Being a part of
a small family venture Handcrafted by
Eva Kuno, I take great interest in researching on other small businesses
(just like ours) and what it takes to keep them running. I recently visited a
beautiful studio of a small business owned by an extremely inspiring man who is
bursting with creative ideas. His name
is Lee and he owns Upcycled Creative which is based in Belper, Derbyshire UK.
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| Lee the creator |
Lee is an extraordinary
person capable of enjoying the wonder and the marvel of an ordinary life. Before
quitting his well paid job, he started making lighting from unused materials. A
small unique Upcycled Creative business was born. It is based on the
principle of transforming unwanted items into something much more attractive.
It is just like recycling but kinder to the environment as it involves no
machinery process but all art by the work of hands and necessary tools.
Lee enjoys the
hunt for good materials. He collects waste materials ranging from empty bottles
from clubs and restaurants, buying vintage fire extinguishers, lanterns and
pipes from eBay and car boot or home moving sales to make funky, functional
light lamps and furniture. Anything that used to be something else is fair
game.
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| Wasted materials brought to second life |
The most
ordinary things could be made extraordinary simply by the touch of the right
person. Lee has the talent and, most importantly, passion for that. He is learning
and developing his style by observing surroundings, experimenting, and
following his instincts. He loves giving his pieces of work a new lease on
life. Lee's lighting is not just about the present, but rather about honoring
the past and transforming it into a brighter future.
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| Lee's vision |
In most of his
lightings Lee uses Filament bulbs. With
a very soft glow these light bulbs look like works of art. Their exposed
filaments add a touch of vintage to any home, bar or lobby area.
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| 'Thinking man' |
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| Examples of Upcycled Creative's work |
Lee bases his
designs not only on his creative liking but on the opinion of his customers
making his commodities a price of art. What is mind-blowing is that he does
this all with his hands. His style is unique, eye catching and definitely
beautiful. I am excited and humbled that he offered to teach me how to make a
lamp!
I must add,
Lee's workshop is as impressive and well thought of as his work. One would
think that working with vintage and waste materials is a messy business, but it
doesn't seem like it being in Upcycled Creative’s studio. In
contrast, it is extremely tidy, functional and well organized. He has all the
materials and tools needed right on hand; starting with a notebook for ideas to
write and finishing with a photo shoot set up for finished products to shoot. I
am always thrilled to be able to have a sneak peek into the artist's studio.
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| In the Studio |
Upcycled
Creative is
currently getting set to open a brand new studio shop in Belper. This will give
a chance to all the sympathetic or simply curious people visit the studio, meet
Lee himself, explore and buy the products or perhaps have something custom made
with your own valued items.
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Upcycled
1940s WW2 frowo kerosene lamp. One of my favourites
|
Lee has a website with some of the modern,
unique and scarce products showcased www.upcycledcreative.co.uk or visit www.facebook.com/upcycledcreative.
Kind regards,
Renata
- Handcrafted by Eva Kuno
