Going Local in Somerset

This is the first of a mini series looking at what Somerset, described as ‘the jewel of the South West’ (visitsomerset.co.uk), has to offer both visitors and locals alike.  What is evident is that the local craft scene is thriving and that Somerset is the perfect place to be!

Destination Somerset

What do people know about Somerset?  Most will have heard of the Glastonbury Festival (which takes place at Worthy Farm, near Pilton Village just up the road from Glastonbury).  Or they may know it as a place on the map which they pass through on their way to Devon and Cornwall.

Exmoor National Park (visitsomerset.co.uk)

 

Somerset is a destination of epic scenery, dramatic coastline, stunning English countryside seaside resorts and historic places set deep in the heart of the South West of England.  (visitsomerset.co.uk).

Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (visitsomerset.co.uk)

 

Going Local

Mosaic Tree is based in Somerset.  Following some research on Folksy (www.folksy.com), the UK based crafters website, it appears that there is as a thriving community of Somerset-based crafters.  All offer something very different and, over the next few weeks, you can get to meet some of them through the Mosaic Tree blog.

Artyadz

First up is an interview with Adam from Artyadz.

Please introduce yourself and tell us what brought you to Somerset?

Hello, my name is Adam Regester. I have been an artist and a crafts person all my life. I studied in London and have a Masters in Design and Design Management from Central St. Martins College. I recently spent 8 years living and working in Spain but have now returned to be near my family who live in Wells and Somerton.

"Love in a Box" - Funky abstract mixed media, original heart painting.  Tell us about your chosen craft.
My work has many contrasts because I enjoy a variety of crafts. I taught interior design, display, prop making and textiles in London colleges so I have a variety of skills and find it hard to stick to one thing. I have just started knitting and I love it! I studied recycling at university and I think that some of these elements are still visible in my work in the way that my pieces are built up in layers. This is most obvious in my papier mache items. My art work also illustrates this and I love to use mixed media and collage.
As well as selling through your Folksy shop, can your work be found in any other outlets in Somerset? My work is currently only for sale on line or by visiting me in person although I am intending to do some craft fairs this summer. I have two on line shops and my own web page plus a site which sells my paintings as prints. [see end of interview for where you can buy Adam’s work]

 Where does your inspiration come from?

"Mosaic Reflections" - An original abstract painting created using texture medium, paint, metal foils and varnish to create a mosaic effect.

My inspiration comes from great artists such as Gustav Klimt and Picasso and also from Mother Nature. I love painting landscapes and flowers and am greatly influenced by the beautiful landscapes of Somerset. I live near Glastonbury and recently created a mixed media landscape which included the Tor. I am going to paint a series of wild flowers and hedgerows this spring.
And finally, what's your favourite place in Somerset and why? I love the small traditional villages around Somerset such as Somerton. They are small, friendly and welcoming and Somerton has some lovely examples of local crafts in its galleries.
Adam’s work can be found at the following locations on line:

Folksy - http://www.folksy.com/shops/artyadz
Etsy - http://www.etsy.com/shop/artyadz?ref=hdr
www.adamregester.com
Prints - http://www.redbubble.com/people/adamregester
Blog - http://artyadz.blogspot.com/
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/ARTIST-Adam-Regester-MA-CSM-PGCert-Ed/90443956273

"Fine Art Paper Bowl in Lilac and Silver"