WN7

Tell us about your art practice, what do you make?

Hi! I’m Pipa and I’m a Leathercrafter. I create weird and wonderful leather goods that push the boundaries of leatherworking. My most recent launch was titled “The Bakery” and all my pieces were handbags and purses created to look like loaves of bread and patisserie foods!

How did you start your art journey?

Like a lot of artists, I’ve created all my life. I mainly focused on sculpture throughout my secondary and college years creating art that I always “thought” people wanted to see. I then took a more practical/corporate approach, studying Digital Art and Game Design in the hopes of a career. Rather than take me into the world of computers, I fell in love with costume making and became a noted name in those communities. From there, I picked up a job at a leathercrafting shop as a UK lead, the store shut, I was made redundant and I decided to follow my heart!

What services do you offer? (e.g. workshops, commissions, projects)

I want everyone to feel welcomed to my work, so I produce my own unique accessory releases, but I also teach classes and workshops, provide private tuition, take on commissions, make leathercraft kits for the home crafter. I feel that no aspect of my craft should be gatekept and I love to share knowledge and skill!

How has your art practice developed?

Originally, my plan was to make bags as made-to-order and run the occasional workshop. I had grand ideas of creating a weekly craft group or an online leathercraft marketplace. Over the years, my courses and workshops have boomed and it’s allowed me to shift my work into producing really, really unique pieces without worrying if they’ll sell. This has given me immense amounts of creative freedom through the trust and support of my students and followers. My art is now created to make people laugh, smile and enjoy the fun of each piece – if they would like to keep it, they absolutely can – but I can finally craft just for the happiness of others.

What is your dream project?

Something really, really unique! I’m currently working on my next big collection which I’m very excited for. I’ve always had an idea to make a wonderful backpack themed around the deep sea with barnacles and a viewing portal. I’ve been making shoes as well as a bit of a hobby, so I’d love to make a really 2008 Lady Gaga style statement combo, something you’d see on a runway at a super avant-garde fashion show except its just me in my studio giggling at the absurdity of my craft.

What is your biggest achievement?

I was on This Morning a few years ago, followed by a documentary made about me and my costume history by Channel 4. I feel like within my arts practice, I’m always trying to outdo myself or improve upon something previous. I did have an amazing experience recently when I was asked to join the Blesma Limbless Veterans charity for a day where I taught a gentleman who was completely blind how to craft his own belt, it turned out wonderfully too!

What advice would you give to artists starting out?

Trust in yourself, but always listen as you never know what you might learn. It’s great to be headstrong and determined, but getting someone’s feedback and advice can often give you a perspective you hadn’t seen before. You don’t have to act on that advice, but it’s always free to listen and it might come in handy later down the line.