My journey as a craftsman began in 2011 finding my love for jewellery and metalwork at the Royal College of Art. I spent every moment in the bronze casting foundry immersing myself in the age-old processes of waxwork and metalwork. I began to seek further training and looked closer at goldsmithing and silversmithing because of the high level of intricacy and finishing required. I found an affinity with working directly into wax and with the support and mentorship of master craftsmen within the trade, continued to develop as a craftsman at The Goldsmiths’ Centre in central London, UK.
“Techne – an intellectual pursuit of the truth by way of art, craft or skill. ”
Craft can be compared to alchemy - a path of reflection between yourself and the object in its creation, intrinsically revealing new insight and opportunities for further development and a level of faith and determination that you will arrive at your destination. The desire to simply making something from the imagination has its own challenges, but following your inspiration and staying on course can lead to unexpected treasures.
“Real artists are contending with the unknown, they are possessed by it. They have a personality trait, an openness that makes them do that - They can’t even help it…. They are cursed with the necessity with putting a foot out into the unknown and making sense of it, they are also cursed with the necessity with trying to make a living while they are doing it, which they can’t because it’s almost impossible to monetize creative action…. It’s not that creative action is without value…. as creative people are entrepreneurs, revitalize cities they make things magnificent and beautiful” - Jordan Peterson
Design exclusivity, high quality materials and craftsmanship constitute to the definition of luxury and conceptually is where The Beast Will Out begins. Through the process of creation using traditional techniques a new understanding of luxury has developed. Working with precious materials are expensive and the processes are lengthy so there must be great care taken and a slowing down of mind. This meditative nature of working precisely means being methodical and reflective which is often where we do our truest work.
For the craftsman the notion of luxury is materially beautiful and well-made. For the alchemist, this perspective of ‘what is luxurious’ is perhaps more of an intangible - an aligned state, ease of decision making and freedom to explore.
““There should be nothing in the house that is neither beautiful or useful” ”
Leaf inspired forms on decorative vase