In Conversation with Jake
Jake has lived in Porthleven for over twenty years. His pottery studio, and home, was built in 1846 and used by fishermen as a place to store and preserve their nets. He’s also a keen surfer and swimmer, and the Cornish landscape inevitably inspires his creativity.
“I sometimes think to myself I go out fishing, but I’m fishing for ideas for ceramics.”
Jake first started pottery twenty-five years ago but it’s only within the last five years that he became more focused on it and looked to utilise his skills professionally. What started out as a hobby has become his profession. He sells his pieces in local galleries across the county and shares his skills by holding classes in his studio too.
“Connecting with the sea is definitely a part of my day.”
With his studio looking out to the seafront, he’s built a strong connection with the sea and credits the positive role it plays both in his life and in the creative process, giving space to his thoughts and freeing his mind.
“A lot of businesses in Cornwall are entirely dependent on tourism.”
Jake strongly believes that tourism is a big enabler in allowing him to live and work as he does. He offers Airbnb Experiences where people can come and make something on the wheel, guided by his expertise. Whilst a lot of the people who come to do this are visitors from outside the county, he’s encouraged to see Cornish locals too.
“A lot of businesses in Cornwall are entirely dependent on tourism.”
Jake strongly believes that tourism is a big enabler in allowing him to live and work as he does. He offers Airbnb Experiences where people can come and make something on the wheel, guided by his expertise. Whilst a lot of the people who come to do this are visitors from outside the county, he’s encouraged to see Cornish locals too.
“I definitely notice the seasonality of January and February here and who’s looking in through the window compared to the summer months.”
Like many who live in the area Jake has noticed the changes in Cornwall over the years and sees the different patterns of tourism that happen throughout the year with the changing of the seasons. He recognises that a lot of businesses are entirely dependent on tourism now and credits the positive ripple effect with helping more businesses as people are drawn to an area for one reason but begin to explore lesser known parts.
“I definitely notice the seasonality of January and February here and who’s looking in through the window compared to the summer months.”
Like many who live in the area Jake has noticed the changes in Cornwall over the years and sees the different patterns of tourism that happen throughout the year with the changing of the seasons. He recognises that a lot of businesses are entirely dependent on tourism now and credits the positive ripple effect with helping more businesses as people are drawn to an area for one reason but begin to explore lesser known parts.
Read more here about Airbnb’s Healthy Tourism Commitment to help ensure that more locals benefit from tourism in a responsible and sustainable way.