After living in the UK for two years, I began to notice a gradual decline in my materialistic desires. It could be attributed to the inconvenience and limited shopping options, as well as the proximity to nature and the natural world, which has shifted my focus away from the pursuit of material possessions. In fact, I’ve developed a keen interest in creating things with my own hands. Ten years ago when we first welcomed our eldest daughter into the world, we hoped to impart a valuable lesson to her: that the things she longed for could be crafted by her own hands, and that the process of creation holds great significance. We wanted her to appreciate the thought and intention behind the work of artisans. However, as time went on, we discovered that our own motivation for engaging in craftsmanship stemmed from our personal interests, curiosity, and practical needs, rather than solely aiming to teach our daughter specific skills. The passion for crafting has always been an inherent part of our lives, and the motivation and joy it brought us became more pure and genuine.
Back when we lived in Hong Kong, I had a strong desire to collect items made by Japanese artisans. However, being in the UK has brought me closer to local raw materials like leather, wood, wool, plant dyes, and papermaking, as well as machineries and tools. This newfound connection to the origins has kindled within us a profound desire to become makers who are intimately involved in the fabric of everyday life.
Spoon Club
在布里斯托有個叫Grow Wilder的wildlife-friendly社區農場，他們每兩星期辦一次spoon club。聽說英國很多地區都有類近的木匠課，woodcarving在這裡很流行，男士們總會隨身攜帶一把削木小刀，隨時能將木頭削成匙羹。而我去的地方Tree to Treen，由主理人Geoff Hannis打理，他提供簡單指導、木材與食物，並在田地中劃出一個開放式區域讓我們使用。
In Bristol, there is a wildlife-friendly community farm called Grow Wilder, where they host a Spoon Club every two weeks. I’ve heard that similar woodworking classes can be found throughout the UK, and that woodcarving is particularly popular here in Bristol where it’s common to see people carrying whittling knives, always ready to transform wood into spoons. At Tree to Treen, managed by greenwood maker Geoff Hannis, visitors are welcomed to make use of a designated open area within the fields and provided with helpful guidance, access to wood materials, and even the opportunity to enjoy food.
Surrounded by vegetable fields, this space is strewn with wood and wood fragments. The material used for woodworking here is mainly greenwood (freshly cut wood that has not fully dried) as it is softer and easier to shape. They also have several pole lathes for bowl-turning with their ancient hand-operated designs dating back to the 13th century. Beginners need to treadle for at least four to five hours to make a bowl, and often longer if they wish to make one which is thinner and lighter. As for the types of wood, they have maple trees, cherry trees, ash trees, and oak trees, all of which are sourced from donations or reclaimed materials with Geoff knowing the origin of every piece. The ambience, surroundings, and Geoff himself create an atmosphere reminiscent of a primordial world.
During the bountiful summer harvest, he gathers a variety of vegetables and fruits for everyone to take home. When the cold winter arrives, he lights a fire to keep everybody warm and prepares steaming hot soups, served with sourdough bread that he slices with a saw. In this place, conversations become sparse as everyone becomes engrossed in the art of crafting wooden spoons. On one occasion, a fellow classmate brought a self-made Baroque guitar and treated us to an impromptu performance, while the teacher himself showed us a Porte Cuillere spoon holder that he made. There’s an enchanting quality to the place and its people, as if they exist outside the confines of the real world.
I once went on a spontaneous car trip with Geoff to visit his teacher in Swindon and attend a birthday party hosted by one of his maker friends. The people there live close to the land, with children roaming barefoot through the fields instead of attending school. They make their own chairs, wooden utensils, and bowls. There are planted crops and dried garlic strands adorning the surroundings. Another friend arrived in a camper van with a stove equipped inside. He said that traveling during winter was no issue with the warmth provided by the stove. The dog he brought with him has no collar, and he proudly shared how both his dog and his two children lived with such freedom and ease.
Sometimes, it’s hard to comprehend why life brings certain people and experiences that make you pause and contemplate the essence of existence. Yet, such moments of inspiration and impact do indeed originate from within. The world is vast, and its people are truly wonderful. A decade ago, while studying Historical Leather Shoes Making in the UK, our teacher offered us fallen hawthorn and apple wood from her orchard and encouraged us to use them for woodwork. Intrigued, Philip decided to practice his skills in spoon carving and bowl turning, and eventually, presented a finished applewood cup to our teacher as a gift. Our teacher immediately put it to test by filling it with water, and after a day, she discovered that it leaked. She joked that the cup was meant to make her drink more quickly. In that moment, a unique bond formed between the individual and the object. We are truly grateful that she accepted the imperfect wooden cup. Afterall, we ought to responsibly utilize nature’s resources to ensure sustainability. As makers, it is not only essential for us to continually refine our skills but also to honor the origins of our materials, respecting the messages and energy they carry for both makers and users.
The Cowrice family, comprising of father Philip, mother Grace, their eldest daughter Ying Ying, and youngest daughter Dou Dou, often engage in creative endeavors as a unit, exploring various art forms. Despite relocating their home and studio to the UK in recent years, their creative pursuits remain undeterred by the change in location.
