If I fantasized about having a dream location for a studio it might just be somewhere like Sally’s, where I went today.
Farndale is always beautiful but perhaps especially so in autumn with the bracken changing colour, the trees at their best before the winds send their leaves spiralling – and, of course, the misty vistas across the North York Moors. You’d miss Sally’s cottage as it’s off the road, down a steepish track through woodland, nestled in a delightfully wild country garden. Her studio is found there, next to the large pond, with views across the dale from which she draws so much of her inspiration.
It’s not a big space so every square inch is seemingly used and is reflective of Sally’s varied output – decorative tiles being prepared for the Christmas markets sit atop her large work table, prints hang to dry, beautiful felt cushions are stacked nearing completion and more. Asked how she would describe herself Sally jokingly says ‘polymath’ – printmaker, artist and needlewoman.
For many years she has supplemented her artistic earnings by curtain and cushion-making. She has however sought to reduce that workload to concentrate on more creative projects and to share her skills and knowledge with others.
Sally is another member of the Makers of Rye collective.
I don’t feel the need or wish to explain my work if it’s in an exhibition. I’ll leave it to the viewer to take from it what they will but I do acknowledge that music, poetry and my surroundings are all important to me. I feel so lucky to be living here amongst all this beauty – we’ll never move.
It was sad to hear from Sally that her long time companion Doris was put to sleep recently. A friend gave Sally this lovely portrait and she has reciprocated with print’s for pals who similarly adored her.
It was lovely to spend time with Sally today – Arsenal and Grimsby FC fan, talented artist and inspirational teacher.
