Wow! What a year it’s been. Thank you so much for coming along for the ride in 2022, I’m so excited to share my quick round up of the year with you and let you know what’s in store for Akers of Art in 2023.
This year saw a big increase in interest in my workshops and I was able to deliver numerous sessions to groups from all different walks of life. From the clay workshop for corporate clients at the stunning Hedsor House, to charity clay making sessions across Birmingham and Princes’ Trust workshops as part of their development programs for young adults.
Clay making workshops are the perfect way to bring people together, they encourage individuals to get creative and connect while having fun. If you would like to find out about my packages for an event in 2023, please contact me.
Things are getting bigger and bigger here at Akers of Art with some large-scale sculpture commissions and creations. It all started with my ‘Blossom in the Wind’ sculpture, which featured Rose Quartz crystals and completed earlier in the year. Creating something so large made me want to make more and more, I just loved the impact my work had when created grander.
Soon after, I created a life-sized saxophone wire sculpture and then a large hoop-framed sculpture, again with Rose Quartz Crystals, which is now on display and available to purchase from BHP Collectibles in Birmingham. I am busy working away on my largest sculpture yet which is another ‘Blossom in the Wind’, so watch this space.
I love to immerse myself in the networking world, meeting different people and learning about their businesses is one of my favourite business tasks. One of the excellent networking groups I attend is called Phoenix Business Club and they host an annual awards ceremony with a number of categories. Not only was I honoured to be commissioned to create a life-time achievement award, I was also nominated in the ‘One to Watch’ category, and I WON! I was so surprised and excited, it was amazing to be recognised for my hard work and I look forward to proving everyone who voted right, with a great 2023!
2022 Wasn’t only a busy year in business, there was a lot of changes and adventures for me in my personal life too. I moved house, which meant I had a bigger, dedicated workspace, which has transformed my way of working. This increased space has meant that I can create larger pieces and have a separate area for the admin side of things too.
I went on a once in a lifetime trip to Africa back in August which was out of this world. Seeing the stunning scenery and some of my favourite animals in their natural environment was so moving, I am planning a whole range of African wildlife inspired pieces for 2023.
The New Year will see the introduction of a series of jewellery making sessions at the fantastic BHP Collectibles in Birmingham. The sessions will on Monday nights and include techniques like gemstone wrapping and wire threading. For more information on these sessions, keep posted on email and socials or get in touch directly and I will be happy to send you more information.
In Spring and early Summer, I will be collaborating with the Eastside Rooms and Accord at the Marriott in Birmingham. I will be displaying a ‘Music’ themed exhibition with life-sized wire sculpture instruments as well as other music-inspired wire pieces. I look forward to keeping you updated with the progress of the pieces and confirmed dates of the exhibition closer to the time and hope you can come down and see it for yourself.
I have teamed up with Manor Hatter, The Button Factory and the Rectory & Florence to provide corporate clay workshop packages around the city of Birmingham.
These packages will be ideal for businesses around our fantastic city who are looking for team building exercises a bit closer to home. The packages are available with breakfast or lunch options and are a stress-free way to connect teams and build rapport and company culture. For more information on these packages, please get in touch.
All that’s left to do now is to wish you a Happy New Year, I hope it brings you lots of success, I look forward to hearing how your year goes and thank you again for your support.