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 are all currently living through an extraordinary period of human history. Our lives have been on hold and there is no knowing how long it will be before a new 'normal' is safely established. What I do know is that this time has provided an opportunity to get creative, exploring new ways to express ourselves. We have embraced creativity as never before.
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 are all currently living through an extraordinary period of human history. Our lives have been on hold and there is no knowing how long it will be before a new 'normal' is safely established. What I do know is that this time has provided an opportunity to get creative, exploring new ways to express ourselves. We have embraced creativity as never before.
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".
I think a lot of people have rediscovered their inner child over the last few months and expressing oneself is becoming more natural. My aim with the Artist Pencil is to help that reconnection, 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…..
I think a lot of people have rediscovered their inner child over the last few months and expressing oneself is becoming more natural. My aim with the Artist Pencil is to help that reconnection, 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…..
