I’m delighted to share the release of a book I’ve been working on since late summer.

I wouldn’t say I’ve loved every minute of bringing this document together, but it is deeply personal and offers an honest reflection of where my practice is at the moment. It’s authentic, and there are certainly a few traces of blood, sweat and tears in its creation (although perhaps not quite that graphically!).

I’m particularly proud to be releasing this book because, at the outset, I genuinely doubted whether I could achieve it. I grappled for some time with how to structure it and how best to bring together all the words, images and thought processes into one beautifully considered package. It's not something I find particularly easy or intuitive, so I knew I would need a little help along the way.

As it turned out, it was my former artist collaborator, Helen Terry, who came to the rescue and helped get the book over the line. Her encouragement, enthusiasm and keen eye were instrumental in bringing everything together and getting it to completion.

There are also some wonderful photographs in the book by Lorna Tyrie (who, incidentally, doesn't seem to realise just how good a photographer she is), alongside some construction assistance from Hannah Buckingham, whom I met through my time at the Old Pay Office Studios.

I also want to acknowledge the invaluable support and assistance of Ming and Karen at the Makers Guild studios, where my practice is currently based. In particular, Ming's photographic lighting equipment was a real help. Photographing both the work and myself at the workbench proved a little challenging, as the studio lighting isn't particularly even, so having access to Ming's photographic lamps made all the difference.

All in all, the process was enjoyable, occasionally stressful and, ultimately, a journey I would have no hesitation in making again. I found putting this book together to be a surprisingly revealing and enlightening experience, giving me the opportunity to reflect on where my practice has been, where it is now and, perhaps most importantly, where it might go next.

The book has been beautifully digitally printed on uncoated paper by local printers Bishops Printers, whom I would thoroughly recommend. Particularly if you're local, it's well worth visiting their enormous warehouse premises.

You can buy the book titled Sense of Displacement directly from me.

It features 30 pages on A5 paper with illustrations and text throughout.

In other news...

While the book was away at the printers, I took the opportunity to spend some time getting a little more organised in my studio at the Makers Guild.

Since moving in last Easter, I've found it a bit challenging at times to put my hands on things when I need them. A good sort out and general decluttering session was therefore well overdue!

It's a smaller studio than my previous space at the Old Pay Office, but I absolutely love the environment, the atmosphere and the fact that it encourages me to be more thoughtful and efficient with the space I have.

There's also an unspoken agreement among the studio holders to keep our individual areas reasonably tidy. As it's a more open-plan set-up, this makes for a much more harmonious working environment. It's important that we don't feel overwhelmed by each other's 'stuff' when we walk into the studios! Personally, I think this is a very good discipline for me.

We're also a growing community, with new studio holders joining our numbers regularly, and there's a really positive, energised vibe about the place.

A few things coming up that are worth mentioning...

There's a Design Festival planned for the Guildhall, and organised by the Makers Guild with more details and dates to be announced.

I'll also be taking part in an exhibition with Pippa Charlesworth and Deniz Beck, showing work from our Shape of Memory project. More details and dates to follow on this one.

Another event I'd really recommend keeping an eye on is Memory Library, a programme of events, workshops and talks taking place at Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard. Organised primarily by Thomas Buckley, the programme brings together internationally invited artists who share their insights and lead workshops and talks, alongside selected artists from Portsmouth. It looks set to be a really interesting series of events.

And finally, if you have a project you'd like to get underway or complete and need access to a larger working area or some specialist studio facilities, you can also become part of the Makers Guild through membership.

Members have access to a range of facilities and activities, including the large communal table for projects, as well as the ceramics space, sewing machines and a dedicated woodworking area.

More news and updates as things develop!