A Travelling Studio
Two years ago I moved the label to New York. While boxing up the studio I was reminded quite how important my tools are to me. Besides being the equipment necessary to do my work these objects are my constant companions and have been for many years. I was hugely relieved when they arrived safe and sound this side of the Atlantic.
Since the move I’ve been slowly collecting a second set of tools to go alongside the primary ones here in the studio. I’ve just completed this set and collected it into a travel kit which will allow me to practice my craft in other locations, opening myself to taking part in residencies and presentations further afield.
The two most unusual tools included are the stitching-clamp and the dart-board. The stitching-clamp takes the form of a giant pair of tweezers; it is held between the knees and used to secure pieces of leather whilst they are being hand-stitched.
The dart-board is an unexpected inclusion in the kit, surprising even to other leatherworkers. Because I specialise in hand-stitching I need to pierce the leather panels hundreds, sometimes thousands of times before I can begin the process of hand-sewing. The dart-board is the perfect surface to use to cut these holes accurately.
One of the benefits of working in a traditional manner is that the tools tend to be modest in size and relatively light. I’ve tried to keep things extra minimal for the sake of portability; many of the travel tools are pared-down versions of their more substantial counterparts in the main studio.
The process of cataloging the tools in my studio has been an interesting one - It has allowed me to understand how few tools are needed to do my work but how vital those tools are. Often these tools have been altered and amended over the years so they can fulfil their role perfectly.
I’m looking forward to making use of this traveling kit in new locations, to seeing what new work might develop in contexts away from home.
