Tamryn Howard was born in South Africa, but has lived in Aotearoa since she was two and a half. Not so long ago she moved to the United Kingdom with her partner, but they couldn’t stay away! Her stunning Art Deco inspired glass art is designed and handmade locally in Ōtautahi, using the traditional methods of leadlighting to create unique contemporary pieces.
What do you make?
I make various types of home décor products using either leadlight or copper foil techniques.
How did you get into your craft?
I was working as a studio manager at a local tattoo studio, but I was keeping an eye out for something that would enable me to use my creativity a little more. I saw an ad for a trainee leadlighter, so I applied and got the job!
I’m currently still working there full-time – so I actually make all of my own pieces on the side in my free time.
Do you have formal training or qualifications in your craft? Any other artistic endeavours?
I hadn’t done any leadlight work specifically before I started, so I learned on the job. But I do also have a Bachelor of Fine Arts.
So far, one of my legacies is that in 2015 I conceptualised the art gallery space within Absolution tattoo studio at The Arts Centre. I was working there at the time, so I got the project up and running and curated the exhibitions with the help of owner Naith Morrow. Absolution still continues to hold regular exhibitions. I left Absolution and this project to move to the UK with my partner for two years, but we ultimately came back to New Zealand because we missed the vibe and lifestyle of living here.
I’ve also tried my hand at live music photography, but I decided I wanted to do something that involved more physical creation with my hands.
Your favourite materials, tools and processes?
I think the obvious favourite material would be glass! It’s a unique medium to be working with and there are some spectacular colours and types of glass around. I hope to start gathering a greater selection of recycled glass as well, because even after 100+ years it’s still perfectly good to use!
As for process, I prefer leadlighting over copper foiling to be honest. For me, I find the process work of copper foiling – cut, grind, foil, solder, clean – a bit boring and tedious. I find leadlighting more challenging and engaging, so I get more satisfaction out of finishing a piece.
Tell us about some of the techniques involved in producing one of your pieces
I usually start by brainstorming what type of product I want to make first, then I’ll do a bunch of sketches until I have a design that I like. From there I draw up the full size pattern and pick the glass. I’ll quite often choose at least two or three different colourways so that there’s some options for people.
Once the glass is chosen, I’ll cut it out using the pattern. Then basically build it like a jigsaw using lead came to hold all the glass together. When the piece is fully built, it gets soldered on both sides. To give it a bit more strength, the piece is cemented (with a special recipe though, not real cement!). That’s got to cure; then finally it can be fully cleaned, the lead blackened and polished. Et voilà ! Fin!
What inspires you?
I enjoy the activity of physically making something tangible that will be around and appreciated for a period of time. I also quite like a challenge – to experiment and problem solve – so working on new designs and products on a regular basis is important to me.
Obviously for the actual designs I draw a lot from Art Deco and architecture, though a few of the suncatchers are inspired by traditional Christmas ornaments.
Is there a philosophy behind your work?
I feel that the method of leadlighting can be more than just windows and doors, and that it doesn’t need to be stuck in specific styles. I would really like over time to get more experimental and push the boundaries of the medium.
Describe your creative process:
Whenever I have some kind of idea about a design or product, I try to put a note about it on my phone. I pretty much always have a visual diary sitting on the coffee table in the lounge, so I’m pretty regularly brainstorming or sketching ideas in it – referring to the notes I’ve made.
From there, I’ll take the best ideas and start the final pattern making and building process.
Describe your workspace:
So far I have taken over our two spare rooms, half of the garage, and quite regularly the lounge floor. My partner always jokes that he’s only been allowed to have one small corner of the house as his own space!
I think the spaces are a bit haphazard at the moment as they’ve just kind of progressed and evolved alongside what I’ve been making, without much pre-planning. I think I’m in need of a pretty good re-organisation to be honest!
What are you currently listening to?
A pretty eclectic range of music really. I’m keeping it Old Skool with a few of my fav bands from back in the day: Deftones, <3333, Rage Against the Machine, At the Drive-In, The Mars Volta... Plus some alternative hip-hop like Death Grips (No Love!), Run the Jewels, Danny Brown, Aesop Rock, Childish Gambino... And then throw in a couple of indie bands like Warpaint, The xx... BUT, most importantly, local solo project Slimivich (check him out on Spotify if you’re a fan of any of these bands and haven’t heard of him!).
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading The Girl in His Shadow by Audrey Blake. It’s a historical fiction set in the 1800s about a woman illegally training in medicine.
I’m also part way through a book I’ve borrowed – Puppy Zen by Mark Vette. I’m reading this because I’m hopeful that some time soon I might finally be allowed to get the snag (aka dachshund) puppy I’ve been dreaming about having for about the last ten years!
What’s your favourite childhood book and why?
The Pinkish, Purplish, Bluish Egg by Bill Peet. We had a few Bill Peet books when I was a kid, but for some reason this is the one that always stuck in my mind. I think because I just really liked the griffin! Looking back at them now I also really appreciate his illustrative style.
Who is your hero/heroine? Why?
Chlöe Swarbrick. Look at the things she’s achieved! It always amazes me how confident, articulate and composed Chlöe is. I have to admit that I’m a wee bit jealous at times of all that she’s done. Especially since she’s had about ten years less than me to do it all in!
A favourite quote:
Hate me if you want, but I’m not a big fan of quotes (sorry!).
Tell us about your pets:
Right now we have one very needy, very funny, very spoiled and 100% deaf 19 year old calico cat – Jeordie.
What would your advice be for those starting out in a crafty business?
Keep going! Keep posting! There will be people that like what you’re doing, they just need to find it.
Why do you think it’s important to buy handmade and/or locally made goods?
Buying handmade and locally made goods means that you’re supporting someone who has a genuine passion for what they’re doing. Every single sale will mean a huge deal to that person, so you’re likely to get something of greater quality and service. Ultimately, supporting local builds a greater community as well.
What does it mean to you when someone buys your creations?
All of the things. Literally everything.
What’s in store for the rest of 2022?
I’ve put in my application for the Encraftment Christmas market, so *fingers crossed* that will be happening for me in November. Depending how that goes, I’ll likely also have an online release of new products in time for Christmas as well.
Special offer for Felt readers!
Tamryn has very kindly offered Felt readers 10% off any of the gorgeous, engaging products in her Felt shop, when you enter the voucher code 10OFFMTM in the voucher code field at checkout. This offer is valid throughout the month of September 2022. Thanks so much Tamryn!
See more from Tamryn Howard here »
Workshop photos by Alan Bishop Photography
IG @alanbishphoto
