A working life of creativity can feel out of reach for so many of us, the type of thing that the lucky few get to do, whilst the rest of us have ‘normal jobs’. But there is another way too, and that’s to just go out and create, and see if that can somehow become your job over time. Clare Ventham is one of those people.
I went to the premiere of ‘Hotpipe Hillbillies’ in Brighton, UK, the other week - a film about a motley crew of surfers in my local surf spot, The Hotpipes, so named because it’s next to a big industrial pipe in the sea (The Shitpipes are its second most used name). Sounds idyllic? Not so much, but it has an extremely loyal community and people come to love it. Even the conditions are often pretty poor, but the community are so grateful for a good day it somehow makes it even more magical.
The premiere really brought this sentiment to light. Filled with locals I’ve only previously glimpsed in wetsuits, the laughter and warmth in the room was very real, because the film captured these emotions about our local waves so brilliantly.
The film was followed by a panel hosted by Matt Barr, of Looking Sideways interviewing the producer, Clare, director Stephanie Hubbard and Director of Photography Alex Boundry. The discussion quickly brought to light that this was infact Clare’s first film experience, and her traditional ‘day job’ is as a SEN teacher. I thought this was incredibly inspiring, and here we are, one podcast interview later.
Clare has clearly had a fire lit inside her since the experience (despite it being a harrowing 2 years that coincided with the team balancing their day jobs, Clare being pregnant for the second time and much more); and is keen to now translate this experience to new films and storytelling (one of which we are partnering on which is incredibly exciting).
We talk about:
The origination for the film & how it connected her to the surf community when she couldn’t surf (she was pregnant when the plans began)
The importance of inclusivity in the sea
The transition from teacher to producer
Her first surf experience (and why it was a shocker)
Motherhood & surfing and the supportive mates who make it happen
Hobbies like sea fishing & why surfing & fishing both provide a reset
Having a kick ass mum as a role model
It’s a lovely interview, showing that you can pursue any creative goal you choose, as long as you’re willing to work hard at it.
I hope you enjoy it, let me know what you think,
Caroline x
Board Women Founder
P.S Listen on Spotify here and Apple here
Events News:
In other news, we are hosting our next Culture Skate event on March 21st in London. We’ve run a few of these now, and they are always epic, think:
2 hours private hire of Hop Kingdom (no more than 15 of us)
Tips from the amazing Sarah at YellowHat Skateboard School
Lunch at Vinegar Yard (food cost not included)
Exhibition tickets (we are heading to MOCO to see their contemporary exhibition)
An amazing crew of women / non binary individuals to cheer you on for the day!
Come join us! Tickets are here, but they will go fast:
