'When I set out to bead, say, a medicine bag, it means much more to me than producing an item for profit. I have to find a special place within myself from which I'm able to create a piece in a way that's intuitive, not prompted by a deadline or order book. Coming to Great Britain has proved very beneficial to me as an artist. There's a restful pace of life here which I find conducive to creativity.'

Sharon also makes prayer feathers, exquisitely decorated feathers, which, as with all American Indian art, holds deep significance. She says: 'The Indians believe that birds are messengers from the Great Spirit, and when a bird drops a feather it's a very special gift.  The feather is used not only for personal adornment, but as a source of contemplation, something on which to ponder about the message it might signify.  In short, the Indians like to control their environment.  Nothing happens purely by chance, and both Barry and I continue to learn more and more about the myths, legends and beliefs of these deeply spiritual people.

Barry adds: 'It's much the same in the case of how we source items.  We have to get to know the craftsmen and artists, to appreciate the cultural forces

In their travels in America, Barry and Sharon have met some truly gifted artists, many of whom they now represent through Native Arts Trading. One such is Jerry Lefthand, the Navajo Indian who made a figure - The Hoop Dancer - which has pride of place in the Holton's living room, a birthday present to Barry from Sharon.