new exhibitor - 'i've made you something...' by Claire Bellia

An interview with Claire Bellia:

I'm a student in my last year at Leeds College of Art...

I'm an illustrator and love to create images through using various print methods, most commonly screenprinting. I also enjoy to hand cut and laser cut images and embellishments within my work.

My work concentrates on repeat pattern/wallpaper design and also illustration. But recent work has found me delving into the subject of 'the female body' and this idea of 'beauty' and 'perfection' within society today.

Through the print process and cutting, the images are all somehow a little different, this is important to me, in giving my work a personal feel and for anyone who buys my work, knowing they have a unique piece/image, made for them.

My latest project is working on putting together some pieces of wooden jewelry, but I've also been sewing and hope to bring you some of these new and excitingly cute goodies at Reetsweet in November, as well as my prints.

I sell my work at various crafts fairs and you can also find my work at 'On The Wall' - poster shop in Leeds. From the 16th-21st I have a residency at the 42 New Briggate in town, so pop in and have a peek :)


....Claire will be appearing at the reetsweet craft event on Nov 7th at the Leeds Corn Exchange.

Introducing Dig The Earth...aka Kev

How long have you been working as digtheearth?

Since the start of 2009 – though mainly online, I've only been selling at craft events since this summer. I initially started out making eco-friendly greetings cards, but that has slowly changed into designing giclée prints – which is the bulk of what I create at the moment.

What inspires you?
It's impossible not to be inspired by other designers or illustrators, there's so much fantastic work out there! I love buying prints and get to see loads of other people's work, so it's hard not to get too inspired! I also love the fact that I print my own work, if I have an idea I can print it out immediately and road test it! It helps keep things fresh.

What do you enjoy about craft events?

I like how unpredictable they are! You never know how many visitors are going to arrive, or if your work will even appeal to them. It's really great getting instant feedback and you get some absolutely fantastic positive comments. Maybe it's my darker side, but it's almost as rewarding seeing and hearing the reactions of people who just don't get 'it' when they look at my work! It's all good fun!

Dig The Earth will be appearing at reetsweet on Nov 7th @ the corn exchange...