Keeping Your Batteries Charged

So in this strange period of lockdown limbo, we’ve collated a few creative resources we’ve come across to keep you going. Here’s a few things to listen to, connect with and get lost in.

LISTEN

Material Matters – Grant Gibson
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/material-matters-with-grant-gibson
Grant Gibson’s well known podcast series explores materials and techniques with different designers and makers. We’d recommend episodes with Eleanor Lakelin on Timber, Daniel Charny on Fixing and Repair, and Tom Dixon on Welding.

Hope & Action Podcast – Bank Job
https://bankjob.pictures/podcasts
Local heroes Bank Job continue to explore economics and our society and have released a new podcast: ‘Coronavirus Capitalism’, interviewing British economist Ann Pettifor. Vital listening on the impact of the virus and what it means for the future.

Chats in Lockdown – Artists Talking 
https://open.spotify.com/show/36qEcZe54tUQVCqeclOL1G
Emma Cousins talks to our neighbouring artist Barry Sykes about how the virus has impacted him and his work and both share their strategies and experiences. There’s even some ‘Laughter Yoga’ from Barry in there too to keep a smile on your face.

DIY Podcasting?
Inspired to start your own? Download the Anchor app and get cracking. Our ears await.
https://anchor.fm/

 

CONNECT

Sam Jacob’s Weekly Design Challenge
Follow on Instagram or Twitter: @_samjacob 
Every Monday Professor of Architecture and columnist for Dezeen, Sam Jacob, has been setting a weekly design challenge for anyone to join. Week one was all about the concept of the souvenir, and this week the task is all around how our notions of time have changed during lockdown. Both great starting points for new projects in wood or metal. Check out his social media for the full brief lowdown. Weekly online crits via zoom for those in need of creative company.

Design Museum – #DesignDispatches
@designmuseum
Keep a beady eye on the Design Museum’s design calendar as they respond to the crisis by bringing us a series of online content including live instagram sessions and discussions with leading designers. So far they’ve had in conversation series with Morag Myerscough and Christopher Raeburn. Worth a nosey.

 

RESEARCH

V&A Archive
https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/moulding-a-seat-for-marcel-breuers-short-chair
Delve into the V&A furniture archive to search out new techniques to explore. We found this video showing how to create curved plywood using cross grained veneers and moulds. Return to the workshop armed with some new techniques up your sleeve…

Craft Magazine Archive
https://ocean.exacteditions.com/magazines/21416/issues/
Less than a month to root through the 50 year back catalogue, and seek out inspiration across the great craft divide.

 

Got another resource for us to share?
Tag us @blackhorseworkshop and we’ll spread to makers far and wide.