Blog / Anecdotes

Whether we're conscious of it or not, we all make design decisions every day, and those decisions affect our lives in subtle and profound ways. The DesignFreo exhibition Object, Place, Space was created to explore this idea. I was so honoured to invited by the curator, Pippa Hurst, to answer the questions of how our decisions as consumers affect our lives, the legacy our choices leave for future generations and the pleasure we can take in quality design.

After a monumental year I'm aiming for a low stress Christmas, focusing on the little things that mean the most. Being grateful I can be with my family, the sweetness of fresh seasonal fruits and of course, the table looking gorgeous with Winterwares plates and bowls. 

Over time, the clay was my teacher. I had to let go of my expectations. To be ok with things not turning out as I planned. To let go of outcomes and just enjoy the feeling of the spinning clay. Sculpting clay with my hands connected me with the natural world and something deep within myself, and it taught me to slow down. It was the first of many life lessons that pottery has taught me. 

When you’re stumbling along and not sure what path to take. And you're looking for that little nudge from the universe, that tells you you’re on the right track. When it feels like the whole world's against you and you’re drowning in buckets of soggy clay. Ok, that probably hasn’t happened to you exactly. But that was my situation a couple of years ago when I was questioning everything. Then the universe gave me a sign, in the most unexpected place.

Join me for a conversation with Sophie about creating a community around you and the stillness that home brings.

Leigh-Ann Gemson is an interior designer with a passion for creating and finding spaces that enhance well-being through conscious design. She came to visit the Winterwares studio and chat with me about my story and how my space informs...

Resilience is surviving (and thriving) in the face of challenges, big and small. The good news is – it’s a skill we can learn. You build resilience by taking control of your thoughts and filling your tank – well before it gets empty....

Do you feel like slowing down is a luxury that you just don’t have time for? I did. A few years ago I had all the signs that I needed to slow down, I kept telling myself it’s normal to feel run down. Life is busy –...