RUTH BALL  enamel + design
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Goldsmiths Fair 2014

1/10/2014

 
I am back in the workshop after a really successful show at this years Goldsmiths Fair. The fair is always a treat and a huge privilege to be part off. The new beakers got lots of positive feedback and sales !

Bespoke Boxes

28/8/2014

 
I am really excited about the new boxes that I have commissioned from Katy Wilde from KATYSBOX.
Her attention to detail and bespoke service is the answer to my long searched for solution to finding the right boxes for my pieces.

Individual work requires a beautifully designed box and Katy is not just brilliant at coming up with impressive packaging, but as an added bonus, she is also local to me here in the North West. Based in Liverpool, Katy combines her design and finishing skills with a creative flair, and is definitely worth checking out if you need a really stunning box for something special !

Read more about her innovative company and specialist services on her website  http://www.katywilde.com/

Beakers ! new work for Goldsmiths Fair

23/8/2014

 
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Just a peek at some work in progress....

I am showcasing new designs at the Goldsmiths Fair, London.

These three beakers have been a pleasure to engrave and I am excited to be enameling them this week .........more info soon !

New Course Dates

21/6/2014

 
ONLY A FEW PLACES LEFT !
My summer courses at the JSDA are booking fast - don't hesitate to get in touch if you are intrested !
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The sessions are held on the 14 / 15 /16 August 2014 at JSDA in the Big Peg Building, The Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham.

14th August
Day One - enamelling on copper using sifting techniques, stenciling & scraffito for creative effects - Cost £120

15th August
Day Two - enamelling on silver using the "wet-lay" method and wires to create a contemporary cloisonne style - Cost £120

16th August
Day Three - enamelling silver/copper, as per the previous days, but with a focus on settings for enamels - Cost £120

The price for
each day is £120. Book all three days and get a 10% discount.
View more info here on the courses page             Email me for booking information : ruthball@gmx.com

View info here about the location of the JSDA workshop & related information.

Public Art Commission -NHS The Royal Liverpool

20/6/2014

 
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AFTER : The new design, fresh and co-ordinated.
This is just one window - there are four other window sets which all carry the theme across a variety of images  ( - more posts soon )

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BEFORE : The space had an old artwork that had become faded and paintwork needed freshening up.
Along side my enamel on silver work, every now and again I get the amazing opportunity to work on public art projects.

I have just completed artwork for four sets of windows, sited over three walls, that have in total 25 individual window images. The design for The Royal Hospital in Liverpool was installed this week and there was no enameling involved !

The windows divide the reception area and two different clinics, the A&E outpatient waiting room and the St Paul's eye clinic. All the areas needed screening from each other to give better definition to each space and provide privacy. Each room was in needed of some refurbishment and the teams wanted a common artwork to link each room.
The aim of the artwork was that it should enhance the spaces and be tranquil and calming in aspect.
I haven't got photos of each area yet as it is difficult to get images because the clinics are so busy, but here for now, is a quick snap to show just one of the windows. The photo doesn't show the full effect, but I am really pleased with how the whole thing has worked out. The artwork provides screening without the feeling that the area is enclosed and the colours connect well.

Each window had to relate to different locations in Liverpool and be inclusive of the many local cultural groups. This window illustrates the famous Chinese Arch, and has a detail of the beautiful pattern work on the building, to reference the vibrant Chinese community.
Also included is the glass house in Sefton park which I placed to portray the green spaces and many parks around the city.
The designs work from each side of the window and were printed by Lusta-Lux in Preston, who did a fantastic job of applying my designs. I'll post more photos when I get chance to go back and take some more.....

Goldsmiths Fair 

5/5/2014

 
The Goldsmiths fair 2014 has a brand new look ! have a look at their new website HERE
Check me out on the exhibitors list for this year ! I am looking forward to exhibiting new pieces in my shoreline collection and the dish series, plus work from a brand new collection...which is tantalizingly blue.....more info as I make...
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Skill sharing

5/5/2014

 
Had an interesting day this week skill sharing with print maker friends.
They tested a various effects on decal paper, and found some lovely effects.....

Enamelling Courses

12/4/2014

 
Last weeks course in Birmingham at JSDAUK hosted by Rajesh Gogna was a lovely few days of teaching and I was delighted to share techniques with a gifted and very lovely group of makers. We had a great few days of making. Thank You to jeweler Liz Smith for sending in this photo of the cloisonne day.

Have a peep at other workshop days here on my newly created workshop gallery
page.
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Music makers

12/4/2014

 
The music makers exhibition at the Bluecoat Display Center is a lovely mix of insightful, and very personal responses, to curator Michael Brennan Wood's brief whereby makers were tasked to create a piece based on a piece of influential music.The role call of exhibitors is a veritable who's who in the world of contemporary making with designers from several continents making up the exhibitors list. Artists include Julie Arkell, Mike Badger, Louise Baldwin, Ruth Ball, Stephen Bird, Michael Brennand-Wood, Lucy Casson, Kai Chan, Paul Derrez, Warwick Freeman, Sally Freshwater, Gavin Fry, Pamela Gaunt, Matthew Harris, Rozanne Hawksley, Tom Hill, Mike Holmes, Rachael Howard, Rebecca Gouldson, Jeanne-Marie Kenny, Ester Knobel, Cleo Mussi, Floor Mommersteeg, Jim Partridge & Liz Walmsley, Wendy Ramshaw, Philip Sanderson, Paul Scott, Verena Sieber-Fuchs, Anne Smith, Elizabeth Tarr, Christine Toh, Elizabeth Turrell, Jessica Turrell, Audrey Walker and Liz Williamson.

There are free musical events in the gallery so pop along if you can for fun and foot tapping !
http://www.bluecoatdisplaycentre.com/news/free-music-makers-linked-events-in-april/

Music Makers > Exhibition

11/3/2014

 
I am so excited to be part of this exhibition  curated by Micheal Brennand-Wood
Check out the information here > http://www.bluecoatdisplaycentre.com/exhibition/music-makers/

If you would like to attend the Private view please come along - RSVP crafts@bluecoatdisplaycentre.com
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Courses @JSDA

8/3/2014

 
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Courses for April

2/3/2014

 
I am teaching again next month at JSDAUK http://www.jsdauk.com/index.htm in Birmingham.

The first dates for 2014 will be on 3rd, 4th & 5th April 2014.
Thursday 3rd -  Enamelling on Copper
Friday 4th - Enamelling on Cooper or Silver with precious leaf and foil
Saturday 5th - Enamelling on Silver
£95 per day (10% Discount with a valid student ID card.)
View info here about the location of the JSDAUK workshop & related information.

Please get in touch if you would like to know more : ruthball@gmx.com

Athenaeum Artist Talk for the Bluecoat Display Centre

2/2/2014

 
I am pleased to be giving an artist talk this month for the Bluecoat Display Centre, Liverpool. The event is open to the friends member's group but all are welcome to join - Please see details below and view more information on the Bluecoat Display Center website.

Artist’s Talk
‘Elegant Enamelling’ Tuesday 25th February 2014  |  1.00 – 4.00pm
(arrivals from 1pm for 1.30pm start)
 
Tickets:
£12.50 each (includes tea, sandwiches & cakes at The Athenaeum Club, Liverpool)

Special offer:
Book and pay for all four of our Athenaeum events happening in 2014 for the special rate of £10 for each event!
 
Ruth Ball will speak about her use of fine enamelling techniques to create unique artworks. Ruth designs a range of fine silverware including caddy spoons, dishes, wall based artworks and also undertakes jewellery commissions. Ruth enjoys creating stunning pieces which can be celebrated. A traditional afternoon tea in the grand setting of The Athenaeum Club will follow the talk! This event is open to current & new subscribing Members of Bluecoat Display Centre and The Athenaeum.

Booking:
Places are limited so advanced booking is essential.
To reserve a place for this event, become a member or renew your membership, please call Bluecoat Display Centre on 0151 709 4014, email us at crafts@bluecoatdisplaycentre.com or go to our website www.bluecoatdisplaycentre.com/about/friends.
 
New Members:
Help us to continue supporting individual craft makers by becoming a member.
The membership fee is £30 per year and offers a 10% discount on purchases made at Private View exhibition openings and 5% off all other purchases over £20. There are additional discounts and priority bookings for our lectures and workshops. You will also receive regular newsletters and invitations to all Private Views.   follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend 
Copyright © 2014 Bluecoat Display Centre, All rights reserved.


The mailing address is:
Bluecoat Display Centre The Bluecoat, 50-51 College Lane, Liverpool, England L1 3BZ United Kingdom

MJMAN @ The Bluecoat Display Centre - one week only !

19/1/2014

 
Last group photo for our 20th Anniversary Year!  Meet the maker event Saturday 18th January 2014.
Its a lovely exhibition and only on until the 25th January - catch it while you can....

MJMAN @ The Bluecoat Display Centre Liverpool

17/1/2014

 
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Setting up day at the Bluecoat Display Centre
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Detail from one of my selected works
"Mersey Jewellers Go Platinum" 1994-2014
Friday 17th January 2014 - Saturday 25th January 2014.

The Mersey Jewellers and Metal Artists Network (MJMAN) is a group of independent jewellers and metal artists working within Merseyside, originally set up in 1994 for mutual support, promotion and to encourage the highest standards of design and craftsmanship. These aims remain important today but as a group MJMAN has decided to disband in 2014 which will mark their 20th anniversary.

Current members of MJMAN are busy exhibiting nationally and internationally so the decision to close the group and have a final retrospective in 2014 was made earlier this year. The Bluecoat Display Centre have strong links with key members of the group who they exhibit regularly and are delighted to be involved in the celebrations to mark their 20th year.

This short exhibition, which is an addition to the Bluecoat Dsiplay centre's original 2014 programme, features selected members from MJMAN including  Alison Bailey Smith, Ruth Ball, Judith Brown, Emma Farnworth, Elaine Jenkins, Linda Jeanne Jones, Julia Lightfoot, Kate Moult, Alan Phillips, Lisa Waldman & Anthony Wong.

There will be an afternoon preview for this show on Saturday 18th January between 2-4pm. when some of the exhibitors will be available to chat about their work. EVERYONE WELCOME

Craft & Design : issue 231 : Jan / Feb 2014

13/12/2013

 
A great big THANK YOU to Craft & Design - find me in the "Makers Gallery" and "Enamelling in Europe"
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Copyright : Craft & Design and Individual Makers

SPARKLE

7/12/2013

 
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7 & 8 December 2013 - 2 days only !
The last time to see MJMAN *Sparkle*
At the BLUECOAT Liverpool. Find us in the HUB

Exhibiting members:
Anthony Wong . Barry Swerdlow
. Alison Bailey Smith .
Alan Phillips . Laura Naylor . Linda Jeanne Jones .
Julia Lightfoot . Julia MacGregor  Elaine Jenkins .
Emma Farnworth . Anne Crabtree . Judith Brown .

Mersey Jewellers and Metal Artists Network 1994 - 2014


Heart of the Heat - press release from the Goldsmiths Hall

12/11/2013

 
The Goldsmiths Company is one of the sponsors of the Heart of the Heat enamel exhibition held from the
11 November - 13 December at Birmingham University. Organized jointly by the British Society of Enamelers and The Guild of Enamellers, this is a major get together of contemporary work from all levels of the field.
Read more :
http://www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk/news/enamel-exhibition-at-school-of-jewellery-in-birmingham/

Desire : Winchester Town Hall 

8/11/2013

 
House of Jewellers are showing selected works at the forthcoming Desire fair WINCHESTER Guildhall
November 15 -17 2013  | 12.30 pm – 5.30 pm Friday | 10 am – 5 pm Saturday and Sunday
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Heart of The Heat

8/11/2013

 
My "Unknown Hero" artwork is on display this month in Birmingham with the BSOE & The Guild of Enamellers Exhibition.

I am presenting a talk at 4:30pm at the private view opening on 13 Nov 2013. All welcome - RSVP by email
Click on the images to view details >
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"Unknown Hero's" - artwork - mounted in a 40x50cm perspex box frame
Materials:
Enamel on silver which is 18ct gold plated, amd includes fine gold foil & wire inlay - pins are hand fabricated in 9ct gold and are also 18ct gold plated - ribbons are hand sewn & the paper is hand embossed .

This piece was made to celebrate hero's in science for Collect 2012 in an exhibition of work showcased by the Bluecoat Display Centre, Liverpool.

Craft Art International 88

18/10/2013

 
I am delighted to discover my silver work featured in the latest edition of Craft Art International !
Edition number 88 - page 80 - An article which reviews the Goldsmiths Fair in 2012.
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Exhibition : Enamel & Silver / Finland

10/10/2013

 
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Hoyry-Galleria which translates in English to "The Steam Gallery" is a small independent gallery situated in a converted harbor building at Korpilahti, on the shore of the second largest lake in Finland, Lake Päijänne. Founded by designers Ulla Huttunen & Arto Salmien in 2011 the galleries primary intent is to promote their own work, a unique combination of enamel and wood. However, they also keenly host a busy programme of art exhibitions in a dedicated gallery space which highlights the work of professional Finnish artists and international designers.  I am delighted to have been able to travel to Finland and display my work alongside the work of Irish Silversmith's Michael McCrory and Cara Murphy plus Enameller & printmaker Dierdre McCrory   ........Read more about the SILVER & ENAMEL exhibition here
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The private view evening
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Silver by Michael McCrory
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A view of the gallery

Hoyry-Galleria FINLAND

24/9/2013

 
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Visiting Finland...soon !

11/9/2013

 
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Looking forward to visiting Ulla Huttunen & Arto Salmien in their lovely new gallery in Finland next month !

I will be exhibiting alongside enameller Deirdre McCrory,
and silversmiths Michael McCrory and Cara Murphy.

The gallery hosts an interesting elective mix of art & design shows
> check out their flicker page

Editions 

3/9/2013

 
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When I am not enameling I enjoy printmaking  !

This month I have a selection of new prints on display / for sale, in a group show titled "PRESS-GANG"

Open from 5 - 27 September 2013

Editions Gallery
16 Cook Street  Liverpool.


View more details here.

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All images & designs on the site are copyright of  RUTH BALL - All rights reserved - 1987 / 2020.
All Precious metal pieces made by Ruth Ball are hallmarked & include her individual makers mark.


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