Our Residents
Dreya Bennett
DREYA GLASS
I was born in Africa and lived in Lagos until my 9th birthday when my family moved back to the UK and more specifically Cornwall.
Moving to Cornwall at such a key age shaped my passions and future in so many ways. Having always been in swimming pools and the sea in Africa the love of water intensified on the beautiful beaches and in the crashing Atlantic surf of the Cornish Coastline.
The sea and its different moods have always been in my life.
​
Being a keen surfer in my teens my love of playing in and with the elements became all encompassing when I discovered the thrill of kitesurfing. A pioneer in the early days of the sport I set up one of the first schools in the UK, and competed on the world circuit with my highest ranking being 3rd in the world. I also enjoyed other kiting challenges and set a world record by kitesurfing from Cornwall to Ireland ( under my maiden name Wharry),
I discovered glass by accident, through my landlady whilst studying at Falmouth art college, falling instantly in love with the look and the process of working with glass I decided to specialise in Architectural Stained Glass at Swansea. Though not actively working with glass during my sporting career, the fascination never left. Now retired from competition, glass is back as the focus of my passion.
“Its colour, its reflections and translucent quality instantly captured my heart. To me it has a similar quality to water. It is enigmatic you can look at it, or through it. It is there and not there and can create a potent visual effect, either opulent or subtle. I love the challenge of designing for different buildings, interiors and people, whether a large architectural piece or an intensely personal small piece. “ Dreya
Sharon Jiggins
TEXTILE ARTIST
Sharon Jiggins is a Cornwall based textile artist. Drawing her inspiration from the coastal landscape, Sharon creates vivid colourful hand painted silk seascapes, floral printmaking and intricate mixed media appliqué works incorporating felt, silk, embroidery and mixed fibres.
Sharon studied painting and drawing at Falmouth School of Art and went on to specialise in woven and printed textiles at West Surry College, Farnham. After graduating in the early 90s she returned to Cornwall, lured home by the love of the Cornish landscape and the colours of the sea, where she continues to create textile pieces inspired by this love.
Sharon gained her postgrad in F.E teaching in 2008, and taught Art & Design for many years. She now splits her time between the Picture House Gallery in Padstow and her new studio at the Levels in Newquay, with the occasional to ‘tie dip’ back into teaching!
Kelly Ann
BLYSTRA CANDLES
Eco conscious candle business inspired by the glorious Cornish coast. Every candle is hand poured in small batches and the candles are refillable and plastic free.
Lindsey Parkin
JAYNE LINDSEY CREATIONS
Based in the stunning county of Cornwall, Jayne Lindsey, affectionately known as Lindz, was born and raised in this vibrant region. Her creative journey began at Falmouth School of Art, followed by further studies in Textile Design and Science at Chelsea School of Art.
After graduating, Lindz spent many years working in the rag trade and as a freelance print designer. Her illustrative skills have always been a core part of her design work, and her love for travel inspired her to move mediums to illustrate the wildlife of the countries she explored. This passion led her to create a diverse array of artwork, from postcards and calendars to murals across West and Southern Africa, Australasia and South East Asia.
In 2000, Lindz faced a significant challenge when an accident caused her to lose the use of her right thumb for some years, forcing her to pause her illustration work. During this time, she pursued a business degree and entered the corporate world. Working as a consultant meant spending six months to a year on projects and taking longer spells off to travel too all corners of the world.
Despite this set back with her illustration, her love for creating never waned. Handknitting became her therapy, helping her regain strength in her hand and inspiring her to craft beautiful hand-knit pieces that she now lovingly creates to sell. Travel has been inspirational, and she developed a love of capturing nature through photography; however, she will still be knitting on long haul flights with bamboo travel needles!
As her life has evolved, Lindz has prioritised her work-life balance, stepping back from her corporate career to reconnect with her artistic passions. She now works part-time with Dreya Glass at The Levels and rents a studio where she is once again nurturing her love for illustration, using lots of captured images from her photography as inspiration, be it plant, animal or natural pattern.
Whilst home, she enjoys knitting with her beloved cat, often curled up on her lap.
