We are so excited about our friend Amma's new venture! She's one formidable chica and even though she's just become a mum and is a fabulous working designer maker she still found time -and the energy- to kick start an amazing new project in Watford.
So if you'd like to know more about Amma Gyan and
Amanartis read on as she explains to us the idea behind the project...
How did it all come about?
Like most ideas it came from the need to find
space myself. I'd been working in a studio that was owned by JJB however
when they closed we all had to move out. So back to the home studio I
went. However since moving to Watford I had made it my goal to get to
know the creative scene and find out what was happening. This led me to
becoming friends with the local arts development officer, who in trying
to solve my studio issue introduced to me the building.
It's grade II listed so has lots and character but it wasn't right for
me with no lift access and I have a very small baby. So I thought about
for a while and decided that although it wasn't right for me it had to
be right for someone else and surely I wasn't the only person in the
same situation. So there it happened I decided if i can't find a studio
space in Watford, I'll start one up.
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| The stunning Amanartis premises... |
We love people who D.I.Y. their own opportunities! So what's the aim behind the project?
To
provide creatives with a base to work from where their business can
grow by networking, exhibiting and collaborating with other artists and
designers.
Provide business support and mentoring for creative start ups.
Offer guidance for design graduates on turning their craft into a business.
Supporting local artists in providing them with a venue to exhibit and sell their work.
Provide work experience for students who wish to gain experience in the creative sector.
Establish a creative destination for design and craft lovers to come and purchase beautiful, unique, quality items.
To
offer designer makers from all over the country a reputable venue in
which to raise their profile and gain recognition for making and selling
quality goods.
To provide a launch pad for design graduates to exhibit and sell their work.
To grow a loyal and discerning customer base.
To offer benefits to our members from associated partners.
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| A well appointed board room for conducting meeting... |
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| One of the work space which will be available... |
I hear you're planning a design fair too?
Launching in October 2013 is a new exciting event for hand made lovers in Herts.
Amanartis design fair will host 20 of some of the best design led makers in the country hosted in the beautiful grade II listed school hall.
Each designer will be chosen for their creativity, ingenuity and style broadening the concept of hand made and crafts.
The aim of the event is to not only showcase and sell beautiful unique items to the public but also to act as a place for designer makers to network and grow their business. If you think this is the venue for you then... please contact us for an application form!
Wow, that sounds amazing! Any last bit of advice for any budding creatives who want to make their hand made business a success?
I
feel it's important to take yourself seriously, don't be shy, say your
amazing, you may not believe but after a while you will because you are.
I'm
still making bags and jewellery so I'm extremely busy especially as I'm
also preparing for Hertfordshire Arts Open Studio in Sept.
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| A fully equipped modern kitchen... |
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| ...and a light, modern studio space! |
Amma Gyan is the creative director behind
Wear Me a hand made Leather goods company specialising in jewellery and quality hand made leather bags! We're so proud of our Amma and we wish her lots of luck... though I have a feeling she won't need it as she's one smart little cookie!
For further info please contact Amma via the Amanartis Face Book page:
www.facebook.com/Amanartis.studios
or via email:
ammagyan@wear-me.co.uk
