Like most people, I see things I love and I want them. Either to see, to touch or even to own. In my daily life and when I go further afield on jolly days out or even on holiday, I seek out artisan markets, craft fairs, galleries, independent traders and all things unique. Anyone who knows me will know of my huge dislike of shopping. If it's essential, I buy online. Chain stores are not for me!
With this in mind, I thought it may be fun to highlight some makers who I find inspiring. For a host of reasons, they resonate with me. This is a short list. There are literally dozens, if not hundreds of makers who I adore for one reason or another. Not all are ceramicists, some are jewellers, some textiles, some mixed media. I generally buy handmade for all occasions, but I'm full of badness and it's not always local. Apart from candles. I'm very lucky to have SoulStar candles just around the corner and you cannot beat them.
Anyhoo, my list as of today (all can be Googled so you can find links to their websites):
Becky Brine
I found Becky whilst on holiday in Devon and I loved her work. She's based on a farm in a converted shepherd's hut. Becky is creative in her socials as well as creative in her hut. She's often to be found with the dog on the beach collecting sea glass. But the thing that Becky does, that I simply adore, is to make wee hats. I want them all!! They really float my boat as I am a collector of hats. I sit here now surrounded by my own wee ceramic hats so it is obvious to see the appeal. I've had some jewellery commissioned from Becky, but one day, I will definitely buy some of her hats.
Demelsa Haughton
I discovered Demelsa in Heart Gallery in Hebden Bridge and instantly fell in love with her artwork. I know very little about her other than her work touches me. I love her style and her creativity. She gives us a whole world of beauty in her paintings. I can identify with this make believe world as it is very much what goes on in my head with Blinksville. I have one of her prints in the hall and I see it daily.
Lucy Baxendale
I first encountered Lucy in Sheffield last year and then I researched her for my first assignment at university. I love the illustrative nature of her work and the storytelling that goes with each piece. With Lucy, I can see that she has evolved her practice and come out with illustration combined with ceramics. The overall effect is fantastic.
Tim Burton
Most people have heard of Tim Burton and have watched at least one of his films. Whilst these are fantastic and I enjoy them, for me, I like his poems and his sketches. I first discovered him around twenty years ago and purchased The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy and Other Stories. My favourite will always be The Pincushion Queen. She's been a stalwart in my life since I first met her. I have several of Tim's books, have seen most of his films and was lucky enough to go to his exhibition in its final showing in London in 2024.
Jean Tolkovsky
Jean was one of the first ceramicists that I discovered online and I have followed her ever since. I love the faery tale pieces that she produces that are childlike and full of innocence. I met her at Compton Verny in 2023 and splurged on one of her pieces. I love the glazing she produces and the fact that her pieces are slightly mixed media. My wee piece rolls along if pushed.
Gary Walton
I 'discovered' Gary Walton on holiday in Cornwall several years ago and fell in love with the style of his paintings. I've since found him across the country in many galleries and he never disappoints. His popularity is great and he must be noted as good at business as well as art. The two don't necessarily go hand in hand. My husband bought me a signed print by Gary for my birthday a couple of years ago and it hangs on display in the den for everyone to enjoy (but mainly me!)
Thoughts
This random collection of artists, whatever their media, all inspire me artisitically in some way, grand or small. It isn't necessarily just their creations that resonate. There are some that I recognise have strong marketing for their artwork, others have a confidence I could only dream of, some I recognise must have beautiful souls in order to create such beauty. If I could ever fit in with even one of those listed above, I would consider myself accomplished indeed. And then there are all the rest not mentioned here...
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