We Are Makers

A magazine for those who want to learn from the stories of the world best makers, craftspeople, and artists.

We Are Makers

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Founders' note

Horse girl for life • Canadian-born farrier and blacksmith Anna Weare didn't look for a vocation. Her vocation – and craft – found her. She shares the story of how a moment of serendipity set her on a life-changing path to becoming fully herself.

The clay custodian • In a small, orderly studio in rural South Korea, about 200 kilometres southwest of Seoul, ceramicist Im Kyungmoon and his wife and collaborator Doheon are continuing a conversation that began centuries ago. Their work as Hwasimdoyo isn’t about trends or production. It’s about restoring something lost – and doing it together.

Bold as brass • In the hands of master craftsman Tobias Falkner, brass becomes an instrument and instruments become music. On a visit to Austria, Kate and Jack swing by his studio to take a look behind the scenes.

600 horsepower canvas • Kate and Jack were invited to Goodwood in Sussex, on the English south coast, to the home of Rolls-Royce. They went to witness the creation of the Phantom Centenary – a private collection celebrating 100 years of the iconic vehicle and the people who keep its story alive. They didn’t go to write about a car. They went with a question: Would they find the same qualities of craft they’ve seen in small studios and workshops the world over, in a place famous for engineering scale and global prestige? The answer is yes – and a lot more besides.

Lino: a new life • Pursuing a creative life when you’re a mum trying to hold down a job is no mean feat. When we met Nicole Revy at her business Prints By The Bay on a visit to Dorset this September, we were impressed by her tenacity and perseverance. She talked to us about how she discovered printmaking and how she keeps the balance in her working life.

Wild, at home • This story is about two people, Raleigh and Oliver AKA Wild Crafted Home, who followed the urge for a slower and more hands-on life. Turns out, they weren’t the only ones. From carving spoons to hosting craft festivals, they are sharing what they’ve created – a slower life and a place where people can simply come and make.

Able by design • Able Snail may sound an unusual name for a business, but for Polish penmaker Greg Wiszniowski it perfectly captures the story of his craft: shaping slowly, teaching himself with each attempt and finding joy in the process. From his studio near Wrocław, he transforms ebonite, silver and resin into engraved fountain pens collected worldwide.

The silent edge • The UNESCO world heritage site and birthplace of Mozart is home to another great creator: Salzburg’s old town is where master knifemaker and goldsmith Richard Kappeller lives and works. In a small glass-fronted shop Richard creates pieces that blur the line between tool and artwork. We were left in awe of both the craft and the man behind it. This is a story of how one man’s skills grew from his parents’ basement into a full-fledged business.

A joyful sole • During our previous travels in the United States, we were told again and again about a bootmaker in Oklahoma named Lisa Sorrell. When we looked her up, her work took our breath away. Lisa’s not only a master of the craft of cowboy bootmaking, she’s also a scholar of cowboy boot history. We were lucky enough to speak with her remotely and we’re excited to share her story with you.

Taking a stand • Craft Festival Wales may only be in its second year, but as part of the wider Craft Festival family started 20 years ago, its reputation is for showcasing some of the UK’s best contemporary craft. For Kate and Jack it was a return to the scene – this time as festival partners. Here are some makers who caught their eyes and a longer...