Firefly Ignite

Textile Artist Jacqui Hilson shares with us the sensory and visual intricacies that are involved with working with fabrics.

Pulling from her Nigerian, British, and Celtic connections, Jacqui finds a way to use her sewing machine to paint imaginative and deeply moving pieces. In her own words, ‘Art is a connector for people,’ and she looks for avenues to connect people with what she is expressing.

Jacqui’s story provides motivation for anyone looking to try something new, or to put into action a creative dream that is time to emerge. You will not be disappointed!

Shop-owner Faith Nicholson experienced a tragic loss in her life but managed to turn it into something beautiful by doing what she loves. Her shop is a hub for nearly 200 creatives in Sheffield who can find a common space to promote their work, as well as come together in solidarity with the vast creative community in Sheffield. In her own words, “I could think of other people who have shops or online presences where it’s all about them, whereas, I would be nothing if it wasn’t for all the people that are in the shop.”

Faith shares about her love of community, creativity, and cross-stitch! She is a true gem in the city and finds deep satisfaction in promoting other people’s work. You can find her shop in Hillsborough, as well as online at AnnieJudes.co.uk

Illustrator and Typographer Andy Slater finally said goodbye to a number of unfulfilling marketing roles in order to say hello to his company, Reyt Good Illustration.

His detailed drawings, typography, and cityscapes are becoming a trademark within his hometown of Sheffield, and hearing his artistic journey will inspire you to say yes to your creative dreams too.

Founder and director of Cupola Gallery, Karen Sherwood takes us behind-the-scenes of how this incredible art gallery came to be, along with the remarkable events that helped to establish it for what it is today.

An artist herself and an avid lover of nature, Karen also describes her passion for art and says: “Art is not an extra. It is not a luxury. It is a core need.” And in this post-lockdown world, there are many who are recognising the truth in this.

MSNBC Anchor & Journalist Richard Lui talks about his new book Enough About Me - The Unexpected Power of Selflessness. He makes the point that we must learn to move past our mental need for perfection in helping others, and be confident that a small, selfless choice is far better than doing nothing at all.

Richard draws on his vast wealth of experience with over three decades of living, working, and volunteering on every continent.

Kari Roslund is a fiber artist whose needle felting takes you into a breathtaking experience of nature. She describes the process of finding wool, dyeing it with natural substances, and working with the fibers to produce paintings that are incredibly emotive.

She also walks us through her own journey of re-discovering the potential of wool and encourages others to never dismiss the small beginnings of craft.

Award-winning actor/writer/director Simon Trinder shares about the joys and trials of acting during a pandemic. He's raw about what really motivated him to go into acting and how his passions have changed over time.

We discuss creativity, the impact of acting towards mental well-being, what it's like being part of The Lion King production, and much more!

Children’s author Clare Luther talks about how children need enabling and encouraging to become confident in emotional intelligence. She describes her book series The Little Paws Hotel, in which each book addresses a different emotional theme.

She talks about her journey in becoming an author, what it’s like to run a dachshund hotel, her faith, and the importance of keeping the conversation going.

Artists and married couple Ashly & Samuel Burr discovered that working together on art has opened up new possibilities for them. They talk about how self-doubt and comparison nearly sabotaged their inner artists, and how they began to recognize that “when art became a side-hobby, they became more lifeless”.

A deep look into some of the real struggles that artists face surrounding the worth and value of what they produce, and how working through those questions can result in a powerful exchange with the world around them.

Author Alena Pettitt shares about how her book Ladies Like Us was birthed out of a period of turmoil and finding faith.

She discusses some hot topics like gender role, traditional values, and how media influences modern society.

She also speaks about the last year of her life after her interview with the BBC went viral. This is one you don’t want to miss!