A Day in the Life of Beverley Hicklin
Another fascinating Day in the Life of feature, this time written by beadmaker Beverley Hicklin.
Early Morning Alarm Call
I’m usually up around 7am ’ typically with Millie, our Parson Jack Russell, jumping about on the bed ’ I’m ashamed to say she sleeps on (and in) our bed but my only justification is that she is simply gorgeous ’ my own ’studio hound’. First job of the day is to put on the Discovery Channel and make a cup of tea.
Start of the Day
I’m fortunate enough to work from home ’ I have a lovely big studio attached to the house so I tend to find I spend a lot of time in there. It’s a proper home from home ’ I have my computer in there, my photography area and my DVD player so I can see all my Kevin Spacey movies whilst working!
First thing in the morning will find me taking beads out of my kiln from the day before, cleaning them and then photographing them for my website. I’ll also be checking my emails and catching up with orders received overnight. I spend quite a bit of time wrapping up my beads as I think it’s important the ’whole package’ looks good when my parcel arrives through your letterbox. I make my own packaging and now sell that through my site too.
Working Day
If I’m not teaching in my studio or writing my monthly article for ’Beads & Beyond’ magazine, a typical day will find me sat at my torch experimenting with new glass, frit or tools. Bead making is becoming more and more popular in the UK and the choice we now have, glass-wise, is quite extensive so I love to try out new colours.
Students often can’t believe how quickly a day can disappear when you are wrapped up in yourself making beads. It’s very therapeutic, albeit strangely tiring, and the day just vanishes in what seems like a blink of an eye.
Sometimes I’ll stop for a quick snack at lunchtime but more often than not work through, especially if I’m feeling inspired and have a ’rhythm’ going.
The working day continues through until 7pm-ish, sometimes longer before I drag myself back into the house for a nice glass of wine. The rest of the evening is spent with my husband and thinking about what is going to come out of the kiln tomorrow.
Best Thing About Being an Indie Designer/Artist
I never forget what it was like to work in an office day in day out and hate it, so I give thanks that I now have the independence to be my own boss and, more importantly, to absolutely love what I do. I’d never want to go back to a ’normal’ career.
Worse Thing About Being an Indie Designer/Artist
I’m usually quite good at working alone but sometimes it can be very isolating. It’s important to keep in touch with others. One day I’d like to open an independent gallery/studio with selected artists working independently in one space, bouncing ideas off each other in a fun, creative, environment. I’m lining up all my arty friends for that one!
For more information and to shop online please visit www.beverleyhicklin.co.uk. Thank you Beverley!
