A proper snoop in Hepworth's studio

This summer just gone I packed up my day bag and made a trip down to St Ives where I had a proper art geek treat in store for me.

Such high level geekery required the correct attire, socks and sandals just felt right.

The big treat was that Gemma at Tate let me in to Barbara Hepworth's studio for a snoop around. To get all close up to the hardworking things in there and catch a vibe for expanding the mug design a little (more news on that another time).

It was magic to get amongst all the hard working things and feel the special aura of such an amazing woman through the place she worked.

The tools felt like artworks in themselves, such satisfying shapes that corresponded to the beautiful shapes of the sculptures, maquettes and inspirational objects around the place.

I spent a good amount of time just poking about taking it all in

And then I got to spend a little time in the sun in her garden making some preliminary snips and sketches. Perfect.