People Involved
About Jessica Pearson
Jess Pearson
Founder of the North Devon Maker Series // Filmmaker, photographer and interviewer.
Jess has grown up and lived in North Devon all her life. She became ill at the age of 15 and consequently found her passion for film. Film was a medium through which she communicated, whilst she lost her voice to a rare autoimmune illness, Myasthenia Gravis. Being ill has given Jess the perspective on how she wants to live her life; in North Devon whilst making a living through film. The North Devon Maker Series is a long-standing passion of Jess’ and she hopes that this project will help people connect and wake up to the talent and skill that North Devon has to offer.
Why am I passionate about The Maker Series?
Growing up in North Devon, other than my ill-health, I was extremely lucky and had a very idyllic childhood, swimming in the sea, going for long walks and playing in the woods. I was fortunate to have good support when it came to creative pursuits whether that be through my parents or my teachers at primary school and secondary school into sixth form and college. The difficulty I found was when I left education and wanted to continue to be creative in North Devon. Of course I continued through hobbies; however, it was my dream to make a living out of my creative passion, Film. Every Maker involved in the North Devon Maker Series has their own story and unique way of creating a life they love in North Devon. No one says its easy, winter especially is difficult in this summer season county. Speaking for myself I’ve always had a part-time job whilst also developing my skills in my passion.
View the behind the scenes film below to get a taste of how these incredible musicians create their magic!
Musicians
Joe Burn
David Smale and Ryann Snow
Lara Conley
Photograph: Jose Walker
Photography
Georgie Owen – Little Silver Photography
This project started through my passion of filming but as the project developed I saw the power of capturing Makers within photography. Photography is a great tool in engaging an audience within matters of seconds whereas film takes more time to tell a story. Both have their importance and therefore the North Devon Maker Series invites guest photographers to work alongside me to capture snapshots of the Maker’s skill. If you would like to become a guest photographer please get in contact with your portfolio.
Georgie Photographing Ellie Miller – Miller Surfboards // Maker no 2.
Georgie Owen
Guest Photographer // Graphic Designer of the North Devon Maker Series Logo
Georgie has an exquisite eye for detail, atmosphere and beauty and this is captured in her photography. Georgie’s passion is to photograph food and lifestyle. Georgie is always the person I go to for graphic design.
“ Supporting small and local businesses that centre around sustainable, organic and ethical products are at the forefront of my values as an individual and photographer. I firmly believe that strong visual based stories can inspire and educate, that is why I love working with small businesses to help tell the little stories that matter.”
Illustration
Jose Walker
Illustrator for the North Devon Maker Series
The North Devon Maker Series is honoured to have Jose’s beautiful illustrations take pride of place on The North Devon Maker Series website. Her talented skills bring a refreshing beauty to this project.
“I am inspired by living, walking and surfing the North Devon coastline. Documenting and exploring the land through the ever-changing seasons has always been the main influence in my creative process. Throughout the year my days are spent immersed in nature and the ocean and even after all this time I’m still marvelling at the beauty of this little corner of the world.”
Chris Hatton
Web design support for the North Devon Maker Series
Chris is a web developer by trade and our technological Guru. When he is not web developing you might find him performing in local theatre shows, riding his motorbike along the North Devon coastline or learning to pilot a plane. Chris is also building up a fantastic North Devon chilli sauce business, Dr.Peppa’s Condiments. Chris definitely adds the spice to the North Devon Maker Series.
Rebecca Hughes
Marketing support
Rebecca is a West Country marketer, social entrepreneur and art appreciator. She has spent the last few years building up The Women’s Adventure Expo, a Bristol-based Social Enterprise making adventure more inclusive and accessible to all women. Rebecca started her working life as a photographer, and although now only picks up her iPhone as a camera, she still loves all forms of creativity in all its colour. Having specialised in start-up and small business marketing, Rebecca brings her knowledge to the project and is excited to see The Makers Series develop and draw together the local community and businesses.
Louise Middleton
Co-founder and Artistic Director for Maker 1 and Maker 2 Films
Louise helped start the formerly known Maker Series. She featured as the first Maker, Golden Bear Belts, and was a huge help in teaching me how to film Makers. After the first two films, Louise moved on to other projects which included her astonishing project, Kudhva, which involved developing a disused slate quarry utopia, set in Cornwall, into a beautifully bespoke event and accommodation experience. Without her generosity and time at the beginning of this project, the North Devon Maker Series would not be where it is today. Thank you, Louise, for believing in me at the start of this project.