Is it ever the right time?

Welcome to Heart & Soul, the home of my craft and creativity. I’ve been pondering lately on time and timing and waiting for things to be just right. This summer, things have started to align for me. Having spent a good decade as what might be called a ‘kitchen table potter’, making my big belly bowls and goddesses in between meal times, washing piles and the school run. I could never grow and expand in a way that one would hope with a fledgling business and this was frustrating at best. I have taught ceramics at Making Space, a gorgeous craft and maker studio in the middle of Leigh Park in Hampshire for many years, and when I heard of applications being submitted for a vacant studio I felt called to apply. Now over the years there have been vacant studios and I have let the opportunity slide. Confidence, life circumstance and a warped perception of time all dictating my choices.

In June I applied for the studio and was successful. It has felt like a huge leap of faith. I am so glad that I made the decision to go for it and these are my reasons why; I am now part of a community, to work alongside other incredibly talented crafts people is inspirational. I have space! This is a luxury and for that I am so grateful. My children no longer have to shuffle my work around to exist in their home. I am also so happy to have my kiln, wheel and equipment all in one place so I can teach and share the space with other people. My productivity and creative thought processes have shifted dramatically and to be able to close the gate and say goodnight to my little studio has been incredible.

I am so excited to share my space with you too. From the 19th to the 22nd August 2023 I will be opening the doors along with the other tenants for my very first Hampshire Open Studios. Making Space will be open from 11am to 4pm for visitors to enjoy the space, have a look in the resident maker studios and there will be a pop up shop and taster sessions in a variety of crafts available. See the Making Space website for details on booking these.

I will be in Studio 11 where you will see some of my latest collection in various stages of production, also some of my folk painting that I am preparing for a solo exhibition next year. I will also have an archive sale of previous collections available to purchase over the weekend.

So, welcome! It’s great to have you here and to be sharing this next stage of my career. Now is the time without a doubt. Hope to see you at Hampshire Open Studios.