Jacqueline
de
la
Fuente

Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?

Just over two years ago, my family and I swapped the hustle and bustle of north London for the much smaller city of Norwich in the heart of Norfolk. I live here with my two children and my husband. Our home is also where create my papiermache vases and artworks.

Do you have a favourite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?

Living in the city of Norwich I feel quite spoilt for choice when it comes to places to relax. Whenever I need to put my tools down and grab some fresh air I have the cobbled historical lanes full of independent shops and cafe’s to lush parks all within walking distance.

If I’m after a bit of quiet, I love taking a walk by the marshes or River Yare which leads onto the Sainsbury Centre, an art gallery and museum. It’s great to have the option to be able to see a mix of artworks on display at a drop of a hat. You will also discover the outdoor sculptures that take you on a trail round the river and UEA University that always look different depending on the season.

Another gem that I like to visit is The Plantation Garden which is also known as Norwich’s secret garden because you could walk past it and simply not know it’s there. It totally comes alive in the spring and summer time with its warm and relaxing atmosphere where people gather to have a cup of tea and cake on blankets.

For a change of scenery and fresh air, we have the Norfolk coast just a short drive away which boasts an array of scenic and blue flag beaches such as Holkham, Sea Palling and Sheringham. I particulary love Winterton beach for its powdery white dunes and sometimes you can feel like you have the whole beach to yourself.

Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers—whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?

I absolutely love The Norfolk Natural Living homecare and well being brand. I discovered it after moving to Norwich and love all the natural and sustainable ingredients they use, from their Denim spray bottle to their candles. They are my go to for lifting my home.

I’ve recently discovered Sop, which is a bodycare and fragrance brand made here by Norfolk folk. Their products are vegan, cruelty free and inspired by our local landscape and language.

Is there anything particularly innovative in your region? Also in comparison to other places you have already visited?

There have been a few innovative projects within Norfolk.

Norwich has created an innovative scheme called ‘Work In Norwich’ which has been created to encourage people to move to Norwich for a work-life balance. They also help guide people in relocating or setting up their businesses alongside opportunities for students in Norwich. They have created start-up funding and business grants as well as coworking spaces for creative entrepreneurs, which keeps a historical city thriving and contemporary.

With London just 2 hours away on the train and a short distance to the coast, it’s now becoming a hub of innovative industries, creative brands to work from a picturesque historic centre set within a national park.

Another innovative project that started in 2022 has been the plantation of mini Miyawaki forests around Norfolk. This has been a collaboration with Japanese botanist Dr Akira Miyawak to improve biodiversity in both surburban and urban locations, to improve residents health and well being as well as encourage wildlife. It’s great to see that both urban and green living are being considered.

Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share with us?

I recently discovered XO, which is a small vibrant Asian infusion restaurant which has a very chilled atmosphere with upbeat music that’s. Its food ranges from Korean fried chicken served in a box, to rice and noodle bowls.

I’ve been told by the locals that The Suffield Arms, a country pub just outside of Norwich, is a must with it’s Spanish food to feast on hosting artworks from Norwich and bar to end the evening with cocktails.

Is there a local shop whose products are only available in your region?

In the city of Norwich we have a family owned department store called Jarrolds. It’s been in a big part of Norfolk since 1770 and as much as it holds well known brands, Jarrolds also has its own exclusive brand of chutneys, jams, mustard to gin.

They’ve also created Jarrolds Store Folk which showcases a curation of local artisans, makers and small businesses.

What are your 3 favorite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?

The 3 apps I use everyday are Instagram, Calm and Fastic.

My artwork took off after sharing my vases on Instagram which has been a huge part in creative journey. It’s opened up amazing opportunities from commissions to collaborations with amazing UK brands such as Glassette, Soho Home and galleries such as the Modern Art Hire. It’s been a great way to connect with other artists and to show some of my process. I think sharing the stages of your work is a great way for others to connect with what you do alongside seeing your final piece.

The Calm app has been a great for my mental wellbeing. In the mornings I often listen to a guided meditation and wisdom of the day while I’m getting ready. I feel it helps set the day even though it’s already quite busy and hectic with the kids. I find it grounding especially if I’m not feeling good that day. Myself and my kids also listen to the sleep stories to help us unwind for the night.

Fastic is an app I use daily to help track my health and intermittent fasting times. I suffer from ME/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and seen huge improvements in my energy and general health since starting it.

One last question: If you could choose another place to live—regardless of financial or time constraints—which one would you choose?

There are so many places I am drawn to, whether it be my native country, the Philippines, or Australia, with their coastal views. There’s some places I’ve always been curious about, such as Osaka, in Japan to Copenhagen in Denmark.

I would very much like to be close to nature but be surrounded by culture and hints of a city or a town that comes to life and brings together the arts, food, architecture and heritage.

At the moment if I could I would love to try living in the pink city—The Mexican town of San Miguel de Allende. I bought myself a photographic print by Jo Concetta and I was instantly drawn to her photos taken of this city, its bold colours, cobbled streets, the charming villages, its gastronemy and with the option travel and explore the cenotes and beaches.

I feel like my work resonates with the Landscapes, colours and the vibrancy of this city. I am also intrigued by the thriving art scene, talented artisans and the materials they use. I’d have to admit though that if I had no financial and time constraints, I would probably like to travel and explore as many cultures as possible before deciding on one place to live.