A studio of my own, Scotland, and other developments

The last few months have been focused on my lovely family, my work and pouring some more concrete into the foundations of this passion of mine.

There is quite a bit to catch up on, so here are some updates since you last heard from me.

Not a change of direction

I tried to move my other work on by considering a move into research. I find the idea of professional identity very interesting, and this seemed like a potential way of bringing together some interests and experience. However, something had to give, and I was not about to lose my creative life again. Its good to confirm the location of one's limits.

We also moved house in May, which was another disruption to daily life. I continue to dream of communicating my thoughts around renting, and the wider UK housing market, in a project of some kind. Watch this space.

Building a small business

Over the past 12 months or so, I have continued to attend the market at Frome, completed some commissions, and made steady progress on many of the background elements of this project.

If you have ever set up a business, or something else comparable, were you surprised by how much time it took to get all the foundations in place? It certainly has been a learning experience for me.

A taste of Scotland

A highlight of the year was travelling to Scotland in August. It was a wonderful taste of the wilderness to be found in our very own country.

We stayed near Loch Aline and also spent time on Mull, including a boat trip out to the Atlantic. We saw a Humpback Whale and a pod of Minkes, as well as a host of other exciting wildlife.

It was strange to go on holiday somewhere cool and damp after so many hot, dry weeks in Bristol. Of course, it was still hot and dry when we returned.

A studio of my own

Exploring ideas through enamel

I have continued getting closer to articulating some of what I see and feel through my enamel work. This is very much the aim. Some ideas that keep coming up for me:

Time. One moment time flies, and suddenly there is less of it. But if we don't get absorbed in something, sometimes it feels that we wasting it.

Perception is really an approximation of reality, and this can lead to misinterpretations. Interpersonal communication is limited too - or you might say enhanced - by language and other means of communication. Despite all of this, we can do a pretty good job of tackling complex issues through collaboration; such as love. If only that was the focus of our global leaders.

I have also been thinking about the knowledge I needed a few years ago. It has been a battle to get here today, and there have been particular books, activities and habits which have helped me out. I wonder whether others might benefit from some of these discoveries too. This is likely to feed in over time.

Examples are my experiments with enamelled clock faces (plus frames) and dishes, playing with the degree to which details on and below the surface are more or less visible.

Filming the making

Last month, I got myself a video camera. I am looking forward to filming more in the studio, and hopefully sharing more of the making process.

Upcoming markets

I am looking forward to some busy Christmas markets.

• Frome Independent Market — on the first Sunday of every month until the winter break after the New Year. My pitch is on Catherine Hill, towards the top of the hill.
• Made in Bristol Gift Fair — 12 December at Bristol Beacon, in the Lantern Hall.

If you are around, please come and say hello. It would be lovely to see you.

Looking ahead

I have a website refit to-do list, and a plan to add new pieces to the shop more easily. These changes will happen in the new year, if not before, and will mean more reguar stock updates to my shop.

I am keen to begin teaching more regularly. I can now offer one-to-one sessions in my studio, and I am on the lookout for a space to teach groups. If you are interested in learning to enamel or trying out some metalworking techniques, please get in touch. Equally, if you know of a suitable space for group workshops, I would love to hear from you.

A couple of audiobook recommendations

Two books have stayed with me recently, and I thought I would share them.

The Master and His Emissary — Iain McGilchrist

This is a long book, so I put off reading it. I eventually got to it by listening to the audiobook. While I will have missed some important aspects of it by listening, it still had a huge impact on me, and I intend to return to it in the future. A short documentary based on the book has also been made, called The Divided Brain (2019), if you want to get a sense of what its about.

Letters to a Young Poet — Rainer Maria Rilke

A shorter, more poetic audiobook listen, with real beauty and warmth to it. Inspiring, for your creative side, if that's what you need.

Keep in touch

Anyway, please send me an email if anything in this note has got you thinking.

Otherwise, do come and say hello at one of the markets if you can.

Let me know if you are interested in learning to enamel or trying some metalworking techniques.

Or, please consider supporting this project by purchasing something from my shop. Christmas is coming!

Finally, I love making custom pieces for people. For a no-obligation consultation and quote, simply send me an email to commission a special something for yourself or someone else.

Best wishes,

Ed