Ann Shearer
“Inspiration for my current work comes from my longstanding interest in dentistry, in particular the hard tissues of teeth, enamel and dentine.”
“I was a dentist for many years: a profession that is a mix of art, craft and science. When I stopped clinical work I found that I missed the creative side of dentistry so I started evening classes in silver jewellery making – and was hooked!”
Ann Shearer
Jewellery Designer/ Maker
BDS University of Dundee
PhD University of Manchester
Statement
“My inspiration for my current work comes from my longstanding interest in dentistry, in particular the hard tissues of teeth, enamel and dentine. Enamel is well known as the hardest tissue in the body: it is formed of crystals of hydroxyapatite which are arranged in rods and in cross section has a keyhole pattern. The structure of dentine is very different, being a softer collagen-based material with microscopic channels, called dentinal tubules.
Etching with acid is a technique used in art, electronics, industry, jewellery and dentistry: the acid differentially removes material and in enamel and dentine this creates pores which in turn allows the micromechanical retention of filling materials. In jewellery, acid etching is used to create patterns in metals, such as silver and copper.
“Tubules” is a series of hand made tubes, some etched with patterns of tubular dentine and the keyhole pattern of enamel, made into brooches, necklaces, bracelets and earrings.
“Clouds over Leith” comprises pieces etched with a photograph of clouds over Leith and with added gold foil or beads. The pieces range in size from large pendants to small stud earrings.”
Materials and Techniques
“My jewellery expresses my interest in materials and how they behave: the pieces I make are of formed and folded metals. I have had an interest in materials for many years. I strongly believe that knowledge of the structures and properties of materials allows me to understand their behaviours and therefore how they can be manipulated to create wearable objects.
Examples of this include my “”Moebius”” necklace. This necklace is made up of strips of silver formed into moebius strips and riveted together to form chain links. The “”Landform”” brooch series shows how silver can be shaped by hammering in a technique known as fold forming.”
Silver, Gold, Etching, fold forming and soldering.
Awards, Exhibitions and News
Visual Arts Scotland 2018
Glow 2018
Bloc Gallery 2019.
Part of the Element47 jewellery collective with seven other professional jewellers.
Lockdown
“It’s obviously been a weird year. As a result of lockdown I had to move my studio space which was worrying at the time, but change is an opportunity and I’m really pleased with my new space at Beaverhall Art Studios.
There was what seemed a long time when I wasn’t making any work but I am back at my bench and enjoying the designing and making process again.”
Insights
“I was a dentist for many years: a profession that is a mix of art, craft and science. When I stopped clinical work I found that I missed the creative side of dentistry so I started evening classes in silver jewellery making – and was hooked! I went on to do summer schools, work with other jewellers and finally have my own bench. There is much overlap in techniques used in dentistry and jewellery making: wire bending, using a drill and polishing motor, wax carving and casting, and annealing metal for example. I have had to work harder on the creative side so continue with art classes.
I live in Edinburgh and I really appreciate being able to walk to work in the Beaverhall Art Studios where I share a small studio with Sheila McDonald. From my bench I can look across the rooftops of Edinburgh to the castle. “
This year we are supporting our selected makers by promoting and selling their work through our website. Click on the title of the work to find out more detail or add to cart to purchase.
