{ Journal }

5 March 2020

Crafts Council - Collect 2020, Somerset House.

Last Friday my friend Hannah Pittman a talented Jeweller and I visited Collect 2020. Hannah is a fellow colleague at The London College of Fashion, and despite us being from two very different disciplines, we both share a great fondness for Crafts. By visiting shows like Collect we learn about materials and developments within the Craft world. As we both work in the 3D area at LCF, having a broader knowledge of materials and how to approach them, helps us in supporting students to develop their work more successfully.

My annual visit to Collect is always a pleasure, this year there were many changes to the show, but it did not disappoint in any way. I liked that most Galleries had personal spaces to curate as they pleased, each room had a different vibe. We arrived at a busy time, and did loose your way a few times- getting distracted by beautiful objects! Unfortunately I missed Craft Scotland’s section - this happened to be one of the exhibitions I was most looking forward to seeing, I was particularly excited to see Jonathan Wade’s new pieces in person, hopefully I’ll get another opportunity soon. There was a rich international presence this year, and seeing the works of many fellow Cockpit Arts Makers’ around the Galleries was inspiring and exciting!

Here are just a few personal favourites from Collect 2020…

In the evening, we were both invited by the Michelangelo Foundation in partnership with The Heritage Crafts Association to celebrate the launch of the Red List of Endangered Crafts. This was an educational and interesting evening, discussing problems facing endangered Crafts, as well as mentioning some crafts that unfortunately are extinct. A discussion panel shed light on what can be done to help ensure a future for these Crafts (For further information).

23 February 2020

Firstly, I’d like to apologise for the lack of communication.

My resolution for this year was to keep you up to date with everything related to my practice, and to share a bit more about my inspiration. It’s such an integral part of my work, and I’d like the opportunity to explain how I conjure my specimens, and why I’m so selective in my choice of materials.

Unfortunately my resolution didn’t really go to plan, but (after some encouragement from my coach at Cockpit Arts) today, I felt brave enough to sit in front of this screen to start explain a little to you…I’m hoping this might help me as much as it will help you understand my work. I’d also like to say, English isn’t my first language, so please be kind.

Despite having been working on new specimens and developing new leather techniques, I struggle to share much on social media, I’m not really sure why, I guess it’s a combination of things; lack of confidence, me overthinking everything, self doubt… Oh, I don’t know?! I’m sure many of you can relate in some ways.

This post will be a bit different, as I’d like to start by talking about one of my greatest inspirations in life, Anti Gill. She’s also the reason i’m here in London, following my dream.

On Monday, we said a very sad good-bye to Anti Gill. She changed so many lives for the better, including mine.

To me, she was amazing. Despite having experienced life in London during the Second World War, Anti Gill’s relentless optimism astounded me, her faith in humanity unquestionable, and her kindness and patience truly unfathomable. Her fondness of socialising with anyone and everyone was fascinating and rather contagious, she made friends wherever she’d go. She just loved people.

Four generations of my family had the pleasure of knowing Anti Gill; through her I got to know my Grandparents. I truly believe she was as close to my Grandma as she was to me.

I like to think we personally bonded over a slightly rebellious and rather determined and headstrong attitude; Anti Gill apparently thought my disinterest in homework as a child showed “character”.

I can’t imagine my childhood without adventures to visit Anti Gill both in London and Tai Cochion, North Wales. She was the reason I felt brave enough to move from rural Wales to London as a teenager, London became my second home.

The landscape around Tai Cochion and textures I discovered growing-up has influenced so many of my specimens; I’m so grateful for all the adventures we shared together. I’m pleased I can capture some of these memories and feelings within my sculptures, documenting moments in time.

For the last few years Uncle Alan (whom we sadly lost last year) and Anti Gill welcomed me into their home, they gave me the opportunity to stay in London to develop my creative practice.

It was wonderful coming home in the evenings to spent time with them, getting to know more about their long and interesting lives. They both cared for me as a child; it was an absolute pleasure that I could spend time and help them, as they got older and more dependant.

I will endeavour to live my life a little bit more like you Anti Gill,

Thank you for everything,

I miss you xxx