ABIGAIL LUCY BRUFORD
I have a degree in Mixed Media Fine Art as well as a background in Costume Design. I got my PCGE & went on to teach Art for many years and was head of department, before I decided to leave to run my business full time from Camden Lock Market. I have now returned to teaching part time but to try and give back some of what I have learnt over the years of running a small creative business, as I believe in it deeply. I teach on the BTEC Art & Design course which I did myself & has a heavy focus on vocations within the creative industry and I love the balance I have created.
Abilu Creations was officially born in 2006 although I had always made things for myself & friends. I felt drawn to follow my own creative path but started out with Jewellery & accessories initially as it was easy to store and manage, like small pieces of wearable art I used to say.
Abilu went on to be sold worldwide in boutiques & major department stores including Selfridges & Debenhams & became my main job. I was featured in numerous magazines including; Elle, Grazia & Style and more. I left Camden in 2012 and escaped London life to Dorking in the Surrey Hill's to bring up 2 Children Archie & Alaska with my wonderful husband Alex.
It wasn't until moving back to the countryside that I realised how much I needed nature around me having grown up in beautiful Devon. Taking time out to reflect after having my Children and being able to rebrand the business to include my artwork in late 2018 was a huge turning point and the beginning of the brand I really wanted to build.
“I’m a forager of the shores, hedgerows & the unloved or broken, I seek treasure everywhere. I work in clay and take botanical plaster casts from impressions as well as work in ceramics & jewellery.”