About Essjay

About me - Essjay I am a self-taught contemporary textile artist who was born and grew up surrounded by the magic of Dartmoor, developing an unwavering connection with the natural world around me. After gaining my degree in Psychology I embarked on a successful career in marketing and in 2005 I returned to Dartmoor with my husband to raise our family before retraining as an accountant. Despite my professional careers I have continued to feed my passion for textiles, stitching when time and my young family allowed. My mind is never calm and is fit to bursting with ideas and projects. Rewind 40 years when I first became absorbed in the world of textiles, learning to sew sat at the feet of my ‘little Nanna’ as she made and mended on her trusty Singer. Inspired by the individualism and creative outlet sewing could offer I started making my own clothes and accessories aged 11. Now, using the texture and colour of fabric and thread to draw, I capture the character and beauty of the local people and landscapes with my own sprinkle of quirkiness. I have found my outlet, a way of releasing the energy and creative thoughts that fill my mind in every waking moment. I feel a sense of calm and purpose when I create. It is an exquisite and very personal journey from an initial concept often triggered by a sight or sound, an experience or memory, then translating these to a sketch, selecting the fabric and colour palette before sitting with my machine and together we bring my vision to life. I feel a huge sense of privilege when my artwork is chosen to become part of someone else’s private life, to know it will give back over time the love and joy from which it was created. My relationship with art is one of healing.