I'm Jessamyn Sommers, the mixed media artist behind Homespun Ireland on Etsy. My work explores themes of Irish traditions and country life, and my studio in Ballinacurra, Co. Cork, is the perfect setting for my pieces, a step back in time.
I share a large studio space in Bennett's Mill, an old disused grain mill built in 1912. The mill comprises several structures and is largely dilapidated, but has one building which has been preserved and houses studios for several local artists. Our space encompasses two large rooms, which still contain many of the original features and machinery of the mill from it's working days.
Although I keep a sewing room at home, I find my space at the studio invaluable for spreading out, and combing over my stash of ephemera and found objects to experiment with composition, but still being able to come back to everything later, without having to tidy everything away, or find it...'collaborated upon' by my two-year-old!
Sharing a space also means that I am likely to run into one of the other resident artists, for a chat and a cup of tea, which can break up a long day. Mostly, though, it's a quiet place to get away from my busy life with my business and family, and lose myself in my work.
It's a luxury to have a dedicated studio space, but by sharing with other artists and reclaiming disused buildings, it can be made affordable. If you're in Cork and interested in sharing studio space, or would like to visit our studio, you can contact me at homespunireland at eircom dot net.
