Makers Directory Takeover

July 09, 2023

This weekend I was given the opportunity to take over the instagram activity of The Makers Directory, a gathering of artists and artisans based in East Sussex.

I came back to live in Sussex recently, after a gap of almost 40 years.  I studied illustration at Brighton in the ‘80s and, having spent most of my life in Yorkshire and Devon, I came to Eastbourne for romance. The relationship didn’t last, but my love for Sussex has and here are some of my favourite creative things and people from this beautiful corner of England ...

I first saw the work of Anne Barrell at the Towner Art Gallery Shop. I love her Alfred Wallis inspired ceramics and hope to have one gracing my new kitchen sometime soon. I can see that both share a love of naïve art and the sea.

Texture always gets my attention. I am in awe of the beautiful willow basketry of Lisa Dear, one of the talented artisans featured in the Makers Directory.

I am a sucker for hats, particularly berets and the charming and cute knitwear jewellery and hats made by Doollaly of Brighton is a must on every self-respecting fashionista’s coat hook.

I am a huge fan of embroidery. My mum taught me how to embroider as a child and I still feel a powerful connection to this understated creative medium.  I have an antique Flemish Weave tapestry that hangs in my bedroom, which is the first thing I see when I wake up. When I discovered the embroidery of Marylin Willis aka Marilyns Creative Threads, I fell in love with its charming simplicity and intimacy, woven in colourful thread.

I was born into a print business run by my dad, who had a letterpress machine. As a girl, my Saturday job was to clean the print factory, which was smelly and dirty. I hated it but thankfully it did not put me off the medium of print :-) I am fascinated how this tradition has continued and moved into a creative medium and love the work of The Wooden Truth, a small letterpress studio based in Lewes. 

Taking over the instagram of the Makers Directory has given me the opportunity to connect with fellow artists and artisans in the county, some of whom I hope to meet at the forthcoming meet up in Lewes. Until then, Ciao Sussex Creatives!

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