Run by artist, maker and ‘Sabersmith’ Seth Woolf, Hearts of Kyber Sabers has been a tenant at our Freestone Studios in Bristol since June 2020.

Hey Seth, can you tell us a little more about Hearts of Kyber Sabers. What do you do?

At the moment I make custom ‘illuminated sabers’, inspired by the props in the Star Wars films. That likely sounds like a pretty narrow niche, but there’s a remarkably large and active online community of fellow enthusiasts. It’s something I have a lot of enthusiasm for which hasn’t waned over time.
My processes include elements of metalwork machining, sculpture, leatherwork, woodwork, jewellery-making and model-making. Some of the sabers are installed with electronics for motion detection, light and sound effects; others are empty for display or for others to install electronics themselves.
It’s important to me that the sabers look and feel like they have some history and backstory; that this holds up in person as well as in portfolio type photos.

Are you involved in any other projects?

I do occasional bits of support work for independent and commercial model-making and stop motion shorts. I also have a part-time day job that covers my basic costs and outgoings. At the moment it’s a good way to move forward with my creative practice and for it to have time and space to develop, without veering too much into ‘but how do I eat and pay the rent’ starving artist type territory.

Can’t argue with that logic! Do you think this will ever become your full time job?

Although it seems to have its own momentum and gravity towards being a small business, I’d describe where I’m currently at as a passionate hobby or personal creative practice. My work’s well received and it feels increasingly like a viable way to make (at least some of) my living.

That sounds really promising! Is this your first studio space and what does it mean to you?

Yes it is. Prior to this I was working at home in a small, unventilated box room and heavily restricting the times I worked out of consideration to my neighbours. I was looking for a few months for an affordable, individual workspace before the spot at Freestone Studios came up.
It’s meant a step up for my work and investing in something important that I really enjoy. On a practical level I can make noise and mess; being able to turn around in my workspace without bumping into things was a nice change too. There are less distractions and opportunities for procrastination. And it’s a good feeling to hear other people working away at their own stuff in other parts of the building while I’m doing my own thing.

And why did you choose Bristol?

I moved to Bristol from London in 2016. My (Bristol based) partner and I had been ‘commuting’ to spend time together at weekends for a couple of years prior to this, so it was a natural move.

I’m very fond of the city and it still feels quite new to me. It has the lovely range and diversity of people and culture that I got used to in London, but with a bit less gloss and a bit more heart. It’s also great to be able step out of my door, walk a bit and be in the countryside.

How did the business start? And who is in the team?

It’s just me, although the saber stuff wouldn’t be what it is without the skill and generosity of people sharing their work and process online; especially the electronics stuff and the way open source platforms have pushed this forward. It’s generally a really positive, encouraging and appreciative online community with a great DIY ethic.

As with many folks, some kind of creative expression and activity has always been important to me. From drawing and painting, decorating and customising clothes to writing, graffiti, puppet-making, photography, animation and prop-making. There are probably two tipping points towards my current practice and it having more of a place in my time, both happened a few years ago now. One was the decision to do a degree in animation and my experience of that (which ended up focusing on fabrication for stop-motion); the other was being astounded and delighted by custom saber props/toys and other creations that I found people sharing online. The best of these were really beautiful works of art and also priced beyond my means, so I decided to start working on making my own. I didn’t anticipate that I’d still be doing it a few years later, let alone considering it as a profession.

What’s the best part of your job?

I still get a big, silly grin on my face when I finish a saber with electronics and press the button to ‘ignite’ it. I hope everyone can have something that gives them that child-like sense of delight and wonder from time to time, whatever it is.

And the toughest part?

Just maintaining a regular routine when I’m not beholden to anyone else is still challenging. Reigning myself in and not getting too lost in tangents and exploring new processes. And relatedly, being ambitious but not TOO ambitious when an appealing idea comes to mind, especially mid-project. In a more nuts and bolts way, stick to the plan and know when to call something done. Not too tight, not too loose.

Whats next for Hearts of Kyber Saber, are there any big clients or events coming up?

I recently invested in a much more capable metalworking lathe, which opens up some possibilities and learning for sabers and other stuff. Aside from continuing to raise my game and learn new processes, I’d really like to touch back in with doing some costume/prop pieces and creatures/characters.

No events to report while we’re in lockdown. Bristol has (at least) a couple of comic con type events and I’d like to hire a stall and tote my wares at those when they’re happening again.

Looking back at your journey, is there any advice you would have given yourself at the beginning?

Kind of cheesy but true stuff: make time and find an outlet for what’s creative and alive in you. It should feel like you’re happily being yourself while you’re doing it. Be patient and persistent and experimental. If you drift, find a way to touch back in with what’s fun and playful in what you do and try not to neglect that. You can do it and what you’ll get from it is worth the effort.

That’s some really great advice! Thanks for chatting to us today Seth!

All the best and thanks for having me.

Hearts of Kyber Saber

To see more of Seth’s work, visit his Facebook or Instagram page.

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