Why did you decide to apply to this program and visit this creative hub?
Currently, I'm residing in Anceu as part of the Anceu Coliving community. Through the coliving space, I became friends with Agustin, who had previously participated in a makerspace event in Portugal. There, he met Tom, the owner of the Makerspace in Blackburn. Agustin couldn't stop talking about how inspirational Tom was - how he had done so much good for Blackburn by creating a creative community where makers help each other out.
I was at a point where I wanted to branch out and try new things that required more hands-on work while still posing a technical challenge. Knowing this, Agustin put me in contact with Tom and suggested I visit the makerspace to get inspired, learn how things operate, and see how Tom built everything from the ground up. The prospect of learning new and exciting skills - like working with 3D printers, CNC machines, pottery, textiles, sticker and T-shirt making (vinyl cutting), and more - was incredibly appealing. It felt like the perfect opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and immerse myself in a vibrant creative hub.
What objectives did you meet during the exchange?
My primary goal was to engage in hands-on projects that allowed me to be creative while also solving technical problems. Upon arriving, I was thrilled to meet so many creative and skilled individuals who were eager to teach me anything I was curious about. It was a unique opportunity to be surrounded by such a supportive community. Initially, I thought I would focus on technical skills requiring software, given my background.
However, a delightful surprise was that I ventured into projects I wouldn't have pursued otherwise. For example, I met a talented lady named Kim, who crafted amazing works of art from clay. She offered me the chance to try my hand at the pottery wheel. I had never done anything like it before, but as soon as I gave it a go, I was captivated by the meditative process. Creating usable jars and mugs entirely by myself was an incredibly fulfilling experience, and it's definitely something I want to pursue further.
What activities did you do during your hub?
During my time at the hub, I immersed myself in learning new skills. I worked extensively with 3D printers, exploring their capabilities, different types, and limitations. It was fascinating to see designs come to life layer by layer. I also learned how to solder using PCBs, understanding the potential dangers and how to perform everything safely - a crucial skill in electronics. Another highlight was working with the Cameo cutter, a machine capable of cutting different types of vinyl. I learned to use Inkscape to design vector paths and then translate those designs into vinyl stickers and T-shirt prints. It was incredibly satisfying to see my digital designs materialize into physical products.
For the first time, I tried my hand at knitting and created simple patterns, which was both challenging and relaxing. And, of course, I continued my exploration into pottery, which had quickly become a new passion.
Beyond the learning opportunities, I got to socialize and meet the locals of Blackburn, who are some of the funniest people I've ever met. I've never been to England before, but British humor might just be my thing. On a day when the hub was closed, I spent time in Manchester, which is relatively close by. The city is so historical and diverse; the day flew by, and I didn't get to explore everything I had planned - not even close! I definitely want to come back and photograph the city properly; its architecture is lovely. I also got to try so much delicious food. Blackburn and Manchester have a significant Pakistani community, so the food was surprisingly spicy - which I wasn't expecting but thoroughly enjoyed.
What new community did you meet at the hosting hub?
At the hosting hub, I became part of an incredible community of makers, artists, and innovators. The makerspace was a melting pot of people from diverse backgrounds, all united by a shared passion for creativity and learning. I connected with skilled craftsmen like Kim, who taught me pottery, and many others who were eager to share their knowledge in areas like 3D printing, vinyl cutting, and knitting.
I also had the pleasure of getting to know the locals of Blackburn. Their warmth, humor, and openness made me feel instantly at home. They welcomed me into their community, shared their stories, and introduced me to the local culture. The experience was enriched by the area's cultural diversity, particularly the vibrant Pakistani community, which added a delightful culinary adventure to my visit.
Being part of this new community not only expanded my skill set but also broadened my perspective. I left with not just new abilities but also new friendships and a deeper appreciation for the power of collaborative creativity.
