I never had a very clear idea of what I wanted to be and I've always been quite happy to go with the flow and see where life will lead. Without this kind of attitude I don't think I would have ever thought of becoming a jeweller.
When have you started creating jewelry? How did this passion come about?
I started making jewellery when I was living on the road in Europe for a few years with only a backpack and my dog. I met a lot of interesting people who were making beautiful bohemian style jewellery and crafts and I naturally started to learn and create things myself. I started with dreamcatchers and I must have made hundreds of them! all different shapes and colours. Eventually I improved my skills in wire wrapping and micro macrame and integrated them together in my own style of dreamcatcher jewellery which people seemed to really like. From there I continued to develop my skills and grew passionate about silversmithing but my designs still show elements of my early work made on my travels.
What was your first project or significant piece for you and from what point of view?
This wasn't my first ever piece, but when I made the 'DreamSequence' pendant I really felt like I'd found my own unique style - something that has always been important to me. I was still fairly new to jewellery at the time and mainly exploring designs through improvisation in copper wire wrapping.
How do you charge your batteries? What other passions and creative interests do you have?
When I'm not making jewellery I like to climb - I find it a great energetic activity and it helps to clear my mind. I spend a lot of time in one of the local bouldering gyms or at one of the outdoor crags when the weather is right. I also love to read books, especially fiction. I listen to a lot of music - music often fuels my creative energy while I'm working and the right album or playlist can really help my creative process.
What does the connection between manufacturing tradition and contemporary design mean to you?
I feel that when something has been made with meticulous attention and care then it's reflected in the finished piece. Design is obviously very fundamental to any piece of jewellery but, in my opinion, the manufacturing process gives soul to a piece.
Is there a self-portrait piece that speaks most about you?
I feel that this 'MilesAway' necklace is the closest to a self portrait. The sporadic circles, a-symmetry and rough edges are elements that almost always appear in my designs and show a the beauty of the rugged and imperfect. The patterns in the macrame are more constant and show balance and tranquility. Golden Pietersite is a stone that I have always felt a close connection to, especially in this type of shape and cut.
Which material have you not yet used is a temptation and a challenge for you?
I would love to further explore gold. I have worked on fully gold or mixed metal pieces a number of times but I still feel like I can learn more about how to best use such a precious and beautiful metal.
How was the pandemic period for you as a jewelry designer?
I was lucky to have my workshop set up at home so I was able to continue designing and making jewellery throughout. It was a strange time for everybody but I feel blessed that I was able to continue my passion more or less throughout
How do you see the future of contemporary jewelry?
I would love to see more jewellers finding innovative ways of fusing traditional styles with modern styles. I'm always most impressed by this kind of work and I feel that there is a lot to be explored in this area.
