My design approach is based on experimental methodologies, I have a passion for juxtaposing unusual and unexpected mix of materials using a myriad of making processes, in order to create thought provoking jewellery. The tactile nature of my work aims to connect people with textures and how they perceive preciousness through materials.
I was born and bred in Stoke-on-Trent, growing up I was surrounded by ceramics and people who made with their hands. I remember digging up clay in the garden as a child and making little sculptures. I have always loved the process of taking something from the ground and creating using the earth’s natural resources.
I studied 3D design: crafts at Staffordshire university intending to concentrate on ceramics, but after my first six weeks experimenting with metal I slowly felt more comfortable In the jewellery workshop. I loved to experiment with different techniques, the results were often unpredictable and exciting. I still kept my need to be connected with the earth and started to collect textures from the world around me and preserve them in metal. The two amalgamated into these strange biological specimens, I could imagine them growing legs and walking their way onto the body. Intrigued by this idea I started to explore how they could become wearable and that is how my practice of becoming a jeweller began.
“wearable art jewellery created by preserving natural textures and finding beauty in the imperfect”
My design process is methodical in comparison to the techniques I use. I usually start with a texture I have collected in mind and then sketch out shapes and forms concentrating on composition and how each material will interacts with the other. I like to focus on the story the piece will tell so that the wearer can share it and connect with others. Once I have a rough idea of what I want to make, I explore different ways of how it could be made which often results in a list of experiments. I like to use techniques that have an element that can’t be fully controlled, I find this exciting and usually creates results I didn’t expect. This way of working often leads to a collection of interesting samples. I then start to refine these ideas and see if any of the samples speak to one another. The end result may be completely different to the first sketches but I like to let the process sculpt how the pieces develop.
Since graduating in 2014 I have won awards for innovation and was accepted as part of the crafts council hothouse program. I have exhibited and sold my work nationally and internationally, including prestigious shows like Sieraad in Amsterdam and at the international jewellery week in Munich.
Collections
From The Deep
From the deep collection is inspired by the mysteries of the deep sea, it’s said that 95% of the ocean floor still hasn’t been explored. The copper featured in the collection is taken from an antique water tank, the patina has been developing for over 60 years, the untouched conditions make a beautiful deep green colour which is preserved by a lacquer. My designs challenges our perceptions of preciousness, questioning how we value materials, Although the main material isn’t deemed valuable, the conditions and history of the copper are precious.
Untamed
The untamed collection is named after the process in which its made, I use electroforming, a process where a electrolytic bath is used to deposit metal, by changing the electrical current to create clusters. How i uses the process is often unpredictable, creating objects with an untamed finish.
Moss
I use real moss which is specially treated so that it can be cast in solid 925 silver. This collection features rings, earrings, brooches and necklaces.
Awards, Grants and Achievements
Arts Council Covid-19 Emergency Response Grant 2020
Goldsmiths Covid-19 Grant 2020
Best new maker, Great northern contemporary craft fair 2016
Innovation Award, Wolverhampton Craft Open 2016
Art and crafts design award Nominee 2016
Crafts Council- Hothouse 5
Best emerging maker, Great northern contemporary craft fair 2014
Scar Hall Memorial Grant 2014
