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'Patchwork' Jewellery

Over the past few years I have become increasingly fascinated by the use of mixed precious metal alloys to create pattern, texture and colour variations in jewellery. The ‘Patchwork’ series was developed from research into textile techniques in metal and an understanding of wire alloys, bi-metals and traditional skills eg. ancient methods of manipulating gold, such as twisting wire, that dates back to 300BC. The work was first exhibited at Goldsmiths’ Hall in London where I was invited to present two lectures entitled ‘Manipulating Precious Metal Wire’. I have since given lectures to the Society for Jewellery Historians, London and the Musashino Art University Metals Department, Tokyo. My work was recently represented in an exhibition, `Gold: The Power and Allure`. This was a landmark jewellery exhibition celebrating gold work in the UK from the last 4500 years, showing the significance of my work in historical terms. I believe my approach contributes to the development of contemporary jewellery, particularly illustrating the great potential to push boundaries when manipulating precious metal. My original approach has gained my jewellery recognition internationally. Over recent years I have shown work at the Saatchi Gallery, New York, Japan and Australia, and was shortlisted for the World Crafts Council – European Prize for Applied Arts in Belgium last year. Illustrated articles and catalogues include Vogue UK, Wallpaper Magazine and an eight page feature in `Masters - Gold Jewellery` published by Lark Books. This work was submitted in my application to The Arts Foundation jewellery award in 2010, winning the £10,000 prize which acknowledged my research in the field of contemporary jewellery. My proposal was to further research the use of precious metals, and to work with Italian goldsmith Giovanni Corvaja to explore new possibilities and experimental use of wire alloys, so I could continue to create original work.