I love the quality of screen printing and although it's expensive and digital printing is so good these days I couldn't resist giving it another go. Besides I like the little imperfections and accidents you get during the process and it was just really nice to get out of the house for the day and do something different during this weird semi lockdown we have here. We kept our masks on throughout and maintained a safe distance of course! I used one half of the screen for a new design that I just scribbled off at the last minute for want of a better idea, but I like how it came out, it will be interesting to see it in the form of a bag as it looks like netting. The bag designs were initially meant to be for a large beach bag but as no one is going anywhere - let alone the beach - then it will more likely be used as a big shopping bag to carry heavy bottles of booze. It was all initially hand drawn onto acetate with permanent marker that was then laid onto the silkscreen to burn the image into the emulsion. 

As there isn't yet a fabric table in the studio (it's mainly used for fine art prints) I prepared panels of fabric big enough to cut the bag template out of. As well as only using one colour Diego didn't have to worry about registering the design to create a continuous pattern. It was just like printing fine art prints but onto fabric.

I'm picking them up next week after they've been heat set with a blow gun and I will purchase some thick canvas for the lining to make extra strong bags. There is a huge textile store 10 minutes away from the studio which always has a long queue of retired women - whatever time of day it is. I hope to produce some duo tone fabrics one day. It's a bit of a luxury but it would be great to have at least one line of screen printed items in my collection. I will also see if a lampshade works with this finished fabric, it's very thin canvas and quite raw looking. I'll add the finished bags to my shop as soon as they are done - hopefully well before Christmas.

I received a message from an old friend yesterday, telling me that she had not one but TWO bare lightbulbs in her home.  So I immediately rushed to the rescue and for the bedroom I made her this lovely little drum shade in my Quartz Floral design. It's made with a slightly thicker material called Cypress linen and I think it works really well with this pattern, bringing in some more texture. Previously I had printed this design in a smaller scale onto a smooth cotton fabric and it just didn't quite work for me, I thought about using the fabric for bags or just upholstering some dining chairs of my own, so I'm very happy to have found it works on the shade and have this new addition to my shop.

I'm happy to announce that I am taking part in this open studio event in the heart of Madrid. If you are in this wonderful city this weekend come on down to Studio 24 (no16 on the map) where I am selling paintings, bags, lampshades and cushions. It costs only €5 to take part and you will receive a pack which includes a map of all the studios taking part, a badge and a catalogue. 
losartistasdelbarrio.com

Trying out a new lamp design, tall and lean with my Kenny print. This is more of a mood light than a practical one.

Love these textiles produced for the African market by Dutch company Vlisco 

Currently on show as part of the annual Open Cueb show at The Brockley Mess until March 15th 2015.