WEEK 1

Play some music for more wholesome feel:

Melody Vaughan is a curator and writer who facilitates encounters between people,
objects and craft makers. Through acts of gathering she creates spaces for sharing experiences
of making and the questioning of contemporary craft practices. With an interest in supporting
the work of emerging makers, she works as a mentor and writer developing and articulating their practices.

Writing usually isn’t the most natural thing for most people.
Especially when you have to put ideas into words.
Claudia shared that she would appreciate it if we could help her strengthen that skill. We easily figured Melody was the perfect person for the task. Through a series of workshop talks Melody helped Claudia develop her own voice. She gave her tools that later would help Claudia write about her pieces.

The main goal was to develop and deliver Claudia’s idea about her upcoming exhibition.

When making own brand, whether commercial or more artistically orientated, it’s always important
to define market positioning and what you want to communicate with your audience.
That is why we decided to introduce Claudia with Daniella Wells.

Daniella has over 20 years' experience in the art market with a focus on museum quality craft. Her work encompasses a range of events, predominantly art fairs. With the benefit of an extensive network, Daniella works independently and in collaboration with other individuals or companies on: Project Management, Events Management/Consultation, Marketing/PR and Talks Programmes.

With her knowledge and insights Daniella helped Claudia  start “building” the upcoming exhibition.
How to know that everything that needs to be done is done when preparing for an exhibition
and all the ideas that come with that. How to define the overall concept for feel of the exhibition.

Daniela shared practical tools for creating a professional network, talking with galleries and art collectors. Together they discussed the overall market positioning of Claudia and how she can define it.

During the Jewellery residence we welcomed our Photography resident: Lucy Shortman. It was inevitable not to gather the two ladies.
Both of them shared a mutual passion for fashion.
After having to spend some time together it came quite naturally
the idea for a collaboration.

We also introduced Claudia to Varuna Kollanethu, founder of Ruup & Form.

 Ruup & Form is a craft and design platform working with British and international makers,
with the objective of promoting craft and design stories, including exhibitions, workshops and residencies globally. Ruup & Form believes craft and design in all its forms, demonstrates creativity, ingenuity,
and practical intelligence. It contributes to the economic and social wellbeing of communities,
connects us to our cultural histories, and is integral to building a sustainable future.

 Varuna shared knowledge and insights on:
-       Market knowledge
-       How to build relatable connections with the people about her work
-       Personal branding – what kind of content will be helpful to add to site and social channels
-       Artist Statement and how to put it into words

Everything that would help Claudia to build strong and cohesive brand identity.