Journal
Quilt Pockets & Stitches in Time
We are proud to, once again, be collaborating with 'Stitches in Time' who have made this very special, first drop of 'Quilt Pockets' for us.
Based in East London 'Stitches in Time' began with a simple experiment to see if sewing could start conversations between strangers. Over the years it has grown and through using creative projects as a starting point it has been able to support culturally diverse groups, some facing disadvantage and marginalisation, including elders, migrant women, children living in poverty.
Fabric Works is the training, production and social enterprise arm of Stitches in Time. It offers women, who have an interest in sewing, but with little or no work experience, a safe space to learn new skills. Here they are able to gain confidence in a supportive and empowering environment and take on work which is paid at the 'London Living Wage'.
family, like a home, and I feel part of something, and important"
Ceramicist Ana Bridgewater
Photography by Jannine Newman
Designer and sculptor, Ana has been working with porcelain since 2004 and founded Abalon Studio in 2015.
Using mostly Corallo Porcelain, Ana's production processes are all done by hand. Natural forms and shapes influence her collection of lighting, which includes individual candle holders, light shades and pendants. Alongside these larger pieces Ana also crafts jewellery. Using 9k gold and precious stones, such as sapphires and pearls, she combines them with porcelain to make beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces.
We were lucky to be invited to her West London studio where we got to hang out with Ana (and Cilla-the-Staffy) and talk all things ceramic.
TR: Where does your love of ceramics come from?
ANA: I got into ceramics when I took a class whilst studying and fell in love with it immediately. I loved the feeling of clay in my hands and the way I could shape it into whatever I wanted... There's also something very satisfying about creating objects with your hands. I find the process to be meditative and grounding, and the possibilities are endless. From my early time using clay I was always haunted by the translucency of porcelain and its application in art.
TR: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
ANA: Many places, from nature and the world around me to other artists and designers. I'm particularly drawn to the work of Japanese potters and their emphasis on simplicity, functionality and natural materials.
Ana wears Quilt Dress in workwear blue linen and large Pioneer Tote in tan.
TR: Colour is so important to our collection and we can see that blue is particularly influential to you, is there any significance to this?
ANA: I love blue! It's both calming and peaceful. It reminds me of the ocean and the sky. I also love the way different shades of blue can evoke different moods and emotions.
TR: So much of what you do 'creatively' resonates with us..
ANA: Yes, I think we share many of the same design principles. My love for ceramics comes from my appreciation of the craftmanship involved in creating something beautiful and functional from natural materials. Also, like you, I appreciate the attention to detail and the quality of these materials.. I love that your pieces are understated and elegant.
Ana wears Quilt Jacket in olive linen and Quilt Dress in wholewheat linen
Abalon Studios will be exhibiting as part of Clerkenwell Design, London Craft Week, 'Material Matters' exbition and 'Light 23' also in London.