A new initiative at Craft in the Bay was to invite members of the Guild to apply for a small exhibition of recent work to showcase in Oriel 2 on the first floor at Craft in the Bay. This gives members the opportunity to show work that is different to that in the retail craft space - it may incorporate different materials, use new making processes or be of a completely different scale to their work on the ground floor.

Starting this initiative off is textile artist Melissa Warren who has created a body of work inspired by the notion of accessories that can change and be adaptable when worn. 'Lillypad' bag for example can double up as a wall hanging, is reversible and therefore show off its different colours and textures. Melissa has incorporated recycled lampshade frames into the work, utilising their shapes to stretch her knitted fabrics and give tension and form.

Her collection will include neckpieces, headwear and body pieces - all utilising the inherent qualities of fibres and yarns. Stretching materials to their limits to suggest transparency and fragility.

Meet the Artist: 

Melissa will be giving a demonstration on her knitted textile work at 11am on Saturday 25th July in the conference room at Craft in the Bay. A free event.