Tell us about yourself. What’s your story, your background?
Born and raised in deepest, darkest South London – I still live and have a studio south of the river. As a child, I was always messing around making stuff but was also extremely covetous and wanted lots of stuff. I couldn’t afford anything good but I curated bits of lovingly acquired tat in my room. I took my love of beautiful things to what I thought was the natural conclusion and have spent most of my working life in galleries and design stores selling unique works of art and design. But I always missed the making and creating. The dissatisfaction niggled at me until I decided to start Palefire.
Tell us something about yourself that other people might not know?
I’ve always wanted to have my own business and over the years have come up with hundreds of ideas that have never come to fruition. These range from teenage fancies like an all-women electricians’ company, to the more outlandish post-university pornography for women, to the mid-20s sober leather accessories designer. My New Year’s resolution for 2021 was to stick to my guns and see through my idea for Palefire. I almost got derailed by an idea for a travel app and a recycling centre aimed at artists and designers but Palefire is finally here.
What do you love most about what you do?
Imagining endless possibilities and making those thoughts a reality.
"I look for unusual objects. I am quite contrary. As best I can, I avoid fads and fashions. For this reason, I have a tendency to lean into the weird and even the ugly. And if I can’t find something that speaks to me then I think maybe I should make it."