About Alannah Dessauvages

Alannah Dessauvages is a multidisciplinary Designer Maker, blending ceramics, embroidery, and design to explore the relationship between plant life and handmade objects. Her work celebrates nature through functional and decorative forms, focusing on growth and material connection.

Primarily working with ceramics and freehand machine embroidery on water-soluble fabric, Alannah creates small-batch pieces inspired by her love of plants and gardening. Her ceramic work includes vessels designed to support plant growth, while her embroidery captures botanical beauty through intricate stitching. She also enjoys conceptual design related to plants, light, and other decorative functional objects, often incorporating wooden elements.

Her practice is rooted in making, grounded in nature, and focused on thoughtful, functional design. This creative ecosystem not only supports her work but also fosters her growth as a designer and maker.

Originally from France, Alannah’s childhood travels have shaped her thoughtful, nature-driven approach to design. Her work is presented under the brand ARLIO, reflecting her deep connection to nature and craftsmanship.

Alannah has participated in numerous exhibitions, including Coastal Currents (2020) and Life in Lockdown at the Towner Gallery (2021). Since founding ARLIO in 2023, she has continued to sell her work online, at craft fairs, and in select retail spaces. In 2024, products from her Mon Jardin collection were stocked by Harborough Nurseries in Guestling, East Sussex, as part of their seasonal retail range.

Qualifications:

• BA (Hons) Designer Maker, University of Brighton – Expected 2025

• UAL Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design – Merit, East Sussex College (2021)

• UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design – Distinction, East Sussex College (2020)

• UAL Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design – Distinction, East Sussex College (2019)