Tell us a little about what you make?
I make useful artefacts from recycled, reclaimed and upcycled materials usually textiles but also plastic and other junk. These include hats and bags, rag rugs and wall-hangings, household textiles and accessories.
What inspires you and where do you find that inspiration?
My inspiration originally was from travelling in Africa seeing everything being recycled with great use of colour and decorative style. I try to be resourceful and environmentally friendly in every way I can.
Tell us about your favourite medium.
I like working with natural fibres best especially wool (woven and fleece)but feel a compulsion to try to recycle all textiles which come my way.
What are your favourite and least favourite parts of being an artist or maker?
My favourite part of being a maker is having a new idea and trying it out, discovering new methods and techniques for recycling different, sometimes challenging materials. My least favourite part is procrastination and paper work which is terrible for creativity! I also really enjoy passing on techniques and ideas, running workshops, teaching and sharing.
What does being a member of the Ceredigion Art and Craft Trail mean to you?
Being part of Art Trail has allowed me to join in with some good exhibitions and advertise my workshop space which I am excited to open to the public.
How do you manage a work-life balance as an artist/maker?
I am a full time maker but do balance that with a lot of gardening and outdoor work in a lovely, wild setting full of trees. Rag Art Studios is on a footpath set in beautiful woodland above the village of Llanddewi Brefi.
What are you working on at the moment?
Currently I am working on making up-cycled clothing and hats for steampunk events. I have had stalls and workshops at many music festivals over the years and have recently discovered steampunk which calls for an entertaining style of recycling which is great fun.
How do you know when your work is finished?
I will know when my work is finished when my enormous store of junk has all been transformed into art!
What is the biggest challenge of being an artist/maker?
The biggest challenge is the number of hours in the day.
What advice would you give to new artists or makers at the start of their creative journey?
My advice to new artists and makers is follow your creative compulsions now, don’t wait, and trust that everything else will fall into place.
