‘Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or find to be beautiful’. It’s an oldie, but it really is a goodie. As I get older I see more clearly how much of an impact the things that we see and use every day have on our happiness and quality of life.
Sometimes the best result is the absence of stuff. I am more sentimental than I like to admit and really struggle to let go of things. Especially those that belonged to people I love, or that they gave to me. And it’s taken me a remarkably long time to realise that it is more upsetting for me to open a cupboard and be confronted a wave of guilt over something that I was given but I don’t, in all honesty, like or use than to move it on to someone who WILL use it, or to send it to be recycled.
As as result of this, I am now in a perpetual state of decluttering, to repair the damage of too many years of mild hoarding. I’m trying to regularly assess the contents of my cupboards and clear them back to the real essentials. And let’s not talk about the loft…
The other side of this coin is that I now take more and more care when bringing new things into my home. As powerful as the negative feelings associated with something that feels cheap or that looks ugly are, the feelings associated with something beautiful or lovely to use are equally strong. I have a little collection of pots on my mantlepiece, some mine, some made by my friends. I often find myself gazing at the shelf while I’m watching tv, or even just passing through the room and it does bring me real happiness.
Encountering something handmade with real care and skill is an experience like no other. Not necessarily ground-breaking, or thrilling, but a slow, steady drip feed of pleasure that you might only truly understand the next time you pick up that mug you got at IKEA and find it wanting.
Exhibiting alongside other amazing makers at shows like the Contemporary Craft Festival and Made London has sharpened my motivation to invest in fewer, better things; things that have been lovingly made with form and / or function at front of mind, from the best quality materials in the best possible way. I try to buy something from every show, which brings me pleasure in the support of a fellow maker and in the everyday use or encounter with their object.
I am excited to see what I will pick up at my next couple of fairs! I will be at Contemporary Craft Festival Cheltenham (my first time!) and Handmade in Highgate, both in March.
My mantlepiece with lidded jar from Adam Frew, bud vase by Olivia McGill, tea light holders by me and little bowl by Sue Mundy.