One day : Sophie Sellu - Woodworker
Location : London, Crystal Palace, UK
Profession / passion : Woodworker
Website : www.grainandknot.com
Instagram : @grainandknot
One Day is an ongoing project sparked by the Covid-19. In the days of isolation we would like to focus on what we do best; bringing people together. Read more about the project here.
We will be posting one new day of someones life every day until we run out of contributors. See our instagram stories to experience these peoples One Day in action.
What is the story behind your profession/ passion?
I did woodwork at school, and loved it. I got lost in a career before picking up some odd day creative workshops. I got hooked. I got made redundant twice in 2 years and decided to go forward with my own venture.
How do you want people to react to your work / passion?
I just like them to enjoy holding it, using it and looking at it. It should bring joyful moments into peoples day.
If you work with a partner, when and how did you meet?
Myself and @havelockstudio were instagram friends for a long time before meeting around 4 years ago. We have been together ever since, and have started a joint venture @both.studios . I learn lots of woodworking skills with him and he is always teaching me something.
How has the current situation affected how you work?
I spent a lot of time preparing for my pop up studio and shop which is in islington square. It it still in place but i wont be there for a while. I normally work from home anyway, so its not too different.
Your greatest achievement?
Finding my niche, making it work.
Function or form?
Function.
Your most treasured possession?
Mmm maybe my whippet Stanley? But id say he is my companion not my possession.
Quality or quantity?
Quality.
Have you actively chosen to live in the city/town you live in?
Ive lived in London since i was 5, before that i lived in Oman. I moved to Manchester when i was 18, then back to London 7 years later. Its only in the last few years that Ive been appreciating life out of the city more, but London will always be my home.
How do you relax?
By creating.
If you were forced to sit still for one month straight without pursuing your current profession, how would you spend your time?
Probably yoga, getting strong or reading.
Live in the same house or move to a different country every month for the next ten years?
As much as i love travel, i love staying still also. I couldn’t imagine moving around that much!
Lastly, how do wish to see this current situation have a positive impact on our lives?
That everyone shops locally, is kinder to each other and consumes less.