Inspirational quote of the day:

"I find the projects I'm most excited to work on are nearly always the projects that have really fantastic people associated with them." - James Clear Atomic Habits

I know what you’re thinking, “But you’re a glass artist. Alone. In a studio. With only your kiln and a furry apprentice for company.” And you’d be right if you didn't know me that well. If you know me at all you're actually thinking, "But you're a right miserable cow, slightly autistic, people-hating and generally almost as unsociable as your dad (who's nickname is Robber's Dog, so called because that's what his boss told him his face looked like)".

So most days I am content in my reclusive, people-free world. It’s just me, the glass, the occasional expletive when something cracks and Le Mog and I have to say, I LIKE IT... . But here’s the thing: creativity might happen in solitude, but it thrives in community. Whaaat?!?! Now hold on a cotton-picking second there... that requires people! Yes, but I've found the trick is finding the RIGHT people!

Lone Wolf vs. the Pack

I’ll admit it: I used to think being an artist was a lonely existence, which suits me just fine, thanks. The whole tortured genius thing is sooo me, dahling. Creating my masterpieces in isolation, quaffing enormous amounts of wine and flinging glass about with wild abandon and brooding darkly over my failures and life's injustices.

But then I realised something... on a morning walk actually: whilst working solo might be great for focus, it’s the connections with other creative humans that might truly be the way forward.

That same afternoon Lytham Handmade was born. This free Facebook group for local artists is a cozy little online corner where makers, crafters, and painters come together to share their work, cheer each other on, and occasionally moan about how bloody hard it is to price things without feeling like a fraud. It’s not just a marketplace; it’s a community—a place where “we are stronger together” isn’t just a crap slogan.

The Magic of Collaboration

Here’s the thing: art isn’t just about what you make. It’s about the connections you create. Someone might buy a glass bowl from me, but they'll only buy one (unless they're family). BUT if they're keen on buying local from true artists, then they might see my mate, Simon Iredale's, abstract painting which is perfect for their dining room, or those beautiful earrings from Yvonne Hall that would look good on their sister. It’s a glorious chain reaction of creativity, like a really arty-farty domino effect.

And the best part? We’re not competing. We are amplifying each other, gaining more exposure, creating a bigger audience than we could ever manage on our own. Because when you bring fantastic people together, amazing things happen. Suddenly, it’s not just about selling a bowl—it’s about building a web of support, inspiration, and, let’s be honest, holding meetings at the local pub and having a glass of something fizzy.

Why People Matter

Making art can be lonely. It’s just you, your tools, and your inner critic, who never shuts up (I have another post on all the crap that our inner critics have come up with in the group. But when you’re part of a community, you realise you’re not alone (that everyone else is as tortured as you are). Other artists get it—they understand the highs, the lows, and the weird in-between bits where you’re pretty sure your latest project is pure genius or utter shite and you need someone who gets it to tell you like it is. (Remember 'utter shite' is often repurposable as 'abstract).

Surrounding yourself with fantastic people gives you energy. It’s like sticking your favourite body part into a creative plug socket. You get feedback, encouragement, and a healthy zap of arse kicking to finish that half-done piece, or stick a price on something that makes you feel sick (but you do have to eat and pay the morgage and it did take 300 hours), put a picture of it in the group, hit post and walk away.

Lytham Handmade

If you’re local and you’re reading this, why not check out Lytham Handmade? Whether you’re an artist looking to share your work or a buyer hunting for something unique, it’s a space where everyone wins. And if you don’t live near Lytham St Annes, don’t worry—there’s probably a similar community near you, or you can start one yourself. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Because while I might work alone in my studio, it’s the fantastic people around me who make this whole creative journey exciting, rewarding, and just a little less lonely.

We truly are stronger together...

...now, stop laughing all of you who know I've written this, said bollocks and gone back to my studio ALONE.