Posts Tagged 'Working in Cornwall'

Marsha Drew – Jewellery in silver, inspired by the North Cornwall coast

Published March 10, 2012 Cornish Artists , Cornish Produce , Photography , Places to visit Leave a Comment
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On my trail of Cornish artists and crafts people I have found the wonderful Marsha Drew, an independent jeweller, designing and individually hand crafting every piece of work, inspired by natural forms found near to her home on the North Cornwall coast.
Here is what Marsha has to say about her work and her life working in Cornwall…
” OK, where do I start….
 
I was born in the good old Treliske hospital many moons ago and lived in Falmouth for my first few years before my folks moved up to Gloucestershire. Fast forward a few years and I found myself heading back down into Cornwall every summer to work and now I’m back in full effect, living and working in my beloved Cornwall.
 
Living up in “The Shire” was brilliant, being so close to the Cotswold hills, beautiful little villages and amazing woodlands. But its not Kernow, there’s no sea up there and, I think that’s what I love most about Cornwall is the sea. Strangely enough I don’t surf and rarely go in, I prefer to observe and gain inspiration that way.
 
I’d been making jewellery for a few years, nothing spectacular, just gemstones and glass beads and was selling it at a few small festivals and events at various locations in the South West. In 2008 I discovered the Silversmithing and Jewellery (BA Hons) Degree at Truro College and spent the next three years immersed in learning how to make real jewellery.
 
My Foldform Collection is the result of my work and research during the final year at Uni. Foldforming is a relatively new system of shaping sheet metal by folding, forging then opening to reveal beautiful organic forms. The inspiration for this collection comes from the ocean waves and as I live in North Cornwall, very close to the sea its hard not to be influenced by the big blue. I’m lucky enough to live in between the sea and a small woodland and both these influences can be seen throughout my work”.
Check out some of Masha’s lovely work below or visit her website here.
 

Turning Leaf Ring

Riptide Studs

Turning Leaf Earrings

Riptide Bracelet

Turning Leaf Bangle

Double Drops Pendant

” I take all my photos on the beach which is just at the end of the lane where I live and couldn’t wish for a better photography studio”. All images © Marsha Drew

If you are visiting Rock, Polzeath and the North Cornwall coast then you must pop into The Winter Gallery at Polzeath to see Marsha’s work and other Cornish artists work.

When a farmer’s daughter from Godrevy met an artist…

Published January 19, 2012 Cornish Artists , Cornish Produce , Stories Leave a Comment
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I have been in touch with some artists in Cornwall asking them about their life in Cornwall and how they are inspired by the Cornish landscape.

First up is Alan Furneaux, an artist who has moved to the county of Cornwall from the South of England and although nearly 300 miles from London is making a great success of his career. Here is a little bit of Alan’s Story…

Lorraine and I and the children moved to Cornwall from Brighton 7 yrs ago. I had resisted the move for many years but finally succumbed. Lorraine was a farmers daughter being brought up on the farm at Godrevy. So my first introduction to Cornwall was Godrevy Lighthouse and that stunning vista over to St Ives. I absolutely loved Cornwall but my business as a professional painter supplying the markets in London just made me feel nervous about moving when the art business is so precarious anyway.

Penzance Saturday

We made the move however and now live in Penzance. We have a nice house near the town centre ,swimming pool and beaches so we are in heaven. My studio is in the garage next door and my business has not suffered. In fact I am constantly asked for paintings of Cornwall,  and the funny thing is that image of Godrevy Lighthouse is still a current theme in my work.

Tabby Cat, Godrevy

Lorraine works as a CPN and I joined the Association of British Naive Artists.  My work is published by many publishers including Marks and Spencers, Unicef and Art Cards Cornwall.

Soon after we moved here and with the children settled at School I became seriously ill with a rare condition called Devics which is similar to MS, I was paralyzed and spent 4 months in hospital learning how to walk. I came out in a wheelchair but now am pretty much ok having had only one serious relapse. I live with the prospect of more relapses so my energy goes in creating the very best paintings I can while I am able. I exhibit in some great Galleries including Thompsons in London, David Curzon in Wimbledon and Blackheath Gallery. I have only one outlet here in Marazion at the Market House Gallery a great little gallery which hosts the very best Cornish Artists so I am very proud to be there.

Porthminster Beach, St Ives

The boys are back

St Michaels mount with palms

Check out more of Alan’s work on his website www.alanfurneaux.com and follow his blog here. Ive been humming the song he wrote for his wife for the past five minutes but I will let you find that for yourself!

ALL IMAGES © ALAN FURNEAUX

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