Blog
Slowcoast
Slowcoast is a project by Nick Hand, a fellow Bristolian with a background as a graphic designer, photographer and cyclist enthusiast. Nick has previously worked for Howies, and being involved in that healthy welsh circuit of uber talented creatives, he has curated a wonderful documentation of the hidden craftsmen and communities inhabiting the small towns on the rural coasts of the UK, and Ireland.
It was a pleasure to come across Slowcoast as a project as it really celebrates the diverse talents of so many passionate artisans and 'makers', from cheese makers , printmakers, designers and craftsmen. The format of the project as 'soundslides' gives a great insight into the people behind the craft. There are some great foodies featured amongst the catalogue too, some of which are producers or merchants, and also an insight into the communities that exist in these towns, Ruth and Annette's Breakfast Club to local supporters or active members and care takers of communities. Did you know there are red squirrels living in Cumbria?
Freshwest Design, Tenby.
John Wilkinson, Canoe Builder, Castlerock, Coleraine
Printblock, Whitstable
Red Squirrel man on route 72
A rabbit for the pot, Kirkbride
Bill Spink, Arbroath Smokie
The refreshing thing that many of these people have in common is that they are driven to 'make' and 'do' because they love and truly believe in what they do. This also applies to Nick Hand's approach to this project. Coming from a generation where everything is digitised and readily documented I think its important to connect with older generations, and understand crafts and skills that could be potentially lost if not kept up or passed on.
Oh and the other wonderful format this project takes is a book called Conversations on the Coast which is available to buy through the Dept of Small works here. For more insightful reading I strongly suggest you make a cup of tea and wander over to Nick's blog which journals more of his travels and friends he has met along the way.
Posted by — Aurelia Lange
February 2012
Slowcoast is a project by Nick Hand, a fellow Bristolian with a background as a graphic designer, photographer and cyclist enthusiast. Nick has previously worked for Howies, and being involved in that healthy welsh circuit of uber talented creatives, he has curated a wonderful documentation of the hidden craftsmen and communities inhabiting the small towns on the rural coasts of the UK, and Ireland.
Posted by — Aurelia Lange
February 2012
You may also like
