Secret Severn Art launches today! To celebrate, we caught up with one of our featured artists, Danielle Flowers, to find out more about her work.
Hello Danielle, thank you for taking the time to speak to me. Can you start off by introducing your business and detailing the medium you specialise in?
Hi Louise, to introduce myself, I am Danielle Flowers a freelance contemporary woodturner, specialising in turned wooden home décor and jewellery. Each individually crafted wooden element is precision turned by hand on a woodturning lathe and combined with 925 sterling silver components to create a harmonious balance between the natural grains of timber and the refined forms of silver.
What are you inspired by in your work?
The inspiration for the collection ‘synergy’ focuses on showcasing the natural beauty of British hardwoods into a series of timeless pieces that capture the essence of British woodlands into minimal wearable forms. I am greatly inspired by the rural landscape that surrounds me in Ludlow, with many rich and diverse local woodlands on my doorstep, where I source sustainable timber from.
Where will you be exhibiting during Secret Severn, and what can we expect when we visit?
A selection of my turned jewellery will be on display in the main exhibition in the footprint gallery, alongside a diverse selection of talented artists and makers. The collection I will be exhibiting highlights a unique contrast of grains, from the majestic oak in all its simplicity, to ebonized oak and spalted beech, whilst displaying a small collection of reclaimed purple heart.
How long have you been involved in Secret Severn Art and why is being part of it important?
I am delighted and honoured that this year will be my first exhibiting with Secret Severn Art, an event I have always admired and wished to be part of one day. The exhibition always showcases work from a broad range of creative mediums, of the highest quality in their field. As a maker it is a fantastic networking opportunity to explore the work of many new artists. Representing the collective exhibition whilst stewarding, alongside many professional creatives who I can learn from.
Why is an event like Secret Severn important to the regional art scene?
Quite honestly, an event not to be missed! The region hosts an extensive range of unique and highly talented individuals, creating high quality artwork that without fail will enhance the life of people from every walk of life. After what has been a very challenging time for many artists over the past few years, events such as Secret Severn Art offer a great opportunity to display and sell work directly to the public, many inspired by the beauty of the region itself.
For someone who is new to Secret Severn, what are your top tips for visiting?
Obviously calling by the Footprint gallery on your travels must be my top tip, to discover the incredible collection of work on display and take the opportunity to meet the makers and learn more about their creative medium. Also, a top tip I would have for anyone visiting the Secret Severn Arts trail would be to really explore the open studios. There is nothing more inspiring and insightful than being able to delve into the ‘behind the scenes’ of many artists’ work, having a rare glimpse into the life of a creative person from their perspective. It really does open your eyes into the creative process behind some of your much-loved artwork.
