The Kent woodland which I explore and take inspiration
Biog
I am a jewellery designer and maker based in Rochester, Kent, where I also studied Jewellery and Silversmithing graduating in 2009. It was at UCA Rochester that I discovered jewellery making on a foundation course, and at once knew it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I really enjoy the challenges that can come up when making jewellery, the mix of very technical thinking, creativity and design. There is always something new to learn and explore, and the combination of these things make it the perfect profession for me. I love to work around the challenge of different materials or to a bespoke commission brief to create something very beautiful. I particularly like to use a mix of materials such as anodised titanium and silver or an unusual gemstone for one-off pieces. However, I always focus on detail and learning and improving my skills. I also really love to create unique pieces of jewellery which will be loved and treasured forever by the recipient. Jewellery is a very special thing, evoking memories and feelings and even unravelling a family history, so I always want to make a piece which will be loved as much as I loved making it. My inspiration mainly comes from 2 elements. First I have always lived near the countryside, and find not only the countryside itself very inspiring but also the light, the space and the freedom to explore. Secondly I love to read. In particular I am a prolific reader of graphic novels. I love the element of fantasy, fairytale and the detail within a story and its illustrations. I work all of these elements into my jewellery, and have a small sketch book with me at all times in case I need to draw out a new idea while in the middle of the wood or halfway through a book.
60 second interview
Q: What is your favourite colour?A: PurpleQ: Who first inspired you to start making/ creating and what words of advice did they give you?A: I’m not sure really, I don’t have a creative family but I have always painted, drawn and made things. I have been lucky to have some brilliant if slightly mad art teachers who really encouraged, guided me and taught me I can be me and I wouldn’t have got this far without that.Q: Where and when do you most like to work?A: I love working in my studio, it’s in a wonderful building with many other artists studios of different disciplines and a buzzing gallery and café where I can chat to other artists and creatives, the whole place has a great atmosphere which is very inspiring. I also enjoy working in the afternoon and evenings as I seem to be more productive then.Q: Which season of the year most inspires you?A: SummerQ: What can't you work without?A: Metal and materials, radio 4 and my sketch book.Q: Whose work do you most admire?A: Alex Monroe’s very pretty and simple flowers and beesQ: What is your favourite piece of fiction and why?A: Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman. It’s a dark fairytale for adults with devious plots and secret worlds right under your nose. It’s left me looking for secret doorways, hidden passages and darkened carriages on London’s underground that lead to another place even though I am an adult and I like that it dose this for other people to.Q: What do you do to relax?A: Sketch and draw, cook, explore and walk in the country and coast and read a lot.Q: Describe your artistic style in 3 words. A: Delicate, fairytale and detailed
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