Cabinets of Curiosities | Shoreditch Design Triangle: Arma Works x Earl of East
Arma Works
London-based artist, Sarma Krumins, has been working with glass since completing her studies in Fine Art at UEL in 2007. Having originally worked with techniques of fused glass, she continued her creative practice with experimental drawing, which she has incorporated in developing her stained glass work since 2015.
With the creation of a small studio - Arma Works - Sarma continues exploring new mediums, alternative techniques and innovative materials in creating new works for exhibitions, private commissions and other outlets.
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In advance of Earl of East opening the doors to their new Redchurch Street store (any day now!), we had a chat with Sarma to find out what inspires her, her thoughts on community and which era would be the most fun for hanging out in Shoreditch.
What inspiration do you draw from Shoreditch?
I have been treading the streets of Shoreditch since the early 2000's, and watched the area grow and change so it holds a lot of memories, from going to my first Thirsty Thursday to dancing till 4am in one of the clubs! I think it is in the energy of Shoreditch that I find inspiration; there is so much creativity here. From all the different shops to the street art, it's a good place to walk around and get ideas and inspiration.
Does your work reflect your community and if so, in what way?
This is a really interesting question, as when I think of my work I tend to think of the personal language that I have developed with my work. Yet only recently I have been thinking about the word 'community,' because I am developing a collection inspired by Carl Jung's theory about The Collective Unconscious. I'm making various recognisable images or symbols (including the hand) and how this changes elements with the materials, colours or even environments I use.
In the future I would love to do more community-based projects via stained glass and drawing, I think there could be some fun, unique projects, so watch this space!
If you could collaborate with any Shoreditch-based artist - past or present, living or dead - who would you choose and why?
I would like to go back for a day to meet William Shakespeare when he lived here in Shoreditch for a brief time whilst developing his early plays. After a good day wandering about looking at everything, I would see one of his plays at the newly discovered playhouse The Curtain. I think Elizabethan London would be a fascinating place!
Earl of East
Earl of East is creative business founded by Niko Dafkos and Paul Firmin in 2014.
What started out as a shared passion project, has grown organically from side-hustle to a business with a team of 18 located in London. A love of fragrance and a desire to build something of their own led them to develop their own line of home fragrance products, which has since expanded from just three candles to a line that encompasses, candles, incense, home mists and bath and body products, all of which are produced by Earl of East in London.
The brand has four pillars: Create, Curate, Collaborate and Community, and this foundation weaves through everything they do as a company.
Ahead of the grand opening of the new Redchurch Store, we asked Paul what drew him to the area.
What is your history with the street?
We have loved Shoreditch and Redchurch Street in particular for many years, it’s is a place we often spend time. We are very excited to open on the street, as it feels like the perfect location for our brand to be, its where the brand started, but also a street that is filled with other like-minded businesses and people.
Why do you think it's important to champion independent design?
From our days as a market stall we have always loved and supported independent design. It is important to champion independent design because in supporting indies we also support the communities we live and work in, which enriches our area and lives.
In your opinion, what is it about Shoreditch that makes it such a creative hot spot?
Shoreditch is extremely diverse neighbourhood and that creates a melting pot of ideas, concepts and creativity. The clash between the creative east and the financial heart of city creates a unique energy and allows for creativity to thrive. We love the vibrancy of the area, and its ability to constantly evolve and reinvigorate itself.
Cabinets of Curiosities is a project for Shoreditch Design Triangle, a cultural event that celebrates the creative industry in East London.
it was established in 2008 as a vehicle for the designers, companies, and institutions situated in the East End to collaborate on the promotion of their activities during the London Design Festival.
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