LOYAL TO LOCAL
Meet the Makers Creativity is in Telford’s DNA. Nurturing some of the most outstanding artisan talent and attracting national and internationally acclaimed names in arts and crafts, establishing their studios here. The Artisan Village of Maws Craft Centre where Jay & Co are now established is just one of Telford’s leading lights in the arts.
you can improve from them. You have to find your own way of doing things, this will help you stand out – just be creative and not afraid to be yourself. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. I found my love through being able to see the joy in someone, when you can see them getting excited who has probably been told in school that they are a failure or dumb just because they aren’t academic, when you see the sense of achievement and pride that they have earned themselves. During COVID lots of people did , you get that sense of achievement every day when you walk past it, you give yourself a bit of a pat on the back. Moving towards technology- based jobs, we don’t get to feel our achievements, there’s nothing to touch. Restoration gives people something tactile to hold onto – especially good for some of the young people I work with. Some can’t read or write or have been bullied, their self-esteem is on the floor and this type of work gives them the starting blocks to feel good about themselves. Finally, we are all looking forward to getting back out and about after a challenging year. So what things will be on your bucket list to do in Telford and Ironbridge this summer? That’s a really hard question for me! I am always working, not that I see it as work because it’s my passion, but probably be to relax, enjoy some walks by the River Severn and get to some pubs for some good food. The will be just fine for me – just sitting down and relaxing.
Has the environment of the great Ironbridge Gorge inspired your work in any way and how? There seems to be a mini artistic revolution happening in Ironbridge, similar to its heritage where lots of making and creating used to happen. I can relate to this, and obviously being so beautiful we’ve already filmed about four shows in Ironbridge already. It’s great to be in an environment where there are other art, craft and design studios and home to some really talented people making all sports from glass, porcelain, textiles as well as loads of arts and crafts. Your work in the community and specifically with young people has been transformational. What would you say to a young person in Telford considering a career in the artisan world, learning a craft and nurturing a skill into a career in creative? I would say that you need to work hard and not to be afraid to make mistakes, they will teach you things and you shouldn’t be afraid of them and
Plan your visit to the Maws: visit mawscraftcentre.co.uk
Source: Butterbelle Facebook
TOTALLY TELFORD
40
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator