Buddying Annabel Williams . . .

I was incredibly lucky last year whilst on the Crafts Councils Hothouse scheme to have the amazing weaver Laura Thomas act as my 'Buddy'.  The role involved being a general go-to person for advice and pep talks, spurring me on to push my business forward every step of the way.

This year the boot is on the other foot.  I was asked by the Crafts Council if I would act as a 'Buddy' to one of this years Hothouse intake and I'm extremely pleased to have been paired up with Annabel Williams.  A fellow weaver, Annabel designs and makes textiles for interior and commercial spaces.

Working on a 16 shaft computerised George Wood loom (which she purchased from Ptolemy Mann) she creates cloths using monofilament, light reflective yarn, lurex and silk.  Annabel tells me her work is inspired by light:

The energy of the city creates a treasure trove of light, shapes and pattern from which I draw on as inspiration. From the buzz of the morning traffic to the fading evenings and dim lit streets, these traits instil a passion for my urban environment.

Light box

A recent graduate from Bath Spa University, where she studied under the watchful eye of Stroud based weaver Tim Parry-Williams, Annabel is now based in Bristol.  Having already successfully shown her work at Tent London, she is now planning for more shows later this year.  She will have a stand at The Contemporary Craft Fair in Bovey Tracey in June (which I will also be exhibiting at) and from my prodding is currently developing a dynamic list of potential stockists to approach in the coming months.

Handwoven cushions

Since I 1st met Annabel in February she has already been making fantastic progress.  I caught up with her on the phone last week and it was great to hear her making positive evaluations for the direction of new work and she's even moved her studio (which I hope to visit in a couple of weeks time).  

So keep you eyes peeled for the work of this new emerging talent . . .