The Braw and The Brave Meet....Christina Rose Leon

Meet Christina Rose Leon a Glasgow-based jeweller. Specialising in stone setting and enamelling, Christina works closely with each client to create a beautifully bespoke piece of jewellery that will be treasured for a lifetime. From engagement rings to diamond encrusted pendants, Christina is sensitive to the sentimentality of gifting and receiving a something that is not only handcrafted but totally unique and this is evident in her impeccable customer service, as well as the time and effort spent behind the scenes to ensure she produces the perfect piece. For Christina it's all about the client and the vision they are entrusting her to bring to life on their behalf.

Attending evening classes in jewellery making aged 20 was the defining light bulb moment Christina had sought after. "On the first night I made an ugly copper ring. On the bus home I couldn't stop looking at it. I was in awe of this thing I had just made". Whilst she recalls those around her being intimated by the materials and the tools in the workshop, Christina felt instantly at home, confident to just get stuck in and give it a go. Leaving school, unsure of the career path she wanted to take, Christina had been temping in offices and dabbling in photography, trying to gain some experience in the world of work. "I'd recommend this to anyone. It made me more confident. Going straight from school into further education can be difficult for some as staying self motivated and sticking to deadlines can be challenging. Getting paid for something made me realise that my time was worth something and that made me want to work harder". 

Showing a real passion for jewellery from a young age, Christina was fascinated with cleaning and inspecting her child-minder's rings as a kid and obsessing over a jewellery box filled with the intricate 'treasure' she had been gifted by a relative. Growing up she had great interest in how things were crafted and could be found dreaming up all sorts of creations."I've always been good at making stuff but never thought I was that creative. I am a passionate maker". It is an understanding of where her strengths lie that has led Christina to carve out a very successful career. She gets real satisfaction in designing bespoke, one-off pieces for her clients where she is able to breathe life into their ideas. Through her ability to extract all information and inspiration they can offer, problem solving her way through a brief brings Christina to the final design. 

Graduating in 2009 in bench making skills, Christina worked as a freelance jeweller for many years, keeping close links with her college by attending open classes regularly. When her lecturers a few years ago suggested she return to study computer aided design she admits she was rather reluctant at first. Having had no experience in using this kind of software, she realised that the year-long honours course would be somewhat intensive but a worthwhile endeavour. " The first day we were given an image of a ring and told we had less than a week to prepare a 10 minute presentation on how you would make it on CAD. I was studying alongside others who had been using it for 3 years and I had to learn it from scratch!". 4am rises and 16 hour days saw her immerse herself in her studies, determined not to fail at something she was completely new to. Persuading the college to allow her to concentrate solely on stone setting briefs, she was able to make sense of all the skills she was gaining through re-teaching a fellow novice student what she was learning on a daily basis. This is something that was of real benefit to her studies and she now continues to support other jewellers by offering one to one sessions to assist them in their work. 

The creative process can be lengthy with great attention to detail being bestowed on each piece of jewellery commissioned.  It can be months in the making from idea to the finished article being in the owner's possession. As well as the design concerns, it is in Christina's interest to present her clients with all the options within (and sometimes out-with) their budget parameters. Becoming a mind reader and working off of her intuition, it becomes a process of elimination with her presenting a few options based on the information initially given, to eventually narrow it down to the design and materials that fit perfectly. "Some people have no idea what they want but in chatting with them, likes and dislikes they didn't even know they had can be revealed.". The indicisiveness and uncertainty that inivitably comes with trying to extract and pinpoint what it is a client actually wants can add to the challenge of defining the exact details. Armed with everything she has collected, Christina gets to work on each commission liaising with the client throughout the process but has, over the years, learned not to be self critical of what she knows to be her most productive way of working. "I used to lie about when I got up. I now know that I work better at certain times. I'm confident to say what works for me and I won't apologise for it". Quite often having to put her own preferences aside, the journey is entirely client-centred. However working on a something for such a long time Christina admits "I always end up loving it in the end! I know every single bit of that piece of jewellery and you've been handling it for so long that you do become attached".

Realising the importance of being social media savvy is something Christina has always been switched on to. A successful Youtuber and former Dailybooth creative, her love of interacting with like-minded creatives on-line has served her well in promoting her business as a jeweller. "I am on so many social media creative groups as I like to bounce ideas off others. Nowadays it's such an integral part of your business, compared to 6 or 7 years ago". Scheduling in time to promote her work online, as well as catching up on what others are doing in the industry is part of her working week. As a freelance artist Christina not only finds it imperative to stay connected from a business point of view but as a creative, collaborating and sharing ideas helps to keep her motivated and inspired.  Clients' testimonials and their publicity of her work assist in securing that next commission, with the real highlights being in those "she loved it!" emails. 

Christina is invested in every single piece of jewellery she lovingly produces, greatly valuing her client's decision to select her to be their jeweller. The rewards outweigh any of the challenges presented and she is highly motivated by the story and the people behind each and every piece. I was very lucky to be gifted a bespoke ring designed and made by Christina and it's something I cherish dearly. You are made to feel very special when something has been painstakingly produced with you at the heart of every decision made and Christina's exceptional craftsmanship and creativity makes that dream a reality. Christina is a people person and it is her friendly, approachable, professional manner, married with her undeniable talent that makes her exceptional in her field. 

If you could have an unlimited amount of something, what would it be?

"I really want to say sleep. I love a cat nap! Oh, tea too!"

Who dresses like a badass?

"The whole of France! I've always watched French movies and I love how the women manage to look so effortlessly fabulous! I've never been one to follow fashion trends or celebrity style"

Biggest pet peeve?

"People not following the rules. I recently was on a tour of the City Hall in Belfast and the guide asked everyone to stick together and the amount of people that wandered off and then we had to wait on them. When people are late for things it stresses me out too" 

Hidden talent?

"I can hoola-hoop for 2 hours and 10 minutes! I was doing a Youtube video during the Olympics and discovered that I could just keep going!"

Favourite smell?

"I have a candle that smells exactly like these little jelly sweets from when I was a kid. I used to get them on top of milkshakes that my dad took me to get. I cherish that smell as it takes me back to such a nice time" 

Website 

https://www.christinaroseleon.com

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/christinaroseleonjewellery/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/christinaroseleonjewellery/

Twitter 

https://twitter.com/crljewellery?lang=en

The Braw and The Brave Meet.....ERISKA

ERISKA are a Glasgow-based folk band making waves in the traditional music scene in Scotland. Fresh from their recent debut at Celtic Connections, the band are going from strength to strength despite only forming in early 2016. Accordion player Aileen Sweeney explains that although initially it was difficult to pin down permanent members, the now six-strong line-up all agree that the fit feels just right. "Many bands are formed from friendship groups and I'll admit I was a bit worried at first that we wouldn't gel, as we didn't all know each other but I think it's actually been better that way. We've become friends but essentially we are all there to make the band a success". With musicians originating from as far flung as Argentina and the USA and with backgrounds in varying musical disciplines, ERISKA are an eclectic clan, keen to combine their interests in all styles of music to create a new sound. With their current repertoire a 50/50 mix of original work and their own take on traditional tunes, the objective is always to give every number the ERISKA stamp. "We work pretty hard to the get variations within the traditional arrangements spot on.  It can take time to get the right balance but it's worth it in the end"- Aileen. Fuelled by their passion for music and a drive to see the band flourish, creative blocks or droughts haven't plagued them to date, although having too many ideas can be a challenge at times."It's going through a full rehearsal and realising we haven't produced anything new. However in that time we've ruled out what we definitely don't want and it's about being okay with that!"-Scott. Recalling a six-hour rehearsal where they tried every combination of chords imaginable to only arrive back at the original arrangement they started with demonstrates they adore every inch of the meticulous decision making that goes into concocting an ERISKA track. It's nothing short of masterful.   

Establishing everyone's particular role in the band seems to have been the key to their success thus far. Fiddle player Madeline Stewart is seen as 'gaffer of the tunes', writing many of the melodies that kick start the band's creative process. Drummer Gavin Paterson, with his own recording studio, is known for his attention to detail when it comes to laying down tracks. Bassist Julian Pombo and guitarist  Dario Palazzo both attend the Jazz and Popular music courses respectively at Glasgow's Royal Conservatoire and equally bring their own style of playing and composing to the table. Aileen is the self-confessed nagger of the group who ensures everyone is where they need to be. Last to join was Piper Scott Figgins, whose commitment to the cause from the outset seriously impressed the others, proving he was the missing jigsaw piece they needed. "A month before the Danny Kyle Open Stage gig at Celtic Connections, Aileen sent me all the tracks and I constantly had them on repeat until I'd learned the entire set list for my first rehearsal with the band"-Scott. Growing up in Pipe bands, Scott was keen to now delve in to more contemporary genres, enjoying a challenge and the chance to play alongside like-minded musicians. "We each have our own musical interests and influences and in turn, have our own style of playing which helps to create a unique sound"-Scott. Almost without a Piper for their first live performance, the band were also nameless for quite sometime. Concentrating more on producing music, they were forced to select a name for their debut gig. "We wanted something Scottish sounding but nothing too twee. It also couldn't be so obscure that people would struggle to pronounce it . I just went on Goggle maps, scrolled about and came across a wee tiny island off the coast of Oban called Eriska and that was it"-Aileen. 

Prior to being chosen to perform at the festival, ERISKA's music had only been accessible via Soundcloud and so the prospect of a live audience was exciting. "It was great to experience playing our music to an audience. We also had the added pressure of being featured on TV and radio stations but it went down really well"-Aileen. Following on from the success of that particular performance, the band were invited to feature on STV's Live at Five programme and now, they've got the performing bug, working on extending their repertoire and keen to get playing more live gigs. Planning to host their own band night inviting other groups to perform, they hope to grow their fan base and get their music heard. "My family are the first to like anything we put on Facebook. I can't wait until someone we don't know likes our posts!"-Aileen.

The passion for music, the belief in the band and the sheer enjoyment they get from working together is evident. The lengthy recording process, the leg-work of finding gigs, time-management with their other commitments in the mix and everything else that comes with a managing a band and producing music doesn't scare but excites them. A somewhat unconventional start, with lead guitarist Dario recording all his parts before ever meeting the other band members and the last minute introduction of Scott to the line-up is all part of their story and a testament of their commitment to making it work. ERISKA are a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary; business and pleasure. Fuelled by the fun, driven by the artistry. Inspired by the old, ignited by the new and innovative. 

Get listening to their music, start following them on their journey as I suspect big things are on the horizon for ERSIKA! 

First album you bought?

Scott- "The Black Eyed Peas 'Elephunk'" 

Aileen- "It was an album with Steps and S Club 7 on it. I thought I was so cool walking around the house with my portable cassette player" 

Where's your happy place?

Scott- "I have two-on stage playing bangin' tunes to a large crowd but then equally I love the tranquillity of the golf course!"

Aileen-"I love the RCS Cafe. There's always someone you can chat to!"

Ultimate dinner party guest?

Scott- "Darcey Bussell"

Aileen- "My gran. Her craic was brilliant! She could talk all day about nothing!"

Biggest pet peeve?

Scott- "Untidiness! It's my OCD! My girlfriend leaves her breakfast dishes in the sink, her clothes on the floor as she knows I'll be right behind her cleaning it all up"

Aileen- "I have multiple. Disorganised people and people that read your messages and don't reply. I'm just super organised!"

Last song that was stuck in your head?

Aileen- "Deacon Blue's 'Dignity'. I was playing it in another band and kept having to go over and over this one bit!"

Scott-"The chorus of Taylor Swift's 'Trouble'-all because of that screaming goat video online!"

ERISKA's Facebook
https://en-gb.facebook.com/eriskaband/




Watch ERISKA
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFwdvj63FOMd7DTtq_qTzmw

Speak Now or Forever Haud Yer Weesht!

Us Scots have ai had a way wi words. Footerin' aboot with the English language we've coined patter to express our optimistic, (at times) brutally honest and banter-fuelled outlook on life. I've personally always admired the brave, no-nonsense approach to offering opinion and advice in our own unique fashion, married with our compassion for our fellow neibor.  We’re a’ Jock Tamson’s bairns after all and if you need a boot up the bahookie you're in guid company, as some of our most commonly used Scottish phrases will have you realising you're a lang time deid.

Finding the right words can make or break the most poignant of moments. Agonising in the supermarket over buying a birthday or sympathy card stems from our desire to express ourselves accurately- we want to say it all but by using a few choice words that get across our genuine sentiment. We Scots excel in keeping it concise, summarising our words of wisdom or  observations on life into some neat little ditty that is bound to hit the nail on the head every time. Some of the most commonly used Scottishisms have stood the test of time because they help convey something perfectly without faff or fodder.

But why bother? Why not just tell it like everyone else? Finding your way of saying something to make it yours, to make it more memorable, have it make more of an impact or invoke a reaction is essentially the mission of every  Creative. Thinking outside of the box, colouring outside of the lines, taking the scenic route is the journey you embark on to have your unique voice heard. Crafting and fine tuning the way in which you speak to your audience is a real expression of you as an artist. One Creative's Que sera sera is another's Whit's fur ye'll no go by ye and so, although the message may be the same, the language is very different and that is where the magic lies. Whilst there may be billions of love songs in the world, each artist painstakingly carves out their own distinct dialogue, setting them apart from all others. In a way, it's less about what you say and more critical how you say it. The Creative is always conscious that their voice comes across crystal clear within their work, that it won't be confused with that of another. They concoct their own language and in doing so give something of their self with every creation. As a nation,  we Scots unapologetically pride ourselves on the colloquialisms and quips that slip into our vernacular day in day out, because we know that when we're being the truest version of ourselves we are being heard loud and clear. So like us patter-merchants in Bonnie Scotland, artists across the globe endeavour to express their wit, wisdom and opinion in a way that will make folks sit up, haud their weesht and take note and to me, that's the brawest and bravest quality of them all. It's unique....it's yersel!