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A trained furniture designer and maker I work mainly in leather, initially because I wanted to do something with the large scraps left over from the furniture industry, but also because I love working with leather, the smell, the way the texture alters throughout the hide, thick and tough in some places, soft, supple and stretchy in others, complete with holes, scratches and scars - a testament to the natural origin of the product. Exploring the boundaries of leather and inspired by the natural qualities of leather hide I use this as the basis for my work. I see these 'defects' as an opportunity, using the texture and markings to dictate the form the product will take. I rarely sketch or produce drawings of my designs as I tend to play with the hide, folding, creasing, layering, until a from takes shape. I also have an abiding fascination with practicality and I make simple pieces that are skilfully designed and made with great attention to detail.
Working from my studio at Coterie in West Wales I make a range of leather bags and accessories as well as leather accessories for the home. I focus on creating 'precious' items, making new items from waste; indeed all of my small leather goods are created from upholstery scrap inspired by the notion of 'no waste'. I use many different types of materials in finishing the bags from vintage buttons to found objects, this culture of salvage and re-using increasingly becoming an integral part of my work. .
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