Roving Signs

Leaving my little garden studio for the last time as we prepare for the slow journey back to home to England.

It’s been two beautiful years of learning and exploring and now we’re excited for this next chapter and to reunite with loved ones.

I’ll be looking out for a new studio space in Cornwall in a couple of months but first it’s time to travel, spend time with family and enjoy the transition from summer to autumn here.

Back in John’s workshop this weekend, preparing pieces for gilding and frosting. I’m excited to build on the techniques I learned a few years ago and develop more skills here in Australia with new products and approaches over the coming months.

I can really feel the advantage of being able to return each week to learn slowly, collecting new tips and tricks each time I visit, being introduced to new tools and materials I would never have discovered on my own.

Back in John’s workshop this weekend, preparing pieces for gilding and frosting. I’m excited to build on the techniques I learned a few years ago and develop more skills here in Australia with new products and approaches over the coming months.

I can really feel the advantage of being able to return each week to learn slowly, collecting new tips and tricks each time I visit, being introduced to new tools and materials I would never have discovered by myself.

A little update with the pub sign I finished a little while ago - including cuddles with the resident pup! I enjoyed bringing the cornish vibes to Melbourne for this one. 🌊☀️

It’s a rippa!

I spent this week blending and lining an Aussie-themed project, and we had a special guest, George stop by and even did a quickstyle demo - and made it look effortless. George and John used to work together as signwriting teachers in Melbourne and it was so great to hear their stories from years of working in the trade.

If like me, you ever wondered how signwriting students got graded back in the day - this retro sign is a classic blending assignment just like the ones that John and George used to grade using traditional marking criteria.

John hasn’t given me a grade yet 😂, but it’s so fun to experience the kind of practice work that shaped so many signwriters back in the day.