Why we want to work with local partners…

Making stuff is often, in some form or another, a collaboration. Often, between individuals, groups or companies. To be successful, and worth the effort, the collaboration requires a particular array of functions to be in place.

I am reminded of how large-scale public art is conceived. Works so large that it would be impractical for an individual to execute the processes involved. Antony Gormley's work, The Angel Of The North,  would be a fitting example of this. One person with a vision. A desire to explore this in a sculptural manner. But no one person is erecting that iconic piece, towering above its surroundings with a huge presence. A team is required. Not just for the lifting equipment used to manoeuvre the behemoth components involved, but the expertise of welders, fabricators, finishers, structural engineers, government offices concerned with planning, and I strongly believe the people tasked with providing hot beverages and delicious salty snacks to those on-site. And most importantly, all of these people have to know what the other is doing.  A factor that is key to a project that requires a successful collaboration.  

Our world, its populations and cultures are more connected now than ever before. It allows for great collaborations, and perhaps leaves room for great expectations of convenience and immediacy at a banal level. It is possible to source materials, services and expertise located on continents many miles away, both in distance and value. This means, provided one has financed, there is a feeling that anything can be bought from anywhere, and of course at any time of the 24-hour day. But, at what cost?

This brings me to the topic of Nail guns and Stair gates. Recently, I bought one of each of these online. (I have intentionally omitted the brand names). Upon receipt of these items, it became clear that both were not as advertised. The nail gun did not have a functional depth stop. And the stair gate was an extension, intended for attaching to an existing stair gate (which I did not have). They both arrived the day after they were ordered, but were useless, whilst costing time, money and any environmental impact the transportation and manufacture of these products incurred. Not to mention the efforts involved in returning the items. The collaboration involved in making and supplying appropriate items items has, at some stage failed. This is no Angel of the North. Convenience begins to feel like a moot point. 

For Stratum Designs, our collaboration with suppliers, machinists, finishers, upholsterers, designers and a raft of other practitioners is a face-to-face experience. Where possible, we want to work with those in geographical proximity to us. Primarily, this allows us to be clear in our communications, so that time is well used and the correct outcome is achieved. Relationships are formed, developed and nurtured. A personal quality to the exchange blooms. This is positive for all, with a face, rather than faceless. Such an approach means less travel, less emissions, less carbon, and less environmental impact. All factors are of great cultural concern. It's where we as a species have come from, and a place it sometimes strives to get back to. Perhaps it makes sense.