Present Maker: a Christmas exhibition by SHAF artists & makers

Nine artists and makers from the South Hams Arts Forum present a delightful Christmas-themed exhibition. With jewellery, turned wood, leather works, printmaking, painting, textile art and pyrography, there’s sure to be something to inspire and tempt visitors in search of unique gifts. Unsurprisingly, the local landscape of south Devon provides inspiration to many of the artists and makers in this Christmas showcase.

Illustrator Lucy Cartwright combines inspiration from the countryside and the sea on her doorstep with a love of art deco posters and vintage prints and textile patterns. When not producing work for commission, her work often features animals and plants in vibrant, rich patterns on cushions, fabrics, wallpaper, cards and accessories.

Wildlife artist John Ashton is well known for his published writing about local birdlife, his illustrations and his oil paintings. With a lifelong passion for wildlife, his career before settling in south Devon has included taxidermy and working as a roadie for major rock bands.

Printmaker Emma Cook works at a tiny etching press to produce exquisite collagraph miniatures which she embellishes with beads, metals and thread. Inspired by the coastline of the South Hams, her work is characterised by circle forms and a palette of rich blues and greens.

Charlotte Dalrymple-Hay lives by the ancient Indian proverb: “certain things may catch your eye, but pursue only those that capture your heart” and in her silver jewellery she responds to elements of the natural environment that surrounds her.

Steve Hedley of The Wood Turning Company takes direct inspiration from native timber and its environment. In his home workshops he uses hand-cut wooden profiles and coloured resins to produce unique pieces.

Lou Griffiths of New Ember Pyrography works with sustainable bamboo and locally sourced wood to produce her candle holders, serving boards and grazing platters, collectable wooden homeware with wood-burnt artwork to “bring the outdoors in by adding nature to your home.”

Leather artisan and marble artist Rachel O’Connell created Rocworx in her passion to create beautiful and practical home accessories and aprons. She uses sustainable and compostable materials: veg-tanned leather, Dartmoor sheepskin, organic oilskin, wool, cork, linen,
vintage denim and repurposed copper thread, and incorporates marbling techniques. Leather work is a heritage craft, and Rachel uses traditional tools and a slow, considered process to produce her contemporary designs.

Cheryl Tipple-Trepat has a joyous love of nature and her work in ink, printmaking and digital art has been described as “elemental, bright and gently bold, full of character and sometimes quirk… an emotional response to landscape and nature.” More deeply Cheryl believes in taking a stand when nature is threatened.

Textile artist Sue Burton works with textile processes to reflect the changing seasons in the natural world around her. Wherever possible she sues vintage, organic or recycled materials to produce and package her cards, pictures, garlands and gifts.

For more information visit https://www.harbourhouse.org.uk/g21-shafpm.shtml