The Joys of Line and Form

This summer, the ceramics of Lara Scobie and the precious jewellery of Joanne Garner come together for Concrete Wardrobe’s July Makers of the Month exhibition.

Scobie’s work combines decoration with functionality, and includes a range of small vessels, tall jugs and bowls.

Garner uses precious metals and textiles to create striking mixed media jewellery. Inspired by the bold colours and repetitive patterns found in nature, she creates fluidity and freedom within her beautiful designs.

Scobie’s work is predominantly concerned with the dynamic interplay between form and pattern. This is explored through drawing, surface mark making and volume. Surface patterns and details observed in botanical life have enabled Scobie to explore her love of colour and abstract design. Her simple, considered forms are constructed from soft slabs of clay, with delicate rims and edges. The off-centre ellipses of the individual pieces echo the line drawings and ornamentation of the painted surfaces.

Garner’s use of textiles alongside precious metals infuses her jewellery with colour, and the contrast between soft and hard materials produces tactile pieces with an organic feel. The intricate shapes and linear forms created through the use of fine wire enables the jewellery to move fluidly with the wearer, generating a flow of movement and energy within each piece.

The making process plays an integral part in the development of Garner’s designs, and she works instinctively with tools and materials to create her work. “I enjoy the challenge of working with non-traditional jewellery materials, and find the different techniques allow more freedom within my designs.“

Scobie has exhibited widely and her work is on display in public collections internationally. She has also gained awards for her work, and has recently been selected  (alongside only one other Scottish maker) for the British Ceramics Biennial in Stoke.

Concrete Wardrobe brings together the work of two highly trained Scottish based makers, both intrigued by natural forms and their organic interplay, in very different mediums.

Lara Scobie and Joanne Garner’s work will be on display at Concrete Wardrobe from 1^st to 31^st July 2013.

Concrete Wardrobe is open Monday to Saturday 11am to 7pm. (Sunday 12 - 5pm.)

Concrete Wardrobe 50a Broughton Street, Edinburgh EH1 3SA

ENDS

PR: Katherine Emtage. Co-Owners: James Donald & Fiona McIntosh. 

New jewellery is in this week by Kinross based Ebba Goring. 

Goring creates her jewels by transforming her own handmade, delicate lace and crochet pieces into solid precious metal, combined with sparkling stones. The result is luxury jewellery with a timeless elegance. Gorgeous.

Stitch 'n' Stack Rings. (set of 3)

Stitch Stud Earrings

There are beautiful bags a plenty at Concrete Wardrobe this month. Not only do we have the scrummy designs of Blair Sorley as May Maker of the Month, we also have a selection of Catherine Aitken's new summer range in store. Made in linen with waterproof bases, these simple yet spacious bags will see you elegantly through summer, holding all your beach and shopping essentials.

Blair Sorley's handbags and purses are so delicious, they need to be handled carefully, so you don't accidentally pop a corner of one in your mouth. 

Her colour palette is spot on for this season, and the designs are so deceptively simple you automatically feel engaged with each piece. 

Here's a sneak preview of the new Frame Bag, in case you've not been down to Concrete Wardrobe yet. £57.50 each.

The Dogs of Broughton Street, Part One.

There seems to be an influx of friendly dogs on Broughton Street these days. I don't mean people walking their dogs, but the retailers themselves seem to have developed a penchant for keeping a dog or two under their till points. The dogs in question are either cute and teeny tiny, or large and supermodel-esque.

A number of shops on the street have also joined a website called 'Dugs n Pubs' which advertises dog friendly venues all over Scotland. Both 'Curiouser and Curiouser' and 'Concrete Wardrobe' are a part of this, among others. The 'Dugs n Pubs' shop front sticker means you can take your dog inside, rather than having to risk tying him or her up outside.

Treacle at Concrete Wardrobe, being a statue at the base of a Joachim King standard lamp.

 Treacle at Concrete Wardrobe

A dog with a very small footprint. Thora at White Rabbit, getting comfy.

Stanley, Thora's elegant friend at White Rabbit.

 The outstretched beautiful Josh at Curiouser and Curiouser.

The perfect addition to any shop. Josh at Curiouser and Curiouser.

 It's all too much for Treacle at Concrete Wardrobe. Nap time!

Edinburgh based Donna Mathieson of Himalayan Princess is a self taught illustrator who enjoys creating characters that inhabit both imagined and real worlds. 

These images come in 2 differing formats A5 and A4 prints as well as blank greetings cards for your own private message!

Those of you who have visited Edinburgh in the past may even recognise some of these quirky and fun views of Edinburgh!