At Hand Made Yorkshire, we want to introduced
to you our artists, crafters and designer makers, their wonderful work and
where you can find them.
This week it gives me great pleasure to introduce
you to our latest contributor to MEET THE MAKER MONDAY, Ruth Hawkes owner
of Ruth's Arty Experience .
Ruth creates arty
experiences for children..... But I'll let her tell you her story in her own
words.
How long have you been a designer maker?
I've always loved making things, as a teenager
I'd always be getting glue and paint on my bedroom carpet while making
something instead of doing my homework! I took Ceramics A-level and
fell in love with clay and all its opportunities. I trained and worked as an
Occupational Therapist for over 12 years but my passion has always been for art
and making things. I have made beaded jewellery, greetings cards, felt pieces,
painted material wall hangings, ceramic sculptures and much more.
What
do you do?
My
passion and experience has equipped me well for what I do now, which is
providing exciting and innovative process art workshops for childcare settings
and schools, as well as a weekly club for families at Romanby WI Hall on Monday
mornings and Arty Parties by appointment.
My aim is to bring true joy and exploration to art. I have had adults comment that they would love to 'experience' my art workshops and I am bringing my Arty Experience to an Expressive Retreat coming up at the beginning of April!
My aim is to bring true joy and exploration to art. I have had adults comment that they would love to 'experience' my art workshops and I am bringing my Arty Experience to an Expressive Retreat coming up at the beginning of April!
How
did you choose your business name and what’s the meaning behind it?
I think Ruth's Arty Experience describes well
what I do, as I want to provide a safe place for children (and adults) to
'experience' creating and experimenting with art without focusing on an end
product, which people can get hung up about and if it doesn't turn out how they
were expecting they can become demoralised and dismiss the idea that they are
creative.
Do
you run your business full time or balance another job as well?
I am a mum to two lively young children so it
doesn't leave much time for my business at the moment. I have great support
from my husband and father who take care of the kids when I do my workshops,
parties and business admin. And when the children are in school I will have
more time to expand my business.
How
do you make time for it all?
Lots
of multi-tasking e.g. thinking up new art activities while lying next to my
children getting them off to sleep, or doing business emails while having a
conversation about Peppa Pig!
What’s
your favourite thing about running your business?
The
freedom to take the business where I want, if I have ideas I don't have to
check it with anybody else, I can just go for it!
Of
all the things you’ve ever done, which has been your favourite?
Bringing
Ruth’s Arty Experience to the unique childcare setting Mini Explorers Nursery
and taking the art workshop outside and using nature’s treasures to create art
work e.g. paint brushes made with leaves, dripping fir cones and rolling
conkers. It really encouraged my creativity to think of different art
activities to complement the nursery’s outdoor ethos.
Describe
your business in three words?
Exploration,
joy, art
I
have a love hate relationship with?
Computers!
I couldn’t do without them but they do frustrate me!
What
inspires you?
If you'd like to book Ruth she can be found at the following places
Tel: 07855 395747
Email: ruth.hawkes@outlook.com
Website: ruthsartyexperience.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruthsartyexperience
I think you'll agree, Ruth's
passion shines through. Art is something everyone can do, but only children do
it with wild abandon and without judgement.
How many kids have you heard
say “Oh no…. I can’t draw/paint?” and how many adults have you heard saying the
same?
Sadly today, kids education is
more about academic subjects than creative ones. Art and craft is not a choice
or a cop out, we are all born creators, hopefully the kids who are being allowed to express themselves this way will never be bored, never rely solely on technology
for entertainment.
Warm wishes and happy crafting!
Sue xox
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