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Simon Sonsino
TEXTUAL: Adjective - Of, or pertaining to text and letterform ART: Noun - The product of imagination and creativity |
When my first book, Textual Art, was released in 2015, I was honoured to be invited to demonstrate at Art in Action, Europe’s largest arts festival of its kind. I was thrilled to be invited back the following year, though, sadly, 2016 became the festival’s final run. At the time, I was running workshops, hosting open studios, and selling my work through my website and local exhibitions. Art in Action was a great platform to bring my work to a larger audience, so when it closed, I felt at a bit of a loss. I considered traveling around the country to lead workshops, but the constant travel wasn’t very appealing. I love teaching and collaborating with other creatives, but the journeying aspect wasn’t something I looked forward to.
Then, toward the end of 2016, a solution appeared: my wife and I discovered an Arts & Crafts school was up for sale. We went to see it, fell in love with the place, and soon took ownership of Ardington School of Crafts. Now, we run a variety of arts and crafts workshops and talks, both in-person and online, including classes I teach myself. It was exactly what I needed.
Over the years, I’ve worn many hats—chef, restaurateur, driving instructor—but running Ardington School of Crafts is by far the most fulfilling role I’ve taken on. It’s challenging but immensely rewarding, and we’re dedicated to the long-term growth of the school.
With access to so many new crafts, it’s no surprise some have drawn me in. Lately, mosaics and pottery have become a big part of my creative focus, and I’m working on blending these with my love of letterform. During our time at Ardington, I wrote my second book, Textual Art II: Impact & Intrigue (2020), and I think I may be ready to start on a third volume. Watch this space!
Then, toward the end of 2016, a solution appeared: my wife and I discovered an Arts & Crafts school was up for sale. We went to see it, fell in love with the place, and soon took ownership of Ardington School of Crafts. Now, we run a variety of arts and crafts workshops and talks, both in-person and online, including classes I teach myself. It was exactly what I needed.
Over the years, I’ve worn many hats—chef, restaurateur, driving instructor—but running Ardington School of Crafts is by far the most fulfilling role I’ve taken on. It’s challenging but immensely rewarding, and we’re dedicated to the long-term growth of the school.
With access to so many new crafts, it’s no surprise some have drawn me in. Lately, mosaics and pottery have become a big part of my creative focus, and I’m working on blending these with my love of letterform. During our time at Ardington, I wrote my second book, Textual Art II: Impact & Intrigue (2020), and I think I may be ready to start on a third volume. Watch this space!