40 Objects for 40 Years
Blackbird (2025) – Melanie Tomlinson
Hand printed and etched steel, carved lime wood, found objects, natural ephemera and bird skeletons found along the wayside.
Melanie Tomlinson is a Birmingham based artist who has been involved in our work for over 25 years.
Currently, this piece, Blackbird, is on display as part of the Made in the Middle exhibition at the Midlands Arts Centre in Birmingham.
“I’ve chosen this recent piece by Melanie Tomlinson which was selected for the latest edition of Made In The Middle. For me it embodies Craftspace´s commitment not only to create opportunities for young makers but also the organisation´s continuing commitment to nurturing makers at all stages of their careers. Melanie was one of the first young makers I worked with at Craftspace. In the last 25 years both she and Craftspace have matured, both have evolved. But the fact that Melanie continues to embed her creative practice in the inspiration she finds in serving and celebrating diverse communities she is also testimony of the impact of Craftspace´s commitment to linking creativity with community.”
Nominated by: Anna Champeney, Exhibitions Organiser between 1998-2000.
To celebrate Craftspace’s 40th Anniversary, we commissioned the artist Stewart Francis Easton to create an artwork which would explore the story of Craftspace through 40 objects. Stewart created a series of four beautiful graphic quilts. You can see them at MAC until 12 April.
All photos by Stephen Heaton.
