THE ARTISANS’ MARKET @ MUSIC ON THE MARR
It’s not only about the music and the beer! Once again the Pennine Artisans will be putting on a fine display of locally created arts and crafts. Located in the Watson Institute (aka the village hall), between the music marquee and the Magnificent Tea Emporium, you will find the work of 11 different artist/makers all under one roof. Everything from handmade chocolate to fine art with lots in between. Come and visit us – we’ll be opening up on Friday 20th at 6pm with a glass of wine & some nibbles, and will then be open for the whole time that the festival is on until 10pm on Sunday 22nd.
KATHY ARTHUR Being on a journey to settle into my style has offered personal insights, one being that I am not a detail person. Big ideas, big skies, fells, seascapes appeal to me. I am happiest being in wild, rugged countryside, up on the fells near Brampton with open skies and distant horizons; here you are able to get a sense of being part of the environment rather than just an observer. Without the distraction of trees, I find that our exposure to our place in the universe, the natural world and our interaction with it takes on an almost spiritual quality.
JENIA GORFUNKEL works with recycled glass, sourced mainly from bottles. She designs and makes a range of items for the home using fused glass. She also makes silver and glass jewellery. Her designs and choice of medium are informed by her concern for the future of our environment and the desire to lead and promote a sustainable lifestyle.
PAUL THOMSON is a Cumbrian based photographer living in Castle Carrock. With a love for the outdoors and the special landscapes of the North Pennines right on his doorstep, he is spoilt for choice for subjects to photograph. His goal is to capture these beautiful locations and share the magic of the area with everyone. He has had work featured in Cumbria Guide Magazine and Global Travel App Trover among others.
www.paulthomsonphotography.co.uk
RUTH STRONG hand dyes every scarf individually. She also hand dyes wool from her own sheep and other fibres that she has bought. These fibres are then knitted up into small items such as hats, scarves, mugs and lots more. She also makes knitting kits so that people can have a go for themselves.
www.ruthstrongtextiles.co.uk
THE LITTLEJOHN BROTHERS work with both native & exotic hardwoods, producing a range of creative pieces including thumb planes, kitchen tools, bowls, tables, chairs & samurai swords!!! Every piece is unique – production cannot be guaranteed, but commissions are taken on smaller items though not on furniture. Work can be found at local craft fairs & exhibitions.
VANESSA BAMKIN is best known for her lifelike needle felted sculptures of dogs, foxes, wild animals and wall hangings using mostly natural, un-dyed sheep wool but sometimes, alpaca and dog hair. She captures the personality of each in a unique way. “I grew up with dogs and have never known life without at least one in my home”. She has created things from an early age but felting has become a passion and she says, “Wool is just the most wonderful medium to work with.”
LUCA SERRA is originally from the Italian island of Sardinia but is now based near Hexham. Luca hand carves wood into organic shapes, emphasising the beauty of the patterns in the wood. His work is often based on nature and mythological themes. The delicacy of the forms and the tactile finish he produces create a fluidity to his sculptures that make them hard to resist touching – you just have to feel the beauty of the wood.
www.lucaserrawoodcarving.com
CLARE FARLEY has been designing and making ceramic garden planters and other outdoors pots in her studio (aka the shed!) near Penrith since about 2008. She has developed a common thread to her style that combines clay, colours and surface textures. Her work is made from a gritty stoneware clay that has an honest feel to it and equally suits homes or gardens as it’s both attractive and robust.
MAGGIE FEENEY – “Black Cat Bling” is a collection of hand crafted jewellery including crocheted crystal, leather bracelets, chokers and ear rings.
TRICIA MEYNELL’S photography is mainly abstract, using light, colour and form to create her images. She finds much of her subject matter in the surrounding countryside but rather than reproducing her work in a traditionally representational format, she bends and twists the boundaries between photography and painting until the images are more imaginary than factual.