Indulge your inner artist at MAYO Arts Festival by taking part in a range of workshops and activities or visit the festival’s artisan markets.
Local artist Clare Poppi will be sharing her jewellery wares at the markets which also have t-shirts, aprons, and tea towels, plus fresh flowers, vases and ceramics for sale.
Describe your work/ style in five words?
Eco-friendly, ethical, handmade, interactive, alive.
What does it mean to be an artist?
Being an artist means many things to different people, but importantly for me it is the freedom to express myself, my ideas and my ethics through my artwork. I find resonance with the saying “Art is not a mirror to reflect the world but a hammer with which to shape it.? (Brecht/ Trotsky)
What have you learnt about yourself and life from being creative?
My growing jewellery taught me to love gardening and the inescapable joy in watching things grow. I never really took the time to grow plants before I started the Growing Jewellery Project - but now it's an addiction.
Best advice you've received about career/ or your passion?
“NO LOVEHEARTS!!!” From my university lecturer who taught me to look much deeper into visual metaphors and conceptual devices in jewellery.
Who should come see MAYO and why?
Anybody interested in unique artworks which draw on a local perspective and people who appreciate craftsmanship and creativity.
Weirdest piece of art you've created?
Well, the growing jewellery tends to raise a few eyebrows...and I love the photo taken by a wearer of her guinea pig eating the grass growing from her necklace.
Anything else readers should know?
That yes, all the jewellery is really truly alive, but you have to water it every couple of days.
MAYO Arts Festival Friday May 30 - Saturday May 31 at St Margaret’s Art Centre, 11 Petrie Street, Ascot.
IMAGES: The MonoCulture Series.
