Jo Dorey is the creative force behind Ethel Loves Me, one of Rye’s most distinctive independent shops and a joyful showcase for artists, makers and all things a little different. With a wonderfully quirky eye and a real passion for championing local talent, Jo has created far more than a shop: it is a celebration of creativity and individuality. A great supporter of Rye and its community, Jo seemed the perfect person to put under the spotlight for this week’s Three Degrees of Curiosity.
Over to you, Jo.
What three words describe you best?
Thoughtful
Dreamer
Confused
What are the three things you love most about being part of Rye?
Community
History
Quirkiness
What three qualities do you look for when choosing an artist or maker for your shop?
Originality – we want something different, not what we already have.
Passion and enthusiasm.
That we like them – this is so important because we are going to hopefully have a long relationship with them and it’s no good starting off on the wrong foot.
What three things do you wish you could take home from Ethel loves Me?
Our stunning decoupage tables.
Jackie Summerfield’s fantastic ceramic sculptures.
And all the chocolate!
What three things catch your artistic eye?
Colour.
Has it been up-cycled? I love it when something starts its life as one thing and turns into another.
Does it smell good?
Which three famous artists or designers, living or dead, would you choose to create something especially for the shop?
Vivienne Westwood – what a wonderful, decadent window we could have.
Rebecca Louise Law – I saw her amazing creation at the Saatchi Gallery last year with preserved flowers and was instantly transfixed.
Nick Archer – I’d be happy to have his art on every wall.
What three pieces of advice would you give to someone trying to make a living from their creativity?
Don’t expect to.
Be different.
Keep trying until you find the right thing.
Which three things make Rye such a good home for artists and creative people?
Sea and skies.
History.
Tourists.
If you had three completely empty shop windows and an unlimited budget, what would you put in them?
It would have to be a magical Christmas scene from one end to the other with movement and snow falling, transporting you to another time.
What are three things that people would be surprised to discover about you?
A tortoise weed in my mouth: never pick one up so they are facing you!
I used to be a second-hand car dealer.
I volunteered in a hospice.
What three things make you laugh?
My husband Jason.
Hide and seek (I just can’t keep quiet).
Flatulence (see my first answer!).
Which three people would you like to invite to a dinner party?
Charlie Mackesy: his drawings, stories and kind voice are a joy.
Billy Thompson from the Animal Retreat in High Halden – for his love of animals and hilarious anecdotes.
Ludvico Einaudi playing the piano.
What three courses would you serve?
Little amuse bouches made by Luke from Aster Broadstairs. What he can do with foraged food is amazing. Look him up.
What three things would you save if your house was on fire?
Our dog Riley.
My phone: I literally have everything on it and with it!
The Secret Garden Art Novel, it is a collector’s edition that Jason bought me. I love it but haven’t read it yet as I need to be in a grand mansion, with a secret garden of course.
Three moments in my life where you have thought, “This is exactly where I want to be”?
When I married Jason.
When we moved to Oxfordshire and on our first night we got introduced to everybody in the local pub!
I’m waiting for the third.
If Ethel could talk, what three things would she say about you?
She is turning into me!
She LOVES to chat.
Where next??!!
Image Credits: Jason Dorey , Jason Dorey , Kt bruce .