Manifesto

It’s taken me a while to actually put down in words what my manifesto is, although I have probably been aware of it for a long time…

I like making things that are pretty, that illicit positive comments and that people covet. I like to make useful things though; things that people will want to use and enjoy. I don’t expect that the items will be used everyday, but to have a lifetime over a number of years, favourite things that people come back to time and time again.

The process of how the items are made is very important as well; I need to enjoy making the item. I believe this enjoyment becomes part of the hand aesthetic that draws people to the product. The three key processes I currently employ are knit, stitch and heat transfer.

I believe there is also an unofficial manifesto for design students around the world; it’s certainly been true at the various institutions I’ve studied at:

You will make things that are oversized and difficult to transport
You will use all manner of materials available to you
Your studio will be situated at the top of a very steep hill (making 1 and 2 above even more cumbersome)

However, I now have my own manifesto and will enjoy bringing it to life. It’s not too far from the famous quote by William Morris, I do believe he was onto something…