Two independent artists are celebrating the opening of their first shop in Chester-le-Street after years of selling their work at markets and events across the region.
Rain and Silva opened the Ashfield Terrace shop yesterday (October 5), after working together since 2021.
The queer and neurodivergent artists have built a growing customer base through conventions, markets and online sales, selling handmade products inspired by art, pop culture and inclusive representation.
(Image: Their new shop, Silva and Rain, will sell badges, bookmarks, bracelets, coasters, earrings, keychains, photocards, photocard holders, pins, prints, standees, stickers and T-shirts.
(Image: The pair said representation is at the heart of their work.
They said: "With a focus on queer, disabled and neurodivergent representation, we make handmade paper goods, jewellery, apparel and much more."
(Image: The pair handmake almost everything sold in the shop.
They said: "Together, we have made the decision from the very beginning to handmake every single one of our products.
"Apart from the acrylics for which we have a manufacturer, everything you see has been designed, printed, pressed and assembled in our own house."
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Rain, 29, is a 2D illustrator and comics artist inspired by K-pop and gaming communities.
Silva, 28, specialises in 3D art, jewellery-making and illustration.
You can find them at 5 Ashfield Terrace, Chester-le-Street, DH33PD.