Rachel Capovila: August 2011

Artist & Facilitator

I am a freelance artist based in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria in the North West of England. I have worked within the performing and fine arts for 20 years. Initally I worked within the theatre as a performer and on production. Then moving on to a street circus group that performed around the UK. I did my degree BA(hons) Fine Art at Uclan. For fifteen years I have collaborated with local arts organisations, worked on youth community projects and in schools running a variety of creative projects. I am currently a member of North Lonsdale Embroiderers Guild, Blue Tarn, a rural womens artists collective and Trident Textiles, based in Furness. I am always working on a variety of small scale projects including photography, textile and mixed media. Although my favourite thing is meeting and talking to interesting people!

Wednesday, 24 August 2011

Quilt Sent Off to The Great Northern Quilt Show 2011

Unbelievably the Tsunami quilt has been sent! I have been ill for a while and felt really lethargic and disinterested so at one point it was touch and go if I was going to finish it. It turns out I have a thyroid problem and anaemic! No wonder! So in the first weekend of September the quilt will be exhibited alongside others at Harrogate.

It mesaures 23" x 33" and has a bias binding on the edge with the required 4" sleeve on the back. There are technical faults with it but I have learnt alot whilst doing this quilt. Like do not quilt!

Ideally there would have been a lot more water droplets on the big wave creating more of a 3D effect. Anyway I have more detailed photos to upload later. It is now onto the next project! Recently I went up to Whitehaven with my camera to get some shots for possible work for next years exhibition at the Beacon in Whitehaven.

The Custodians Cottage 1999-2006

A couple of us set up this project at the custodians cottage in 1999 by Furness Abbey, with no money and only our tools. We were a group of artists and crafts people who wanted to pass on our skills to young people. Funding from the Heritage Lottery fund then enabled us to programme events and bring in other crafts people to run workshops too. We ran workshops two evenings a week and on the weekends. The building and our displays were open to the public. The project is now closed but this link, click the image, will take you to the facebook group set up by one of the young people. Photos and articles are available to browse.