WORK AND PLAY SERIES: ELLIE HUGHES
JEWELLERY DESIGNER / MAKER / BOAT BUILDER
Ellie and 'Pig'
To meet Ellie, her quiet and modest manner is instantly calming and intriguing. These feelings are easily identified in her silverwork, as a master of minimalism and delicacy. Her jewellery, Ochre Tuesdays, is distinctive for its subtle textures, fine lines and meticulous attention to detail.
However, don’t be fooled by her initial quietness, this girl is badass! Her curious and adventurous nature has led her to become a traditional oyster-woman, boat-builder and sailor. Her current project being gutting, fixing and re-fitting her new home – a massive, concrete sailboat called ‘Pig’ (who even groans and grunts like one in the wind).
She’s got that Cornish tenacity and independence, undaunted by the wildness of boat and sea work and literally building the life of creativity and travel that she’s always wanted.
www.ochretuesdays.bigcartel.com
WHY DID YOU START CRAFTING THINGS?
I've always been a maker, I enjoy making tactile objects that can be worn or used. This is a need that I try to fulfil in many different aspects of my life.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU?
Oh it means everything, if I’m not able to be in my workshop, then I have to be working on my boat or cooking. Just generally creating.
WHY ARE YOU SELF-EMPLOYED?
For the freedom it gives me. I know some people would see insecurity in not having a regular job but I find it liberating! It’s challenging but also the satisfying when it all comes together.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST SCARED OF IN YOUR WORK?
I’m not sure if it does scare me. The idea of falling out of love with it unnerves me but I believe in taking a step back and letting life run its course if this happens. I usually find inspiration comes to me again after a while.
WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED?
Purely my need to make things I think. I can’t imagine not doing it.
WHAT HAS YOUR WORK REVEALED TO YOU ABOUT YOURSELF?
I think it allows me to investigate the more ordered and minimal side to myself. My lifestyle doesn't allow for many clean lines and delicate objects.
WHY WOULD SOMEONE CHOOSE TO LIVE AND WORK IN CORNWALL?
I would say the wonderful people around me. Communities of like-minded people seem to develop so naturally.
HOW DO YOU STAY CONNECTED TO THE OUTDOORS?
By living most of my life outdoors. By choosing to live on boats and sail, I believe you experience it at its wildest. I feel very lucky to be able to do this.
HOW DOES THE OUTDOORS AFFECT YOU?
It completes me. All my dreams and goals revolve around being in it and therefore it is my main motivation.
Ellie wears the Francli Studio #WatchCap in Beige.
Visit : http://francli.co.uk/shop/swco to 25% off your #WatchCap with the code: WORKANDPLAY
Photography by Jessica Ashely-Stokes .