One of our favourite things about Made in Bristol, is discovering unique talented makers across the country and bringing their work to Bristol. In the Christmas Design Temporium at the Architecture Centre this year we are delighted to showcase Welsh company Loglike. Based in North Wales they produce a range of homewares and their wooden apple had us at love at first sight. We caught up with owner, Jen, to find out more...
Please can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your work?
Loglike was started in 2005, in London. It's now run from rural North Wales, and has remained small and very hands-on. It offers a range of giftware with a focus on wood, but done in a distinctive contemporary style. Products include candleholders made with upcycled saucers and our sweet, functional version of a Welsh lovespoon. I like contrasting the natural beauty of wood with painted block colours or reclaimed elements such as old crockery or vintage leather. The packaging is also important. I try and retain consistency across the range by using utilitarian brown cardboard boxes. However, they're made tactile and special with hand-pulled screen printing, gold foil seals & pine wood-wool.
What do you love most about working in your chosen discipline?
It's got to be hunting for vintage saucers at car boot sales! I love the challenge of finding treasure that has been overlooked. You also see such interesting objects at car boot sales to use as raw material, make into something new or to just have around as inspiring decorations. This Christmas we're going to dress the tree with plastic body parts from a medical student's broken mannequin, all spray-painted in candy colours.
What is your favourite family Christmas tradition?
Making festive vignettes or shrines as table centre pieces, with vintage, kitsch knick-knacks and lots of candles. Candles create such a magical light and special atmosphere. As soon as you've got candles burning (safely!) it sets the scene in a way that a low-energy bulb can only aspire to.
What handmade item is high on your Christmas wish list?
My mum's Christmas cookies. They're made simply from sugar, butter, flour and vanilla then glazed with glace icing. I had the most fun as a child, decorating them with coloured icing, sprinkles and silver balls. They go hard so you can tie them on the tree with ribbon.
Do you have any tips on selling over the Christmas period?
If you're doing an event, wear an exuberant hat. It puts everyone in a good mood. Works every time.
If you could choose a fellow artist/maker to collaborate with, who would it be and why?
The wonderfully named Minnie Lambeth, straw worker extraordinaire. Minnie died in 1984 leaving behind exhaustive documentation on the traditions of British straw weaving. I'm interested in the techniques and sculptural shapes made with straw work and am drawn to it as it's a biodegradable material, like the wood I usually use.
Which artist do you find inspiring to follow on Facebook or Twitter?
I like seeing what Donna Wilson is up to. She works with natural woollen fabrics and makes characterful, appealing homeware and accessories. I saw her residency at YSP (Yorkshire Sculpture Park) in 2011 where she exhibited paintings and sketches alongside a big installation of a knitted woodland scene, which was great. It was interesting to see 2D fine art transfer to products and back again to sculpture.
Finally if you could design a Christmas decoration, what would it be and why?
It would be a decoration based on a sculpture I've been working on, which will be shown at a new exhibition starting on 22nd November at Mission Gallery, Swansea. The piece is large and angular, with a spiralling geometric shape. It was made using reclaimed pitch pine which has a wonderful aromatic smell when cut. It also has dramatic woodgrain stripes which are really beautiful.
Thank you Jen! We adore your work, so beautiful and unique. You can find Loglike in our Christmas Design Temporium at The Architecture Centre.
Christmas Design Temporium
The Architecture Centre
Narrow Quay
Bristol
Tues - Sun: 10am - 6pm
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