Sally England

What are you currently into making?
Lately I've been exploring the sculptural side of macramé, its so exciting using knots to create structure. I feel like the possibilities are endless.

What was the first project or craft you remember making by hand?
I remember playing by myself as a small child and making a vest for my favorite sock monkey. I cut it out of red felt, and sewed a button on the front. I'll never forget how proud of myself I felt!

If you could spend a day with any artist/designer/maker… who would it be and what would you do?
This is a hard one! There are so many 'greats' out there. I've always been a fan of Jonathan Adler. I think it would be so fun to sit with him and his partner Simon Doonan and chat about their careers over martini's at The Parker in Palm Springs.

Do you listen to music when you’re making? If so, what are some favorite albums?
All the time. Some of my favorites albums are Joni Mitchell 'Blue,' Traffic 'The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys,' Cat Stevens 'Mona Bone Jakon,' and Emmylou Harris 'Wrecking Ball.'

What’s your favorite material to work with?
Cotton cord. It's so soft and easy to manipulate. I like that art made with cotton gives you a cozy feeling when you look at it. We relate it back to the cotton clothes we wear and the cotton bedsheets we sleep in, which bring us comfort in our everyday lives.

Where do you go to connect with nature?
There are so many amazing trails here in Ojai. I feel the most connected in the forest, and there is a trail at the River Bottom Preserve that takes you to a little wooded area. This forest-like place also reminds me of Michigan, where I am from originally.

Tell us about a special object in your home that brings you joy.
My Baubo figurine! In Greek mythology Baubo is known as the Goddess of Mirth.
She was gifted to me by a wonderful woman named Melody who lives off the grid in Santa, Idaho. I was staying on her land during an artist residency. Melody formed the Baubo out of clay from her land, and foraged plant fibers for her hair. Its such a wonderful handmade object that will always take me back to that place and time.