Jessie Chorley is a talented textile focused designer maker with the ability to juggle running a growing business and being a full time artist. She also often holds workshops and until recently was running an arts and crafts shop in London.
I have a few friends who have met her and enjoyed her classes; one of my friends was bought a place on one of her workshops as a gift… now there is an idea for you all! I took the opportunity to interview Jessie recently so lets learn a little more about this artist…
What are the key drivers for your work and how do you keep your practice on track?
” Small is beautiful” Always keeping things hand made.
Do you ever work in connection or collaboration with others?
I have dun over the years I produced a large collection of my hand made books for the USA store Anthropologie back in 2014 I have also designed several ranges for the design publishing house Roger La Borde. But both with my name on something that was very popular for me.
What have been the biggest successes achieved through your own self-promotion of your work?
Purchasing my first tiny flat in East London in 2016 is something I am very proud of doing solo and also keeping my little shop on Columbia Road afloat for 12 years.
What have been the biggest challenges of self-promotion?
Being just me as an artist and constantly thinking should I grown bigger as a brand or should I keep smaller and hand made. The hand made always wins. My hand made work is at the heart of my life as an artist. And I think because I am so passionate about this it has given my brand “Jessie Chorley”huge respect. But keeping smaller is also a challenge as you have to choose and juggle several things at once. The ease of a simple hand made web site and Instagram have always been my choice as I can manage them myself. Something I have always dun kept the editing in house… But time is always the biggest challenge!
What platforms or ways have been most helpful to promote your work?
Instagram and private web site www.jessiechorley.com I have always had my web site as a main platform for my work/life as an artist. I have also in the early years dun many fairs and markets. These are powerful and fun! and your overheads are low and you can gain loyal customers. Many of mine are still with me today.
What are the most unexpected things to have occurred in your work or practice and why were they unexpected?
The huge and current passion for craft and DIY making especially embroidery. This has opened my style and the passion and desire for my style of embroidery up. Thus my DIY kits have become incredibly popular over the last five years with a huge demand for them worldwide. When I started my business in 2005 this was not the case.
Any thoughts on the future?
Keep making with embroidering, stitch and print at the heart and forefront of my work. To have a solo exhibition of more personal work outside my shop and to continue to travel worldwide with my workshops. Plus I will keep stocking and refreshing and creating kits and DIY projects for my online shop which can be found via www.jessiechorley.com
Jessie has also published her own book “Jessie Chorley’s Favourite Stitches” which we have reviewed. We also love her beautiful kits which she sells online, why not “try before you buy” via our review of her classic folk art inspired sampler?
