Ellie Tarratt
Ceramics, Print and Textile Artist
Describe who you are and what you do.
I'm Ellie Tarratt, an artist based in Bishops Castle. I make historically inspired ceramics, prints and textiles under the name of Pretender to the Throne. When not carving sgraffito plaques or painting porcelain I make props for slideshows and historical displays - it keeps you on your toes as you never know what you will be asked to make next.
How and where do you work to create your art?
All over the house (sorry D!)
Who do you admire artistically?
Grayson Perry
Describe a situation that inspired you.
Very homesick whilst living in Australia I spent a week making a traditional Welsh Stick Chair using green wood and no power tools in rural NSW. Saw Splendid Wrens for the first time and learnt so much from Howard an ex-pat from Kent. Inspired me to start my collection of historical tools.
What memorable responses have you had to your work?
Having a rather political work smashed on opening night just after it had sold.
Name something you love, and why.
The rolling green hills of Shropshire. It's taken me 20 years of travelling to finally feel settled in this beautiful part of the country. No matter the weather, walking up the old drover's road close to where I now live, to the top of the hill - I hope I'll never tire of the view.
What is your dream project?
Working on the set and props for German band Rammstein.
Favourite or most inspirational place?
Either Bury Ditches Hillfort or Castle Dinas Bran in Llangollen. Somewhere with glorious views and a deep sense of times past.
What's the best piece of advice you've been given?
Advice from my aunt years ago..."Don't worry about what other people think of you as generally they are too busy thinking about themselves". A bit bleak but I found it very liberating as a shy, self conscious teenager who never quite fitted in.
