Q & A with Saltaire Homeowner Sharon Ashton

You may have noticed we've been posting Q&A's with some our the lovely and talented artists in the lead up to SAT2012.  Well, as a bit of change we thought it also be good to interview a number of the Open House home owners, without who's kind support the event just wouldn't be the same.


First up is Sharon Ashton of 10 Edward Street who'll not only be opening her doors to the general public for the fourth time, but also will be exhibiting her wonderful textile creations.  Busy lady!

Q & A with Photographer Nicola Taylor

In the second of our Q&A sessions with makers and artists from SAT2012, photographer and Open Houser Nicola Taylor shares some of her thoughts, images and a movie trailer with us!


Nicola will be exhibiting in the Wunderkammer during SAT2012

Q & A with Kate Lycett - Open Houser

Kate Lycett, one of our returning Open House artists, has been very obliging to provide some answers to a brief Q&A we sent out to the SAT makers and artists.  Who'd have thought that someone who creates such beautiful work could be a closet speed demon on the road, 68.7 mph in a Fiat Panda indeed!

Kate is in 19 Titus Street this year as part of the Open House event, and can also be found online at www.katelycett.co.uk


Tell us about the work you do and the types of materials you use.
I work on thick watercolour paper, and layers of inks, gouache, acrylic. My paintings build up from
dark to light, and at the final stage I pick out details with my old sewing machine and pieces of gold
leaf.

Where do you produce your work? Does your working environment form part of the
inspiration for your art?
I have a studio in my house, though there is an outbuilding in the courtyard earmarked for me to
move into one day. My environment in key to my work. I live in the centre of Hebden Bridge,
though the house predates most of the town's industrial past. I can see 3 million chimneys from my
studio window, and there are the remains of a vast one in the garden – the flue for steam running
under the road and the neighbour's house. I am surrounded by defunct industrial buildings, and
tiered houses built for the textile workers. I know that they used to be soot blackened and that
everywhere was dark. I love it that the chimney in my garden is now full of nesting birds, and that
the formerly blackened houses are made colourful by washing lines and pots of flowers.

Is your art your main job?
Aside from three small children, Yes!

How did you get started?
I worked for a long time as a corporate textile designer. The design briefs were strict – particularly
when it came to colour – so I used to paint for a bit of escapism. I didn't paint landscapes until I
moved to West Yorkshire 7 years ago. I took the decision when my first daughter was born to take
the plunge and try to make a living painting. I've never regretted it, and I've never looked back.

What work will you be exhibiting at the Saltaire Arts Trail?
I will have a selection of hand finished prints, as well as a couple of original paintings. Most
exciting for me is that I am hoping to have my new lanterns ready to sell for the first time. I've been
working on them for months! They are flat, cut out designs, that wrap around a candle. So I suppose
I am highlighting with light, rather than with gold. I have hit all sorts of technical hitches, but I have
been told that is par for the course. I'm very proud of them. But sending them out into the big wide
world is going to be a bit of a mother hen moment.

Where else can we see and buy your work?
I supply galleries in Hebden Bridge, Brighouse, Pembridge and Knaresborough. I'm currently
preparing for a solo exhibition at the Calder Gallery in Hebden Bridge this autumn. I also open my
house as part of Hebden Bridge's Open Studio event.

What was it about the Saltaire Arts Trail that made you want to apply to exhibit?
Honestly? To look inside the houses! I love Saltaire. I come often with my family to the mill and
the park and have often meandered down the streets of pretty houses. I was thrilled to be invited to
be part of the trail last year.

What is unique about it and how does it differ from other events?
I think the event is unique because Saltaire is unique. Everything is nice and close, and walking
between the venues is as enjoyable as seeing the beautiful things on display in the houses.

Could you leave us with one more interesting fact about yourself or your work?
I currently hold the land speed record for a Fiat Panda at 68.7 mph.

Interview with SAT volunteer co-ordinator Becky Kidner

As you can see, Becky's been with us a few years now.  We thought it was about time we promoted all the good work she and all the other volunteers do for SAT.  Becky really seems to get something out of giving up her spare time to help.  If you fancy joining the team and help out over the weekend of the event then please drop us a line at hello@saltaireartstrail.co.uk  


Interview with SAT Volunteer Co-ordinator Becky Kidner


Q. How did you first get involved with the Arts Trail?
A. When I moved to Saltaire in 2009 I was a visitor to the Saltaire Festival which the Arts Trail was attached to. The following year I had a look on the Saltaire Arts Trail website and noticed they were in need of volunteers. I emailed and volunteered myself to help out over the 2 weekends the Arts Trail was on during the Saltaire Festival.

Q. What is your role as a volunteer?
A. Having volunteered during the Festival I then wanted to become a bit more involved in the organisation of it all. I then joined the Saltaire Arts Trail Organising committee and took on some additional duties throughout the year such as responding to emails, forwarding queries on and some adhoc administration jobs as and when they arose. Last year (2011) was the first year the Arts Trail became a stand alone event, and I was really proud to have been part of the organisation for it. I took on the role of Volunteer Coordinator which I will be doing again this year.

Q. What do you enjoy about volunteering for the Arts Trail?
A. I really love being part of the Arts Trail. It’s a fantastic event and is such a great opportunity to be involved in something so community spirited. I enjoy meeting people, and working with other volunteers who all put so much time and effort into making the event what it is.

The Arts Trail is run almost entirely by volunteers and we are always on the hunt for more people to join the team. If you are interested in volunteering for us either during the Arts Trail weekend itself (5th - 7th May 2012), or with various events and jobs throughout the year - please do get in touch with us at hello@saltaireartstrail.co.uk hello@saltaireartstrail.co.uk.

The Arts Trail really is a fantastic event to get involved with. I thoroughly enjoy being a part of it, and look forward to meeting and working with even more lovely volunteers who will love being a part of it too!

Screen Printing - from concept to product by Open House artist Salts Press

A fantastic glimpse into the screen printing used by Open House artist Salts Press.  From initial idea and preliminary sketches through to the finished product, this video gives a good walk-through of the screen printing process and all it involves.  Salts Press will be exhibiting at 19 Ada Street throughout Saltaire Arts Trail 2012.


Thanks to Salts Press and Dave Hackney for the video.

We've changed our website and brand

Here at Saltaire Arts Trail we've been going through bit of an online evolution in the recent past. We thought it might be fun to post a few thoughts from Laura who works as part of the SAT Marketing team as to why we went through the whole redesign process.

If 2011 was all about dipping our toes in the water as a stand-alone event, 2012 is all about diving in head first! Not only have we got an exciting and packed programme of events, we’ve also spent the last few months revamping the website and visual identity of the trail.

Over the years our website has stood us in good stead, but as the Trail has grown, so have our requirements online. Indeed, one of the key aims of Saltaire Arts Trail is to promote independent artists and makers and we needed an outlet to do this online. This is where we called upon the folks at Maraid Design.

After several months beavering away in the background, we now have a fantastic new website that gives us the control and flexibility we need. It means we have a platform to shout about all 120 of this year’s talented artists and makers. It includes an interactive map for all the Open Houses, as well as a great visual display for the Makers Fair. Each artist has their own page with a link back to their own site and we’ve got plenty of space to add details of exhibitions and events as they get firmed up – especially useful now the brochure print deadline has passed! There’s no way you’re not going to hear about all the great stuff that’s happening now!

Back in November, we also put our graphic design out to tender and following a lengthy pitch process, brought on board the team at Firecatcher. They’ve since been working hard putting together the brochure, flyers, posters and all the printed material that you’re sure to see popping up very soon. All of the illustrations, both in print and online have been created especially for us by Firecatcher and reflect the character of Saltaire that’s so much a part of our identity. The design brief was quite tricky, but I think they’ve managed to strike the right balance and appeal to the range of people we had in mind and am really pleased with the end result.

But more importantly, what do you think?

Laura

SAT Marketing 2012

Saltaire Arts Trail website hompage

Festival Special - 5 days to go!

In just 5 days time, Victoria Hall will be packed to its very high rafters with 45 talented artists and makers as part of the Saltaire Arts Trail Festival Special on 10th September. So to get you in the mood, here's a sneak preview of what's in store:

Doors open at 10am
Top tip: arrive early for the top picks - we're only here for one day this time around and as everything on sale is unique and handmade, when it's gone... it's gone!

Demonstrations
A number of our makers will be demonstrating throughout the day, including bookbinding, printing, weaving and painting. Feel free to stop for a chat to discover more about how they go from inspiration to finished product.

Children's Activities
The lovely people at Kirkgate Studios will be running a free childrens workshop, where junior crafters can get stuck in to making paper lanterns and learning origami. Just turn up and join in!


ARTISTS AND MAKERS:
There are no Open Houses in the Festival Special, but you'll see plenty of familiar names in the list of artists and makers taking part in the Makers Fair below. We're also welcoming lots of new faces too, so take a look for a full who's who...


Agnis Smallwood
Luxury handwoven and felted textiles

Alice Fox
Mixed media textiles and handmad cards

Anna McDade Jewellery NEW
Etched, recycled silver and copper jewellery

Barbara Cassell
Contemporary copper jewellery with a difference

Blueberry Park NEW
Screenprinted organic and vintage fabric

Button Boudoir
Vintage inspired jewellery and textiles

Catherine Green
Vibrant, tactile artwork and accessories

Catherine Woodall
Silver and semi-precious stone jewellery

Ce-Leather Goods
Bold, contemporary bags, satchels and leather goods

Clare Caulfield
Paintings, prints and handmade cards

Cross Barn Crafts
Fine silver jewellery - pendants and earrings

David Starley
Saltaire based artist working in oils

Dear Emma Designs
Quirky accessories and homeware

Debbie Greenaway Illustration
Illustrator and printmaker who draws everyday

Diane Taylor
Unique, co-ordinating handmade textile products

Ditsy Bird NEW
Freehand embroidered and beaded textile designs

Elaine Douthwaite
Silver jewellery with gemstones and more

Flossie Limejuice
Folk art dolls, bears and beasties

Gemma Scully Jewellery
Bespoke precious jewellery handmade in Manchester

Hugh Leishman
High quality, handmade wood-turning

Hunt and Gather Design NEW
Range of gorgeous handcrafted gifts

Inky Linky NEW
Etched copper and silver jewellery

James Green Printworks
Original linocut prints from Sheffield artist

Jaygo Touchy Feely Textiles
Quirky textile gifts and homewares

Karen Belarouci
Mixed media jewellery with vintage elements

Kate Bowles
Hand-bound recycled books and paper goods

Kate Thornton Design
Contemporary collage and design

Kitschen Sink
Colourful, kitschy, funky and fun jewellery

Leigh Shepherd Designs
Quirky, colourful, affordable, upcycled resin jewellery

Lindsay Thomas Ceramics
Handbuilt raku ceramic sculpture

Martin Priestley Photography
Landscape photography by Martin Priestley

McDonough & Davies NEW
A collaboration between graphics and textiles

Mercury Arts NEW
Contemporary ceramics and ceramic jewellery

Oldfield Press NEW
Original, affordable, traditional

Print for Love of Wood NEW
Eco-friendly letterpress printed goods and stationery

Rachel Lucie Designs
Unique handmade silver jewellery

Rachel Webb Printed Textiles
Printed textiles inspired by Saltaire village

Rogers Ink NEW
Strikingly different prints and greetings cards

Ruby Spirit Designs
Handmade jewellery utilising recycled vintage components

Steamstress
Eclectic mix of trendy recycled jewellery

Stitch Art
Textile and mixed media whimsy creations

Swirly Arts
Fun and quirky recycled products

The Old Brewery Pottery
Raku fired and wood fired ceramics

Treefall Designs
Textile based home accessories and clothing

Wychbury
Mixed media jewellery and accessories

Yeun Jewellery
Unique and contemporary precious jewellery

Zincwhite
Where discarded objects become desirable again

Call for Applications: Festival Special 2011

CALL FOR ARTISTS & MAKERS

SALTAIRE ARTS TRAIL: FESTIVAL SPECIAL
Saturday 10th September 2011

For the last 4 years, the Saltaire Arts Trail has been proud to work alongside the hugely popular Saltaire Festival and 2011 is no exception! We'll be back again to join in the festival fun with a ONE DAY SPECIAL on Saturday 10th September 2011. We'll be taking over Victoria Hall to host a Makers Fair and range of family activities.

We're pleased to announce that applications are now open for artists and makers wishing to take part. There won't be any Open Houses this time around as we'll be based solely in Victoria Hall, however we welcome applications for both 2D and 3D artists to take part in the Makers Fair. Simpy fill in the application that can be downloaded below and return it to us no later than 31st July 2011. Full details including costs and timings can be found on the application form and supporting notes.

For regular updates about the September event, as well as information and calls for applications about the main Saltaire Arts Trail taking place in June 2012, don't forget to sign up for emails here, or join in the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM >>

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE EXHIBITOR GUIDELINES >>


Date for your Diary:
Saltaire Arts Trail 2012 will be taking place on the bank holiday weekend of the Diamond Jubilee, 2nd - 4th June 2012.

Interview with Rachel Lucie-Johns

Rachel Lucie Johns is the jewellery designer behind Rachel Lucie Designs.  Her enchanting work has been seen in some very exciting places and she will be exhibiting in the Main Room of Victoria Hall throughout the Arts Trail. Rachel will be happy to talk to you about herself and her work in person this weekend but here's a sneaky preview into her inspiration and life.

Tell us about the work you do and the types of materials you use.

I make vintage-inspired silver jewellery using semi-precious stone beads, freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystal using wirework.I have also started to use gold-filled components in my designs.

Where do you produce your work? Does your working environment form part of the inspiration for your art?

I work from home, from a VERY tiny home office. My view is amazing across the valley in Hebden Bridge. This constantly inspires me and distracts me in equal measure! I do relish having my own, all be it small, space to work from, as I have 2 small children, and it's bliss being able to leave out unfinished work and tools etc without having to clear everything away every time I need to do something else. I do think when the kids are older, working in a creative environment like a studio space with other artists might be a good move, but currently this suites me as I can work around looking after the children and school pick-ups etc. I am the main carer, and we decided that if I could make my job work around them, that would be ideal.

 Is your art your main job? How did you get started?

Yes, designing and making jewellery is my main job, although involved in making this business    run is photography, photo editing, some basic web design work and marketing, which I do all of as well.

I got started when my youngest was about a year old and I had been a stay at home mum for about 4 years. I think lots of things converged to give me the drive to find something creative to do at that time. Being at home with 2 under 4's can certainly drive you to needing to do something for yourself! I got some birthday money in the spring of 2008 and decided to buy some handmade jewellery, but although there was some gorgeous pieces I found, I couldn't find something that was really me. As I looked around, my childhood love of beaded jewellery, silver and geology kind of entwined itself as I just got the urge to buy some beads and dive right in! I started getting ideas for jewellery for myself, but within a month I had decided I would do all I could to make it my career to design and make beaded jewellery! It sounds funny, but I had so many ideas, and lots of them were for jewellery that wasn't for me – my creativity was unleashed.

What work will you be exhibiting at the Saltaire Arts Trail?

I will be exhibiting some of all my current Summer jewellery collections, which are Songs of the Sea, Botanica, Forever Pearl, Vintage Wedding and Inspired.

Do you work in any other mediums besides the work you will be exhibiting at the Arts Trail?

I am only working in silver and gold-filled at the moment. I am enjoying photography as much as the jewellery making, but it's not something I have yet persued professionally as yet.

Where else can we see and buy your work?

Heart Gallery, Hebden Bridge,

Pyramid Gallery, York,

Shire Hall Gallery, Stafford,

soon to be at the Solo Gallery, Sheffield and Royal Exchange, Manchester

Online on my website www.rachellucie.co.uk and Etsy http://rachellucie.etsy.com also Notonthehighstreet too.

Tell us about your most exciting or memorable commission?

I was asked to make a Chanel-inspired necklace based on the one worn by Keira Knightly in the Coco Mademoiselle advert photograph. It's a real statement necklace with large pearls, opulent belcher chain and Swarovski crystal stars. I loved making it, and my client was really happy with it, she's worn it out a lot!

It's always a real honour to be asked to make something unique for a bride on her wedding day A lot of my pearl collection lends itself to weddings, but to make something the bride herself is wonderful. I have had some commissions for bespoke statement earrings, bracelets and necklaces so far.

What was it about the Saltaire Arts Trail that made you want to apply to exhibit?

It's a very prestigious event. I visited the Makers Fair a couple of years ago and really only dreamed I would be accepted. I went last year to visit and was asked by several people there why I hadn't applied, which was very flattering!

Have you participated or visited the Saltaire Arts Trail before? What is unique about it and how does it differ from other events?

The shear size of the event and the diversity of arts on display make it a real must for anyone to visit who loves to support handmade craft, and likes unique products. My only worry this year is that I won't be able to see everything at Victoria Hall properly!

Unfortunately I have never been able to go on the trail itself as I have always had the children with me, but I know it's a wonderful chance to see beautiful crafts in such gorgeous domestic settings. Saltaire is a world heritage site, and the houses are works of art themselves.

Could you leave us with one more interesting fact about yourself or your work?

I was lucky enough to be asked to take part in a Vogue editorial piece last April on pearl jewellery, which was an amazing honour. I also have some of my collection being used in a book trilogy coming out later this year, including I believe a picture of my necklace on the front cover.

Rachel Johns

mail@rachellucie.co.uk

www.rachellucie.co.uk

http://rachellucie.etsy.com

http://twitter.com/rachellucie

http://rachelluciejewellerydesigns.blogspot.com

An Interview with Laura Slater

Tell us about the work you do and the types of materials you use.

I produce hand-screen printed bespoke textile products, all inspired by the interaction of colour and pattern and the translation of drawing concepts onto cloth. All my prints come from hand made marks and development of hand made marks through CAD, I then take the process back out into a hand produced process, printing onto 100% linen with water based inks. All my products are hand made and finished.

Where do you produce your work? Does your working environment form part of the inspiration for your art?

I produce my work from my studio and print workshop at the Art House in Wakefield. I am very slowly outgrowing my studio as it has really become, part print workshop, creative space and stockroom. It’s very cosy, but an all round really inspiring environment, that is filled with lots of colour, drawing, mark-making, in amongst all the equipment that is!

Being part of a group studio like the Art House is also a very inspiring place to be in, as it is filled with such a wide variety of creative people all with different disciplines.

Is your art your main job? How did you get started?

I am a full time printed textile designer through my business Laura Slater Textiles. Alongside that I also work as a print technician, lecturer in Surface Design and as a creative educational practitioner at the new Hepworth Wakefield. I have vocationally trained in textiles since the age of 16, so I knew pretty early on that this was what I wanted to do. I then went on to do my degree and MA in Mixed Media Textiles at the Royal College of Art before setting up my business 3 years ago. Its really hard work, but thoroughly rewarding, I think you just have to be very dedicated and motivated!

What will you be exhibiting at the Saltaire Arts Trail?

I will be exhibiting a range of printed textile products including lighting, furnishings and upholstery pieces. I will also be selling lots of smaller, personal products to pick up and take away. I also work on a commission basis and sell fabric per metre too. I will be around at the Arts Trail if you have any questions about my print collections - you can find me at 2 Constance Street which is number 10 on the arts trail map.

Do you work in any other mediums besides the work you will be exhibiting at the Arts Trail?

I have recently worked in collaboration in translating my designs into bespoke hand tufted rugs with local rug designer and makers Area rugs. Collaboration is an important part of developing my print ideas, especially into products. I am also working with a product designer in producing some unique shaped lampshades and lighting and I would love to work with some ceramicists, so fell free to get in touch if you’re interested in working with a print designer!!

Where else can we see and buy your work?

There are a number of different ways you can buy my work, I stock with lots of shops and galleries, the most recent being the new Hepworth Wakefield gallery. I also have an online shop and stock with a number of online craft retailers too. You can find a list of all my stockists and a link to my online shop at my website:

http://www.lauraslater.co.uk/.

Tell us about your most exciting or memorable commission?

I work to commission regularly so it’s hard to pick, but I love working on large fabric commissions for people to use my fabrics on their vintage furniture pieces. The most interesting and exciting request I have had recently is to use my prints to upholster the inside of a vintage Citroen car that some one is renovating. I can’t wait to see how that commission develops!

What was it about the Saltaire Arts Trail that made you want to apply to exhibit?

I have exhibited at Saltaire Arts Trail now for the last 4 years and loved every trail. The Arts Trail is truly a fantastic, inspiring and creative event in an amazing location, supported and including the work of a wide variety of talented artists. Not only that, but the Arts Trail has really supported my development in selling my work and building relationships with lots of lovely people, from fellow artists to buyers.

Have you participated or visited the Saltaire Arts Trail before? What is unique about it and how does it differ from other events?

The Open Houses is a really unique idea, as you get to see artists work in the beautiful houses around Saltaire. The advantage of this is obviously you can be nosey and look at other people lovely homes as well as the art work it’s self.

As an artist I personally think exhibiting in this situation is also a really brilliant idea as people can get to see how art work might be able to fit into their home an living environments too.

Could you leave us with one more interesting fact about yourself or your work?

Yes I am soon to start running photographic screen printing workshops for textiles, throughout the summer.  I have just purchased an exposure unit as a new addition to my studio and am looking forward to launching my workshop program shortly. For more information please contact me on: laura@lauraslater.co.uk

http://www.lauraslater.co.uk/

laura@lauraslater.co.uk