I feel the need to join the conversation with regards to Sustainability.

My background (2012-2017) is in Set Design & Visual Merchandising. My role in most cases was to create hand made objects to support a Brand Campaign or Product. For the most part I absolutely loved my career path in this industry. What I really grappled with on an almost daily basis was the prospect that my hard work would be discarded once the Client/Brand no longer required it. It felt fickle and truly broke my heart for all the hours I put into making the display.

I can’t speak for the entire Set Design & Visual Merchandising Industry - but for me, i’d had enough. I wanted my creations to be appreciated for longer than a Campaigns duration. I wanted my hard work to be celebrated on Walls in homes and cherished forever.

So my progression from 2017 was into Contemporary Art. I dedicated myself to only creating what I felt was worthy of making. To this day I don’t physically make anything until i’m pretty certain it’s going to work. This can stifle my ideation process somewhat - but I wholeheartedly believe it’s a great way to reduce waste.

Below are current practises:

1/ I start by making mini models with paper and card. This allows me to establish scale and reduce the potential of waste materials when i’m working at full scale.

2/ Working with locally manufactured products when possible.

3/ Maximising sheet yield & repurposing offcuts to create smaller abstract works.

4/ Participating in a recycling program that turns offcuts into new materials. This process is circular and at no point does the integrity of the material fault. This means very rarely does it end up in Landfill. (this is with particular reference to ‘Perspex’)

My promise to myself and the world by 2028:

1/ A direct relationship with the ‘Perspex’ recycling process. Utilising machinery that can turn my offcuts into new Sculptures.

2/ Minimal use of Virgin Polymer and maximum use of natural materials such as Clay, Timber & Metals.

One thing is for certain, I am not perfect. But I do care.