'Building boats has become my passion'

Wooden boat builder, Obioma Oji

- JANET MCMEEKIN

It may seem a leap to go from crafting with clay to working with wood, but for potter-turned-boat builder Obioma Oji, it felt like a return. With my hands, I could feel the subtle undulations of the timber, and relished working with its intricacies to create something beautiful and practical,' she says.

Having graduated in ceramic design from Central Saint Martins in London, Obi began her career working in interior architecture and design in various parts of the UK. Keen to expand and share her knowledge, she lectured in interior design and, while studying for her PhD, created a futuristic land-boat', which she describes as an 'all-in-one bed, sofa, desk and cocoon'.

After relocating from Scotland to design and build room sets for Ikea's London stores, Obi hit a crossroads when the pandemic struck in 2020. I began taking stock and, having experienced academia and the retail world, wasn't sure whether I wanted to continue in either,' she reveals. Inspired by my ceramics background and the experience of building my land-boat, I felt an urge to do something different and work with my hands again."