A sense of belonging

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As we report elsewhere in Rye News, the Rye Creative Centre will be demolished if developers plans for housing on the old school site are approved. It means an uncertain future for the artists based at what used to be the Freda Gardham school. Over the coming weeks Rye News will be hearing from some of the artists at the creative centre. This week, Heather Rajaratnam, silversmith, tells us what her studio at the RCC means to her.

In February 2023 I moved into my studio at the Rye Creative Centre and the moment I stepped inside I felt incredibly lucky to find such a workshop. It’s spacious and allows me to keep everything I need in one place and the flexibility and freedom to create pieces  whenever and however I want, this is normally something you can only do if you are in the
heart of Hatton Garden (London’s jewellery quarter).

Sadly, silversmithing workshops are closing down all over the country due to rent increases and demand for commercial rents driving out creative industries. It’s in danger of becoming a lost skill. So, having this studio within the heart of Rye’s Creative Centre is something so special.

We understood, when the Rye Creative Centre opened, that it was somewhat temporary, with long-term plans to develop into housing once the sea defences were strengthened. However, as time has gone on, it has become an essential space for the town’s creatives, and it’s going to have a hugely detrimental effect to so many if and when the space closes its doors for its current purpose. The fact we’re facing an unknown future is something that concerns all of the artists, and is very much at the forefront of our worries.

Working alongside other creatives is so inspiring, we all have our unique mediums, but there’s a shared energy and camaraderie that keeps the creative spirit alive, no matter the day. For me, it has revolutionised what can often be a very isolated existence, living as an artist and working alone.

Heather Rajaratnam making jewellery

It’s not just about the physical space, it’s about the community, the exchange of ideas, and the sense of belonging that comes with it. With up to 35 artists working from the RCC at any one time, I’ve found the welcoming and collaborative nature of the other studio holders a welcomed change from an isolated garage that was my previous studio. Not only has my studio given me the space to expand my jewellery design and making, but it has also opened opportunities for me to develop as a more rounded artist: for example taking life drawing classes and intaglio printing courses with Nick Archer and Paula McArthur respectively, shows that by keeping us together, we can grow and learn from each other. I have found working alongside others allows a discussion and reflection of my creative processes, something that is absolutely priceless.

Every time someone commissions a piece of jewellery or attends an open studio event, they’re contributing to the survival of local arts, small business, sustainable practices, and the support of ethically sourced materials, and I know it’s the same story for other artists at the RCC.

For so many of us, we simply don’t have the option of working from home, we need a dedicated workspace for a multitude of practical and personal reasons. We’ve become a
community within the space, which we are desperate to maintain, hoping we can all continue to work together under the same roof, so we don’t lose the band of artists offering classes and events that benefit Rye’s artistic heritage.

Heather Rajaratnam

In a space as unique as this, it’s the perfect place for creativity. It has become a key hub in Rye’s creative landscape for artists to create, collaborate, and showcase their work with the town. The uncertain future of the Rye Creative Centre poses a very real threat to so many of our livelihoods, space to create and host classes which offers the community a chance to share the communal spaces for art and sculpture, among other things. Being a creative in today’s world means constantly adapting. It’s not just about making beautiful things; it’s about navigating a complex web of economics, community support, and the evolving art market.

The threat of losing affordable studio spaces is particularly pressing, not just in Rye but throughout the country. Without spaces like the Rye Creative Centre, many artists would struggle to find environments to work. Places like the RCC makes this possible, just as much for those artists who are just at the start of their career, as it is for an established
professional, for whom having an affordable space to rent is important at any stage of their career.

We live in a world where mass-produced items dominate, but there’s something irreplaceable about owning something that was made with care, skill, and intention. It’s a connection between the maker and the owner.

By raising awareness of the issues facing our local artists, I hope that the community will rally to support the Rye Creative Centre. These spaces aren’t just important for the artists, they’re vital for the cultural landscape and community that benefit from the identity of Rye as an artistic hub.

Tools of the trade

For those who want to support artists like us, the answer is simple: engage with our work. Attend open studios, commission custom pieces, and come and enjoy the RCCs events and exhibitions. Every small action makes a difference. Hopefully you were able to attend our annual Christmas Fair last weekend where the studio holders create a magical space to star your Christmas shopping with beautifully handmade gifts, in the building where they were made.

There are many ongoing discussions with local politicians, developers, and my fellow artists as to how we can save this space or find a more permanent home. It’s an ever-present pressure on our creative lives, and until a solution is found, we can’t give up.

To learn more about Heather’s work and the stories behind her creations, arrange a visit to her studio at the Rye Creative Centre or explore her collection online. By supporting artists like Heather, you play a part in preserving the vibrant cultural landscape that makes Rye such a special place.

Image Credits: Heather Rajaratnam .

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