Environmental Consciousness
Hello,
Today I want to take a moment to talk about emotional durability and environmental consciousness, which are very much embedded into my values as a designer crafts person. As well as using eco-friendly methods where I can in the studio, I design my ceramics to be relevant far into the future. Wouldn’t it be nice if we invested in fewer things, loved them and looked after them well?
My Masters research into emotionally durable design took me deep into the meanings that we attach to the things we own, why we love or hate particular objects and how we might consider creating things worth keeping. This deeply informs my creative practice which is all about crafting a meaningful experience. I seek to build longevity into everything I make – it's about producing items which are (this is very William Morris) genuinely useful and beautiful so they will never become throw away. The subtle geometric shapes, throwing lines and comfortable handles are the opposite of trend driven, promoting the idea that each piece can be kept forever, fitting into homes year after year.
Attention to detail is something I have always focused on, and every little part of each mug, bowl and jug is considered, so you’ll keep discovering new elements to your piece – from the textured stamp on the curve of the foot to the tactile change between the glazes. The dent in the Everyday range is not just pleasant to explore, it is a direct reference to the making process and the softness of the clay.
My studio is built around sustainable practises. I work mostly with clays from Stoke-on-Trent, Devon and Cornwall (which I buy from my local seller in London’s Wood Green), I reuse even the tiniest clay trimmings. Any excess recycled clay is donated to educational projects or other artists’ studios – that’s if my kids don’t get their hands on it first! The gradient scales of colour I make are designed to use every last bit of glaze and stain, minimising waste through specific methods (which require intense concentration and note taking – that’s another longer story…).
I use the most sustainable packaging I can – recycled and recyclable cardboard boxes, biodegradable starch-based packing peanuts, and cardboard fill. Even our sticky tape is paper. If you buy more than one item it all comes gift packaged in a simple brown box with reusable ribbon ready to go straight under the tree (or to be easily wrapped). Single mug boxes are cheerfully walked to the post-office.
Why are my mugs such great gifts? We all use some kind of drinking vessel and they’re thoughtful, intimate objects – something that you touch with your hands and your lips, comforting and personal. I really feel each of my pieces is a timeless, emotional present, about experiencing the materiality of the object and building a narrative of my research and the material’s journey. The whole idea of snuggling up with a cup of tea, chocolate, or coffee, is gifting somebody a moment to themselves – which is what we all really want this Christmas right?