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Laser surface colouring of titanium for contemporary jewellery

O’Hana’s contribution to this paper describes her design research and creative approaches. This paper describes the innovative use of laser surface engineering for the production of contemporary jewellery. To fully appreciate the research processes and insights articulated within this journal article a visual portfolio has been developed to accompany this journal paper: http://www.scribd.com/doc/183512287/SOH-Laser-Surface-Colouring-pptx?secret_password=2jtojqzkjhdejs063t0b

The model of research adopted (creative practice combined with scientific process) is itself reflective. The resulting ‘Ocular’ series of jewellery designs are themselves inspired by the aesthetic of optical measuring equipment and the underpinning research includes observation of engineers in a scientific research environment; the design research approach concerns research methods from another discipline. However, this is not simply the artistic representation of scientific or engineering research methods. Those same methods were deployed in the production of the jewellery pieces themselves: Adopting laser controlled oxide growth on Ti–6Al–4V alloy under ambient conditions resulted in the production of precisely defined colours. Use of this method to produce regular areas of even colour and consequently to reproduce freehand drawings on a titanium alloy surface is key to understanding the pieces.

This research is distinguished by the incremental knowledge gained from laser processing research, an additive methodology resulting in the construction of artefacts that successfully retain the author’s independent style whilst making new sense of how art can be used to bridge cultures. In this way the research also contributes to knowledge by making new connections between contemporary jewellery, engineering and scientific cultures thus re contextualising the notion of art-practice. Supporting symposia, exhibitions and talks including:

• ‘Keypiece’. (2009). Sheffield Hallam University, UK.

• http://www3.shu.ac.uk/keypiece/

• ‘Closing the Gap’. (2009). Cutting Edge: Lasers and Creativity. Loughborough University School of Art and Design, UK.

http://www.ailu.org.uk/laser_technology/events/2009-11-04/lboro_symposium_091104.html

‘Sting of Passion’. (2009). Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester.

http://jobloxham.com/about-sting

http://universityoflincolnref.blogs.lincoln.ac.uk/2013/11/22/lincoln-uoa34-sarah-ohana-output-2/