Christmas at Making Matters in Farnham

Introducing Making Matters, a community-minded group of local artists enchanting the town of Farnham

Nestled in the heart of Farnham, a community-driven initiative has taken root, flourishing within the enchanting Lion and Lamb Yard. which becomes a sanctuary for both emerging and established artists, what makes this experience truly extraordinary is the connection between creators and the public, a thread carefully woven by Making Matters over the past four consecutive years.

This isn’t just about providing a platform – it’s about creating a warm sanctuary for artists to flourish. Making Matters has not only nurtured the aspiring local talent but has also consistently provided a spotlight on their incredible work. It’s a celebration of creativity and community spirit that’s been growing more vibrant with each passing year.

With Christmas around the corner, Making Matters is excited to showcase the diverse spectrum of talent that defines the rich heritage and culture of Farnham. From traditional art to wood sculptors,  each piece featured in this seasonal event is not just a creation but a storyteller, whispering tales of creativity, passion, and the essence of Farnham. Every artist involved becomes a vital contributor to the vibrant tapestry that makes up Farnham.

So let’s embark on a journey into this enchanting experience and immerse ourselves in the depths of Farnham’s artistic brilliance—where every stroke, every carving, is a testament to the creativity and skill that defines Farnham as a World Craft Town.

1

Peter Gillespie

In a world often bound by rules and order, Peter Gillespie embraces the chaos and spontaneity of urban life, capturing its character and vibrancy with ink and watercolor. Their memorable sketches serve as a testament to the richness of the human experience, reflecting not only the built environment but also the emotions and stories embedded within it. In breaking free from the constraints of rulers and pencils, this artist invites us to see our surroundings not as a static landscape but as a living, breathing entity waiting to be explored on canvas.

Discover Gillespie’s website, where he extends a range of commissions. Whether you’re longing for a sentimental keepsake or envisioning a custom creation, explore the possibilities tailored just for you.

Image: West Street, Farnham © Peter Gillespie
Sketch of a quaint street with houses, chimneys, and trees. The artist's signature and date are visible in the corner. - Home Instead
2

Nicky Lawrence

In the hands of Nicky Law­rence, glass is used as a medium for environmental advocacy. Through her wearable jewellery, she communicates a profound message about the urgent need to protect our oceans and coral reefs. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant sealife encountered during her travels in Sulawesi, Indonesia & off the coast of Egypt. In the intersection of art and activism, Lawrence has created a collection that speaks to both the beauty and fragility of our oceans, sparking conversations and igniting a collective commitment to preserve the wonders that lie beneath the waves.

If you would like to delve more into Lawrence’s stunning work, or if you would like to get in touch with Lawrence, please follow through onto her website.

Image: Nudibranch on Coral Reef © Nicky Lawrence
A clear glass duck sculpture with a colorful, intricate top hat, reflecting on a black surface. - Home Instead
3

Denise Jaques

Denise Jaques’s art not only adorns spaces but transforms them into immersive landscapes of visual delight. Her years of craft is displayed through her exquisite technique of using distorted reflections to add a layer of intrigue to her works, inviting viewers to explore the boundaries of perception. In every piece, Denise Jaques demonstrates not just artistic skill, but an innate ability to infuse spaces with a sense of enchantment, making her an invaluable presence in the world of mosaic art.

Denise’s workshops offer an engaging and creative way to bond and explore art together. You can find tickets for her workshops on her website, as well as her shop containing beautiful mosaics for homes and gardens.

Image: Mosaics for the Garden © Denise Jaques
A tall, triangular stained glass sculpture against a clear blue sky, with intricate geometric patterns in various colors. - Home Instead

If you would like to find out more on the artists’ participating for this festive event, click here. Making Matters continues to extend their mission of being community minded through holding art based community projects within Farnham, one being of the ” Another Brick in the Wall “ project.

Another Brick in the Wall

The project initiated in 2020 as a way to celebrate the official title Farnham reigns as a World Craft Town. This celebration occurred over lockdown, but that did not stop the unity of children, schools, families, the elderly, and the overall community of Farnham to come together and carve bricks, becoming a joint project that symbolised the unity they were doing during the dark times of lockdown. Overall this project resulted to 600 bricks, which made it evident to Making Matters that their impact extends beyond the traditional art venues.

Keppel Nowson from Making Matters will be transforming these carved bricks into public art installations. The first piece, titled ‘A Fishy Tail,’ will find its home in the tranquil Evelyn Borelli Gardens. Excitingly, a second installation is already in the works, scheduled for completion in 2024. Stay tuned for more artistic wonders coming to life in Farnham!

Elderly woman in a floral mask and pink blazer works on a green foam block, wearing a gold chain necklace. - Home Instead

If you’re captivated by this continuous gesture, visit Making Matters at 5a Lion and Lamb Yard, opposite Waterstones, until December 23rd. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, Sundays from 12 pm to 3 pm, closed on Mondays.

Immerse yourself in the emotional richness of Making Matters and become part of this unfolding masterpiece, where the profound impact of making truly matters.

Header Photo by : Susanna Warren | @shotsbysus on Instagram

Experience exceptional care that caters to your unique wants and needs. Our services here at Home Instead Farnborough, Farnham & Fleet cover a wide range of care including dementia care, companionship care, nail care, live in care and more. Start your consultation with us today and discover the difference !