North Norfolk Open Studios

 

 

The time has come again when many of North Norfolk’s local artists and makers open their studios to the public.  It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase our work and also to meet clients face to face.  I particularly enjoy meeting people that are interested in the process and hearing an explanation of some of the work that it takes to produce a final piece.  The usual reaction is one of surprise at just how long it takes and how many different processes are involved.  More often than not the people that come along to open studios are art lovers and generally understand the huge difference between a lovingly hand made item and what is available mass produced.  Yes, hand made items are more expensive but I’m noticing more and more young people are saving up to buy a treasured piece that they use religiously every day rather than a generic, mass produced item.  This is heartwarming as my work is designed to last a lifetime and be enjoyed as such.   I absolutely love hearing from people who say “I bought one of your mugs and we use it every morning”.  Most of these people come back for another when they can.  With the price of fuel rocketing and the difficulty obtaining many raw materials, such as clay and glazes, all delayed or out of stock due to the war in Ukraine, Brexit and the pandemic it is as though all the stars have aligned – but not in a good way! I have waited eight months for my particular clays to be manufactured and I fire an electric and a gas kiln so feel as though I am being shot from all directions as I’m sure many small businesses are at the moment.  I try very hard to keep my work accessible but unfortunately I have had to consider putting my prices up a little just to break even and am really looking forward to the production costs dropping so I can follow suit.  I am so grateful for the support of my many loyal customers who return time and time again.  So if you are in the area and would like to talk pots and all things ceramic, do pop in for a chat and while you’re at it, do go and see the wealth of talent on show at the various North Norfolk Open Studios www.northnorfolkstudios.co.uk. I am also delighted that some of my work is in the Contemporary and Country exhibition “Avant Gardeners”  at Houghton Hall, Norfolk. Www.houghtonhall.com alongside some wonderful artists.  You can also find my work stocked in the shop at Holkham Hall Estate, Norfolk.  Look forward to meeting some new faces

Kat