TALENT SPOT
‘As a child, I remember the beautiful handpainted china passed down by my great-grandmother. It always came out on special occasions, and is tied up with happy family memories. Much of it was accidentally smashed one Christmas, but I kept the fragments thinking that one day I could use it to make something special,’ says mosaic artist Emily Lawlor of China Jack Mosaics, about the happy accident that spurred her artistic career. Having studied archaeology, followed by a role in conservation with the National Trust, it was only later, after a degree in public art and design at Chelsea Art College, that she discovered her passion for mosaics. Having worked on many large-scale projects she is now enjoying creating smaller pieces. ‘I love nature and am fascinated by birds, particularly swallows,’ she says. ‘When I find a beautiful piece of old china I immediately see how the patterns will make feathers or bodies. I’m also inspired by the makers’ marks; I love to use these as much as the patterns themselves.’
This month, don’t miss Cheltenham’s first Made by Hand fair. Launched in association with Bovey Tracey’s esteemed Contemporary Craft Festival, prepare to be inspired by the work of around 100 makers and artisans in disciplines from textiles to stained glass. See page 28 for a full preview