#Work at home, #Stay at home

When, in March 2020, the government announced that the UK would be ‘locked down’ to protect its citizens and its front line workers from the Coronovirus contagion there was a general sense of bewilderment. Daily routines would be disrupted: commuting to work halted; exercise limited; schooling put on hold; food shopping needed planning; families quarantined at home; the benefits of our digital world more greatly appreciated; digital communication essential.

But not everyone’s routine was entirely disrupted. Many lettering artists are used to working alone, at home or at a nearby studio and for them – apart from a shortage of stone because the quarries were closed – it has been largely business as usual. The daily commute may be a walk to a studio located in the gardens or cycle ride to a converted outhouse. There are functional workshops, a decommissioned chapel, whilst others are shedquarters!

Lisi Ashbridge has two beautiful gazebo studios – one for drawing and the other for carving. It can be a dusty business.

In these creative spaces lettering artists and stone cutters are creating beautiful artworks for bespoke memorials and other rites of passage. As per usual they spend hours in their studios drawing and refining ideas for a commissioned headstone or a personalised carving. Lettering is an artform and only when it is perfectly composed can it be traced onto the surface, secured onto an easel and cut into the stone.

Some artists work in silence, with just the ‘chip, chip, chip’ of the dummy hitting the chisel, while others prefer a musical soundscape. Tom Perkins listens to Radio 4. Louise Tiplady listens to audio stories. Depending upon his mood Iain Cotton plays instrumental and contemporary ambient classical such as Steve Reich and Nils Frahn for zen like focus, or ‘Rock music’ when he needs some sonic energy to lift the pace.

Of course, it may not be possible to meet clients face-to-face to discuss and refine a brief for a memorial or a decorative artwork, but Zoom and Skype calls have ensured that meaningful conversations continue. And for companionship, some artists work alongside their partners whilst others have their pets.

Across the country creative energy is undeterred. Artists are finding new sources of inspiration. From their workshops and studios they are reaching out on social media and sharing images of their work.

The artworks and memorials created by lettering artists on the Lettering Arts Trust register share a common theme. They are about people and humanity. Social distancing dissolves as these beautiful, hand carved pieces bring people together.

#STAY AT HOME #WORK AT HOME