I view jewellery as sculptures that move with us.  Reflecting this I look to instill a sense of movement into my work through strategically placed lines, suggesting rhythm and change of direction.  In finding inspiration for my pieces I tend to focus on often unnoticed details in our environment, and discover the beauty present in that which is overlooked, such as the interplay between urban and organic in the allotments.  It is not just the visual that appeals to me, but the feeling and texture of the world around me.  Engaging textures are essential to my work, in recognition that touch is in many ways a more primal sense than sight.  I seek to create a holistic sensory experience through my work drawing upon both visual and tactile.  Textures can interact with our tactile imagination to both comfort and power the wearer of pieces as they interact with them throughout the day.

I tend to bring together a multiplicity of influences, for example clothing pleats and Venetian architecture with basketry, in interesting yet simple ways.  As a jewellery maker, my work is strongly rooted in the sketchbook process, especially in the use of collaging and printmaking, with a strong emphasis on line work and markmaking and a passion for deep and vibrant colours.  A preference for enamels and etching are characteristic of my work.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

2015 – 2016   Artist in Residence, Edinburgh College of Art Jewellery and Silversmithing Department

2012 – 2015   Edinburgh College of Art, BA (Hons) Jewellery and Silversmithing, First Class

2011 – 2012   Stevenson College, Edinburgh, BTEC Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, Distinction

2010               Coburg House Art Studios, Edinburgh, Organic Ceramic Course

EXHIBITIONS

2015    ‘Elements’ Festival of Gold and Silver, Incorporation of Goldsmiths, Edinburgh

2015    ‘Essence’ International Enamel Symposium Exhibition, Galerie Waidspeicher, Erfurt, Germany

2015     New Designers, Business Design Centre, London

2015     Degree Show, Edinburgh College of Art, Edinburgh

2014    Student Exhibition, CDS Gallery and Studio, Cotesbach, Leicestershire

2014    Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council Awards Exhibition, Goldmiths’ Hall, London

2014    Mid-Point Exhibition, Edinburgh College of Art

2013    ‘Limited Edition’ Jewellery Exhibition, InSpace Gallery, Edinburgh University

2012    ‘Pop Up!’  One Day Art Exhibition, Royal Botanic Gardens, (‘Five Senses’ series of glass rings)

2012    Art and Design Foundation Diploma, End of Year Exhibition, Stevenson College, Edinburgh

AWARDS

2015     Bursary Award Runner Up, Guild of Enamellers

2015     Highly Commended, Bright Young Gems, London

2015     Talent Spotted 2015 Commendation, New Designers, London

2015     Helen A Rose Bequest, Edinburgh College of Art

2015     Silver Bullion Grant, Goldsmiths Company, London

2014     Winning Design, Benefactors Award Design Contest, University of Edinburgh

2014     Gold Award in 2D Design, Goldsmiths Craft and Design Council, London

2014     Residential Study Bursary, West Dean College, “Exploring Jewellery with Wood” with Beth Legg

2013     Sir Robert Kirk Inches Award, Edinburgh College of Art

2013     Alexander Flynn Bequest Award for Sketchbook Work, Edinburgh College of Art

2012     Art and Design Award, Stevenson College, Edinburgh