Conversations in Creativity: Jason Stocks-Young
28 October 2024 by Ed
Our curated programme for Black History Month UK continues with the launch of a two films from our recent collaboration with The Black Artisans. For the latest in our series of Conversations in Creativity interviews we speak to Jason Stocks-Young (leatherworker), who participated in the related panel event at Haworth Art Gallery.
Jason Stocks-Young is founder of Diamond Awl Leather Worksop and JS-Y Leatherworks. As a passionate leatherworker he learnt his craft from a traditional saddle-maker and was immediately drawn to the artistry and precision that went into each piece of leather.
As his skills and knowledge grew, he felt a deep desire to share his love of leatherworking with others and began teaching workshops, passing on the techniques and knowledge that he had learnt from generations of leatherworkers.
His passion for traditional leatherwork is recognised through his television work, which includes the BBC2 series Made in Great Britain, which celebrated the rich manufacturing in the UK, and The Saved and Remade Workshop on Discovery. He is a member of the Guild of Master Craftsman and is a founder and current member of the EAC, established to offer expertise to the Crafts Council on its anti-racism work and related intersectional issues.
Jason is currently a member of the judging panel for Collect Open 2024, part of the Collect fair at Somerset House in London organised by the Crafts Council and has recently been appointed a board member of the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair.
Ahead of the the Conversations in Creativity Black Artisans panel we spoke to Jayson about his practice and the potential craft holds to enhance the health and wellbeing for all.
"I find I create better when I feel I am in the present with a sense of stillness. I’m inspired by my surrounding area which is Saddleworth moor and the Mill I am in."
What was your first memory of creativity?
I remember been given a creative writing task from my English teacher at my comprehensive school where we could write a fictional story about anything we wanted. I came up with Wizzy, a fictional character who travelled around the world having adventures. I ended up writing about 20 pages as the ideas just kept flowing. This was unusual in my education as generally it was quite poor, very racist, with very little inspiration or creative opportunities.
What was your creative journey to get to where you are?
Leatherwork is my second career. I was fortunate to work in digital advertising on the creative side in some of the largest agencies in the world on high profile brands. Although this was ‘creative’, after moving out of London to the North I realized it was the tangible element of creativity that was missing. I realized this when I was doing a 9-week furniture restoration course and the feeling of satisfaction and fulfilment of creating something new from something old really hit me. I knew then that I would be taking a new direction and it was a serendipitous meeting with an ex-saddler that ignited my leatherwork journey.
What impact have big name clients or high-profile commissions had on your career?
I had the opportunity to make a bag for Harrison Ford which was a real highlight for me. It was more of a personal impact as I am a massive Star Wars fan and had previously met Harrison Ford when I worked at Paul Smith in London. Little did I know that 20 years later I would be hand stitching an overnight bag for him.
A big part of my business is teaching others leather skills which has opened many doors to opportunities and connections.
Last year I was invited to teach a 5-day bag making course in Riyadh to skill students to set up their own business. It is fantastic to be part of people’s journeys.
How do you establish your own style over a period of time, and still stay relevant?
‘Relevant’ to me is less is more and quality over quantity which has been my mantra for the last 13 years and is more relevant than ever. It is too easy to purchase poor quality goods under the guise of good quality and I feel that the more people understand making and materials they will be able to make considered choices, or start the journey to make items themselves. My style is quite simplistic with a twist letting the material speak for itself and experimenting with new techniques.
Does your work develop thematically, or is it more distinctive and random?
I would say it’s more distinctive and random. I find I create better when I feel I am in the present with a sense of stillness. I’m inspired by my surrounding area which is Saddleworth moor and the Mill I am in. It may sound cliche but I implore people to visit me and my surrounding area and they will see what I mean.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career and why?
Paul Smith – I worked at Paul Smith in Floral Street for many years and Paul would always give a talk about how there was inspiration in everything. He would travel a lot, often to Japan and would take lots of photos and write things down. It would always find a way into the collections whether it be leather accessories or clothing. This has really stuck with me.
Later in my career, I would say Bill Amberg as he has transcended from leather bags to furniture, interiors and makes wonderful products. The nature of the leather he uses works well in an interior environment and he is quite experimental with the leather material. I met him for a Kebab at his studio in London and thought he was very inspirational.
What inspires you or provokes the motivation towards creativity within?
I have been a judge for Collect Open over the past 2 years and I am always inspired by artists who push the boundaries of their material and create a technique within a technique. This puts a tear in my eye and strives me to be better but not with any particular end goal in mind.
What is it you love most about what you do?
I love how it has made me think, I love how it makes me feel and I feel I am a better person for it. I think it’s something to do with a journey into craft which has not been linear. I particular love being part of other people’s journeys through the teaching, which is something I didn’t know I had in me but it is now a big part of who I am and I hope it continues.
Conversations in Creativity: Black Artisans - watch the film
You can now stream a film recording of our recent Conversations in Creativity: Black Artisans panel featuring Jo Sealey (Black Artisans), alongside Donald Baugh (Artist & Designer/Maker: Wood) and Jason Stocks-Young (Leather Craftsman). The panel was completed by Vanley Burke, described as the 'godfather of Black British photography'
