I wouldn’t say that I have ever “hit the ground running”. I’m a slow burner; creative ideas take a long time to develop in my head, then take a long time to be realised, followed by lengthy periods of honing. As a result, our store room gradually accumulates experiments / prototypes / samples which for various reasons aren’t considered suitable for our website or any of the galleries we supply.
Usually we sell these “seconds” at our Open Studio in July, but of course, unfortunately, this year the event has been cancelled. We are all living differently, working differently and shopping differently, and so now (although they are sort of work in progress) my first generation brooches are available on our website shop.
I’m new to making brooches but old to working with clay and have found the combination of novelty / familiarity very favourable to creativity. Somehow it’s easy to be playful.
I have many unanswered questions like “are they nicer glazed or un-glazed?” and “which shapes do I prefer: straight or curved edges?” The answers will probably come through making more. At the moment it doesn’t matter, I just need to put in the hours and let them evolve.
I would love to come up with a more elegant solution to the backs. I have used commercial brooch backs and araldite: strong and practical, but amateur.
I will give half of the proceeds to the mental health charity, Mind. I’m aware of the huge strain lots of people are under at the moment, including our youngest daughter who had been recovering from anorexia but is now back in hospital.
My brooches have been joyful light relief for me during lock-down; I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing them.
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This is a stunning collection! Can’t wait to see what the second generation will be like (though hopefully not too much evolution from the first!)
Thanks so much Laura! I’m curious to know what they’ll be like too- we’ll have to wait a while though I suspect. Btw, I still really love the green ring brooch you made and wear it a lot. xT
It’s drinking my tea from your mugs that starts and ends my days and gives me great comfort , thank you xx
That’s lovely to hear Alison – Simple daily comforts can be so helpful! Thanks for letting us know. I hope you’re well. xT
Wow! These are so lovely! They remind me of Terry Frost etchings of Yorkshire landscapes!
Well some do and then I move on to other landscapes. I can imagine how the prices was wonderfully therapeutic but wearing these will be hugely energizing.
(I have admired your work for years. Once this is all over I am determined to visit the studio)
Thanks for your lovely comment Jane! I will look up those Terry Frosts. Please do come and visit us one day – I look forward to it. xT
Well done Tilla,keep up losing yourself in creativity.
Much love Sally
Thanks Sally – you’re such an inspiration! Lots of love, Txxx
They’re all beautiful, Tilla! Particularly loving the ‘piano’ for obvious reasons! Keep experimenting, keep adapting, and above all keep your back to the shadows. Xx
Ah thanks so much Sue! You too and lots of love, Txxx