In this episode we talk to Kassandra Gordon, an ethical jeweller/Goldsmith and jewellery content creator based in East London. In June 2020, Kassandra wrote an open letter to the jewellery industry highlighting how current practices and systems limit accessibility and entry into the trade for Black people; and a five-point plan to help increase the visibility of Black jewellers in the industry and amplify their voices. She also launched a Go Fund Me page to raise money to support Black jewellers facing hardship. She is host of the 'Created For You' podcast, where she interviews business owners and creatives providing excellent experiences to their clients. https://anchor.fm/kassandra-gordon. Kassandra also runs the Black Jewellers Network which produces mentoring opportunities and support for Black Jewellers, a monthly newsletter and free event www.facebook.com/blackjewellersnetwork. For more about Kassandra visit http://www.kassandralaurengordon.com.

Maker Stories

Episode 5 - Kassandra Gordon

In this episode we talk to Pratima Kramer, a ceramic artist. Pratima recently appeared on the BBC television show ‘Home is Where the Art is’ where three artists compete to win a commission. Pratima talks about her experience filming the show, and her journey to becoming a ceramic artist. Find out more about Pratima at: https://www.pratimakramer.co.uk Watch her appearance on ‘Home is where the art is’ on BBC iPlayer here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000ky16

Episode 4 - Pratima Kramer

In this episode we talk to Onome Otite, who is based at Cockpit Arts in London. Onome works with textiles to create three-dimensional figurative collages. Drawing on her Nigerian heritage, she explores colourful traditional clothing as a means of female empowerment. Find out more about Onome’s work at www.onomeotite.com and follow her on Instagram at www.instagram.com/onomeotite. This episode was recorded during a week of accelerated activity around Black Lives Matter following the death of George Floyd, who was killed while in police custody in Minneapolis, and the continuing police brutality during subsequent protests. While this happened in the USA, racism, discrimination and injustice towards Black people also happens in the UK, and around the world on a daily basis. This is why Black Lives Matter is so important. Here is how you can support the fight against injustice: Find out more about Black Lives Matter: https://blacklivesmatter.com/ Justice for Belly Mujinga https://www.change.org/p/govia-thameslink-justice-for-belly-mujinga-justiceforbellymujinga Justice for Ahmaud Arbery https://www.change.org/p/liberty-county-distric-attorney-justice-for-ahmaud-arbery Justice for Breonna Taylor https://www.change.org/p/andy-beshear-justice-for-breonna-taylor George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd

Episode 3 - Onome Otite

In this episode Rose Sinclair of Goldsmiths, University of London, discusses her journey into craft and her research on the textile practices of Black British women. She describes the prevalence of craft in her upbringing and how her mum, when she migrated to the UK from Jamaica, was a professional seamstress but could not get a job because she was told "a white body could not be touched by black hands". Instead her mother worked on sewing machines in factories. Rose's own education spanned technology and craft, despite being told at school that she would make "a good hairdresser". She was determined to make a career out of creative work and she reveals her fascinating journey from textiles practice into teaching, then research. Rose says she decided to research craft because she did not see people like her in the industry. She talks about Dorcas Societies as examples of the importance of craft for identity and sociality. She finishes by talking about her role models in craft and future ambitions.

Episode 2 - Rose Sinclair

Jasmine Carey, a designer-maker based at Cockpit Arts in London, describes her journey into craft. From her education and work experience, to studying fashion at London Universities, Jasmine describes her experiences as a Black woman in craft and the challenges she has faced. These include not feeling like she belonged in certain organisations in the fashion and craft industry. She describes the importance of her friends and networks for support and encouragement, leading to her winning a prestigious Leather Sellers' award at Cockpit Arts. She argues that there needs to be a better representation of women of colour in craft, she says "I think it's important for people who are thinking of working in craft knowing that there's other people like you around, because representation does matter". You can find out more about Jasmine's work at www.deco22.co.uk.This podcast series is part of an RCUK/UKRI Innovation Fellowship funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council and in collaboration with Crafts Council UK. This project, called ‘Craft Expertise’, aims to explore and raise awareness of the challenges facing women makers of colour as they try to establish a craft career. For more information visit the website craftexpertise.com. You can also follow us on Instagram at craftexpertiseresearch.

Episode 1 - Jasmine Carey

In the Maker Stories podcast we talk to inspirational crafts women from black and ethnic minority backgrounds who are based in the UK. The series is hosted by Dr Karen Patel, a Research Fellow in the Birmingham Centre for Media and Cultural Research at Birmingham City University. This podcast series is part of an RCUK/UKRI Innovation Fellowship funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council and in collaboration with Crafts Council UK. This project, called ‘Craft Expertise’, aims to explore and raise awareness of the challenges facing women makers of colour as they try to establish a craft career. For more information visit the website craftexpertise.com. You can also follow us on Instagram at craftexpertiseresearch.

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Maker Stories

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