It’s not about need - it’s about joy.

Sometimes I think what’s the point in making a product that people don’t need. That I’m just adding to a world already full of things we don’t need, made by brands convincing us that we do. That’s not a world I want to be a part of. But then I’d never say that about a work of art. You don’t need a painting - but it does bring happiness.

People value art for what it brings them. Comfort. Curiosity. Nostalgia. Wonderment. Craft sits somewhere between art and design – it isn’t an expression of emotion, nor does it exist to be functional. Yet it brings those two things together. It is to me the best of both worlds – a work of art that can be used. My work brings me joy because it allows me to slow down, to concentrate in a world where our attention spans are lower than ever. I think we need craft now more than ever.

My craft allows me to lead a slower, more deliberate life for a while – to savour and cherish beautiful things. It also brings with it responsibility. If I am producing something new in a world that has so much, it needs to be as mindful as it possibly can – utilising resources and people with respect. I set up a page called Material Matters which lays out each element of my bags – the whats, hows and wheres. We need to care more about what we consume. All my materials are sourced within Europe and all production, from start to finish, is within the UK. I want each bag to be a celebration of craft and that means supporting other craftsmen, paying them properly and choosing quality over profit at every juncture.

Essentially my work is not about need, it’s about joy. It’s inspired by traditional basket making, and heavily influenced by my upbringing in the Scottish Highlands and my parents love of craft (my kitchen is a shrine to William Morris) and of quality products that last a lifetime. It’s a reflection of my values. It’s something I want you to cherish - for all the work and dedication and skill behind it. For all the craftsmen and women it celebrates. For the slow way of living it promotes. My work is not art. It is not design. It is craft. And that’s something I believe is worth celebrating.