Lucy Sarah Antwis is a Textile Designer/Maker from York. After graduating in 2004 from York St John University Lucy worked for an independent gallery. It was here that she trained as a craft worker. In the three years she worked there she went on to make bespoke light shades for Liberty and other galleries across the country.
From 2005 she also worked at York St John University. It was here that she realised what she really wanted to do with my life. Lucy craved more than ever to be a self employed designer, selling her own designs.
She grew up in Robin Hoods Bay and regularly goes back for inspiration but for now she works full time in her studio in York, selling on private commission, at craft fairs and in galleries in Yorkshire.
She believes the purpose of what she does and certainly what she wants, is to make people feel good about themselves. We caught up with Lucy to ask her a couple of questions...
Tell us about yourself – who are you and what do you do?
My name is Lucy Antwis and last year I set up my textile business ‘Twis’ I make handmade ethical felt that I then construct into accessories, wall art and gifts. I am currently on the Princes Trust business enterprise program and have a great support network. It is invaluable to what I do and I commend the volunteers for their time dedicated to helping young people wanting to set up in business.
What are you currently up to? Are there any exciting projects ongoing?
I am currently focussing on releasing new products and on a bit of a designing frenzy at the moment, egg cosies, phone covers and a few others that are still in my sketchbook waiting to be brought to life. I’m excited about how they will be received.
Who or what inspires you?
Colour is a major factor in what gets me excited. Being a feltmaker wool is my main inspiration, I love the textures and colours. I incorporate it into everything I do. I begin my designs with sketches or photographs from organic forms or a scrap of antique lace I like or a gnarled tree for example and scribble a lot until something forms. I love Tim Burton and his drawings have always inspired me since Art College, his work has a rebellious presence that I love. Finally, my home from home, Robin Hoods Bay, always keeps me inspired, because I spent my childhood there and because of it’s beautiful landscape, rock pools and general atmosphere.
What’s your best project/work to date?
I think the most successful project to date has to be my bags, they were the first product I made and still very dear to me. It’s something you carry with you everywhere and contains all your precious things. I really enjoy receiving commissions for my bags, last year I made one for a punk in black and red lace, it was great fun to make. Also I recently launched a new product with the online boutique Baffie, hand felted slippers, they have been really well received and I’m currently working on slippers for men.
Anything new going on? Or in the pipeline?
I have plans for more exhibitions this year, I have two in the pipe line already, one will be at the Green Gallery in Scotland and I currently have my work showcased at the award winning Heart Gallery in Hebden Bridge. I’m planning on many more throughout the year and I’m currently in the process of applying for Origin in London. I am mainly Yorkshire based at the moment (which I love) but and I’m really keen to get my work seen further afield especially London and places like Scotland and Ireland.
When you’re not working, what do you like to do?
I like to relax and much as possible and swimming is great for that, it also gets me out of the studio. During the evenings I mainly watch films or read, especially science fiction, it’s a great escapism, for me and keeps me happy and inspired. I also write short stories and poems, which is a totally different creative process and very therapeutic.
Finally, what tips or advice could you give to other creatives, just starting out?
I would say, never give up. It’s not an easy career route, especially in these strange economic times. It takes a lot of work and dedication to build a brand for yourself, because that is essentially what you are doing. People need to know they can trust you and your work and that is something that comes with time. Also work with people who are as passionate about your work as you are, otherwise there is no point, it’s really important to build good relationships with your peers and stockists. Above all else remember why you wanted to be a creative in the first place, keep passionate, keep positive and don’t change to fit in, be yourself and create what you love and people will respect you for it.
