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Building creative resilience: crafting connections in the hardest year

Writer's picture: Judith AEJudith AE

Last year was the year that I resolved to really go for it: to put my art "out there" for as many people as possible to see, touch and experience. After 23 craft fairs, one trade fair and four exhibitions spanning Essex, Norfolk, Central London, Kent and Lancashire, 2024 was the hardest year of trading since setting up my ceramics business.


However, passion for my art and the desire to continue creating did not waver. I think in this process and against a backdrop of - let's face it - some depressing world events, I kept thinking about an interview by Tracey Emin when she stated that art has to be a force for good.


2024 still held a number of high points. Read on to learn more.


Celebrating Excellence: The Black Artisans Photography Exhibition at Haworth Art Gallery, supported by Creative Lancashire.


What a wonderful experience it was to be able to present and speak about my ceramics journey, my inspirations and my techniques to a diverse and engaged audience.


Creative Lancashire produced a lovely video of its Conversations in Creativity programme which you can watch here.


This opportunity would not have been possible without the formidable Jo Sealey, founder of The Black Artisans. Thank you for creating this platform for amazing Black British crafters to showcase their work. Big thanks also to Ed Matthews-Gentle of Creative Lancashire for supporting the exhibition and for the stylish and professionally packaged event and materials. It was a real priviledge to be a part of this talking and demonstration programme.


Mondrian inspired Vulcan Black clay platter
Mondrian inspired Vulcan Black clay platter

The Craftworks 2024 Trade Show in Shoreditch was another notable event with over 100 organisations, businesses and individual crafters of the highest calibre under one roof in the iconic Shoreditch Town Hall.


You just cannot beat the camaraderie of these large-scale events. There were so many learnings and great conversations.


Click on the image to view my highlights reel of the show.


Vulcan Black clay bowl with green glaze produced for the Clayart quintessentially show
Vulcan Black clay bowl with green glaze produced for the Clayart quintessentially show

And to round off the year was my third annual pop-up with Clayart quintessentially.


This year saw our return to Wivenhoe, this time at the space provided by quaint Old Grocery gallery.


Whilst the preparation for this group show can be intense at times, I always enjoy the process of planning and creating new works during the summer months to launch at this annual show. As always, it was a pleasure to collaborate with my fellow potters Anne Hebden, Jacqui Cade-Bowyer, Sandra Hall and Lucy Fowler under the joint Clayart quintessentially brand.


What I am most thankful for are the many connections that I made during the year; from marketing professionals, retailers, gallery owners, collectors, crafters, potters, potential collaborators, followers, clients and new friends.


Recognising that I have chosen to set up a commercial creative practice when most people my age are looking to wind down, I appreciate this moment in time to be able to follow my heart and to do what I love.


Check out my events page for upcoming shows.


See you in 2025!


Warmest,

Judith

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