Reinventing the pencil
I like to have a pet project on the go that challenges me to create something new that makes a statement about the lives we lead. I aim to create something that is 'better' than that which goes before it.
The current project is the 'Eco sensitive' plastic and metal free Artist Pencil.
One of my favourite places to think and sketch is on my paddle board, usually in the middle of Ullswater in the Lake District. The idea for the pencil came from one of these creative sessions…
…I enjoy drawing with the larger 5.6mm graphite lead as you have a great range of mark making available with it. However, the average clutch pencil is invariably heavy, usually made from plastic and with a 'nose heavy' metal clutch mechanism. There are alternatives made from brass for the body which is even heavier, or from wood and metal. The wooden handle being crude at best and still using that metal clutch mechanism.
The challenge I set myself was to design and make an all wood pencil holder. It had to be practical in terms of holding and adjusting the lead. It had to be light and evenly balanced. It also had to be a beautiful tool in its own right. In fact, musical instruments influenced some of the thought process. From the craftsmanship of the Luthier, to the beautiful timber used, a well crafted instrument allows the musician to express their creativity to the full. I felt an Artist could benefit from a similarly considered and crafted 'mark maker'. So, that was the goal, a beautiful mark making instrument crafted from timber only. A simple device that allows for maximum feel and user satisfaction, not to mention being eco friendly.
This proved harder than I initially thought to crack all elements. Numerous designs were created and prototyped with varying degrees of success. Hitting all requirements proved tough.
This proved harder than I initially thought to crack all elements. Numerous designs were created and prototyped with varying degrees of success. Hitting all requirements proved tough.
I finally came up with a design that worked on all levels. As always, simple is often best. The Artist Pencil feels beautiful in the hand. A light weight, balanced extension of the hand and arm.
The collet requires but the lightest twist to unlock it and an equally light 'nip' to secure the lead in position. It is a joy to use.
When creativity flows, the Artist Pencil flows with you.
The collet requires but the lightest twist to unlock it and an equally light 'nip' to secure the lead in position. It is a joy to use.
When creativity flows, the Artist Pencil flows with you.
It is at this point I feel we need to put this project in context. Why bother to create this in the first place? What relevance does it have to us in the digital age?
We have witnessed over the last few decades an incredible change in our view of the world we live in and the part we play. Couple that to the changes brought about by the internet and its total domination of our lives, we stand at a pivotal point in history. How we respond now will affect generations that follow. With the myriad challenges we face, being in touch with our humanity is crucial if we are to tackle problems and embrace opportunities in an equitable way.
For me, creativity, perspective and empathy are the corner stones that will see us through.
Creativity is the driving force behind innovation across the spectrum. Both Science and the Arts continually showcase that anything is possible given the chance to apply creativity.
Perspective allows us to see how the things we create can fit into our world and indeed, change that world.
And it will be empathy that ultimately guides us in which direction we should go.
However, empathy is often in short supply and the complexities of modern life can blur what can be done, with what should be done. All big picture stuff and daunting to many.
Perspective at a personal level is another matter. Our own personal world view is significant and how we 'feel' about our place in it has a dramatic affect on our daily lives.
For me there is no better way to feel good about oneself than when we are being creative. That most natural expression of human endeavour.
Despite the huge influence digital technology has on our daily lives, never has it become more relevant to 'create' in the 'real' world. Making actual things with our own hands, using tools that would be recognised by generations before us. This creative explosion encompasses many art forms from painting to sculpture, to music and writing. This is where the 'Artist Pencil' becomes relevant. Getting ideas down on paper, hand connected to mind, visceral feel of lead laid down on textured paper. It is a human action built into our very souls. From the first marks made in caves, we have embraced this simplest of methods to communicate ideas, express our cultures and invent our futures. From cave man to Leonardo Da Vinci, and Keats to Tchaikovsky, who knows who or what will come next.
We have witnessed over the last few decades an incredible change in our view of the world we live in and the part we play. Couple that to the changes brought about by the internet and its total domination of our lives, we stand at a pivotal point in history. How we respond now will affect generations that follow. With the myriad challenges we face, being in touch with our humanity is crucial if we are to tackle problems and embrace opportunities in an equitable way.
For me, creativity, perspective and empathy are the corner stones that will see us through.
Creativity is the driving force behind innovation across the spectrum. Both Science and the Arts continually showcase that anything is possible given the chance to apply creativity.
Perspective allows us to see how the things we create can fit into our world and indeed, change that world.
And it will be empathy that ultimately guides us in which direction we should go.
However, empathy is often in short supply and the complexities of modern life can blur what can be done, with what should be done. All big picture stuff and daunting to many.
Perspective at a personal level is another matter. Our own personal world view is significant and how we 'feel' about our place in it has a dramatic affect on our daily lives.
For me there is no better way to feel good about oneself than when we are being creative. That most natural expression of human endeavour.
Despite the huge influence digital technology has on our daily lives, never has it become more relevant to 'create' in the 'real' world. Making actual things with our own hands, using tools that would be recognised by generations before us. This creative explosion encompasses many art forms from painting to sculpture, to music and writing. This is where the 'Artist Pencil' becomes relevant. Getting ideas down on paper, hand connected to mind, visceral feel of lead laid down on textured paper. It is a human action built into our very souls. From the first marks made in caves, we have embraced this simplest of methods to communicate ideas, express our cultures and invent our futures. From cave man to Leonardo Da Vinci, and Keats to Tchaikovsky, who knows who or what will come next.
So in answer to my earlier question why? The Artist Pencil links us to our past and can effortlessly play a part in our futures. Analogue it may be, but out dated? Not as long as we still have the ability to live and interact with the real world. As Picasso once said, "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up".
My aim with the Artist Pencil is to help us connect with our own creativity, providing a satisfying instrument that helps creativity flow.
If an instrument feels good to use, thought will often flow more effortlessly. Creativity's companion. A small contribution to the planet maybe…. but they all add up. Imagine if the next planet saving idea started off with a sketch using the Artist Pencil…..
My aim with the Artist Pencil is to help us connect with our own creativity, providing a satisfying instrument that helps creativity flow.
If an instrument feels good to use, thought will often flow more effortlessly. Creativity's companion. A small contribution to the planet maybe…. but they all add up. Imagine if the next planet saving idea started off with a sketch using the Artist Pencil…..
We have plenty of Artist Pencils ready and waiting and available to view in our Gallery Shop. We will have an online shop in due course. In the meantime, purchases can be made directly with us. Just drop us an email via the contact page and we will get straight back to you. The same goes if you would like something more bespoke, simply get in touch to start the ball rolling.
Create your happy.
Create your happy.