International Women’s Day inspirations from some inspiring Derbyshire Makers!
Imagine a world that is free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. Things that we are passionate about, in the work we do and through the support we offer within The Derbyshire Makers creative community.
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity, and is one of the most important days of the year to:
celebrate women's achievements
raise awareness about women's equality
lobby for accelerated gender parity
fundraise for female-focused charities
International Women's Day is not country, group, nor organisation specific. No one government, NGO, charity, corporation, academic institution, women's network, or media hub is solely responsible for International Women's Day. The day belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. Gloria Steinem, world-renowned feminist, journalist and activist once explained, "The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist, nor to any one organization, but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights." So make International Women's Day your day and do what you can to truly make a positive difference for women.
As part of this important day, some of the talented Derbyshire Makers in our creative community have shared their ‘Top 3’ inspirations with us including their Top 3 inspirations that inspire them, Top 3 game changers for their business, Top 3 aspirations for the future, and 3 women who have inspired them. We hope you enjoy reading them and they inspire you to come up with your own Top 3!
Diana Green, an Artist who experiments with natural earth pigments, repurposing and recycling to create sustainable art shares her Top 3 inspirations with us:
Top 3 inspirations that inspire my work:
1. I adore, admire and revere trees in equal measure, for their individuality, beauty, strength and resilience. I love the shapes they form, twisting in any direction, growing tall in a field or literally out from cracks in solid rock. They provide us with shelter, oxygen, food, soil health, eco systems for many living creatures, and they connect and communicate with one another via an underground fungal network we are only just beginning to understand.
2. Folklore and mythology as I’ve always believed in dragons, that trees can talk and in magic. I love local legends of spooky places, magical creatures and old deities. Tree spirits often find their way into my work.
3. Beautiful places as I see beauty in many things, especially in woods, old quarries where nature has reclaimed, hills, the sky, ancient sites. I’m very happy in a wood which has lots of moss covered rocks and trees, full of flowers surrounded by the buzz and chirp of local wildlife. I may be inspired to paint the whole scene or just a particularly stunning tree.
Top 3 game changers since starting my business:
1. I discovered that I could make my own paint from rocks, soil and plants. Once I’d done some research into the process it changed my focus. Instead of using plastic to paint with (acrylics) and constantly buying new paints and art supplies as I had started to do, I decided that once all my existing stocks of bought paints were used up, that would be it, I would be only using natural pigments.
2. Making your own paint is time consuming, but fun. I did not have the spare cash at the time to invest in a proper ‘muller’ to mix my paint. (A muller is a special glass tool flat bottomed with a handle). I came across another soil artist on Instagram who was using an old flat iron. I found one for sale at Cromford Mills for £9 and its been brilliant, definitely a game changer as I had been trying to do it with a marble paper weight...
3. I think my final game changer should be doing a couple of courses on how to sell your art. I started 2020 doing a free course with United Art Space and then joined the group for some months where I learnt a lot about pricing, selling, social media, networking, how to display etc etc I also recently did another free short course with a lady called Gavriella where I picked up a few more tips.
Top 3 aspirations for the future:
1. Sell my art! I am participating in some artisan fairs and arts festivals this year and hope to do more physical exhibitions and generally get myself out there.
2. Spread the word about sustainability and considering the environment within art. I would love to do some workshops and demos on my pigment processing to encourage more people to start to put the pressure on art supply companies to invest in greener options for artists. Many processes use very toxic solvents, fixatives, varnishes as well as throw away plastics, yet there are alternatives. Yes the alternatives may be a little more work, but I think our soil, air and water health are worth it. :)
3. Learn, learn, learn! There is so much I want to learn about eco art, pigments, eco printing, dying, art techniques, trees, tree lore, etc etc etc etc I aspire one day to have a large natural pigment collection and be able to identify and name them all.
3 women who have inspired me on my journey:
1. Michelle Lloyd - owner of United Art Space, very inspirational talks and course content.
2. Kirsten Kurtz- Soil scientist and artist. Finding a video of her painting with soil is what kick started my soil art journey. Oddly, she actually contacted me on Instagram to ask if I’d send some pictures of my work for her Soil Artists feature on IG! Amazing how things happen like this.
3. Kathleen Tuck - my 99 year old grandma who told me ‘Don’t stop doing the art’ when I first started posting my work onto social media.
If you’d like to connect with Diana and find out more about her art, check out the following links:
www.instagram.com/ivyrosediana/
www.facebook.com/dianagreenart
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Next up we have Steph Jansen, a Maker of felt landscapes that add beauty, softness & warmth to any home.
Top 3 inspirations that inspire my work:
1. The Cromford Canal - I love its otherworldliness and the contrast of its quietness against the busyness of the road and railway that crisscross it. It's on my doorstep, so it often appears in my felt landscapes.
2. Local green lanes and holloways like the Clatterway in Lea - these nearly forgotten deep pathways are little oases of calm, full of birdsong and ancient trees, and a reminder that I'm one of many who have left my footprints there over the centuries.
3. Wool, yarn, fabrics - shelves and shelves of it in a good haberdashers or wool shop is bliss for me! I enjoy playing with different fibres, increasingly letting my materials inspire the direction of my work.
Top 3 game changers since starting my business:
1. Making dedicated space at home for my studio and using it every day (even if it's only the dining room!)
2. Getting an email list up and running, and sending regular emails - my best customers are there, and remind me how important it is to stay connected and front-of-mind.
3. Taking a step back during the pandemic to figure out where I wanted my work to go, without the pressure of the usual events and expectations
Top 3 aspirations for the future:
1. To sell my work regularly enough that it makes a meaningful contribution to our household finances
2. To have a solo exhibition of my work - I'd love to work towards this in the future
3. To show my work further afield - maybe even internationally
3 women who have inspired me on my journey:
1. My mum, because she encouraged and inspired my artistic leanings as a child, and has always believed in me.
2. Fiona Duthie, a Canadian felter, who runs online workshops, and whose Surface Design Online course I followed nearly 5 years ago. Her expertise and knowledge fed my passion for felting, and gave me the tools to take it in my own direction
3. Cornelia Parker, a hugely successful UK artist, whose work and outlook I've loved since I discovered her installation '30 Pieces of Silver' as a teenager. I was fortunate to have a one-to-one tutorial with her at college and she was generous, grounded and lovely to talk art with.
If you’d like to connect with Steph and find out more about her art, check out the following links:
www.stephjansenfinefelt.co.uk
www.instagram.com/feltsteph
www.linkedin.com/in/stephjansenfinefelt
www.pinterest.co.uk/feltsteph
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Our next Maker, Marie Keane, is a Printmaker specialises in lino printing, mono printing and mixed media with her work being inspired by rural landscapes in the UK and France. Here are her Top 3 inspirations:
Top 3 inspirations that inspire my work:
1. Wildlife in rural and urban settings
2. Patterns and textures
3. Visual storytelling
Top three game changers since starting my business:
1. Learning how to use Social Media more effectively
2. Setting up my Etsy Store and website
3. Finding local outlets to sell my cards
Top three aspirations for the future:
1. To collaborate with other artists on a project
2. To teach others through workshops
3. To transfer my designs onto textiles or ceramics
3 women who have inspired me on my journey:
1. Ursula Kelly photographer and business mentor
2. Melissa Critchley, Wildcurrant, websites and business marketing
3. Pam Smart artist and teacher
If you’d like to connect with Marie and find out more about her craft, check out the following links:
www.instagram.com/mariekeanearts/
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Louise Oates, a Traditional Lampshade Maker at Foresters Lampshades and Décor shares her inspirations with us:
Top 3 inspirations that inspire my work:
1. Historical sources. Traditional lampshade making is not a ‘common’ craft so much of my inspiration is from crafters of yesteryear. This may be from a trip to a National Trust property ( I’m always closely scrutinising the lighting) or it could be a lampshade found in an antique shop. I have learnt much by examining and deciphering the techniques used in the past.
2. Social Media. An obvious, but great source of inspiration. Every so often I spy a fabric on a feed that stops me in my tracks and launches a new lampshade make (or at least a suggestion for a commission). My phone is full of screenshots of future projects!
3. Outdoors and nature. The countryside is always an inspirer as I work mainly in botanical/floral themes. It’s amazing what pops into your mind on a long walk when you have time to take in, and notice, for example the changing of the season, and shift in light and colours. The word ‘inspire’ comes from the Latin ‘to breathe’ and taking time just to breathe is so crucial to taking in inspiration.
Top three game changers since starting my business:
1. Studio space. For me this is a dedicated room in my home and has definitely increased my productivity having all my tools and materials in one place as well as being a place to meet clients.
2. Local research. I found and made great business links with local manufacturers and suppliers of the materials I use. It is convenient having them on my doorstep (and I get great deals too!)
3. Using training opportunities. There is a wealth of business support and training out there (much of it is free) which is worth making time for. I’m definitely reaping the rewards from training I’ve received in various digital areas and business mentoring.
Top three aspirations for the future:
1. Lampshade making workshops. These would be so enjoyable (on both sides) I just need to talk myself into action!
2. My own fabric range. I have the ideas and need to push these to the next step.
3. Expansion. I would love to expand my range into other home-furnishing products. An extra pair of hands to achieve this would be wonderful.
3 women who have inspired me on my journey:
1. Daphne Selfe. A fashion/lifestyle model, still working into her 90’s. She featured in a gorgeous National advertising campaign for which I made the lampshades. She demonstrates that you can have a successful career that is not defined and restricted by age.
2. My mother-in-law, Jean. An amazing lady who regularly walks distances over 10 miles, does daily workouts and was still running into her late 70’s. She has been a great role model in demonstrating if you keep yourself fit, well and active everything else, including your mindset, follows.
3. My daughter Lara. She is so like me but with incredible determination as I have the tendency to give up on things too soon. She’s my ‘go-to’ for a second opinion on anything and also great for a motivational one-to-one. I’m lucky to have a kindred women in my life, not just as family but in spirit.
If you’d like to connect with Louise and find out more about her craft, check out the following links:
www.foresters.life
www.instagram.com/foresters_lampshades
www.facebook.com/ForestersScropton/
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One of our lovely Makers, Jude Shore, a Felt Maker who recently taught some of us how to make a felt pod at our first ‘Have a Go’ workshop shares her inspirations:
Top 3 inspirations that inspire my work:
1. My love of the coast and the sea. I have never lived by the coast but there are times I yearn to be there to gather my thoughts and take inspiration for my work. I love pebbles, the colours of the big skies and of the sea. I love the undulating sand patterns when the tide goes out and the wealth of 'treasure' washed up on the shoreline to be gathered up, sketched or photographed.
2. I take inspiration from the the Peak District where I am lucky enough to live. Being surrounded by vast open spaces, the hills, trees and rock formations plus the flora and fauna and ever changing light and colours of the landscape are the things that fill me with joy on a daily basis.
3. Mostly, I take inspiration from just looking. There is so much to see wherever we go.... it could be lichen on a stone wall or the branch of a tree, tracks left in the snow or mud, different patterns and signage on drain covers, wild flowers growing in the hedgerow, cloud formations, the written word, trees - I love trees, rust and decay, old doors... my list could go on and my phone is full of photographs of the mundane, day to day things that most people don't even notice but to me are things that fascinate and are a constant source for inspiration.
Top three game changers since starting my business:
1. Finding the confidence to start selling my work. This wasn't easy as, like many artists, I am full of self doubt and overly critical of what I make. I am always humbled when anyone chooses to buy a piece of my work.
2. Never giving up. Life is full of unexpected challenges which can, at worst, be life changing or just something that causes me to have a confidence crisis and creative blocks. I have learnt to slow my practice down when life is tough but I always keep on making. Making is the thing that keeps me grounded.
3. Becoming a member of the Derbyshire Maker's community has opened doors and allowed me to get back out selling my work to an audience I otherwise wouldn't have had, in a way that is affordable. It's provided me with a way to meet and get to know other local artisans and makers, find out about events taking place in and around Derbyshire, along with the time and support Amanda and Lou give so generously.
Top three aspirations for the future:
1. I would like to grow my business online. This year I am aiming to set up a website and continue to grow my social media presence.
2. I want my business to be as ethical and sustainable as possible and always consider the impact my work as on the environment. I plan to find ways to reuse, recycle and repurpose many of the fabrics and threads and other materials used in my textile work and will endeavour to only buy new materials when absolutely necessary.
3. To continue learning and sharing my passion for textile art and craft, especially heritage crafts like felt making and embroidery, hopefully encouraging as many people as possible to try something new. Many heritage crafts are in danger of dying out but I believe there is an artist in everyone if they are given the opportunity to have a go.
3 women who have inspired me on my journey:
1. My mum. As a family of five children, mum always encouraged us to make art and explore craft. It didn't cost a lot of money and it kept us quiet! My mum sadly passed away before I took an opportunity to pack in the day job and follow my love of art. One of her favourite sayings was 'if a job's worth doing, it's worth doing properly'. With that in mind, I began what eventually turned into 10 continuous years of study into different aspects of textile art and design, focusing mainly on embroidery but discovering dyeing, felt making, as well as many more innovative processes along the way. Without her unacknowledged encouragement, I wouldn't have had the confidence to give so many things a go or the determination to succeed.
2. Emma, my daughter, is a true inspiration. From an early age she had a confidence to speak out against anything she felt was unjust from bullying to race hate, she always stood up for the underdog and wanted to help those less off than herself, often giving her pocket money to charity rather than buying something for herself. She had the quiet strength and determination to follow her dreams and ambitions no matter what the pitfalls or sacrifices she had to make along the way, often working long hours in jobs she didn't particularly enjoy, but never giving up. Emma has worked hard to become a very talented and successful graphic artist & designer, businesswoman, Mum, friend and is a strong, principled woman in her own right. She is now the one who offers me honest advice and continued encouragement to get my work out there. Thanks Em, I am proud to be your mum.
3. The third woman I would like to acknowledge is Sue Lancaster, a Sheffield based textile artist and tutor. I first met Sue when I enrolled on a City and Guilds course in textile decoration at her Sheffield studio. Within a few short weeks I knew I was completely hooked and this turned into what has become a passion for textile art. Sue was a passionate and knowledgeable tutor, and with her guidance and encouragement I went on to study a variety of City and Guilds courses to Diploma level, exploring different aspects of both traditional craft and more contemporary approaches to textile art along with being taught design skills which have enabled me to go on to confidently design and make my own work. Sue was inspirational as a tutor and mentor, she encouraged me to start selling my own work as well as teaching classes and workshops of my own.
If you’d like to connect with Jude and find out more about her craft, check out the following links:
www.Facebook.com/judeshoredesign
www.Instagram.com/judeshoredesign
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And finally, we hear from the Co Founders of The Derbyshire Makers, Amanda McConnell and Louise James about their inspirations:
Louise James is a Creative Sewist and Owner of Maud & George, specialising in embroidery, vintage fabrics, upcycling, reusing and mending with lots of gorgeous colours. Her Top 3 inspirations are:
Top 3 inspirations that inspire my work:
1. The sea
2. Mid century prints
3. Vintage textiles
Top three game changers since starting my business:
1. Meeting other small creative business owners
2. Getting my own studio
3. Inspirational customers!
Top three aspirations for the future:
1. To develop my own printed textiles
2. Return to some teaching
3. To support my family doing something I love.
3 women who have inspired me on my journey:
1. My amazing mum who is always there to support me and who taught me to sew
2. My textiles teacher at secondary school - slightly crazy but she urged me to think differently about textiles
3. Frida Kahlo for her spectacular view of the world, her determination against the odds and her use of such beautiful colours.
If you’d like to connect with Lou and find out more about her craft, check out the following links:
www.instagram.com/maudandgeorge/
www.facebook.com/maudandgeorge
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Amanda McConnell is a Fine Art Photographic Artist who specialises in creating colourful and uplifting Flowerscapes and Naturescapes. Her Top 3 inspirations are:
Top 3 inspirations that inspire my work:
1. Since buying my first home at the age of 21, I’ve had a love for gardening and creating beautiful outdoor spaces wherever we’ve I’ve lived with my family. Seeing something that you plant, grow into something beautiful that you can look at every day, gives me lots of joy and satisfaction, and the inspiration to then capture that beauty in a photograph that I can share with others for inspiration.
2. Visiting beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces that are full of natures amazing colours, patterns, textures and shapes for my eyes (and camera) to feast on! I love all the fine, intricate details that I find all around me when I’m out with my camera and working in a mindful and considered way.
3. Losing myself in those lovely, colourful home and gardening, and mindfulness magazines. I can easily spend a few hours on a Saturday morning flicking through the pages, as my mind starts wandering off into another hemisphere with ideas of the images I’d love to create.
Top three game changers since starting my business:
1. Launching my own website has been a big game changer for me as it’s my only shop window (for now) where I’ve been able to sell my work 24/7.
2. Co founding The Derbyshire Makers and meeting lots of creative people who are passionate about what they do.
3. Attending Artisan Fairs to sell my fine art photographic prints and art cards.
Top three aspirations for the future:
1. To start running my Mindful Photography Walks & Workshops in Derbyshire.
2. To explore opportunities that will give my work a physical presence in Artisan shops, garden centres and the RHS garden shops.
3. To organise more events to support The Derbyshire Makers creative community
3 women who have inspired me on my journey:
1. When life is so busy and I wonder how I will fit it all in, I always think of my late mother in law who had 4 children, worked full time and made sure everyone was well cared for. She is such a inspiration even now as her memory lives on in the way I strive to be the best I can be in everything I do, and not sweat the small stuff that takes up valuable head space for the more important things in life!
2. Since reading her book, ‘Happy: Finding joy in every day and letting go of perfect’ I’ve been a big fan of Fearne Cotton. I think it’s because she’s natural and down to earth, logical and practical, open and honest, and I see a lot of myself in her. They’re the kind of people I love to be around too!
3. We all have our own story to tell, and I find lots of inspiration and strength from women whose stories I read that are similar to mine, and who have overcome those things that happen to most of us on our journey through life. Singer, Gabrielle is one of them, and she’s had a special place in my heart since the day I married my soul mate and we had our first dance to ‘Don’t Need The Sun To Shine’.
If you’d like to connect with Amanda and find out more about her art, check out the following links:
www.facebook.com/amandamcconnellphotographicartist
www.instagram.com/amanda_mcconnell_/
Thank you to all The Derbyshire Makers who gave their time to sharing their inspirations. We hope you’ve enjoyed reading them :-)
If you’d like to find out more about The Derbyshire Makers’ Artisan Fairs and Have a Go workshops, you can sign up to receive our email notifications at the bottom of our website at www.thederbyshiremakers.co.uk
