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
