WORK AND PLAY SERIES : FELIX MCCORMACK
DESIGNER / MAKER
Felix McCormack is a designer/maker, based just over the reservoir from us at another farm of makers and artists.
His inquisitive and intuitive approach to design means he constantly evolves his skills and knowledge, exploring many mediums such as wood, concrete, granite and copper. His pieces are minimal and elegant and, much like the man himself, always solve a problem with an element of wit and light-heartedness.
His gentle manner and boyish charm hides true grit for living and working in Cornwall, having started from scratch with a few tools and a drafty barn studio, his persistence and delight in crafting things has led him to build a distinctive and successful design business.
WHY DID YOU START CRAFTING THINGS?
I kept having ideas and felt I needed make them. I loved the journey of idea - drawing - object.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU?
To me it’s gaining an understanding of the material world around me. I think using yours hands and being responsible for the whole range of processes needed to solve three-dimensional problems and take ideas to finished objects is hugely beneficial to your sense of place in the world.
WHY ARE YOU SELF-EMPLOYED?
It’s the best way to live and work in Cornwall and to be completely honest kind off by accident. I didn't expect making things for living would last this long. Luckily it has kept on going, which feels like a great privilege.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST SCARED OF IN YOUR WORK?
Cutting my fingers off.
WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED?
The ideas that suddenly pop into my head when I least expect it.
WHAT HAS YOUR WORK REVEALED TO YOU ABOUT YOURSELF?
I am very particular.
WHY WOULD SOMEONE CHOOSE TO LIVE AND WORK IN CORNWALL?
Various reasons, I live here because I love the community and the culture of self-reliance.
HOW DO YOU STAY CONNECTED TO THE OUTDOORS?
The outdoors comes with living in Cornwall; you’re constantly connected, even if it’s just driving along the lanes to the farm. Because of how basic my workshop is I don't often feel like I'm inside, It rains through the roof and I always eat outside. The winters can be pretty harsh. It all makes sense living here in the summer though, when you can go to the beach for a swim on your lunch break.
HOW DOES THE OUTDOORS AFFECT YOU?
Just the thought of being stuck behind a desk makes me feel panicky and claustrophobic. Although I can get pretty claustrophobic if I get my arms trapped putting on a jumper. Really though, it feels essential. Nothing quite clears your head like a cold winter wind slapping you in the face straight off the sea.
Felix wears the Francli Studio #WatchCap in Navy.
Visit : http://francli.co.uk/shop/swco to 25% off your #WatchCap with the code: WORKANDPLAY
Photography by Jessica Ashely-Stokes .