In the final of our three articles with new Cockpit makers, it’s the turn of Cat Hart, Daisy Tempest, Mike Groves and Rachel Jones to tell us what excites them most about the future of craft.
We are always delighted to welcome new makers to Cockpit. We love to see them flourish – and at the same time contribute so many new and exciting ideas to our established and supportive community.
This year’s Cockpit Makers’ Market – our annual Winter Open Studios event – will see thirteen new makers take part for the very first time.
Exhibiting as clothworkers, basketmakers, haberdashers, jewellers – and so much more – we cannot wait to introduce you to: Ashley Knight, Fadhel Mourali, Peipei Wang, Patrizia Sascor, Daisy Tempest, Mike Groves, Anna Stefanou, Hannah Cawley, Katy Watt, Kamilah Ahmed, Aniela Fidler Wieruszewska, Cat Hart and Rachel Jones.
Cat Hart – Jeweller
“The world has become a lot more environmentally focused, and this has had a significant impact on the retail environment. There has been a positive mind shift towards sustainability, and I feel that the public are more interested in buying less but better. People have become more interested in the story behind the products and how they are made. I feel that as makers we have an important role to play in supporting this positive change. It is important to me to create jewellery with an emphasis on design and longevity with an investment in the quality of craftsmanship.”
Daisy Tempest – Luthier, guitar pictured above
“I want to push the guitar industry into a more modern place, as it is currently sitting in a void of male dominance and sexism. I can see the changes happening as more women tentatively get involved, but I think there is much work to be done on that front.”
Mike Groves – Woodturner
“What excites me most is that there is definitely a cultural shift happening in how and why more and more people are buying locally, skilfully made objects. For me, this represents a change in values and an increased awareness of the environmental and social benefits of buying local and supporting independent producers. I am excited by this because I feel part of that change. I feel like I have values invested into my bowls that other people do care about and will share with me.”
Rachel Jones – Jeweller
“I’m excited to develop my spectrum gold as it is an innovative technique not being explored by other jewellers. I want to push the boundaries of craft to create pieces never seen before.”
And what can we expect to see from these four talented Makers at this year’s Cockpit Makers’ Market?
Reflecting the connection she feels to the landscapes where she grew up, Cat Hart will be introducing some truly precious items: “My collection of sculptural jewellery, incorporating the ancient Japanese technique of fusing gold to silver (Keum Boo), will be on sale. I will also be exhibiting a special ring incorporating a unique Australian sapphire that will be available for commission. This ring is called Precipice and is inspired by a striking waterfall near my home in South Africa, drawing from the drama of cascading water down sheer cliffs with elegance and attention to craftmanship. This ring forms part of my new collection that I will be developing here at Cockpit.”
Passionate about working with new materials that haven’t been explored much in her craft, Daisy Tempest promises a real insight into her making process at this year’s Cockpit Makers’ Market: “As each guitar takes a long period of time to construct – and because I’ve just moved into my workshop – I can only exhibit my raw materials, and a guitar that is a few weeks from being completed. I hope the focus on process can be an interesting insight into my craft, though!”
Often inspired by the beautiful raw functionality of domestic Roman pottery, Mike Groves will be showcasing a variety of designs, “… all of which are engineered for feasting and dinner parties, as well as for intimate, personal, cosy comfort food,” he tells us and adds: “I’ll have some bigger salad and serving bowls, some smaller dishes for sides and condiments and, my personal favourites; what I like to simply call ‘porridge bowls’. Usually about 7 inches across, these are the perfect size for a decent portion of something hearty and warming that you can dive right into.”
Rachel Jones first discovered Cockpit as a student, working for other makers on her placement year from University:
“For my first Cockpit Makers Market I’ll be showing some new pieces that explore colour in gemstone and gold, including my award-winning Spectrum Earrings and Spectrum Opal Ring. Visitors will be able to buy one-of-a-kind pieces as well as commissioning their own, including incorporating their own heirloom jewellery.”
You can meet Cat, Daisy, Mike, Rachel and all Cockpit’s makers in Holborn from 26 – 28 November and in Deptford, 3 – 5 December.
All tickets and visiting information here.
