Jo Rees slips into a flow state at a creative ring-making session in rural Devon
What?
An opportunity to craft silver jewellery in the Devon countryside using the traditional art of wax carving.
Ania Wawrzkowicz is one of the founders of Praktyka, a creative retreat in north Devon that she runs with her husband Henry. Together, they’ve created a magical sanctuary in the countryside where guests can stay in pods, barns or a geodesic dome, surrounded by wild gardens and sprawling farmland.
An experienced artist, photographer and jewellery maker, Ania trained in fine art at the University of the Arts London, LCC and Camberwell College of Art.
Since moving to Devon six years ago to create Praktyka with Henry, she’s run jewellery workshops from its airy studio, sharing with her students the quiet process of wax carving to create pieces which will then be cast in silver or gold.
Why?
It’s broadening to learn something new and step outside your normal life for a while. However, those taking one of Ania’s workshops for entertainment will find the experience delivers much more than fleeting distraction.
Her gentle warmth and the bucolic surroundings lull visitors into a state of tranquil peacefulness. It’s the kind of environment that lets you crack the surface of modern life and sink into a flow state, directed by your creative self instead of your to‑do list.
The studio is a meditative oasis of blond wood, with picture windows framing frothy hedgerows, and benches crammed with tools and materials. A wood burner makes it cosy, while a generous collection of coffees, herbal teas, fruit and dark chocolate keeps the energy levels buoyant.
Ania says rings are the most popular item to make in the three‑hour session as they’re manageable in the time period. Couples also visit to make unique wedding bands for each other.
After perusing Ania’s own pieces – which include silver and gold rings in different styles, some with inset stones – for inspiration, we set to work sizing up and sawing wax cylinders to the depth of ring we want to create.
The process involved filing the hard wax, working at it continuously to shape it into the desired design. This alchemy of quiet repetition, concentration and imagination produces an original one-off – the wax is burnt away during the casting process so can’t be used again.
‘The process lends itself to organic, textured, sculptural pieces,’ says Ania.‘It’s actually closer to sculpture than metalsmithing.’
Verdict?
A special experience. The afternoon delivered quiet pleasure punctuated by laughter – and the anticipation of receiving the design cast in silver.
Recommend to friends?
Definitely. Better still, go with them. The sessions can accommodate up to six at a time. Or turn it into a weekend away and stay a couple of nights in one of the Praktyka pods.
How to do it
Book via the website. There’s no set diary; Ania is easygoing and coordinates with customers to find a time that’s mutually convenient. A three‑hour one‑to‑one session costs £150; a private group of up to six costs £85 per person and the four‑hour wedding rings workshop costs £265 per couple. This doesn’t include the cost of casting, which depends upon the metal chosen.
