like what I’ve been doing, please pop along to the website tonight and nominate me too, voting closes tomorrow so it would be awesome to get some votes! Also ghas been nominated for best Arts space which is epic after they have supported me and four other artists in our residencies in the last 12 months. Plus iM working hard to keep the legacy going! See for more details of what we are doing!! and

https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/nominate/

Awesome night at ‘s Caberet . The postponed Christmas Caberet was an eclectic mix of music, dance, poetry and humour! So much fun! Couldn’t pick a favourite act, they were all so amazing!

I made up a photoboard for for the “meet the architect” event on Saturday. Some historical photos from members of “Visit Historic Coventry” group and ones I’ve taken in the hidden parts of Hall

Come along to our end of year party at Central Hall featuring all 5 artists in residence! Featuring poetry jam, music, workshops and pop up shop! An afternoon of fun and entertainment! And totally free!

Wonderful day spent supporting for Spring concert

Sometimes it can just be about the beauty of enhancing…

Emilie Lauren Jones - Coventry Poet Laureate About Emilie Lauren Jones. Coventry's first Poet Laureate 2021 - 2023. Performer and facilitator of poetry workshops.

Stairway to heaven

Aspect

2021 was an epic year for me. Working as artist in residence was my first professional work as an Artist, and I can’t believe how much I’ve achieved as part of it! What was your favourite piece I’ve created?

Merry Christmas to you all!
I hope you are all with people you love this Christmas, and have a warm bed to sleep in. Enjoy the little things and don’t mourn what isn’t there. Enjoy your own this festive season x

I’m going to this on Thursday evening, tickets are still available!

I organised a Christmas fayre! Under the umbrella of I organised it in three weeks with my partner. We were fully booked for stalls and entertainers, had big guests including and the Lord Mayor of Coventry, and a showing of fellow Arrist in residence film from , Coventry’s own post laureate! It was totally exhausting, and crazy, but so much fun! Thank you to everyone who came down to on Saturday, and thank you to for all your support and awesome food on the day!!

Been busy organising a Christmas Fayre at we will be there tomorrow between 10-3 in the lower hall!