It's been said (by no less an illuminary than Aristotle) that 'pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work'. When we asked Valerie Aked why she does what she does, her reply was 'it gives me great joy. I get up in the morning and can't wait to get to my work. Equally, I share my students' joy in the creative process'.

It will come as no surprise then, that of the 15 or so fine jewellers in the Society of Arts and Crafts of NSW, more than half have at some time been students of Val Aked. She has been teaching and running workshops in silversmithing and jewellery for over 30 years - at Enmore and Randwick TAFE, the Society of Arts and Crafts,

1. plique-a-jour gold neckpiece  2. server 'seza' sterling silver   3. sterling silver, opal ring

Craft Matters features informative snips, clips, tips and images about craft. If you or your organisation have a craft event of any kind in NSW, an image or a craft story, submit it for free inclusion in future issues of Craft Matters. And of course, your suggestions and feedback are always welcome. Please email your interest. The Society of Arts and Crafts of NSW, visit our website.

neckpiece, 'sea change' jelly opal, 18 kt gold, plique-a-jour enamel

McGregor College and lately at her own Silver Studio.

Val believes that her role as teacher is essential to her journey as a craftswoman - a journey that began in the early 1960s, a time when it was not so easy to get any training in the working of precious metals.

Along the way she's built a dazzling repertoire of skills and techniques, including the notoriously difficult plique-a-jour, mokume-gane, Japanese inlay, shakudo, engraving, married metal, cloisonne - a rather

impressive array, complementing her skill with precious metal.

Val has exhibited in Australia, Asia, Germany, New Zealand, America and in Japan. Her work is represented at the Powerhouse Museum, the National Museum in Canberra and the Australian National Gallery. She is currently working for a solo exhibition later this year.

'Teaching plays a large part in my inner creative life. Passing on my passion for silver continues at The Silver Studio, where people from all walks of life learn with me.' Valerie Aked

METTE HAULRIK, ring, wirework, sterling silver

HEIDI FRANCIS, 'dovecote' hand built and colour glazed ceramic form

We've been asking craft practitioners why, in this day and age, they bother doing craft at all. If you've forgotten why, perhaps this will remind you. If you have yet to try a craft, what are you waiting for?

This was basketweaver Helen Beale's response.

'over the hill'

Having read earlier newsletters, I realised that others share many of my sentiments on why they do craft (compulsion, serenity, etc) so rather than repeat these I thought I would give you a taste of my crafty 2009.

It began with an exhibition of Australian basketry at Broken Hill, and the opportunity to mix with fellow basket makers in a unique landscape, which I have loved since my first visit.

From there I travelled west to the Red Centre at Yulara, spending a month as Craftsperson in Residence. This was an opportunity to commune with people from around the world and explore much of this breathtaking area, all while working at various crafts.

Following this I moved further north to Alice Springs and into my trusty tent, where I lived for the following eight months.

I fell totally in love with the environment, the people and the lifestyle of Alice, and in order to survive I spent the eight months 'doing craft' of course. Basketry was taught to many a grey nomad who wandered through the caravan park. I also sat in the bush, in dry riverbeds, or beside my tent, making crafty items from fibres, found objects, and all manner of things. These were then sold at the fortnightly markets in the Todd Mall. The markets allowed me to be further drawn into the local community and the many wonderful events, scenery and activities only Alice has to offer. An intoxicating year!

Why do Craft you ask? I say, don't ask, just do, enjoy, and be amazed at where it takes you!

www.helenbeale.com

An exhibition of recent stoneware ceramics with multiple glazes.

when to 18 July, 2010

where Maitland Regional Art Gallery, 230 High Street Maitland 2320

p: 02 4934 9859 w: www.mrag.org.au

Weavers, felters, knitters and crocheters of the Society of Arts & Crafts NSW: Liz Calnan, Wendy Cartwright, Nan Crozier, Pam de Groot, Betty Economos, Helen Frostell, Liz Gemmell, Jenny Hopper, Brenda Horne, Grace levis, Helen McGavin Smith, Lynne Peebles, Sue Rogers, Brigitte Sieber, Jude Skeers, Betty Stevens, Pat Surace, Helen Thomas, Grace Whitehouse, Helen Wilder Image Helen Wilder.

Including an exhibition of Wraps from Wrap with Love.

when 6 July to 1 August, 2010

where Craft NSW 104 George Street The Rocks Sydney 2000

p: 9241 5825 w: www.artsandcraftsnsw.com.au/exhibitions.htm

The Ranamok Glass Prize is an annual acquisitive award for glass artists who are resident in Australia and New Zealand. The Prize was founded in 1994 by Andy Plummer and Maureen Cahill as a way to promote glass to the public as an art form. Ranamok 2010 finalists' exhibition will be exhibited at Canberra Glass Works.

when 11 August to 24 September, 2010

where Canberra Glass Works. Kingston ACT 2604

p: 6260 7005 w: www.canberraglassworks.com

Textile and fibre art exhibition by members of ATASDA (Australian Textile Arts & Surface Design Association Inc) - stories and techniques on a travelled journey through textile and fibre art, incorporating wearables, wall pieces, quilts, sculptural pieces and stand-alone objects

when 12 to 21 August, 2010 opening Thursday, 12th August, 11.00am

where Palm House, Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney

w: www.atasda.org.au

Although little known in Australia, bookbinding is well developed overseas, specially Europe. Craft NSW is proud to host an exhibition by renowned bookbinder Sabine Pierard with Penelope Lee and Ann Marie Yee.

when 31 August to 12 September, 2010

where Craft NSW 104 George Street The Rocks Sydney 2000

p 9241 5825 w www.artsandcraftsnsw.com.au/exhibitions.htm

An exhibition of contemporary works from the Embroiderers Guild of NSW Inc. Image 'Karma' Victoria Bains

when 14 to 26 September, 2010

where Craft NSW 104 George Street The Rocks Sydney 2000

p 9241 5825 w www.artsandcraftsnsw.com.au/exhibitions.htm

An exhibition of excellence by members of the Society of Arts and Crafts of NSW.

when 28 September to 24 October, 2010 (opening: 2 October at 2.30 pm)

where Craft NSW 104 George Street The Rocks Sydney 2000

p 9241 5825 w www.artsandcraftsnsw.com.au/exhibitions.htm

An introduction to the process and technique of woodblock printing employing the reduction method. Students will be able to integrate other processes to their tasks over the weekend using collographic, mono-printing and intaglio processes.

This intensive course will give you the skills to create a range of paper from recycled materials to beautiful plant-fibre paper for use in stationery, cards, printmaking and other 2D and 3D artworks. More detailed information available from website.

This workshop focuses on creating silk paper and the use of other magic embellishments to create an Art Journal with individually formed pages and additional dimensional shapes and structures. We will create our own silk paper and form it into a journal, then heavily embellish the outer cover to give a raised dimensional appearance.

This workshop incorporates both innovative and creative machine techniques including free motion machining. The techniques can be applied in making bags, journal or photo album covers, on collars, pockets etc., or for a whole jacket. Participants can choose to work on any of these projects.

The theme of 'creating patterns' will be used to create a series of artworks. You will create overlays of patterns to achieve a complexity on the surface of the cloth. Using pre-printed imagery is a great way to begin the creative process. You will use some pre made silk screens, riso screens and make your own hand cut stencils.

Learn to make leather covers for various items such as a knife, phone, hunting axe, pocket watch, etc.

Hand sewing with Rex Reynolds.

For advanced beginners and intermediate machine quilters.

Students will learn the skills and techniques involved in knitting a mobius wrap by knitting a small sample wrap. They will have time to start a full sized article.

This is a two-day course for those who have completed a beginning spinning course and are ready to take the next step and for 'lapsed' spinners who want to revive their skills.

World-renowned shibori researcher and author, Yoshiko Wada is visiting Australia and New Zealand in September. She will give a lecture/demonstration at the Guild. This will be based largely on the last part of her second book, in which she details her experiments using traditional shibori techniques applied to contemporary fabrics and materials.

Tony Nankervis has an international profile as a potter, exhibiting in Europe, Japan and North America, with works featured in the collections of several major galleries in Australia. He has been a pioneer of the long wood-fired ceramics technique in Australia - a technique he has been practicing for 25 years. Tony will give a demonstration and slide presentation showing the evolution of his work with emphasis on shino glazes in a wood fired environment.